Nyugati Railway Station

Nyugati train station, also known as Budapest West Railway Station, is one of the three main railway stations in the Hungarian capital, along with Keleti and Déli. Located in Nyugati Square, it represents a fundamental hub in the city’s transport network, combining its historic architecture with the modern dynamism of Budapest. The history of Nyugati begins in 1846, with the opening of Pesti Indóház, Hungary’s first railway station, which connected Pest to Vác. However, due to the construction of Budapest’s Grand Boulevard in the 1870s, the old station had to be demolished. This led to the inauguration of the current station in 1877, designed by architect August de Serres and built by the famous Gustave Eiffel company, the same one that built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The station’s structure is a magnificent example of historicist architecture, combining elements of glass and steel in a monumental style that, at the time, represented the largest hall in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire. The construction covered an area of 14,390 square meters, with a total weight of 1500 tons of iron. In 1881, the station was the first in Hungary to introduce the modern Siemens & Halske switching system and later became the starting point for the first Hungarian electric locomotives. During World War II, Nyugati suffered severe damage from fighting, but was restored after the war. In the 1950s, the station was a symbol of modernity, hosting the most advanced transfer system of the time. However, the station faced difficult moments, such as in 1962, when an out-of-control train crashed through the glass facade of the waiting room, causing only one serious injury thanks to the prompt intervention of the staff. In 1975, Nyugati was declared dangerous due to toxic fumes, but instead of demolishing it, authorities decided to completely renovate it. The renovation works were completed in 1979, preserving one of Budapest’s most beautiful public buildings. In the 1980s, with the construction of metro line 3, the station underwent further modifications, including the creation of an underground passage connecting the station to other parts of the city. One of the most significant transformations took place in 1999, with the construction of the WestEnd City Center, one of Hungary’s largest shopping centers, covering part of the old station tracks. This integration modernized the area, making Nyugati a meeting point between the past and the present. Today, Nyugati continues to be a key point for railway transport, with national and international connections making it a crucial gateway to Budapest. The station is a symbol of the evolution of transport and urban architecture in the city, maintaining its historic charm while embracing modern needs. Recently, new renovation works have been initiated to restore the station to its former glory. Supported by European and national funds, these works aim to preserve and enhance the station’s historic architecture, ensuring that Nyugati remains an icon of Budapest for future generations.