How to get around in Constanta: buses, taxis, and more

For locals, the main ways to get around in Constanta are by bus or personal car. Taxis are also a common option, and walking is a viable choice given the city’s location along the Black Sea shore. The sea breeze makes walking pleasant even on hot days. 

Get around in Constanta by using the buses 

Public transportation in Constanta is managed by CTBUS S.A. The network includes around 20 bus lines and one night bus line. While Constanta lacks trams, trolleys, or a metro system, the bus routes comprehensively cover the city. 

The bus ticket prices in Constanta 

Public transportation in Constanța is an affordable and efficient way to navigate the city.  

Constanta CT Bus tickets   Prices in lei  Approximation in euro 

A single trip ticket is only valid for the specific line on which it is validated. Children under 5 years old travel for free. 

Are you interested in finding out How to get to Constanta?
Read an overview of the available travel options, including highways, train services, and the airport. 

How do you buy tickets and validate them? 

There are multiple ways to pay for and validate your trips in Constanta. As the cost of a ticket is low, I think the easiest way to pay is through a bank card, directly on the bus. 

On-board Card Payments 

• Tap your contactless bank card to pay your fare directly on the bus.
• Your card is automatically validated when you tap it on the reader upon boarding. Keep your card handy in case an inspector asks to check your payment. 

24pay App 

• Download the 24pay app and purchase tickets through the app using your bank card.  
• After purchasing a ticket via the app, you will receive a digital ticket. Activate the digital ticket before getting on the bus. The ticket is validated automatically at the moment it is brought. 

SMS  

• Send an SMS to the number 7475 with the code ‘L’ followed by the bus line (e.g., L100). For a 75-minute ticket valid on all lines, send ‘M75’. For a 24-hour ticket, send ‘ZI’, and for a 7-day ticket, send ‘S’. 
• You will receive a confirmation SMS, which serves as your ticket. Ensure you receive this confirmation before getting on and be prepared to show it if asked. 

Paper Tickets at CT BUS Offices & Vending Machines 

• Buy physical tickets and weekly or monthly passes at CT BUS ticket offices at various bus stops throughout the city. Most points of sale are open from 6 AM to 9 PM, though some have different schedules. Some kiosks and newsstands, such as the one in front of the railway station where the 100C bus stops, also sell CT BUS tickets. The blue vending machines at major bus stops accept cash and card payments. They don’t offer the change and sometimes they are hard to spot. 
• Once you board the bus, look for the ticket validation machine. Insert your paper ticket into the machine to validate it. The machine will stamp your ticket with the date and time. 

CT Bus App and CT Bus website 

• First, you need a physical plastic card from the ticket offices. Second, you need to create an account and register the card number. On the app, you can charge your card with trips and passes. When I tried to create an account, the app didn’t work. 
• Validate your card on each vehicle using the electronic equipment – the blue machines available at all transport facilities. 

How to choose the best route? 

As a tourist arriving in Constanta by train or coach, you’ll likely need the 100M bus to travel from the railway station to the Mamaia resort. Be careful not to confuse this with bus 100C, which only goes to the north of Constanta. To visit the historical area, including the Casino and the tourist port, take bus 101.

Find the best routes with the CT Bus app and Google Maps.  

Other things you need to know about Constanta’s public transportation 

• Night Bus: Constanta has only a night line, N100M, which follows the same route as the 100M, running from the train station to Mamaia resort. It operates from 11:30 PM to 5:00 AM. 
• Validation: Ticket inspections are conducted by fare inspectors who board the bus during the journey. Ensure you have a valid ticket or proof of payment to avoid fines. 
• Boarding and Exiting: All vehicle doors are used for both entrance and exit. Be prepared for potential crowding when exiting at your stop. 
• Stop Buttons: Though you will see stop buttons on some modes of transportation, they are unnecessary, as the vehicles stop at every station on their route, regardless of demand. 

Taxis and ride-hailing apps in Constanta 

Taxis can be a convenient way to navigate the city, especially at night or when carrying luggage. However, there are reasons to exercise caution when using taxis in Constanta due to instances of drivers overcharging tourists. This may happen especially at popular spots like the railway station, the Kogalniceanu airport, Mamaia resort or other tourist areas. This is why many people prefer to use ride-hailing apps. The ones available in Constanta are Bolt and Uber. 

Taxi fares in Constanta start at 2.99 lei per kilometre, meaning you can traverse the city for less than 10 euros. On the other hand, Bolt and Uber use dynamic pricing, meaning the final cost of a ride depends on demand at that moment. Generally, these services provide more comfortable rides at a 20-30% higher price than regular taxis. In short, Bolt and Uber offer better cars at a slightly higher cost.

Local taxi companies, like Romaris or CT Taxi, also have their own apps. If you plan to stay in town for a longer period, it may be worthwhile to use them. Ordering a taxi through an app is generally safer.  

Additional Tips for using taxis 

• Ensure the taxi driver has visible authorization with their name and photo displayed in the car.  
• If a driver tries to negotiate the fare, it’s best to decline and find another taxi to avoid potential scams.  
• Avoid accepting taxi services from individuals approaching you.  
• Ensure that the driver starts the meter at the beginning of the ride to prevent getting overcharged.  
• Keep smaller bills handy, as taxi drivers may not always have change for larger denominations.  

Getting around in Constanta on bicycles  

I don’t recommend using bicycles in Constanta if you are not accustomed to the local traffic. Biking still isn’t fully ingrained in our culture and drivers may not always be attentive to cyclists. 

The city lacks dedicated biking infrastructure. Only a few boulevards have designated bike lanes, so cyclists often share the road with cars. Biking on the sidewalk is illegal, as well as annoying and dangerous for pedestrians.   

For those who still wish to cycle, the most popular service is I’Velo, offering rates of 20 lei (4€) per hour or 50 lei (10 €) for the whole day.  You can find them at City Park Mall, next to Tabacariei Lake.  

Electric scooter services have been forbidden in Constanta since 2023. 

Visit Constanta by car  

While many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance or well-connected by bus, a car can help reach nearby seaside resorts and other outlying areas.

Don’t know what are Constanta’s main attractions? Read: Things to do in Constanta.

Roads in Constanta are generally in good condition, but be aware of ongoing roadwork in some areas, which can cause traffic delays. Please keep in mind that certain secondary roads and residential streets may be narrower, so drive with caution.

If you visit Constanta by car, you might need the Uppark app to find and pay for parking. Parking rates in Constanta start at 1 leu per hour, depending on the zone. 

If you plan to rent a car, you’ll find many options. Several well-known international car rental companies have offices in Constanta and there are also several local car rental agencies.