Budapest Trabant Tour- Go Trabi Go

The Budapest Trabant Tour, known as "Go Trabi Go," offers a unique opportunity to experience the iconic 2-stroke Trabant that symbolizes East Germany’s automotive heritage. Priced affordably, this tour allows visitors to navigate the city’s streets in a manual, no-power-steering Trabant, providing a glimpse into the past and demanding driving skills. With a full-day experience and flexible scheduling, the tour caters to those seeking an unforgettable adventure. What does this unconventional mode of transport reveal about the city’s history and culture?

Key Points

• The "Go Trabi Go" tour in Budapest allows visitors to drive the iconic Trabant car, a symbol of East Germany’s automotive industry.
• The tour is highly rated by travelers, with a 5.0 score based on 21 reviews, and is available from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Sunday.
• The tour price starts at $160.40 for a group of up to 3 people, with a refundable deposit required for booking.
• Pickup and drop-off are available from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, with public transportation options for easy access.
• Driving the Trabant, with its 2-stroke engine and manual gearbox, requires skill as the vehicle lacks power steering and power brakes.

About the Trabant

Although regarded as one of the most iconic cars of the Eastern Bloc, the Trabant was notorious for its limited performance and lack of modern features.

This two-stroke, front-wheel-drive sedan was powered by a 26 horsepower engine and had a top speed of just 68 mph. Its body was made of a durable but dated plastic-like material called Duroplast.

Despite its shortcomings, the Trabant became a symbol of East Germany’s automotive industry and the challenges faced by communist-era consumers.

Driving one today provides a unique glimpse into the automotive history of the former Eastern Bloc.

Tour Overview

The Budapest Trabant Tour, aptly named "Go Trabi Go," offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the iconic East German car that has become a symbol of the former Eastern Bloc.

Located in Budapest, Hungary, the tour boasts a perfect 5.0 rating based on 21 reviews, with all travelers recommending the experience. Priced at $160.40 per group (up to 3 people), the tour includes driving a 2-stroke Trabant with a manual gearbox.

The tour runs Monday to Sunday, from 8 AM to 3 PM, with pickups available from selected hotels and private rentals. Accessibility is limited, and a valid driver’s license is required.

Booking and Pricing

To book the Budapest Trabant Tour, customers can reserve a spot with a deposit of 30,000 HUF or 100€, which is refundable upon the safe return of the car.

The tour is priced from $160.40 per group (up to 3 people), and a free cancellation option is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Customers can also take advantage of the "Reserve now and pay later" option.

• The tour operates from June 5, 2019, to March 5, 2026, Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Maximum of 3 adults per Trabi, or 4 adults must book 2 Trabants.
• Children under 17 ride free with an adult.

Meeting and Pickup

Customers can meet at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, located at Széchenyi István tér 9, 1051 Hungary, which serves as the meeting point for the Budapest Trabant Tour.

From there, participants can be picked up from selected hotels and individual private rentals. At the end of the tour, the Trabants will return to the original meeting point.

The tour operates from June 5, 2019, to March 5, 2026, Monday through Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Nearby public transportation is available for those who need it.

Tour Details

Spanning from June 5, 2019, to March 5, 2026, the Budapest Trabant Tour operates Monday through Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Participants can drive a 2-stroke Trabant with a manual gearbox, featuring 3 pedals and no power steering or brakes.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 3 adults per Trabant; groups of 4 adults must book 2 Trabants.

Children under 17 can ride free with an adult.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Participants must bring a valid ID and driver’s license to drive the Trabant.

• 2-stroke Trabant with manual gearbox
• Maximum of 3 adults per Trabant
• Children under 17 ride free with adult

Vehicle Specifications

The Trabant vehicles provided for the Budapest Trabant Tour feature a 2-stroke engine and manual gearbox. Drivers will need to get used to the 3-pedal setup and lack of power steering or brakes. This classic East German car requires a bit of skill to operate, but that’s part of the charm.

Feature	Specification
Engine	2-stroke
Transmission	Manual gearbox
Steering	No power steering
Brakes	No power brakes

Navigating the streets of Budapest in a Trabant is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. Drivers can expect a unique driving experience that captures the spirit of a bygone era.

Accessibility and Requirements

While the Budapest Trabant Tour is a unique and exciting experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals.

Drivers must bring a valid ID and driver’s license to operate the Trabant, a 2-stroke vehicle with a manual gearbox, no power steering, and no power brakes.

This requires dexterity and experience with manual transmissions.

Plus, the Trabant is a small, tight vehicle, which may pose challenges for larger or taller participants.

Accessibility and physical requirements are important considerations for those interested in this tour.

Getting There

To reach the meeting point for the Budapest Trabant Tour, travelers can take advantage of the nearby public transportation options.

The tour’s meeting point is located at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Széchenyi István tér 9, 1051 Hungary. This central location is well-connected with the city’s public transport network.

Visitors can easily access the meeting point by metro, bus, or tram. The closest metro station is Kossuth Lajos tér, just a short walk away.

Plus, several bus and tram lines have stops near the meeting point, making it convenient for participants to arrive and begin their unique Trabant driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take pictures during the tour. The tour overview states that the tour allows for photography, as it is an activity that travelers can engage in while driving the Trabant vehicles through the city.

Is the Trabant Easy to Drive?

Driving a Trabant can be challenging, as it has a manual transmission, no power steering, and basic brakes. However, with proper instructions and caution, the car is manageable for most drivers. Its unique features provide an authentic experience for those willing to try it.

What Safety Features Does the Trabant Have?

The Trabant has limited safety features. It lacks power steering, power brakes, and airbags. Drivers must rely on their own skill to control the car’s manual transmission and primitive braking system. Caution is advised when operating this vintage vehicle.

Can I Customize the Tour Route?

The tour route can’t be customized as it follows a pre-determined path. However, participants can request stops along the way to take photos or explore specific landmarks. The tour guide will accommodate requests within the scheduled time frame.

Is There an Audio Guide or Commentary During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer an audio guide or commentary during the drive. Participants are free to explore Budapest independently in the Trabant cars. The focus is on the unique experience of driving the vintage East German vehicles through the city streets.

The Sum Up

The Budapest Trabant Tour offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors to explore the city in an iconic East German vehicle. With its manual gearbox and lack of power steering, driving the Trabant requires skill and provides a glimpse into the past. The tour’s flexible scheduling, free cancellation policy, and affordable pricing make it an appealing option for both groups and individual travelers.