Bucharest Metro Information
The Bucharest Metro, is a rapid transit system operating in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. The metro network started operating on 16 November 1979, along 4 lines and serving 51 stations. At present, 1 more line is under construction and another is planned. This 69.3 km long network has 12 more stations under construction and another 24 planned. At the end of its expansion, it will be approximately 78 km long. The system is owned and operated by Metrorex and has an annual ridership of 172.3 million (2014).
The Bucharest metro serves approximately 800,000 passengers per day. However, it does not offer 24-hour service. The fare for a trip on the Bucharest metro is EUR 0.40 as of 2009, and RFID cards are used for payment.
The Bucharest metro does not offer air conditioning, nor does it allow passengers to walk between platforms. It does not have driverless trains or screen doors on the platforms. All operations are managed by Metrorex.
For more information, please visit the Bucharest Metro Official Website or call +40 21 319 3601.
Bucharest Metro Map
Map of Algiers Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it.
Lines and stations
The Bucharest metro consists of 4 commercial lines, including one under construction and another in the planning stage. The total length of the network is 71.5 kilometres (44.42 miles). The metro system connects various areas of the city and carries over 470,000 passengers daily.
Residents of the main neighbourhoods of the Romanian capital have access to metro stations that connect to the city centre, making the metro system an essential part of Bucharest’s transport infrastructure.
Line 1
Line 1 is the oldest line in the Bucharest metro system, dating back to 1979. Its length is 31 kilometres (19.3 miles), divided into 22 stations. The stations are located in the Dristor and Pantelimon neighbourhoods in the city centre and in the eastern part of the city.
Recognisable by its yellow colour 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 is 18.7 kilometres (11.6 miles) long. It connects the Pipera district with the IMGB industrial zone, passing through several neighbourhoods along the way. Built in 1986 to connect the northern and southern parts of the city, Line 2 also serves central Bucharest.
Due to the neighbourhoods it serves, this line has the highest annual passenger traffic. It’s marked on the system maps with a dark blue colour and the designation M2.
Line 3
Built in two phases – the first ending in 1983 and the second ending in 2008 – Bucharest Metro’s third line is 22.2 kilometres (13.8 miles) long and connects the city from east to west between the Glina and Militari districts.
It’s marked on system maps by the colour red and the designation M3. It serves over 24 million passengers a year.
Line 4
Bucharest’s fourth metro line is the smallest in the system, covering only 7.64 kilometres (4.75 miles) and including 8 stations. As the newest line, built in 2000, it doesn’t see as much traffic as the other lines. Line 4 carries just over 6 million passengers a year. It connects the neighbourhoods of Sector 1 with the north-western part of the city and the city centre.
It’s easy to spot on system maps because it’s green and marked M4.
Line 5
Due to open in 2018, this line will have 22 stations and stretch over 16.2 kilometres (10.1 miles). It can be identified on station maps by the colour orange and the designation M5. It will serve the residents of Drumul Taberei and 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
Bucharest’s metro connects to various transport systems, including trains, trams and buses, making it easy to get around the city.
For example, Gara de Nord, the city’s main railway station, is connected to metro lines 1 and 4, allowing seamless travel to other parts of Romania or even neighbouring countries.
In addition, many metro stations are close to bus and tram stops, making transfers between different modes of transport 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
Although the Bucharest Metro doesn’t have a direct connection to Henri Coandă International Airport, passengers can take the 783 Express bus, which runs from the city centre 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 traveller needs. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines or from ticket offices located throughout the stations. Here are some options:
- One-way ticket: For a single trip, a ticket costs 2.5 lei (0.62 USD).
- 2 trips: For two trips, a ticket costs 5.00 Lei (1.25 USD).
- 10 trips: For ten trips, a ticket costs 20.00 Lei (5.00 USD).
- Daily Pass: For unlimited rides within one day, a pass costs 8.00 Lei (2.00 USD). The pass can be used every 15 minutes after each trip.
- Weekly Pass: For unlimited travel within 7 consecutive days, a pass costs 25.00 Lei (6.25 USD).
- Monthly Pass: For unlimited travel within 30 days, a pass costs 70.00 Lei (USD 17.49).
- Monthly Pass (Students): For students, unlimited travel within one month costs 35.00 Lei (8.75 USD).
- Annual Pass: For unlimited travel within one year, the 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 is 5.00 Lei (1.25 USD) for 3 people, 6.50 Lei (1.62 USD) for 4 people and 8.00 Lei (2.00 USD) for 5 people.
Accessibility
The Bucharest metro system is committed to ensuring accessibility for all passengers, including those with mobility problems or disabilities. Many of the system’s stations have been equipped with facilities such as lifts and ramps to help these passengers access the metro.
Signage on the Underground is also designed to be easy to understand, with clear icons and large text. In addition, announcements on trains and at 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 Bucharest’s metro system to better serve the city’s growing population and changing needs. The forthcoming Line 5, due to open soon, will connect the Drumul Taberei and Cotroceni neighbourhoods, adding 22 stations and 16.2 kilometres (10.1 miles) to the system.
There are also plans for Line 6, which will connect the city centre directly to Henri Coandă International Airport. Once completed, this line will greatly improve the city’s connectivity and facilitate travel for residents and visitors alike.
Safety and security
The Bucharest Metro places a high priority on the safety of its passengers. Stations and trains are monitored by security cameras and regularly patrolled by security staff. Emergency buttons are also installed on trains and platforms to enable passengers to contact staff in the event of an emergency.
In the event of an emergency, passengers are advised to remain calm and follow the instructions of Metro staff. Unauthorised access to the tracks is strictly prohibited and may result in heavy fines.
Tips
Here are some additional tips for using the Bucharest Metro:
- Remember to keep your ticket handy until the end of your journey, as you may be asked to show it for inspection.
- Be aware of the metro’s operating hours to avoid any inconvenience.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially during rush hours and in crowded areas.
- If you’re planning to use the metro frequently during your stay in Bucharest, consider buying a weekly or monthly ticket for convenience and savings.
- Make sure you give way to exiting passengers before boarding.
- Keep an eye on the metro map and listen to station announcements to make sure you don’t miss your stop.
