Budapest’s iconic tram dethroned as world’s longest after 8 years

It may seem unbelievable, but for eight years, Budapest held the world record for the longest tram.

The record-holder was none other than the fleet of trams on Line 1, stretching an impressive 56 meters along the tracks. However, the German city of Mannheim has now introduced new tram models that exceed Budapest’s length, pushing the Hungarian capital to second place.

8 years as the longest tram: The CAF URBOS 3/9

The CAF Urbos is a tram series manufactured by the Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), based in the Basque Country. The model has gone through three design generations, with width, number of doors, and carriage configuration customisable based on customer requirements. The first CAF tram arrived in Budapest in March 2015, according to Origo.

Currently, there are three variations of the CAF Urbos trams, but they are not identical. The third-generation model includes the option to integrate an ACR system, allowing for overhead wire-free operation. Additionally, the bodywork and design have been refined, and it features IGBT technology, which converts braking energy into electricity instead of dissipating it as heat like traditional brakes. The first model was introduced in Seville in 2011.

For eight years, the massive 56-meter-long tram running on Line 1 held the title of the world’s longest tram. This nine-section machine weighs 67 tons—about the weight of 67 adult elephants. It can hold up to 345 passengers, making it a prime location for avoiding awkward eye contact. According to budappest.hu, its modern and energy-efficient design has earned it the nickname “the Tesla of trams.”