Express Bus 780: Operates 24/7 between airport and city center (Piața Unirii). Journey takes 40-50 minutes. Ticket costs 7 RON (~€1.40), purchased from ticket machines or drivers. Buses run every 15-30 minutes.
Train: Direct train service to Gara de Nord (main railway station) takes 20 minutes. Trains depart hourly 6 AM-10 PM. Cost approximately 7 RON.
Taxi: Official taxi services at designated stands outside arrivals. Expect 60-100 RON (~€12-20) to city center depending on traffic. Use only authorized companies; verify meter is running. Journey takes 30-45 minutes.
Ride-sharing: Uber and Bolt widely available and generally cheaper than taxis. Book through apps. Average cost 40-70 RON to center.
Metro: Five lines (M1-M5) cover major districts and attractions. Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Operates 5 AM-11:30 PM weekdays, until 12:30 AM weekends. Single journey 3 RON; 10 journeys 25 RON; day pass 8 RON. Validate cards at turnstiles.
Trams, Buses, Trolleybuses: Extensive surface network. Same tickets as metro but purchased from STB ticket machines, kiosks displaying "STB," or via contactless bank cards at validators. Validate upon boarding. Network maps available at stations and online.
Taxis and Ride-sharing: Abundant and affordable. Official taxis charge 1.4-3.5 RON per kilometer. Always use reputable companies or apps. Uber and Bolt offer transparent pricing and English-language interface.
Walking: Central Bucharest is walkable with most major attractions within 3 km of each other. Old Town, Calea Victoriei, and nearby parks easily explored on foot. Sidewalks generally good condition though watch for uneven pavement in older areas.
Bike Sharing: Limited compared to other European capitals but growing. Several companies offer app-based rentals. Best used in parks and wider boulevards; traffic can be challenging elsewhere.
Bucharest Card: Not currently available. Instead, purchase multi-journey or day passes for public transport directly from metro stations.