The Metro in Bucharest offers four underground lines (M1, M2, M3, M4) which cover the city extensively and costs around 5 lei for two trips, 20 lei for 10 trips, or 70 lei for a monthly pass. The metro offers a fast and convenient way to travel to destinations in the city (limited in the city center) and the surrounding neighborhoods. Tickets can be purchased from the metro stations, with multiple different journey options available. The metro operates from 5 am until 11 pm. Visit www.metrorex.ro. For more information

Lines and Routes:

M1 - Yellow - starts in the eastern portion of the city travels through downtown on a circular route and passes the main train station of Gara de Nord, then meets up with the M2 line.

M2 - Blue - runs north to south at Piata Unirii and Piata Victoriei stations.

M3 - Red - links the western and eastern portions of the city, and the central section between Eroilor and Nicolae Grigorescu is shared with M1.

M4 - Green - a short shuttle line starting at Gara de Nord 2 traveling to Parc Bazilescu in the Bucuresti Noi neighborhood.

There are hundreds of buses, trolleybuses, and trams that run throughout the entire city, operating from 5 am until 11 pm. These services run throughout the city and into the suburbs and surrounding neighborhoods, running at infrequent intervals, night buses take over after 11 pm. The night buses marked with an “N” before their number run between 11:00 pm until 1 am every 30 minutes, from 1:00 am until 5:00 am every hour, and 5:00 am until 6:00 am every 30 minutes. Tickets cost around 1.50 lei per trip and can be purchased from yellow painted kiosks with the logo RATB, usually located near the intersections of main streets, and in some bus stations. These services can become crowded, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Keep your wits about you as local transport is well known for pickpockets.

The public transport stations in the city have small white signs with red writing on them indicating the station’s name and the number of all the buses and trolleys that stop there. Night buses contain an “N” before their number. Stops are announced automatically onboard and displayed on a screen inside the vehicle.

There are Activ cards which are contactless smart cards that work as tickets. You will need a valid ID to purchase these and they can then be loaded with various ticket options including those that allow for us on both the subway and surface networks in the city. You validate your card when entering the vehicle, hold it in front of the validating device (an orange box with a small LCD screen) until you hear a beep.

The main train station in the city is Bucuresti Nord Station (Gara de Nord, Northern) located near the city center and linked to the subway and several busses, trolleys, and tramway lines. The station is within walking distance to many hotels in the city center, and there are plenty of options for further transportation right outside the station. The station provides connections to all major cities in Romania as well as international destinations such as Belgrade, Sofia, Varna, Vienna, Budapest, Istanbul, Moscow, and more.

There are trains that travel throughout Romania however, the cars are outdated and speeds are slow. They offer a great way to admire the landscapes and mountain scenery with routes crossing the Carpathians and the countryside. Train travel is cheap and a good way to navigate the country as all cities, towns, and even small villages are well connected by train routes, with most tourist areas easily reachable by train. Tickets can be purchased at automated machines or ticket desks in the train station.

There are several major international car rental companies available in Romania such as Avis and Hertz, as well as other reliable local companies. The companies are available at the airport and in the major cities, you will need a valid ID, driver’s license, and a credit card for a deposit. Many cars are manual transmission and they drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left. The roads in major cities can be busy with traffic, especially during rush hours.

Taxis are plentiful in the city of Bucharest and it is easy to find a cab. Taxis can be found on the street, or at taxi ranks around the city, and even called and ordered over the phone by your hotel. Be aware there are many scams in Bucharest involving independent cab drivers. You should always use taxi cabs from the large companies which will have their rates displayed on the door, a taxi sign on the top of the car and most vehicles are yellow. If they do not display the rates on the door it is best not to take these types of taxis. Always insist the driver uses a meter, the rates should cost around 1.6 - 3 lei per kilometer or 1.4 - 3.6 lei per hour. Traveling outside of the city and to and from the airport can cost quite a bit more, rates are often double costing you an additional 10-15 lei. Some of the largest trusted companies in Bucharest include Speed Taxi, Meridian, Taxi 2000, National Taxi, Cobalcescu, and Dartex. Avoid companies like Cris Taxi, Leone, Titan, Street, Decebal, and Arsenal, these are often criminals.

Uber and Taxify are cheaper, more reliable services to use in the city. These companies are well established in the city and operate all over Bucharest, and also offer rides to and from the airport. Rates should cost around 1.39 lei per kilometer, and the apps are easy to use, simply download on your phone, put in your pick up and drop off location and order your ride. You pay through the app.

There are many walking options available in the city of Bucharest as well as several guided walking tours in the city center. The city is brimming with beautiful boulevards decorated with charming architecture, quaint shops, and lovely restaurants and cafes. Walking around the city is easily done and there is plenty of public transportation to connect you to sights further away.

The city offers around 4 ½ miles of official bike lanes, mostly found in the northern portion of the city around Herastrau Park, Kiseleff Park, and on Calea Victoriei Blvd. The city is flat, and riding a bicycle around is a pleasant way to check out some of the city’s attractions. You can rent a bicycle for around 16 lei per day (which is the equivalent of about 4 USD).