Quick Answer
- Metro has 5 lines, 60+ stations. Runs 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Single trip: 5 RON. 24h pass: 12 RON.
- Buses, trams, trolleybuses run ~4:30 AM - 11:00 PM. Pay with contactless card directly on the vehicle.
- 24 night bus lines run from Piata Unirii after regular service ends.
- Bolt and Uber work well and are cheaper than taxis. Download Bolt before you arrive.
Metro System
Bucharest’s metro is the fastest and most reliable way to get around the city. Five lines serve over 60 stations.
Lines:
- M1 (Yellow): Oldest line, opened 1979. 22 stations. Circular route. Key stops: Piata Unirii, Izvor, Eroilor, Gara de Nord.
- M2 (Blue): Most used line, 18km. Key stops: Pipera, Aviatorilor, Piata Romana, Universitate, Piata Unirii, Tineretului.
- M3 (Red): East-west route. Key stops: Eroilor, Izvor, Piata Unirii.
- M4 (Green): Shortest line. Key stops: Gara de Nord.
- M5 (Orange): Opened 2020. Serves Drumul Taberei. Key stops: Eroilor, Drumul Taberei.
- M6: Under construction.
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Frequency: 3-5 minutes during rush hours, 6-12 minutes off-peak.
Ticket Prices (2025-2026):
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 trip | 5 RON |
| 2 trips | 10 RON |
| 10 trips | 40 RON |
| 24-hour pass | 12 RON |
| 72-hour pass | 35 RON |
| Weekly pass | 45 RON |
Tickets are magnetic cards purchased from metro station kiosks and machines.
Surface Transport (STB)
Buses, trams, and trolleybuses are operated by STB (Societatea de Transport Bucuresti). They cover areas the metro does not reach.
Hours: Approximately 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Single trip: 3 RON (90 min). 24-hour STB pass: 8 RON. Combined STB + Metro 24-hour pass: 18 RON.
Note: The metro (Metrorex) and surface transport (STB) are separate systems with separate tickets. An STB ticket does not work on the metro and vice versa, unless you buy an integrated (STB + Metro) pass. Check the official websites for the latest fares.
Night Transport
After regular service ends, 24 night bus lines take over. All night routes depart from Piata Unirii and cover all major areas. Most run at approximately hourly intervals.
How to Pay
- Contactless bank cards: Can be used directly on many STB vehicles for single trips
- 24pay App: Download from App Store / Google Play. Pay with enrolled credit card — no transport card needed
- Physical cards: Buy at metro stations and STB kiosks
Ride-Hailing
Bolt and Uber both operate widely in Bucharest. They are generally reliable, affordable, and often cheaper than taxis. Use these instead of hailing random taxis to avoid scams.
Taxi Tips
- Use reputable companies or apps (Bolt, Uber, Star Taxi)
- Fares should be metered — check the meter is running
- Legal maximum rate is displayed on the door
- Avoid unmarked taxis, especially near the airport and Gara de Nord
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy a metro ticket in Bucharest?
You can buy metro tickets at any station from the ticket counters or self-service machines. A single trip costs 5 RON. Day passes (12 RON) and 10-trip cards are also available. Contactless bank cards are accepted at turnstiles on newer stations. The metro is operated by Metrorex and is separate from the surface transport system (STB).
Does Bucharest have Uber or Bolt?
Yes, both Uber and Bolt work well in Bucharest and are the preferred alternative to traditional taxis. Bolt is especially popular and usually slightly cheaper. Download the app before you arrive. Average rides within the city cost 15-30 RON (3-6 EUR).
Is there night transport in Bucharest?
Yes. After the metro and regular buses stop around 11 PM, 24 night bus lines operate from Piata Unirii to major neighborhoods. They run approximately every 20-40 minutes until 5 AM. Bolt and Uber are available 24/7 as well.
