Recommendations for travelers
The public transport service in the Bucharest-Ilfov region is an open system with unrestricted access to vehicles. To travel legally, you must have a valid travel pass. You can pay for trips on surface public transport vehicles using a travel card, mobile phone, or bank card (based on your preference and accessibility).
The fare system for surface public transport in the Bucharest-Ilfov region, aligned with Metrorex, has been in effect since August 1, 2021.
Thus, the validators operating on the vehicles of all four transport operators in the metropolitan area, integrated through the Automatic Fare Collection System (SAT, owned by STB SA), recognize all tickets and subscriptions integrated into the system, including those valid for the metro. Starting February 17, 2022, they also recognize those valid for the railway route “Gara de Nord – Bucharest” to “Henri Coandă – Otopeni Airport.”
Travel cards are electronic media on which you can load various travel passes according to your preferences. These are available in two types: the ACTIV card and the MULTIPLU card.
The named ACTIV card is the most commonly used type of travel card due to its ability to load and reload a wide range of travel passes at advantageous prices. You can receive it free of charge upon your first purchase, based on an ID, exclusively from the Card Issuing and Reloading Centers within the distribution network of the Bucharest Transport Company (STB SA).
If you do not agree to provide your personal data, an anonymous version of the ACTIV card is available at all sales units. In this case, you can consult the fare options here.
Additionally, if you use public transport occasionally, you can opt for a MULTIPLU card, which is loaded with a limited number of trips.
The urban network includes all tram, trolleybus, and bus lines (day and night) with the following identifiers:
- 1 to 55: for tram lines
- 61 to 97: for trolleybus lines
- 100 to 488: for bus lines
- N1, N10, and N122 to N119: for night bus lines
If you choose to pay for public transport with the “90-minute trip” option, you can use the “Electronic Wallet” travel pass. This allows you to load up to 50 RON credit, from which the cost of each trip is deducted upon validating the card. You can use this credit to pay for trips on both day and night vehicles.
If you prefer the “Monthly Subscription” travel pass, it offers unlimited trips and transfers across the surface public transport network at any time during a calendar month.
Additionally, other types of subscriptions are available in the fare offer. To choose the best option for your travel needs, please consult the list here.
Card Issuing and Reloading Centers
These centers are sales units equipped with online electronic systems, allowing the issuance of all types of travel cards and all categories of travel passes.
Card Reloading Centers
These centers operate offline electronic systems. They provide the following services:
- Issuance, loading, and reloading of anonymous ACTIV cards
- Reloading of named ACTIV cards
- Issuance of MULTIPLU cards and STB-METROREX cards
Ticket Vending Machines
These online machines enable loading/reloading of ACTIV cards with any full-price travel pass. They also issue MULTIPLU cards and combined STB-METROREX cards.
An alternative method of paying for trips is via SMS. If you choose this payment method, before boarding the public transport vehicle, you must ensure that you have received the confirmation code and that your phone’s battery is sufficiently charged to remain active until the end of the trip.
To cope with the challenges posed by the complexity of the public transport network, you can plan and use the InfoTB mobile app (for Android OS) (for iOS), which helps you plan your desired route and shows, in real-time, the position of vehicles on the route, thus optimizing the time allocated for the journey.
It is contraindicated to dirty or damage the tram shelters or the sidewalk areas where the stations are located.
When crossing to/from the tram station, it is very important to do so only at marked locations and in compliance with traffic rules. The fences installed at the shelters provide you with protection. Do not ignore them!
Also, during crossing, keep in mind that, due to heavy general traffic, emergency vehicles (ambulances, firefighters, police), and even buses often travel on tram tracks.
To create civilized travel conditions, we recommend that you take into account a few important aspects:
- respect the current rules regarding public transport
- travel only with a valid travel pass
- respect the work of public transport operators’ employees
- behave appropriately so as not to disturb other passengers
- do not dirty/damage the interior or exterior of the vehicle
- do not stick objects out of the window
- request assistance by calling 021.112 if you witness acts of vandalism or crimes
- hand over items found on public transport to the driver to assist those who lost them
Boarding (and exiting) public transport vehicles should only occur at designated stations. Do not ask the driver to make exceptions.
Do not talk to the driver, especially while the vehicle is in motion.
For your safety, some vehicles are equipped with surveillance cameras, clearly marked with visible notices.
If you want to transport pets, small ones must be held in your arms or placed in suitable carriers/bags, while large dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.
Inspectors are authorized to check travel passes and apply penalties to those who do not pay for their journey. During an inspection, it is mandatory to show respect, regardless of the situation.
Students in accredited/authorized pre-university education benefit from free access to local public transport services in the Bucharest-Ilfov region, under the law.
Pensioners residing in Bucharest benefit from free travel on all surface vehicles.
