With so many transport options available around the city, it is generally easy for remote workers to get around Bucharest. The city’s transportation system is not the most modern in Europe and in many parts remains underfunded and unreliable. Having said that, the city has an extensive public transport network that reaches all corners of the city. In general, the network is safe and affordable, although all users are advised to be vigilant during peak hours when trains and busses can become packed.
Below, are some of the best ways for remote workers to get around Bucharest.
Bucharest’s public transport system is divided between its underground Metro service and its surface-level transit options. Both are operated by different companies and operate different payment methods and fares.
For the Metro, you can purchase tickets at any of the Metro stations and the most common ticket to purchase is the 20 lei card which is valid for 10 journeys. For 5 lei you can obtain a 2-journey ticket or a daily ticket for 8 lei. You should note that tickets purchased specifically for the metro cannot be used on the city’s buses, trams or trolleybuses.
To ride the city’s surface-level services you can obtain an Activ or Multiplu card at bus and tram stops around the city. The best option for remote workers to get around Bucharest on a regular basis will be the Activ card which has a cost of 3.6 lei but can be topped up with up to 50 lei. You must validate your card whenever boarding a service.
Since 2017, a common ticket for the Metro and surface-level service is available and has a cost of 5 lei for a ticket which can be used on any service and is valid for up to 60 minutes. The daily pass has a cost of 17 lei. The single-use Ultralight card with this type of Common Ticket can be purchased at any metro station.
The city’s metro system is certainly one of the easiest ways for remote workers to get around Budapest. The system is operated by Metrorex and has four lines which connect the entire city. While some stations around the city are on the grittier side and certainly could use with some refurbishment, trains themselves are quite modern and most are equipped with GPS systems which announce ETAs at stations. Bucharest’s metro is affordable and convenient, but all users should be careful using the service during peak hours as it can become quite congested.
The RATB company operates Bucharest's street-level transport services. The city counts with an extensive network connecting neighborhoods across the city and beyond in the suburbs. The local bus service operates a convenient night service across the main areas of the city and there is also an express line to the international airport. Trolleybuses support the local bus service and extend the service connections to Bucharest’s suburban areas. Equally, the city’s extensive tram service serves to also support the busy bus and trolleybus service across the more congested parts of the city and out to suburban villages.
Recently, transport authorities have habilitated a Museums’ Line on Bucharest’s bus system which connects some of the city’s most prominent cultural institutions. Indeed, while the street-level system can be often crowded, its affordability and accessibility makes it a convenient way for remote workers to get around Bucharest.
As with any big city, Bucharest has several taxi lines. You can find a taxi almost anywhere across the city and particularly around the main tourist hotspots and the airport. Having said that, local yellow taxis are reported to be unreliable, uncomfortable and expensive. If you must board one of these, make sure the meter running on the right tariff (1.40RON per km) or that you have established a price with the driver before boarding.
A good alternative to the local city taxis is any rideshare service such as Uber. These operate quite well in Bucharest and provide an overall more pleasant service than yellow taxis at around the same price.
For more information about living in Bucharest as a remote worker, check out our complete Bucharest guide.