Taxi in Romania: Prices, Safety, Taxi, Uber and Bolt

You've landed in Romania, and you already feel your nerves starting to fray as you enter the arrivals hall. Touts, "cheap taxis," confusing fares, and not-always-honest drivers can all spoil the first impression of your trip. So how can you navigate Romanian cities without stress, overpaying, and risking your life?

My practical guide isn't just a collection of dry facts, but your personal survival manual—with tips on how to tell a fair fare from a trap and why Uber and Bolt are your best friends in Bucharest (and beyond). Ready for a safe and affordable ride?

1. Your first trip to Romania, or what you need to know about taxis

2. What does a Romanian taxi look like?

3. Pricing and billing – how much should a taxi ride in Romania really cost?

4. Beware of scammers in Romanian taxis! The most common traps and my proven ways to avoid them.

5. From the airport to the city center and beyond – sample prices on the most popular routes

6. Do Uber and Bolt operate in Romania?

7. How to Order a Cheap Taxi in Romania? A Step-by-Step Guide

8. Finally – your cheat sheet, or the golden rules of traveling by taxi in Romania

Your first trip to Romania, or what you need to know about taxis

I remember it like it was yesterday: my first landing at Otopeni Airport in Bucharest. My head was filled with euphoria, but my legs felt a bit unsteady. What on earth was the fastest way to get to the hotel?

In the arrivals hall, I was almost immediately surrounded by a ring of men soliciting me, each offering a "cheap taxi."

But something about it all felt jarring. That feeling of disorientation and the silent question in the back of my mind—"Are you going to be scammed?"—is, unfortunately, something many tourists experience when they first arrive in Romania.

And that's precisely why this guide was created. It's not just another collection of dry facts, but your personal, practical travel companion, which will take you by the hand through the sometimes winding road of Romanian taxis.

After reading it, I want you to feel confident and know exactly how to get around this wonderful country – cheaply, safely, and, most importantly, without an ounce of stress.

I'll tell you how to recognize a fair fare, how to avoid classic tricks, and why apps like Uber and Bolt are a true revolution that every traveler needs to know about before packing their bags. Let's get started!

Is Romania Safe? Truths and Myths About Traveling

Let's start with the fundamental question that's probably on your mind: is Romania safe? The answer is yes, Romania is generally a safe country for tourists .

Of course, as in every corner of the world, it is worth exercising common sense – watch your wallet in crowded places and avoid certain districts in large cities after dark, such as the infamous Ferentari in Bucharest.

However, the real challenge for travelers is rarely serious crime. The biggest source of frustration and unnecessary expense is petty fraud, and unfortunately, taxis top the list.

This isn't an isolated problem, but a phenomenon so widespread that you'll find warnings about it in almost every guidebook. Knowing that some drivers view tourists as walking ATMs is crucial to understanding why this guide is so damn important.

That's why I want you to remember one golden rule right now, which will be present throughout this text: always use licensed and verified services .

Regardless of whether you choose a traditional taxi or a modern app, sticking to this rule is your best insurance policy for a peaceful and successful trip.

What does a Romanian taxi look like?

Getting into a random taxi in Romania can be like playing Russian roulette. But don't worry – after reading this, you'll know exactly what to look for to always win.

How to recognize an official, honest taxi?

A licensed taxi in Romania, especially in Bucharest, has a few distinctive features that you need to learn to recognize like a detective. This is your first line of defense against scammers.

• Color: Almost all official taxis in Bucharest are yellow . This is the basic and easiest to spot sign.

• Vehicle markings: The company logo, name, and phone number must be displayed on the front door . Crucially, the price list , i.e., the rate per kilometer (e.g., Tarif: 2.29 lei/km ), must also be printed on the vehicle .

• Inside the vehicle: Inside, in a visible place, you should find a driver's license with the driver's photo and information. A working taximeter is also essential . If it's missing, or the driver insists with a straight face that it's broken, a giant red flag should go off in your head.

What to avoid at all costs? Steer clear of unmarked cars with makeshift "TAXI" signs on the roof, as well as the touts who prey on tourists like vultures at airports and train stations, offering rides outside the system.

Pricing and billing – how much should a taxi ride in Romania really cost?

What about prices? Although they are regulated by local authorities, there is no single, universal rate. Each corporation has the right to set its own tariffs, provided they fall within the officially approved ranges.

The fare consists of three elements: the initial fee ("on arrival"), the rate per kilometer traveled, and the fee for the time spent waiting or driving slowly in a traffic jam.

Fair rates in Bucharest typically range from around 2.29 RON to 3.50 RON per kilometer . Anything significantly over 3.50 RON/km should immediately raise your eyebrows.

And what about the night rate? Although older sources claim there isn't one, most companies now apply a single rate 24/7. Still, a quick glance at the price list on the door is always a good idea to avoid surprises.

Approximate price list of licensed taxis in Bucharest (2025)

To make things easier for you, I've prepared a little cheat sheet of typical, fair rates. Use it as your reference point.

Fee component	Approximate cost (RON)	Comments
Base Fare	2.50 - 3.00 RON	One-time fee at the beginning of the course.
Price per km	2.29 - 3.50 RON	This is the key rate. Compare it to the price on the door.
Parking fee (per hour)	26.90 - 30.00 RON	Charged when the taxi is stuck in a traffic jam or at your request.

Remember : Prices must always be displayed on the vehicle doors. Compare them to the table before opening the door.

Beware of scammers in Romanian taxis! The most common traps and my proven ways to avoid them.

Unfortunately, dishonest taxi drivers in Romania have mastered several tricks designed to rip off tourists. Knowing these methods is your best weapon.

1. "Broken meter scam": The most common scam of all time. The driver claims his taximeter is broken and offers a fixed price that is, of course, many times overpriced.

   1. How to defend yourself? Your mantra should be: "Please turn on the taximeter ." Always, without exception. If the driver turns up his nose or refuses, smile, say thank you, and get out without a word. No arguments, no need to waste your nerves.

2. The scenic route: The driver deliberately takes a longer, roundabout route to rack up as many kilometers as possible.

   1. How to defend yourself? Turn on your phone's GPS navigation (e.g., Google Maps) and place it in a visible location. This sends a subtle but very clear signal: "I know where we're going."

3. "Magic tariff" (Wrong tariff scam): While driving in the city, the driver switches the taximeter to a higher tariff, for example a suburban one.

   1. How to defend yourself? Check the price list on the door. If the taximeter seems suspiciously high, ask about it. Simply writing down the taxi license number often cools down a scammer's enthusiasm.

4. Change-making scam: You pay with a 50 RON note and the driver quickly changes it to a 10 RON note, insisting you didn't give him enough.

   1. How to protect yourself? Always try to carry change. If you must pay with a larger bill, say its value loudly and clearly when handing it over, for example, "Fifty Lei." Count the change you receive carefully.

5. Airport scam: Touts in the arrivals hall offer absurd fares, preying on your fatigue and disorientation.

   1. How to defend yourself? Never, ever accept their offers. Always head to official taxi hailers or designated taxi ranks.

      
      

From the airport to the city center and beyond – sample prices on the most popular routes

Knowing how much a ride should cost on key routes is a powerful tool. It allows you to quickly assess whether a driver's offer is fair.

Key route: Otopeni Airport (OTP) – Bucharest City Centre

This is the most common route taken by tourists, and at the same time a minefield where it is easiest to get scammed.

A fair, market price for a taxi ride from Otopeni Airport to the center of Bucharest (e.g., near Unirii Square) should be between 50 and 80 RON (approximately 43-69 PLN) . This is confirmed by numerous reliable sources.

By contrast, unsuspecting tourists who fall for touts often pay as much as €30 (about 150 RON) or more for the same fare. As you can see, the difference is colossal.

How to Order a Taxi at Otopeni Airport? Step-by-Step Instructions

Fortunately, airport authorities have implemented a system to protect passengers. It's simple and effective, provided you use it.

1. Once you've collected your luggage and exited the arrivals hall, ignore all the touts . Seriously.

2. Look for the distinctive yellow touchscreen taxi machines. They are located in the public area of the terminal.

3. On the screen, select one of the available companies (each has a clearly displayed rate per kilometer).

4. The machine will print a ticket with your taxi's identification number (plate or side number) and estimated waiting time.

5. With your ticket in hand, go outside and wait patiently at the designated stop for the car with the number on your ticket to arrive.

This simple process ensures you're getting into a legitimate taxi and paying the official, pre-determined fare. No more worries!

Estimated travel costs on popular routes in Bucharest

The table below will help you get an idea of the costs of the most popular journeys within the capital.

Route	Estimated cost (RON)	Estimated time (depending on traffic)
Otopeni Airport (OTP) → Unirii Square (Center)	50 - 80 RON	30-50 min
Gara de Nord → Old Town (Centrul Vechi)	15 - 25 RON	10-20 min
Palace of the Parliament → Romanian Athenaeum	12 - 20 RON	10-15 min
Center (Unirii Square) → Therme București	60 - 90 RON	30-45 min

Do Uber and Bolt operate in Romania?

If after reading the previous paragraphs you feel a little anxious about facing traditional taxis, I have fantastic news for you.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are incredibly popular in Romania. They're a true lifesaver for tourists and, dare I say it, definitely the best option for urban transportation .

Stress Relief – Why Are Apps Changing the Game?

The success of ride-sharing apps in Romania is no accident. It's a direct market response to problems that have been grappling with both residents and tourists for years. These apps solve almost all the problems faced by traditional taxis.

• Full price transparency: This is the biggest advantage. You enter your destination and immediately see the estimated or fixed price on the screen. There's no room for negotiation, "broken taxi meters," or unpleasant surprises at the end.

• Security and control: You can see the car's make, license plate number, driver's name and photo, and their ratings before the car arrives. Every trip is tracked by GPS, and you can share your route live with your loved ones.

• Convenience and payment: Book your course in just a few clicks, without calling or breaking language barriers. Payment is made automatically from your linked card – no need to worry about cash or change (although cash payment is also available).

• Higher standard: Cars ordered through apps are usually newer, cleaner, and almost always have working air conditioning, which is a godsend in the hot Romanian summer.

Uber or Bolt? Comparison and My Recommendations

Okay, but which app should you choose? They both work very similarly, and both are highly recommended. My advice? Download both apps before your trip!

Bolt often has a slightly wider reach in smaller cities and can be slightly cheaper, but prices are dynamic. The best strategy is to quickly check the price for the same route in both apps and choose the best deal at that moment. Differences can be as much as 10-15 RON in a single trip!

Bolt also has several unique features that you might find useful:

• Pet: Option to request a ride if you are traveling with a small pet.

• Woman for Woman: A function dedicated to women who feel safer when a woman is also behind the wheel.

• Delivery: Possibility to send a small parcel within the city.

Oh, and one more thing – in Romania, it's considered good manners to leave the driver a 10-15% tip. You can do so conveniently through the app after your ride.

Accessibility map: where in Romania can you use the app?

Planning a trip across Romania? Fantastic! The table below shows you which major cities offer the convenience and security of apps.

Availability of Uber and Bolt applications in major Romanian cities

City	Uber	Bolt
Bucharest (București)	Yes	Yes
Cluj-Napoca	Yes	Yes
Timișoara	Yes	Yes
Iași	Yes	Yes
Constanța	Yes	Yes
Brașov	Yes	Yes
Sibiu	Yes	Yes
Oradea	Yes	Yes
Craiova	Yes	Yes
Pitești	Yes	Yes
Ploiești	Yes	Yes
Galați	Yes	Yes

The information is based on data from 2025. Availability in smaller towns is constantly expanding.

How to Order a Cheap Taxi in Romania? A Step-by-Step Guide

You know almost everything now. Now it's time for a simple user guide that will make ordering transport a breeze.

Ordering via apps (Uber, Bolt, and local alternatives)

This is by far the easiest and safest method and I recommend it as your absolute first choice.

1. Download and set up: Download the Uber and Bolt apps to your phone from home . Register and add a payment card.

2. Enter your destination: Open the app, which will automatically locate you via GPS. In the "Where are we going?" field, enter the exact address or name of the place you want to go.

3. Compare and choose: Check the price on both apps. Choose the one that offers the better rate or shorter wait time.

4. Confirm and wait: Confirm your order. On the screen, you'll see the driver's photo, name, rating, and car make and license plate number.

5. Verify before entering: When a car pulls up, always check that the license plate matches the one in the app . This is crucial to your safety.

In addition to the global giants, there are also local apps like Smarty , Star Taxi , and GoCab . These can be useful because they sometimes offer greater availability of cars in certain areas.

Ordering a traditional taxi (phone and taxi rank)

This is an emergency option, good when you are in a place without internet access or when applications are malfunctioning for some reason.

• How to do it safely? If you must use a traditional taxi, never hail one from the street . It's safest to call a reputable taxi company or go to an official, marked taxi rank (e.g., at a hotel).

• List of numbers: Below you'll find the numbers of several reliable companies in Bucharest. Keep in mind that the dispatcher won't always speak English, so it's a good idea to have the address written down.

  • Speed Taxi: +40 21 9477

  • Meridian Taxi: +40 21 9444

  • Cristaxi: +40 21 9466

Finally – your cheat sheet, or the golden rules of traveling by taxi in Romania

Traveling through Romania is an incredible adventure, and transportation shouldn't be a stressful part of it. I hope this guide has given you the confidence and tools to navigate this country wisely and without stress. Let's break it all down into a few simple, hard-and-fast rules.

1. Prioritize apps: Always check Uber and Bolt first . Compare prices. They're the safest, most convenient, and most transparent options.

2. At the airport, use the taxi machines: When landing in Bucharest, go straight to the yellow taxi machines. Never be tempted by touts.

3. If you must take a taxi "out of town": Only take one from an official taxi rank. Before getting in, check the fare on the door, make sure there's a taximeter, and insist on using it.

4. Keep your eyes peeled: Turn on your phone's GPS to keep an eye on your route. Pay in small change to avoid hassles with change.

5. Be confident: If you have any concerns—whether about the condition of the car or the driver's behavior—simply say thank you and get out. Your peace of mind is paramount.

Romania is a country full of incredible landscapes, fascinating history, and hospitable people. Don't let a few tricksters spoil your travel experience. With the knowledge you now have at your fingertips, you're fully prepared to discover its charms without unnecessary stress. Have a safe journey and make fantastic memories!