Would you mind hopping aboard a train run by children in Budapest?

Budapest, the capital and most populous city of Hungary, has a romantic charm and is lauded for its architectural beauty. But it is the Children’s Railway (Gyermekvasut) that takes all the attention of the visitors. Projects on similar lines were also introduced in 1940s in the former Soviet Union.
Ask a child what he dreams of; while some kids want to become astronauts, many would want to become drivers and what not. To top it all, some even want to become train drivers. The very idea of driving a vehicle fascinates kids to such an extent that they consider those driving as superheroes. So, finding a kid wanting to become a superhero is natural. In fact, a friend of mine, nurtured a dream of becoming a train driver during his growing years. And I know, even if we laugh it off now, my friend still holds this dream close to his heart. Maybe, someday he gets a chance.

Thankfully, now we have endless possibilities to help your kid experience his dream; like there are planetariums for kids in love with the Milky Way, whereas there are zoos for kids who love to be with animals. And then, there is Budapest, where there is a children’s railway to let kids enjoy their passion of driving a train!
The Children’s Railway (Gyermekvasut), originally called Pioneer’s Railway, was built after World War II. The railway is run by kids, under adult’s supervision of course. However, the very idea of kids being responsible for running railways is inspiring. The most intriguing part of this railway station is that school children are allowed to fill in the various positions aboard and around the trains.

Through the scenic green hills, in the deep woodland of Budapest, a narrow railway line runs between stations. Although the trains do not boast of high speed, they definitely enjoy the tag of being the world’s cutest trains.

Like every railway station, this Children’s Railway has signals, diesel locomotives, ticket offices, timetable and guards. Just that all these are manned by kids. Children aged between 10 and 14 are given responsibility of all the tasks in the railway station. Apart from driving and maintenance, you will find kids in every department.
Gyermekvasut railway station celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2018. This retro small railway stations is beautifully allowing kids to learn how to work in a team. The kids don their railway uniforms when they are on duty.

The Gyermekvasut is 11.2 km long and runs through seven stations, which are all popular recreations spots. Kinds need to undergo four months of training and pass exams to become eligible for a one-year license. Kids get to work once or twice a fortnight; keep rotating their duties so that they can attend school and fit in to their duties.


Important details:

· You can combine Children’s Railway with some other fun activity, while you enjoy your trip in the Buda hills.
· Its hours of operation changes as per season
· Tickets are available for travel between stations and entire route

It would be a wonderful thing if such a railway station comes up in India too.