Recommendations for travelers

The public transportation service in the Bucharest-Ilfov region operates on an open-access basis, allowing free entry onto vehicles. To travel legally, passengers are required to possess a valid travel document. Payment for journeys on surface network vehicles can be made using a travel card, a mobile/ smartphone free app or alternatively, a bank card (subject to availability and personal preference).

The fare options for shared surface transport in the Bucharest-Ilfov region, correlated with those of Metrorex, have been available since the 1st of August 2021.

As a result, the validators installed on vehicles operated by all four transport operators within the metropolitan area, integrated through the Automatic Toll System (SAT – owned by STB SA), recognize all tickets and subscriptions integrated into the system, including those valid on the metro. Starting from the 17th of February 2022, they can also be used on the railway, for the “Gara de Nord / North Station – Bucharest” – “Henri Coandă Airport – Otopeni” route.

Travel cards are electronic carriers on which you can load various transport tickets based on your preferences. They are of two types: the ACTIV and MULTIPLU card.

The nominal ACTIV card is the most frequently used type of travel card, due to the possibilities of loading and reloading a diversified palette of transport titles, at favorable prices. You receive it for free with your initial purchase, based on your identity document, only from the Card Issuing and Reloading Centers within the distribution network of the operator Societatea de Transport București STB SA.

If you prefer not to have your data recorded, you can opt for the non-nominal version of the ACTIV card, available at all sales units. In this scenario, you can review the tariff offers here.

Furthermore, if you only use public transport occasionally, you have the option of buying a MULTIPLU card pre-loaded with a limited number of trips.

The urban network includes all tram, trolleybus and bus lines (day and night), identified by the following line numbers:

between 1 – 55: tram lines;

between 61 – 97: trolleybus lines;

between 100 and 385: urban bus lines;

between 403 and 488: metropolitan bus lines.

100, N1, N10 and between N101 – N122: night bus lines.

If you opt to pay for the public transport service on a “per 90-minute journey” basis, you will need to utilize the “Electronic Wallet” transport title. i.e. a credit of 50 lei maximum, from which the fare for each journey is deducted upon card validation. This credit can be used for journeys during both day and night.

If you opt for the “Monthly Pass” transport title, you have the possibility of enjoying unlimited journeys and transfers within the surface public transport network at any given time throughout the calendar month, including travel within Ilfov County.

You can also find other types of subscriptions within the tariff offer. To choose the optimal option for your journeys, please consult the list here.

Card Release and Reload Centers are sales units with online electronic facilities, offering the possibility of issuing all types of travel cards, as well as all categories of transport tickets.

Card Reload Centers are sales units with offline electronic equipment. Here, non-nominal ACTIV cards can be issued, loaded and reloaded. Nominal ACTIV cards can also be reloaded, and MULTIPLU and STB-METROREX cards can be issued.

Ticket vending machines are online devices that facilitate the loading/reloading of ACTIV cards with any ticket at full price, as well as issuing MULTIPLU cards and standard STB-METROREX cards.

An alternative method of paying for trips is via SMS. If you select this payment method, ensure you receive the confirmation code before boarding the public transport vehicle. Additionally, make sure your phone’s battery is sufficiently charged to last until the end of the journey.

To tackle the challenges posed by the complexity of the public transport network, you can use the InfoTB mobile application (Android OS or iOS), assisting you with planning the desired route and providing real-time updates regarding the vehicle’s location along the route, thereby optimizing your travel time.

It is discouraged to soil or damage tram, trolleybus or bus shelters, as well as the sections of pavement where stations are located.

When crossing to/ from the tram station, it is crucial to use only the designated crossings and adhere to traffic regulations. The barriers installed in front of the shelters provide protection. Don’t ignore them!

Additionally, when crossing, it’s important to keep in mind that, due to heavy traffic, emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, police) and even buses may frequently use the tramway.

In order to promote civilized travel conditions, we recommend considering several key aspects:

  • adhere to existent public transport regulations;
  • travel only with a valid transport title;
  • show respect towards the work of transport operator employees;
  • behave appropriately so as not to disturb other passengers;
  • do not soil/damage the interior or exterior of the vehicle;
  • do not throw objects out of the window;
  • request support by calling the number 021.112 when encountering acts of vandalism or crimes;
  • hand over any found items to the driver to assist those who may have lost them.

Boarding the means of transport (and alighting) should only occur at designated stops/ stations. Do not request the driver to make exceptions.

Do not talk to the driver, especially while the vehicle is in motion.

For your safety, surveillance cameras are installed and operational in certain vehicles, with their presence clearly indicated by visible signs.

If you would like to transport pets, small pets must be carried or in appropriate carriers/ cages, while large dogs must be muzzled and on a leash.

Controllers are authorized to check transport tickets and impose sanctions on individuals who fail to pay for the journey. During an inspection, it is mandatory to cooperate with them, regardless of the circumstances.

Students enrolled in accredited/authorized pre-university education institutions are entitled to free public local transportation services within the Bucharest – Ilfov region as mandated by law.

Pensioners with permanent residence in Bucharest benefit from free travel on all surface vehicles.