Budapest hides a gem that’s far more than just a city tram. The Cogwheel Railway (Tram 60) is one of only a handful of urban rack railways in the world, and it’s been grinding its way into the Buda Hills since 1874.
This 3.7-km line was originally steam-hauled, with tiny locomotives puffing up the steep 12% gradients — a serious climb for anything on rails. Electrification came in 1929, and today sleek red articulated tramcars still rely on a Strub rack system beneath the rails to bite into the hillside. Watching and listening as the cog engages is half the thrill: a distinct growl replaces the smooth hum of normal trams, reminding you this isn’t your everyday ride.
Rail fans will also appreciate how the line has evolved into part of Budapest’s regular public transit — you can hop on with the same ticket used for the metro. Yet unlike the Funicular, this is no tourist novelty; it’s a living, working rack railway carrying commuters, hikers, and curious rail buffs alike.
Best of all, the top terminus at Széchenyi-hegy connects directly to the Children’s Railway — a 7-km narrow-gauge line operated almost entirely by youngsters. But that is a whole other story!