Bucharest boasts one of Europe’s most extensive tram networks, integral to its public transportation system. Operated by Societatea de Transport București (STB), the network encompasses 23 tram and light rail lines, covering approximately 143.9 km of track and serving around 1.18 million daily passengers as of 2019.
Network Overview
- Operator: STB (formerly RATB)
- Lines: 23 tram and light rail routes
- Network Length: Approximately 143.9 km
- Gauge: Standard gauge (1,435 mm)
- Service Hours: Typically from around 04:30 to 22:50, with night buses operating thereafter.
⏰ Schedule & Frequency
Tram services typically operate daily from around 05:00 to 23:00. Frequencies vary by line and time of day:
- Weekdays: Every 10–20 minutes during peak hours.
- Weekends: Every 15–25 minutes, depending on the line.
For example, Line 24 runs from 05:00 to 23:11 on weekdays with intervals of 15–19 minutes, and from 05:35 to 23:15 on weekends with intervals of 20–23 minutes.
🗺️ Tram Lines
The STB operates 25 tram lines across Bucharest. Some of the key lines include:
- Line 1: Romprim ↔ Bd. Banu Manta
- Line 7: CFR Progresul ↔ Piața Unirii
- Line 10: Romprim ↔ Bd. Banu Manta
- Line 11: Zețarilor ↔ Cartier 16 Februarie
- Line 21: Pasaj Colentina ↔ Piața Sfântul Gheorghe
- Line 25: CFR Progresul ↔ Depoul Militari
- Line 32: Depoul Alexandria ↔ Piața Unirii
- Line 41: Piața Presei ↔ Ghencea
Please note that some lines may be temporarily suspended or rerouted due to maintenance or infrastructure projects. For the most up-to-date information, consult the official STB schedule: TPBI.
Rolling Stock
The fleet comprises various tram models, including:
- V3A Series: High-floor trams, some modernized to V3A-CH-PPC and V3A-CA-PPC variants with partial low floors and improved features.
- Bucur LF: Low-floor trams produced by STB’s URAC division, offering better accessibility.
- Astra Imperio Metropolitan: Modern low-floor trams introduced in December 2022, enhancing comfort and accessibility.
Accessibility and Modernization
Efforts have been made to modernize the tram infrastructure and rolling stock:
- Accessibility: Lines 1, 7, 10, 11, 21, 25, 32, and 41 are equipped with wheelchair-accessible trams.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Projects like the facelift of tram line 40 aim to optimize traffic flow and prepare the infrastructure for state-of-the-art trams.
Light Rail Lines
Certain tram lines operate with characteristics similar to light rail, offering faster and more efficient service:
- Line 41: The first to be upgraded, running through the western part of the city with modern trams on dedicated corridors.
- Lines 32 and 21: Considered light rail due to their low waiting times, superior speed, and segregated pathways.
💳 Fares & Ticket Options
Bucharest offers a range of fare options for trams and other public transport modes:
Standard Tickets
- Single trip (90 minutes): 3 RON
- 10-trip card: 25 RON
- Day pass: 8 RON
- 3-day pass: 20 RON
- 7-day pass: 30 RON
- Monthly pass: 80 RON
These tickets are valid for buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
Integrated Metro & Surface Transport Passes
For combined travel on trams, buses, trolleybuses, and the metro:
- 24-hour pass: 14 RON
- 72-hour pass: 35 RON
- 7-day pass: 50 RON
- Monthly pass: 140 RON
- 6-month pass: 700 RON
- Annual pass: 1,200 RON
These passes allow unlimited transfers within the validity period.
Tourist Travel Cards
Tourists can opt for special cards offering unlimited travel on trams, buses, trolleybuses, and the metro:
- 24-hour card: 20 RON
- 72-hour card: 40 RON
These cards can be purchased at ticket offices operated by STB, Metrorex, and other transport carriers.
Payment Methods
- Contactless Payment: Travel fares can be paid using contactless banking cards directly on the trams.
- Mobile Apps: STB offers mobile applications like InfoSTB and BPay for real-time tracking and digital ticket purchases.
- Reloadable Cards: ‘Activ’ or ‘Multiple’ magnetic cards can be purchased and recharged at STB kiosks.
🗺️ Bucharest Tram Map
