A First-Timer’s Guide to Riding the Bucharest Metro

The metro is one of the most efficient transportation means in Bucharest.

Many of the most instagrammable spots in Bucharest are accessible by metro.

Clean, affordable, and connecting most major areas of interest, the metro is an essential transportation option for visitors. Unfortunately, the signage is in Romanian language only, thus being challenging for foreigners.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently ride the Bucharest metro like a local.

Bucharest Metro Basics

The Bucharest metro (Metroul București) consists of 5 main lines (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5), serving 63 stations across approximately 78 kilometers of track.

Operated by Metrorex, it’s separate from the above-ground public transportation system (STB) that manages buses, trams, and trolleybuses. There’s no agreement between the two companies to sell combined tickets. This means you can’t use your bus ticket to ride the metro.

The only combo that’s still in use is the monthly pass. You can buy it in any metro station where they sell tickets, as well as in the bus tickets booths. The price of this monthly combined pass is 140 lei (around 28 Euro).

Operating Hours

• 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (weekdays and weekends)

On weekdays trains arrive approximately every 4-7 minutes during peak hours and 8-10 minutes during off-peak hours. On weekends you may have to wait 9 – 20 minutes to catch a train.

Finding Metro Stations

Metro stations are marked with a blue “M” sign. Major stations include:

• Piața Unirii – Central interchange station connecting M1, M2, and M3 lines; near the Old Town
• Gara de Nord – Main railway station with connection to the airport train
• Victoriei – Access to government buildings and Calea Victoriei; connection between M1 and M2 lines
• Universitate – Near the University of Bucharest and the Old Town
• Politehnica – Serves the Polytechnic University area

Buying Tickets and Cards

Ticket Options

1. “METROREX”  TRIP TICKETS	Price
   1 trip – general use, – magnetic ticket, – no timing.	LEI 5,00
   2 trips – general use, – magnetic ticket, – no timing.	LEI 10,00
   10 trips – general use, – magnetic ticket, – no timing.	LEI 40,00
   24 hours pass – general use, – Ultralight contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 12,00
   72 hours pass – general use, – Ultralight contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 35,00
   Weekly pass – magnetic ticket (general use), – rechargeable contactless card (nominal), – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 45,00
   Monthly pass – magnetic ticket (general use), – rechargeable contactless card (nominal), – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 100,00
   6 months pass – nominal, – rechargeable contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 500,00
   Annual pass – nominal, – rechargeable contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 900,00
   50% discount monthly pass for blood donors – nominal, – rechargeable contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 50,00

“METROREX-S.T.B.”  COMMON  TRIP TICKETS	Price
1 metropolitan and metro trip/120 minutes – general use, – Ultralight contactless card, – no timing.	LEI 5,00
2 metropolitan and metro trips/120 minutes – general use, – Ultralight contactless card, – no timing.	LEI 10,00
10 metropolitan and metro trips/120 minutes – general use, – Ultralight contactless card, – no timing.	LEI 45,00
Metropolitan and metro pass/24 hours – general use, – Ultralight contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 14,00
Metropolitan and metro pass/72 hours – general use, – Ultralight contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 35,00
Metropolitan and metro pass/7 days – general use, – rechargeable contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 50,00
Metropolitan and metro pass/1 month – nominal, – rechargeable contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 140,00
Metropolitan and metro pass/6 months – nominal, – rechargeable contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.	LEI 700,00
Metropolitan and metro pass/12 months – nominal, – rechargeable contactless card, – 15 minutes timing.

 

Where to Buy

• Ticket booths (case de bilete) at every metro station
• Self-service ticket machines in most stations (accept cash and sometimes cards)

Current Prices (as of early 2025)

• Single journey: 5 lei (approximately €1.00)
• 10-journey card: 40 lei (approximately €8.00)
• Daily pass: 8 lei (approximately €1.60)
• Monthly pass: 80 lei (approximately €16)

Pro tip: If you plan to use public transportation extensively, consider purchasing a combined metro and STB pass for access to all public transportation in Bucharest.

Check out the other types of tickets on the official Metrorex website: https://www.metrorex.ro/travel-tickets

How to Use the Metro

Entering the Metro

1. Approach the gates with your card ready
2. Place your card on the reader
3. Wait for the green light and the glass gate to open
4. Pass through quickly (gates close rapidly)

Finding Your Train

1. Check the metro map to determine your route and any necessary transfers
2. Follow directional signs for your line (color-coded by line)
3. Note the final destination of the train to ensure you’re going in the right direction
4. Stand behind the yellow line on the platform while waiting

Making Transfers

• Transfers between lines are marked with connecting tunnels
• Follow the colored line indicators for your destination line
• No need to tap your card again for transfers

Exiting the Metro

• Follow signs marked “Ieșire” (Exit)
• Multiple exits may lead to different streets, so check the street names listed
• There’s no need to tap out when exiting

Practical Tips for Visitors

Safety and Etiquette

• The Bucharest metro is generally very safe, even late at night
• Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded trains, particularly during rush hour
• Stand on the right side of escalators, leaving the left side free for people walking up/down
• Offer your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or people with disabilities

Rush Hours

• Avoid traveling between 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-6:30 PM if possible
• The M2 line (blue) connecting north and south is particularly crowded during peak hours

Accessibility

• Most newer stations have elevators for accessibility
• Some older stations may only have stairs or escalators
• Announcement and signage are in Romanian

Wi-Fi and Mobile Signal

• Free Wi-Fi is available in most metro stations (look for the “Metrorex Wi-Fi” network)
• Mobile phone signal is generally available in stations and sometimes in tunnels

Connecting to the Airport

• The metro doesn’t directly reach Henri Coandă (Otopeni) Airport
• Take the M1 (yellow) or M3 (red) line to Gara de Nord, then the train to the airport
• Take the M2 to Piata Unirii, Universitate, Piata Romana or Piata Victoriei, then take bus 100 to the airport

Key Routes for Tourists

• Old Town: Use Piața Unirii or Universitate stations
• Palace of Parliament: Izvor station (M1, M3)
• Gara de Nord (Main Train Station): Gara de Nord station (M1, M4)
• Village Museum & Herăstrău Park: Aviatorilor station (M2)
• Shopping: Dristor (for Park Lake Shopping Mall)

The Bucharest metro is a reliable, affordable, and efficient way to navigate the city. While it doesn’t cover every corner of Bucharest, it connects most major attractions and can be supplemented with buses, trams, or taxis for areas without metro access.

With this guide in hand, you’ll be navigating the Bucharest underground like a local in no time!

Before you go, check out my article about the best places to stay in Bucharest.