TRANSPORTATION IN ROMANIA

Romania

 Itinerary and transports

Taxi

Taxis are cheap, reliable and a useful supplement to the public-transport systems. Drivers are required by law to post their rates on their doors or windscreens. The going rate varies from city to city but ranges from 1.69 to 1.99 lei per kilometre. Any driver posting a higher fare is likely looking to rip off unsuspecting passengers.

While it's usually OK to use a taxi parked at a taxi rank (provided the taxi is not one of those lined up at Bucharest's airport or main train station) or to hail one from the street, it's much better and safer to order taxis by phone from reputable companies or to ask a hotel or restaurant to call one for you. In Bucharest, try Cobalcescu, CrisTaxi or Meridian.

App-based ride-sharing services such as Uber (www.uber.com) and Taxify (www.taxify.eu) operate in a handful of large cities, including Bucharest, though the situation is fluid. Rates are comparable to or slightly cheaper than regular, licensed taxis.

Bus, Tram, Maxitaxi & Trolleybus

Romanian cities generally have good public-transport systems comprised of buses, trams, trolleybuses and, in some cases, maxitaxis. Bucharest is the only Romanian city with an underground metro. The method for accessing the systems is broadly similar. Purchase bus or tram tickets at newsagents or street kiosks marked bilete or casă de bilete before boarding, and validate the ticket once onboard. For maxitaxis, you usually buy a ticket directly from the driver. Tickets generally cost from 1 to 3 lei per ride.