The first electric subway line in continental Europe turned 130 this month. It is the M1 line in Budapest, known locally as the “kisföldalatti” (“little underground”), which opened on May 2, 1896, during Hungary’s millennium celebrations.
The line’s official historical name is Millenniumi Földalatti Vasút (“Millennium Underground Railway”). The line is not only one of Budapest’s symbols but also a transport infrastructure still in operation, used daily by passengers.
Currently, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is awaiting a new phase of modernization, a project currently in the planning stages.
Inaugurated in 1896, visited by Emperor Franz Joseph
The line was designed from the outset for electric traction, an advanced technical solution for the time. It opened to traffic on May 2, 1896, as part of the millennium celebrations, when Budapest sought to assert its status as a modern capital.
Just a few days after the inauguration, Emperor Franz Joseph traveled on the new line to Városliget (“City Park”). According to the line’s official history, the monarch was so impressed by the new mode of transportation that he allowed it to bear his name. Thus, until 1949, the line was known as Ferencz József Földalatti Villamos Vasút (“Franz Joseph Underground Electric Railway”).
Over time, the kisföldalatti (“little underground”) has become one of Budapest’s iconic landmarks. Its history is closely tied to the city’s development, and the route has been modernized and adapted in several stages, without losing its historic character.
Stations with Zsolnay tiles and a 19th-century atmosphere
A major modernization phase took place in 1973, when the entire line was renovated. At that time, all stations were moved underground, and the route was extended to Mexikói út (“Mexican Road”).
Another major renovation took place in 1995, when the stations on the original route regained their historic appearance. In the stations designated as heritage sites, one can still see today the white and brown Zsolnay ceramic tiles, as well as the decorative capitals that evoke the atmosphere of early 20th-century Budapest.
Above ground, the line once featured Secession-style entrance pavilions. These were designed by Albert Schickedanz, an architect also known for the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.
Today, the pavilions can only be seen in archival images and in the models on display at the museum dedicated to the millennium subway, housed in an original section of the tunnel at Deák tér (“Deák Square”).
A Model for Paris and Berlin
At the time of its inauguration, the Budapest subway line attracted international interest. French and German experts studied the line’s technical design, and the mayor of Berlin, in turn, visited the new infrastructure.
The Paris Metro was inaugurated in 1900, and the Berlin Metro in 1902, both modeled after modern urban systems that Budapest had already anticipated. The Hungarian line also received a gold medal at the world’s fair hosted by the French capital.
“The Old Lady,” the 130-year-old car
The anniversary isn’t just for the line, but also for one of its first vehicles. Car number 11, nicknamed by the public “The Old Lady”, is also 130 years old.
Today, the vehicle runs only as a heritage train at special events. It was completely restored in 1996, on the occasion of the line’s centennial, and retains the historic appearance of the first Budapest metro vehicles.
Modernization Still in the Works
The M1 line is now awaiting a new modernization. The project is in the planning phase, and implementation depends on ongoing discussions and securing funding.
Plans include extending the line, improving accessibility, and developing transfer options with other modes of transportation.
However, the work must be carried out in compliance with historic preservation requirements, as the line is not merely transportation infrastructure but also a part of Budapest’s cultural heritage.
Share on: 
