Oldtimer Show 2025: Budapest’s Turbocharged Nostalgia Weekend

Once a year, the heart of Budapest transforms into a retro wonderland as the largest classic vehicle event in Central and Eastern Europe, the Oldtimer Show, takes over the Hungarian Railway Museum (Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park). Mark your calendars for October 11-12, 2025—a weekend packed with glistening oldtimers, the scent of engine oil, free gifts, and hands-on nostalgia.

What’s on Display?

Featuring a jaw-dropping lineup of 500 handpicked classic vehicles from across history, the show brings together beauties over a century old—motorcycles, wooden-wheeled cars, and rare car types you won’t see anywhere else in Hungary. The display stands sprawl across the Orient (Keleti) and West (Nyugati) locomotive halls, grouped by theme: iconic cars and bikes of the socialist era (from the old Eastern bloc), Western European classics, signature American, Italian, and British sports and luxury cars, and even curiosities like dwarf cars, tractors, small trucks, and alternative vehicles.

Each vehicle comes with in-depth technical data sheets, sprinkled with fascinating stories from the ages. The Oldtimer Show is famed for showcasing a dazzling variety, with a particularly strong focus this year on pre-war automobiles in greater numbers than ever before.

Ships on Deck

For the first time in Hungary, this edition hosts a vintage wooden boat exhibition, including a record-breaking speed catamaran. You’ll also find superbly crafted and lacquered wooden jewelry boxes that will have collectors swooning.

Engines Roaring and Live Rebuilds

Immerse yourself in the old-school vibe as you stroll past vintage locomotives and wooden-wheeled cars, with period music and costumed ladies ready for photos. For those seeking the real sound and smell of history, catch the dramatic engine start-ups of antique cars and motorcycles on both days. A brand new highlight: ‘Build-a-Car’, where staff will rebuild an oldtimer Citroën live from the chassis up, finishing the project in just two days. The grand finale takes place at 5 PM on Sunday when the newly restored car revs its engine for the first time among fellow antiques.

Competitions and Prizes Galore

The most beautiful classic vehicles in the exhibition compete for glory in a 26-category international contest, judged by a prestigious panel. The awards ceremony kicks off on Saturday at 2 PM on the Railway Car Stage. Your entry ticket doubles as a raffle—win AGIP gift packs or the main prize: a classic OT-certified car (OT vizsgás autó) to drive home!

Outdoor Attractions and Special Exhibits

Step outside to encounter massive American cars, veteran trucks, buses, classic utility vehicles, and a plethora of side shows. Highlights include the OT car exhibition right by the main gate, a retro Lake Balaton (Balaton) Camping area, an Adventure Vehicles display, army camp setups, vintage weaponry, a sports car expo among young trees, and a bustling farmers’ and craft market.

All Aboard for Railway Experiences

The Oldtimer Show ticket opens the doors to Europe’s largest railway museum: explore interactive attractions like the locomotive turntable, handcars, railcars, horse-drawn railways, garden trains, and a mighty 130-year-old steam engine—the legendary 1026. For a modern twist, check out the interior of the red Nohab diesel. The museum’s newest restored gems are on view too: a Holocaust Memorial Train, tank and cannon transport cars, the Governor Horthy (Kormányzó Horthy) meeting coach, and the ornate teakwood Golden Train (Aranyvonat). Model railway fans can dive into miniature rail systems at the Model House (Modellház).

Picnic, Feasts, and Family Fun

A family-friendly picnic park pops up around the ornamental fountain, complete with a home-style bakery serving generous, tasty meals at fair prices. Unlike most festivals, you’re free to bring your own snacks and drinks for the kids (think sandwiches and tea). Children can play for free in bouncy castles, get their faces painted, and enjoy supervised kids’ corners and playgrounds.

Park, Play, and Take Home a Memento

Parking and restroom use are free—just follow the staff’s directions to avoid towing nightmares. The organizers welcome not just cars but buses (notify in advance), motorcycles, and bicycles, with dedicated parking for two-wheelers. The venue is easily reached by car, bike, or the MÁV Esztergom railway line.

Tickets and Access

Tickets are only sold onsite during the event and can be bought with cash, card, or any type of SZÉP Card. Cash users will enjoy shorter lines. Entry is free for children under 3, and the age limit for youth tickets has been raised to 18. Note that the annual Railway Museum pass won’t get you in—you’ll need a separate Oldtimer Show ticket. However, one ticket gives you entry to both the car show and all railway exhibits.

The Oldtimer Show 2025 isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a retro festival for the senses, a family day out, and a motorhead’s dream rolled into one.

2025, adminboss