Getting Around Galați
Galați sits in eastern Romania, in the Moldavia region, on the banks of the Danube. For a visitor, the city is compact enough that you can mix walking with public transport and taxis without much trouble, and the main practical challenge is usually the long trip in from the airport rather than getting around once you arrive.
Public Transport: Trams and Buses
Public transport in Galați is built around a tram network and a bus network. The trams are the traditional backbone of the system, running on fixed rails through the city, while buses fill in the routes that trams don't cover. Between the two, you can reach most parts of the city that a visitor is likely to want.
- Trams are the signature mode of transport in Galați and are useful for moving along the main corridors of the city.
- Buses supplement the tram lines and serve areas the tram network doesn't reach.
- There is no metro in Galați; the tram and bus networks are the public transport options.
Buying Tickets and Passes
As with most Romanian cities, you buy tickets for trams and buses either from kiosks, from the driver on some services, or through the local operator's arrangements. If you're staying for more than a day or two, it's worth asking about a day pass or multi-ride card, which usually works out cheaper and saves you from hunting for single tickets each time. Keep small change or a card handy, since exact change isn't always possible.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available in Galați and are a straightforward option for short trips, late arrivals, or when you're carrying luggage. Ride-hailing apps also operate in the city, which lets you see the fare up front and pay by card rather than dealing with cash. For a visitor, ride-hailing is often the simplest choice if you're unsure of the local taxi fare structure.
Walkability
Central Galați is walkable, and walking is a good way to see the city's riverside and central streets. Because the city is not enormous, many day-to-day errands and sightseeing stops are within reasonable walking distance of each other. For longer hops across town, though, you'll want a tram, bus, or taxi rather than relying on foot alone.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Galați itself does not have a major international airport serving it directly. Most visitors arrive through Bucharest Otopeni (Henri Coandă) Airport and then travel onward to Galați. There are several ways to make that journey:
- Direct shuttle vans: These run almost hourly from Otopeni to Galați, take roughly three and a half hours, and cost in the region of 80–100 lei (about €16–20). Schedules and tickets are available through autogari.ro, and card payment is accepted.
- Train: Take the airport train to București Nord, then a train onward to Galați. The total journey is over five hours. Tickets can be bought through Infofer (infofer.ro or bilete.infofer.ro), and vending machines accept credit cards.
- BlaBlaCar: A ridesharing option that can work out cheaper if you can match a driver's schedule.
- FlixBus: A long-distance coach option for the route.
- Private transfer: A pre-booked car service, useful if you want a door-to-door trip without changes.
Whichever option you choose, paying by card is generally possible for shuttle tickets and at train vending machines, so you don't need to arrive with a large amount of cash in lei.
Practical Tips
- If you're arriving from Otopeni, book your shuttle or train ticket in advance where you can, since the journey is long and you don't want to be sorting it out on arrival.
- For getting around Galați itself, trams and buses cover the city; taxis and ride-hailing fill the gaps.
- Central areas are walkable, so plan to explore on foot where possible and use transport for longer trips.
- Card payment is widely accepted for transport tickets and at train vending machines, but carrying some cash is still sensible.