Getting Around in Bucharest

With an extensive public transport system, getting around Bucharest is easy. The centre of town is small enough to traverse on foot – but watch out for potholes, broken paving, and cars squeezed into any space they can find. For longer trips, a combination of the metro, tram, bus and trolleybus ensures that most of Bucharest is easily reachable. Otherwise, taxis are relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Public transport in Bucharest

Ahead of their journey, expats should purchase an Activ or Multiplu card from STB kiosks near bus stops or at metro stations. These cards work across all STB services (buses, trolleybuses, and trams) but operate separately from the metro system, which has its own Metrorex ticketing.

The quality of vehicles varies in Bucharest, and if a commute is crowded, you should take care of your personal belongings. Bucharest is generally safe, but pickpockets are known to operate on public transport.

There are many bus and tram stops throughout the city, which makes getting around Bucharest easier. STB (Societatea de Transport București) operates an extensive surface transport network covering virtually every corner of Bucharest. The system includes buses, trams, and trolleybus services. Each serves different areas and provides distinct advantages.

Metro

Bucharest’s metro system is clean and affordable. With five lines (M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5) and over 60 stations, this is the easiest way to get around the city centre.

Stations are indicated by white signs with a blue ‘M’. Tickets can be purchased at stations, with different multiple-journey options available, including unlimited weekly or monthly passes.

Buses

Buses are the backbone of the surface network, with over 130 routes covering more than 1,600 kilometres throughout the capital and its outskirts. These distinctive blue vehicles run every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the route, and provide comprehensive coverage where metro lines don’t reach.

Trolleybuses

Trolleybuses operate on around 15 electric routes and offer an environmentally friendly option for public transport. The fleet was significantly modernised in 2024 with the recent arrival of 100 new vehicles, which improved both comfort and reliability.

Trams

Trams and light rail services operate over 20 routes across more than 330 kilometres of track, including two converted light rail lines serving western and southwestern suburbs. The distinctive yellow trams provide a scenic way to travel, particularly through the city centre.

Useful links

• Metrorex
• RATB: Public Transport Authority
• STB: Surface Transport Bucharest

Taxis in Bucharest

Taxi services in Bucharest vary, as do their driving standards. They can be a quick way of getting around, but this depends on traffic, which is terrible during rush hours. However, a taxi is a good option once the daily bus service has stopped.

When using a taxi, always check the price on the side of the vehicle. Once in, check that the meter shows the same rate and ensure the driver has switched it on. Taxi drivers in Bucharest are infamous for overcharging foreigners. Expats unsure of how to pronounce their destination should have it written down on a piece of paper.

Some rideshare and taxi service apps operate in Bucharest. Local apps include Star Taxi, while Uber and Bolt are also available. These are often cheaper than regular taxis, make the language barrier easier to overcome, and offer the added bonus of displaying the fare beforehand.

Useful links

• Uber
• Bolt
• Star Taxi
• Clevr Taxi

Driving in Bucharest

Driving in Bucharest is not recommended unless you want to explore the surrounding areas. The roads are in poor condition, and driving can be a harrowing experience. That said, public transport doesn’t cover some parts of Bucharest, which makes a car necessary.

Bucharest’s road infrastructure wasn’t designed to cater for the number of cars operating in the city. While it may be quicker to get somewhere by driving, finding parking in Bucharest can be challenging, and drivers often park where they like with little intervention by the police. Traffic in the city is also horrendous during rush hours.

Driver’s licences

Licensing regulations for expats depend on their nationality. Expats can use EU driving licences in Romania until expiry. In contrast, non-EU drivers need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), which they can use for up to one year before it needs to be replaced by a local licence. The same applies to UK licences.

Transport, Driving and Driver’s Licences in Romania

Useful links

• Romanian Driving Licence Authority
• AAA Romania

Walking and cycling in Bucharest

Walking in Bucharest can be challenging due to uneven and poorly maintained pavements and cars parked in pedestrian areas. The city centre is relatively compact, but you’ll need to stay alert for traffic and obstacles.

Cycling infrastructure in Bucharest is limited but rapidly expanding following the city’s ambitious Velo Master Plan unveiled in 2025. The plan is to develop over 550 kilometres of bike lanes by 2035.

Currently, a few dedicated bike lanes exist, particularly in parks and along some main boulevards. Several bike-sharing schemes operate in the city, making short trips more convenient for visitors and residents alike.

Useful links

• I’Velo Urban
• Bucharest Velo Master Plan: Cycling Infrastructure Development