The short version: use the metro for longer trips, walk around the centre, and tap your contactless card or phone to pay. No tickets, no apps needed. For door-to-door rides, use a ridesharing app.
Metro5 leia ride
Five lines, from about 5:00 to 23:00. Trains come every few minutes at peak times.
Tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gate. It works at every station.
Each traveller needs their own card or phone: one card pays for one person.
Fastest at rush hour, but it can be crowded between about 7:30–9:30 and 17:00–19:00.
Buses, trams, trolleybuses3 leivalid 90 minutes
Run by STB. Tap your card or phone on the validator inside as you board.
In the centre, many buses have their own lanes, so they move even in traffic.
A few night buses run after the metro closes.
RidesharingDoor to doorapps such as Bolt or Uber
The price is shown upfront and paid in the app, with no language barrier.
Often easier than a taxi, and the best option late at night or with luggage.
WalkingMost of the centreis walkable
From Piața Victoriei to Piața Unirii is about 45 minutes along Calea Victoriei, past many of the main sights.
Use pedestrian crossings: drivers don't always slow down elsewhere.
The metro lines
M1A loop through the city: Gara de Nord, Piața Victoriei, Piața Unirii and Eroilor.
M2North to south through the centre: Aviatorilor, Piața Romană, Universitate, Piața Unirii and Piața Sudului.
M3East to west, sharing part of the route with M1 through Piața Unirii and Eroilor.
M4North-west from Gara de Nord.
M5West from Eroilor, through Drumul Taberei.
The most useful stations for visitors are Piața Unirii (Old Town), Universitate, Piața Romană, Piața Victoriei (museums) and Aviatorilor (parks and the north).
Tips
Plan routes with Google Maps. Pick "Public transport" in directions to see metro, bus and tram connections with times.
Rechargeable travel cards exist, but you won't need one if you have a contactless card or phone.