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Public transport in Bucharest: trams, buses, metro system and more

I’ve lived in Bucharest for 15 years and don’t own a car or bike. I walk, take the metro, use buses, and occasionally opt for a ride-sharing service. I’m here to guide you on mastering public transport in Bucharest, covering the best routes, using various modes of mass transit, and saving money during the process.

Bucharest Metro 

Prices 

A single metro journey costs 5 lei (€1), but there are also other cost-effective ticket options available. Here is the price list for 2024.

Bucharest Metro Tickets  Prices  Prices €
1 trip
Magnetic ticket 
No timing 
5 lei  €1,00
 2 trips  
Magnetic ticket 
No timing 
 10 lei €2,00
10 trips  
Magnetic ticket  
No timing 
 40 lei  €8,10
24 hours pass  
Ultralight contactless card 
15 minutes timing 
 12 lei€2,50
72 hours pass 
Ultralight contactless card 
15 minutes timing  
 35 lei€7,10
Weekly pass
Magnetic ticket  
15 minutes timing
 45 lei€9,10
Monthly pass 
Magnetic ticket  
15 minutes timing
100 lei€20,10
Politehnica Metro Station, Bucharest

The 24- and 72-hour passes are special tickets that allow you to use the metro for 24 or 72 hours, respectively. During this time, you can validate your ticket as many times as you want. This means you can ride the metro as many times as you need without worrying about buying multiple tickets.

The 24- and 72-hour passes can be very useful for tourists. However, there is a 15-minute waiting period between each validation, so you can’t use the ticket again immediately after the previous validation. This way, you’re not allowed to share your ticket with your traveling group. If you want to share the same ticket with your travel buddies, opt for the ones with no timing restrictions.

With any type of metro ticket, you can change lines at certain stations without having to pay again. The ticket is valid until you exit through the access door. Also, all lines have the same price, and there are no varying prices for different travel zones.

How to buy tickets, and how to validate them? 

The easiest way to purchase tickets for the Bucharest metro is at the automatic vending machines, which accept both cash and card payments. The vending machines are large, orange, and easy to spot once you enter the first floor (-1) of the metro station. 

If you want to buy tickets by card, the vending machines do not accept contactless payments. You must insert the card into the machine and use your PIN code. If you want to use cash, the machine does not offer change. 

After buying your magnetic ticket, go to the access gates and validate it by inserting it into the terminal on your right side. If you’re planning just one or two trips, it might be easier to directly use your contactless card at the access gates, with a cost of 3 lei per journey in this scenario.

When to use the metro in Bucharest? 

The Bucharest subway is a good option for getting around the city during rush hour when surface traffic is heavy. However, it can also become extremely crowded during peak hours, so it may be better to avoid transportation between 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM. If you must travel during these hours, the metro is still better than surface transportation. 

The subway in Bucharest is the most efficient mode of transportation. It’s fast, clean, and typically less crowded than surface transportation, except during rush hours. If you’re a visitor aiming to save on transportation costs, it’s advisable to seek accommodation near a metro station.

Locals typically prefer the metro as their first choice of public transportation in Bucharest. However, it’s understandable if a tourist would choose overground transportation.

Infrastructure and network 

Bucharest has five operational metro lines with 63 stations and plans to extend. The metro system, with nearly 80 km (about 49.71 mi), serves many city neighbourhoods, though not all of them.

The modern metro system is well-maintained, with trains running every few minutes during peak hours. Most of the trains are new, except for the M4 line, where you can still find subway cars from the 1970s. Nonetheless, even these trains got refurbished between 2011-2013. 

Buses, Trams and Trolleys: The Surface Transport Network in Bucharest 

Buses, trams, and trolleys in Bucharest are operated by STB (Societatea de Transport București), which has a network of 187 lines that can take you almost anywhere you need in the city. Keep in mind that these modes of transportation can get crowded during peak hours, and the city is usually congested, so plan accordingly.

STB Bus in front of The Triumphal Arch Bucharest

Prices and validation 

The overground public transport in Bucharest is as affordable as the metro is, but the rules are slightly different. 

Bucharest STB Tickets Metropolitan Area 
Surface transportation only 
Prices  
1 trip – 90 minutes 3 lei 
2 trips – 90 minutes 6 lei 
10 trips – 90 minutes 25 lei 
24h pass 8 lei 
72h pass 20 lei 
Weekly pass 30 lei 
Monthly pass 80 lei 

A single metropolitan trip grants you 90 minutes of access to surface public transport in the Bucharest-Ilfov Region. Validate your card on each vehicle using the electronic equipment – the orange machines available at all transport facilities. Once the ticket expires, it’s only valid until the next station. To continue your journey, you’ll need to validate a new ticket.

How to buy tickets? 

To buy tickets for overground public transportation in Bucharest, you have several options:

  • Directly with Visa or Mastercard: This option is only available on buses and trams with VISA and Mastercard signs. Although it’s the most convenient way to pay, sometimes it’s difficult to know if the bus offers card payment before getting into it. 
  • Multiplu Card is ideal for occasional travellers. It is available at Centers for Issuing and Reloading Cards or vending machines. There are only 6 STB vending machines in Bucharest, including one at Henry Coanda Airport, and over 200 sale centres spread around the city. You can load the Multiplu card with a minimum of two trips and a maximum of 30, but also with 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day subscriptions. The card is transferable and can be used by a larger group. 
  • 24Pay might is a convenient way to pay if you don’t mind installing a new app on your phone. Through the app, you can buy all the passes mentioned above. Download the 24Pay, enter your card data, and buy the ticket(s) only when the bus, tram, or trolley arrives at the station. Once purchased, you have 90 minutes to use it. However, make sure your phone doesn’t run out of battery during the trip, as the ticket collector might check your ticket. 
  • SMS: You can send an SMS with the text “C” to the number 7458, and you’ll be charged 0.62 euro + VAT 19%. This option is pricier, as you’ll pay an additional 19% for the ticket, and there may be extra charges from your mobile service provider.
  • e-wallet – Activ card: You can load the e-wallet with a minimum of 6 lei and a maximum of 80 lei. First, you must buy the card at any sale centre for 4 lei, and then recharge it at sale centres or vending machines. After validation, your e-wallet will deduct the equivalent value of a metropolitan trip (currently 3 lei). 

Getting around Bucharest after 11 PM: public night transport 

Both metro and surface public transport in Bucharest operate from 5 AM to 11 PM. After 11 PM, night buses take over. The 21-night routes are identified with the letter N in front of the number, and they all depart from Unirii Square (Piata Unirii 2 bus station) to different neighbourhoods in the city. 

During the busiest times of the night, from 22:30-01:00 and 04:00-05:00, buses run every 30 minutes. However, during times of reduced demand, between 01:00-04:00, buses come only every 60 minutes. 

Night buses only stop at stations upon the request of passengers. Therefore, press the “Stop” button on the bars inside the bus when you want to get off. 

Other things you need to know about Bucharest’s surface public transportation

  • STB stations are identifiable by the yellow pole with the STB logo. Not all stations have a shelter.
  • You can’t pay directly the driver. The driver is not checking the traveller’s tickets. Ticket inspections on STB vehicles in Bucharest are typically conducted by fare inspectors who may board during the journey. These inspectors are responsible for checking passengers’ tickets or travel cards to ensure everyone has paid the fare. If a passenger is found without a valid ticket or proof of payment, they may be subject to fines or penalties. 
  • All the vehicle doors are used both for entrance and for exit. Be prepared as it might get crowded when you must exit at your station.
  • Even if you will see stop buttons in all the modes of transportation, those are unnecessary during the day. The day vehicles stop at all the stations on their route, even with no demand. Night buses, on the other hand, only stop upon request.

A single ticket for Bucharest surface + underground public transportation

There is also the option to purchase a ticket that can be used for both surface and underground public transportation in Bucharest. These tickets are slightly more expensive and can only be bought from Centers for Issuing and Reloading Cards or vending machines. You can purchase either a Multiplu card or an Activ card. The last one is of plastic and designed for frequent public transportation users. For occasional tourists, the Multiplu card is recommended. 

Bucharest STB Tickets Metropolitan Area 
Surface transportation + Metro 
Prices  
1 trip – 120 minutes 5 lei 
2 trips – 120 minutes 10 lei 
10 trips – 120 minutes 45 lei 
24h pass 14 lei 
72h pass 35 lei 
Weekly pass 50 lei 
Monthly pass 140 lei 

A ticket that is valid for both the metropolitan surface transport and the metro allows you to travel for up to 120 minutes. Once you pass through the access gates to the metro within this timeframe, you can continue your journey on the metro without having to buy a new ticket. 

24- 72-hour tourist travel card 

You can also choose a tourist travel card that includes not only the surface transportation and metro, but also the train that connects Henri Coanda Airport to the main railway station of Bucharest.

Bucharest STB Tickets Metropolitan Area 
Surface transport + Metro + Train „Northern Railway Station – Otopeni Airport” 
Prices  
24-hour tourist travel card 20 lei 
72-hour tourist travel card 40 lei 
Monthly pass 210 lei 

How to choose the best route? 

A helpful tool for planning your transportation route in Bucharest is the InfoTB app, which includes the metro and is always up-to-date with the latest changes. It allows you to track buses on a line and check their estimated arrival time at your station. Even so, I consider Google Maps the best way to find the best route, but sometimes I double-check with Info TB for updated information. 

Even so, it’s worth considering the metro an option, especially if you’re in a hurry. 

Is the public transport in Bucharest safe? 

The surface public transportation in Bucharest is as safe as the neighbourhood through which you travel. Bucharest is generally a safe city and one of the safest capital cities in Europe. However, petty crimes can occur, especially in crowded public transportation or less reputable neighbourhoods. 

Found out more about safety. Read my article Is Romania safe to visit?

The metro is the most reliable and safest way to get around Bucharest. Incidents are rare, and, in its 40 years of operation, there has never been a severe accident. Of course, you still need to be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas, as with any city. 

Taxis can be a significant risk for tourists, as some drivers may attempt to overcharge you. Locals prefer ride-sharing services like Bolt or Uber instead.

Read more: How to get around in Bucharest.

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