Getting around Bucharest: public transport, passes and taxis

Bucharest is a flat city of about 2 million people, and the centre is walkable. For anything beyond a 25-minute walk, you have four realistic choices: metro, surface transit (tram, bus, trolleybus), ride-hailing, or a metered taxi. The metro is the fastest way across the city; ride-hailing is the easiest way to reach a specific address; surface transit fills the gaps the metro misses.

The Bucharest metro (Metroul) runs five lines, M1 to M5, and is the backbone of the network. It is clean, frequent and cheap, and it connects Gara de Nord, the main rail station, with the centre and with several outer districts. Trains run roughly from 05:00 to 23:00, with short gaps between services at peak times.

Surface transit uses the same fare system as the metro, which makes a day pass good value if you mix modes. Trams are useful for the western and southern districts; buses and trolleybuses cover the rest. Vehicles can be crowded at rush hour, and the older trams are slower than the metro.

You need a valid ticket or pass before boarding, and you validate it on the vehicle. Buying at a kiosk near the stop is usually quicker than finding a machine. Night services are limited; check the last departure if you are out late (check).

The pass system is the reason to think before you buy singles. A 24-hour pass costs about the same as four or five single rides, so it pays off on any day with more than a couple of trips. A 72-hour pass suits a long weekend. Weekly and monthly passes exist for residents and longer stays.

Passes are loaded onto the same rechargeable card and cover metro, tram, bus and trolleybus. They do not cover ride-hailing, taxis or the airport express bus if that service has a separate fare — check at the machine.

Bolt and Uber both operate in Bucharest and are the default for most visitors. Fares are metered in the app, the plate number is shown before pickup, and payment is cashless. Central trips usually land in the RON 15–30 band; the airport run is RON 50–120 depending on traffic and surge.

Metered taxis are fine if you use a reputable company and confirm the meter is running. The risk is at Gara de Nord and outside the airport, where drivers approach you and quote a flat price. Walk past them and order an app car, or use the official taxi rank. Confirm the plate number before you get in, and keep the app open until you arrive.

The historic core — Old Town, Calea Victoriei, Piața Universității, Piața Romană — is compact and best seen on foot. Distances between the main sights are 10–25 minutes on foot, and the pavements are generally in good condition. Crossings are marked but drivers can be impatient; wait for the green signal.

Cycling is possible but not for everyone: bike lanes exist on some boulevards and in parks such as Herăstrău, but traffic is heavy on the main arteries. Bike-share schemes have come and gone; check what is running during your visit (check).

A day of mixed travel on public transport is cheap by Western European standards: a 24-hour pass plus a couple of ride-hailing trips comes to roughly RON 40–60 (about €8–12). A week of commuting by metro and tram on a weekly pass is cheaper still. The main variable is how often you use ride-hailing, especially at night or in rain.

A few habits make Bucharest easier. Buy a rechargeable card on day one and top it up as you go. Keep small change for kiosks. Screenshot your route before you go underground, since mobile signal is patchy in tunnels. At night, use ride-hailing rather than walking through quiet streets you do not know.