Capital city, Romania
Getting around Bucharest
How to get around Bucharest
The metro is quick on its main lines; buses, trams and trolleybuses fill gaps. Bolt and Uber are cheap and best late at night or with luggage.
Ways to get around Bucharest
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (Metrorex) | About 5–6 RON per trip | Five lines (M1–M5); runs about 5 am to 11:30 pm |
| STB buses, trams and trolleybuses | About 3 RON per ride | Tap a contactless bank card or buy a card at kiosks |
| Bolt / Uber | About 20–35 RON for 5 km | Much cheaper and safer than street taxis |
Ride-hailing apps in Bucharest
A 5 km ride costs about lei20–35 ($4.2–7.4).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Most drivers, usually cheapest; reliable airport pickups |
| Uber | Works across the city; prices similar to Bolt |
- Use apps, not street taxis. If you must hail one, pick licensed cars with a visible tariff of about 3.5–4 RON per km.
Arriving in Bucharest
Henri Coandă (Otopeni) (OTP)
Express bus 780 or 783 to the center for a few RON, 40–60 min; train from the airport station about 15 min; Bolt or Uber about 60–110 RON, 30–50 min.
Aurel Vlaicu (Băneasa) (BBU)
Small airport with few scheduled flights; Bolt or Uber to the center about 30–50 RON, 20–30 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rare for visitors; use Bolt e-scooters or the metro. Driving is stressful and parking scarce.
- Driving: on the right. EU licences valid. Most other licences accepted for short stays; rental firms often want an IDP for non-EU licences.
- Onward travel in Romania: Trains (CFR) are cheap but slow; intercity buses and minibuses are often faster. Low-cost flights link Bucharest, Cluj, Iași and Timișoara. A car helps in Transylvania.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Bucharest?
Yes. Apps that work here: Bolt, Uber.
What's the best way to get around Bucharest?
The metro is quick on its main lines; buses, trams and trolleybuses fill gaps. Bolt and Uber are cheap and best late at night or with luggage.
How do I get from the airport to Bucharest?
Express bus 780 or 783 to the center for a few RON, 40–60 min; train from the airport station about 15 min; Bolt or Uber about 60–110 RON, 30–50 min.
Is Bucharest walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Bucharest
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.