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Trams, Trolleybuses and Buses

Introduction:

Bucharest has quite an extensive network of surface transport included trams, trolleybuses and regular buses. Mastery of this network can be a feat, but once you have got the hang of it, you can get to most places you would want to in the city quite quickly and with the minimum of hassle. The disadvantage of the surface transport network is that it is often crowded, hot in summer, steamy and smelly in winter and frequented by pickpockets.

Finding your way:

The best way to work out where to go and how to get there is to buy a Bucharest city map. These are available in most bookshops (librarie) and the best is probably the yellow-coloured map published by AGC. It is clear and gives not only the streets and but also all the transport routes with the stops marked in addition; a vital tool for anyone intending to stay for any period of time in the city.

Alternatively you can find a map of the system HERE at the RATB website. (Go to 'maps' at the top and select 'routes'.) Or another map can be viewed HERE.

All stops have a signpost giving the numbers of the vehicles that stop there and the authorities seem to be reasonably diligent at keeping them updated and accurate.

Buying a ticket:

Tickets must be bought before boarding the vehicle. Most major stops will have a kiosk marked ‘RATB – Bilete’ and from these you can buy any number of tickets, all valid for any bus, tram or trolleybus on any urban route. The best thing to do is to stock up on tickets on arrival so you are not caught in the middle of nowhere without a ticket or somewhere to buy one from.

Once you board the vehicle, look for small boxes located at various intervals on posts throughout the vehicle. Put your ticket into this and stamp it (just watch a local if you are not sure). Some of these stamping machines are now electronic. These machines will punch a few holes into the ticket, check it has done that before taking a seat.

Fares:

Standard one-journey tickets cost 1.1 RON

Various types of season ticket are available from kiosks marked ‘abonemente’ (mostly at the major stops) at the following prices:

A) MONTHLY SEASON TICKET TYPE

Season ticket valid on ONE URBAN ROUTE: 25 RON
Season ticket valid on TWO URBAN ROUTES: 30 RON
Season ticket valid on ALL URBAN ROUTES: 40 RON

B) DIVIDED SEASON TICKET TYPE

Season ticket valid on ALL URBAN ROUTES for 1 DAY: 7 RON
Season ticket valid on ALL URBAN ROUTES for 7 DAYS 15 RON
Season ticket valid on ALL URBAN ROUTES for 15 DAYS 22 RON

D) MAGNETIC CARDS (Route 783 runs from Piata Unirii to the airport)

2-trip magnetic card (route 783): 5 RON
10-trip magnetic cards (route 783): 20 RON
Monthly magnetic cards (route 783): 70 RON

Ticket Inspectors:

From time to time ticket inspectors will ask to see your ticket or season ticket. They are always undercover and will approach you and show you an ID card. Just show them your ticket and they will be on their way. If you are caught without a ticket, the standard fine is 40 RON, although most of them will accept less (basically in the form of a bribe) if you really want to kick up a fuss. The price of tickets being so cheap it would be slight insane not to buy one.