Bucharest Metro Information
The Bucharest Metro system, is a rapid transit system operating in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. The metro network began operation on the 16th of November 1979, along 4 lines and serving 51 stations. Presently, there is 1 more line under construction and another line being planned. This 69.3 km long network, has 12 more stations and under construction and a further 24 planned. By the end of its expansion, it will span over approximately 78 km in length. Owned and operated by Metrorex, the system has an annual ridership of 172.3 million (2014).
The Bucharest Metro serves approximately 800,000 passengers each day. However, it does not offer a 24-hour service. The fare for a journey on the Bucharest Metro is 0.40 EUR as of 2009, with RFID cards used for payment. For more details about fares, please visit this link.
The Bucharest Metro does not provide air conditioning, nor does it allow passengers to walk between platforms. Furthermore, it does not feature driverless trains or screen doors on platforms. The entire operation is managed by Metrorex.
For more information, please visit the Bucharest Metro Official Website or call +40 21 319 3601.
Bucharest Metro Map
Map of Bucharest Metro showing various lines and stations.
Lines and stations
The Bucharest Metro comprises 4 commercial lines, including one under construction and another in the planning stages. The entire network spans 71.5 kilometers (44.42 miles). The metro system connects various areas of the city, transporting over 470,000 passengers daily.
Residents of the primary neighborhoods in Romania’s capital have access to metro stations that connect to the city center, making the underground system an essential component of Bucharest’s transportation infrastructure.
Line 1
Line 1 is the oldest line in the Bucharest Metro system, dating back to 1979. Its route spans 31 kilometers (19.3 miles) distributed among 22 stations. The stations are situated in the Dristor and Pantelimon neighborhoods in the city center as well as in the eastern region of the city.
Recognizable by the color yellow and the name M1, Line 1 is easy to identify on system maps. It also intersects with the other metro lines.
Line 2
Line 2 stretches over 18.7 kilometers (11.6 miles). It links the Pipera district to the IMGB industrial zone, passing through several neighborhoods along its path. Constructed in 1986 to connect the northern and southern parts of the city, Line 2 also serves central Bucharest.
Due to the neighborhoods it serves, this line experiences the highest annual passenger traffic. On system maps, it’s denoted by the dark blue color and the M2 designation.
Line 3
Constructed in two stages — the first ending in 1983 and the second ending in 2008 — Bucharest Metro’s third line extends 22.2 kilometers (13.8 miles) and links the city from east to west between the Glina and Militari districts.
On system maps, it’s characterized by the color red and the M3 designation. It serves over 24 million passengers each year.
Line 4
Bucharest’s fourth underground line is the smallest in the system, spanning only 7.64 kilometers (4.75 miles) and including 8 stations. As the newest line, dating back to the year 2000, it doesn’t see as much traffic as the other lines. Line 4 transports just a little more than 6 million passengers annually. It connects Sector 1 neighborhoods to the northwestern part of the city and to the city center.
On system maps, it’s easily distinguished by the color green and the M4 designation.
Line 5 (Soon to be opened in 2018)
Scheduled to open in 2018, this line will comprise 22 stations and stretch over 16.2 kilometers (10.1 miles). It’s identifiable on station maps by the color orange and the M5 designation. It will serve the residents of Drumul Taberei as well as those living in the surrounding Cotroceni area.
Connections
The Bucharest Metro lines are well interconnected and also connect with the local bus routes serving the entire city. Passengers can choose from the following underground connections:
Line 1
- Piața Victoriei Station: Located in Victoriei Plaza, this station provides access to Line 2 (M2) and bus routes 24, 42, 45, 46, 205, 300, 381, and 783.
- Gara de Nord Station: Situated in the București Nord railway station, this station connects to Line 4 (M4) and bus lines 42, 44, 45, 46, 62, 65, 79, 85, 86, 93, 96, 105, 123, 133, 178, 182, 205, 282, 696, and 780.
- Basarab Station: Located near the Calea Griviței sector, passengers can connect here to Line 4 (M4) and select bus routes 1, 35, 44, 65, 86, 105, 123, 133, 162, 178, 282, 696, and 780.
- Piața Unirii Station: Situated in Unirii Plaza, passengers can board Lines 2 (M2) and 3 (M3) from this underground station as well as access bus routes 7, 27, 32, 47, 73, 74,76, 104, 116, 117, 123,
124, 232, 312, 313, 385, and 783.
Line 1 stations, Eroilor, Izvor, Timpuri Noi, Mihai Bravu, and Nicolae Grigorescu also serve the Line 3 (M3) train route.
Connections with other systems
The Bucharest Metro connects with various transportation systems including trains, trams, and buses, facilitating easy movement across the city.
For instance, Gara de Nord, the city’s main train station, connects to the Metro’s Lines 1 and 4, enabling seamless travel to other parts of Romania or even neighboring countries.
Moreover, many metro stations are in close proximity to bus and tram stops, making transfers between different modes of transportation smooth and hassle-free. The Bucharest Transport Company (STB) operates an extensive network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses throughout the city.
Connections with the airport
Though the Bucharest Metro doesn’t connect directly to Henri Coandă International Airport, passengers can use the 783 Express bus line, which runs from the city center to the airport. The bus stop is conveniently located near the Piața Unirii Metro Station.
Timetable and frequency
The Bucharest Metro operates from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. Train frequency depends on the time of day and the specific metro line, but generally ranges from 3 to 12 minutes. During peak hours, trains tend to run more frequently.
- Line 1: 3–5 minutes during peak hours / 6–8 minutes during regular hours.
- Line 2: 3–5 minutes during peak hours/ 8–10 minutes during regular hours.
- Line 3: 3–5 minutes during peak hours / 8–10 minutes during regular hours.
- Line 4: 4–7 minutes during peak hours/ 10–12 minutes during regular hours.
Rates, tickets, and passes
The Bucharest Metro offers a variety of ticket and pass options to suit different traveler needs. Tickets can be purchased from machines or ticket offices located throughout the stations. Here are some options:
- One Trip Card: For a single journey, a ticket costs 2.5 Lei (0.62 USD).
- 2 Trips: For two journeys, a ticket costs 5.00 Lei (1.25 USD).
- 10 Trips: For ten journeys, a ticket costs 20.00 Lei (5.00 USD).
- Daily Pass: For unlimited trips within one day, a pass costs 8.00 Lei (2.00 USD). The ticket can be used every 15 minutes following each trip.
- Weekly Pass: For unlimited trips within 7 consecutive days, a pass costs 25.00 Lei (6.25 USD).
- Monthly Pass: For unlimited trips within 30 days, a pass costs 70.00 Lei (17.49 USD).
- Monthly Pass (Pupils/Students): For students, unlimited travel within a month costs 35.00 Lei (8.75 USD).
- Yearly Card: For unlimited trips within a year, a card costs 720.00 Lei (179.93 USD).
- Group Card: This card allows 3, 4, or 5 people to use the metro system at a reduced price. The price for 3 people is 5.00 Lei (1.25 USD), for 4 people is 6.50 Lei (1.62 USD), and for 5 people is 8.00 Lei (2.00 USD).
Accessibility
The Bucharest Metro system is committed to ensuring accessibility for all passengers, including those with mobility issues or disabilities. Many of the system’s stations have been fitted with facilities like elevators and ramps to help these passengers access the metro service more easily.
Signage in the metro system is also designed to be easy to understand, with clear icons and large text. Additionally, announcements on the trains and at the stations are made in both Romanian and English, making it easier for non-Romanian speakers to navigate the system.
Future expansion
Plans are underway to expand the Bucharest Metro system to better serve the city’s growing population and changing needs. The upcoming Line 5, which is set to open soon, will connect the Drumul Taberei and Cotroceni neighborhoods, adding an additional 22 stations and 16.2 kilometers (10.1 miles) to the system.
Moreover, there are plans for Line 6, which will directly connect the city center to Henri Coandă International Airport. Once completed, this line will greatly improve the city’s connectivity and facilitate travel for both residents and visitors alike.
Safety and security
The Bucharest Metro places a high priority on the safety and security of its passengers. Stations and trains are monitored by security cameras and regularly patrolled by security personnel. Emergency buttons are also installed on trains and platforms, which passengers can use to contact staff in case of an emergency.
In the event of an emergency, passengers are advised to remain calm and follow the instructions of metro staff. Unauthorized access to train tracks is strictly prohibited and can result in heavy fines.
Tips
Here are some additional tips for riding the Bucharest Metro:
- Remember to always keep your ticket handy until the end of your journey, as you may be asked to present it for inspection.
- Take note of the operating hours of the metro system to avoid any inconvenience.
- Be mindful of pickpockets, particularly during rush hours and in crowded areas.
- If you’re planning on using the metro frequently during your stay in Bucharest, consider buying a weekly or monthly pass for convenience and savings.
- Make sure to give way to exiting passengers before boarding the train.
- Keep an eye on the metro map and listen to station announcements to ensure you don’t miss your stop.
Accessibility
The Bucharest Metro system is committed to ensuring accessibility for all passengers, including those with mobility issues or disabilities. Many of the system’s stations have been fitted with facilities like elevators and ramps to help these passengers access the metro service more easily.
Signage in the metro system is also designed to be easy to understand, with clear icons and large text. Additionally, announcements on the trains and at the stations are made in both Romanian and English, making it easier for non-Romanian speakers to navigate the system.
Future expansion
Plans are underway to expand the Bucharest Metro system to better serve the city’s growing population and changing needs. The upcoming Line 5, which is set to open soon, will connect the Drumul Taberei and Cotroceni neighborhoods, adding an additional 22 stations and 16.2 kilometers (10.1 miles) to the system.
Moreover, there are plans for Line 6, which will directly connect the city center to Henri Coandă International Airport. Once completed, this line will greatly improve the city’s connectivity and facilitate travel for both residents and visitors alike.
Safety and security
The Bucharest Metro places a high priority on the safety and security of its passengers. Stations and trains are monitored by security cameras and regularly patrolled by security personnel. Emergency buttons are also installed on trains and platforms, which passengers can use to contact staff in case of an emergency.
In the event of an emergency, passengers are advised to remain calm and follow the instructions of metro staff. Unauthorized access to train tracks is strictly prohibited and can result in heavy fines.
Tips
Here are some additional tips for riding the Bucharest Metro:
- Remember to always keep your ticket handy until the end of your journey, as you may be asked to present it for inspection.
- Take note of the operating hours of the metro system to avoid any inconvenience.
- Be mindful of pickpockets, particularly during rush hours and in crowded areas.
- If you’re planning on using the metro frequently during your stay in Bucharest, consider buying a weekly or monthly pass for convenience and savings.
- Make sure to give way to exiting passengers before boarding the train.
- Keep an eye on the metro map and listen to station announcements to ensure you don’t miss your stop.
