Getting Around Bucharest: A Visitor's Guide
Bucharest offers visitors multiple ways to navigate the city, with an extensive public transport network that combines metro, surface transport, and ride-hailing options. The city's transport system is one of the largest in Europe, though the metro and surface networks operate independently under different organizations.
The Metro System
The Bucharest Metro is one of the fastest ways to move around the city. The system consists of five lines (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5) operated by Metrorex. With stations spaced at regular intervals throughout the city, the metro provides reliable service across major areas. The oldest line, M1, opened in 1979, while the newest, M5, began service in 2020. A sixth line is currently under construction.
Surface Transport: Buses, Trams, and Trolleybuses
Surface transport in Bucharest—buses, trams, trolleybuses, and light rail—is operated by the Bucharest-Ilfov Intercommunity Development Association for Public Transport (TPBI) and is one of the densest networks in Europe. This system reaches areas the metro does not serve and is a reasonably efficient way to get around, though it can suffer from overcrowding at peak times.
Buses
The bus network is the densest surface transport option, covering extensive routes throughout Bucharest and surrounding areas. The bus fleet consists mostly of modern, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, with many featuring air conditioning. Buses are a practical choice for reaching residential areas and peripheral destinations.
Trams and Light Rail
Trams operate on an extensive network throughout the city and are a frequent public transport option. In addition to regular tram lines, two light rail lines (numbered 41) serve the western and southwestern parts of Bucharest, running on separate designated corridors for faster travel times. Many newer trams are wheelchair-accessible.
Trolleybuses
Trolleybuses supplement the bus network on high-usage routes across the city. The fleet includes modern, wheelchair-accessible vehicles with digital display screens and acoustic announcements. Two separate trolleybus networks operate in different parts of the city.
Ticketing and Payment
Until 2021, the metro and surface transport systems used separate ticketing systems. A new smartcard system was introduced that allows travel on both networks, though the old ticket systems remain available.
For surface transport (buses, trams, trolleybuses, and light rail), a simple 90-minute metropolitan ticket costs 3 lei and can be activated by tapping a transit card or contactless bank card on ticket machines inside vehicles. A 24-hour pass is available for 8 lei at kiosks. Tickets can be purchased via SMS by sending a message to 7458, or through the InfoTB app, which also provides route planning and real-time vehicle locations using GPS.
The metro operates its own separate ticketing system with different prices and passes available through Metrorex.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are readily available throughout the city. When using a taxi, verify the meter rate before beginning your journey—daytime and early evening rates should be around 1.69–1.79 lei per kilometer. You can also request taxis from electronic kiosks found at major locations like the airport and city center.
Ride-hailing services including Uber and Bolt operate in Bucharest and offer an alternative to traditional taxis.
Walking in Bucharest
Walking is a practical way to explore central Bucharest, particularly the historic old city district and areas around major squares and landmarks.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Bucharest has two airports. The larger Henri Coandă International Airport (also called Otopeni) is the main international airport, located about 18 kilometers north of the city center. Băneasa Airport, located 5 kilometers north, handles some international flights including services from Wizz Air and Ryanair.
By Express Bus
The Express Bus is the most budget-friendly option for reaching downtown. Express Bus 100 departs from directly outside Arrivals on the ground floor and runs to downtown Bucharest via Arcul de Triumf and Piața Victoriei, ending at Piața Unirii. The bus runs daily from 05:30 to 21:50 every 15 minutes, and from 22:00 to 05:00 every 30 minutes. The fare is 3 lei for a 90-minute journey. You can pay with a credit or debit card or purchase a local travel card at the booth beside the bus stop. Allow 50 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
By Train
Train service connects Henri Coandă International Airport to Gara de Nord (the main railway station) with both express and local services running approximately every 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport, onboard, or online.
By Ride-Hailing
Uber and Bolt are available from the airport. Expect to pay 60–120 lei for a ride into the city, depending on traffic conditions.
By Taxi
Taxis wait outside Arrivals, or you can request one from yellow electronic kiosks near the exit. The kiosk will provide a slip with the taxi company name, rate, and license plate. Daytime rates should be around 1.69–1.79 lei per kilometer, or about 35–40 lei to the city center. Nighttime rates are higher. Always ensure the meter is used.
By Private Shuttle
Private shuttle services offer fixed prices and are a good option if you're traveling with others or have substantial luggage. Typical costs are around €20 for a small car and €40 for a 7-seater minibus for journeys within Bucharest city.
By Rental Car
Car rental desks are available in the Arrivals area, though a rental car is only necessary if you plan to tour beyond the city.
Navigating the Transport Network
The metro and surface transport systems connect at multiple points, allowing you to combine modes for longer journeys. Surface transport covers more of the city than the metro alone, making it useful for reaching residential areas and peripheral destinations. During peak hours, be prepared for crowding on popular routes.
For route planning that combines all transport types, the InfoTB app provides integrated journey planning and shows real-time vehicle locations.