How to Buy Public Transport Tickets in Romania (and What to Do During a Ticket Inspection)
Since I live in Bucharest, this guide refers primarily to the public transport system managed by Societatea de Transport București (STB S.A.).
However, at the end of this article, you will find a table listing the main public transport companies in Romania’s largest cities.
Conditions, tariffs, and procedures may vary slightly from one city to another. Always check the official website of the transport operator in your city, and contact them directly if you have doubts.
This guide is especially useful for expats and foreign residents who may not be familiar with how the system works — and who often feel uncomfortable during ticket inspections.
How to Buy Public Transport Tickets in Bucharest
In Bucharest, you can buy tickets or subscriptions in several ways:
- STB Active Transport Card (Card de Transport Activ)
- SMS
- 24Pay mobile app
- Bilet TB mobile app
- Contactless credit/debit card directly in the vehicle
- Dual BRD-STB card
- SelfPay and PayPoint payment stations
Let’s analyze each method clearly.
1️⃣ STB Active Transport Card
The STB Active Transport Card is a rechargeable card used for public transport in Bucharest.
You can purchase it at STB kiosks labeled:
“Centru de Emitere și Încărcare a Cardurilor”
The card:
- Stores subscriptions (monthly, weekly, etc.)
- Can be recharged at kiosks or vending machines
- Links your subscription to your CNP (Personal Numeric Code)
- Can be verified electronically during checks
Controllers scan the card or verify it through your CNP.
Best for: residents who regularly use public transport.
2️⃣ Buying a Ticket by SMS
You can purchase a ticket by sending an SMS to 7458.
Example:
- Send “1C” for a 90-minute ticket.
The cost is added to your phone bill.
During inspection:
- The controller verifies your ticket using your phone number.
Important:
Keep the confirmation SMS. Without it, you have no proof.
Best for: occasional travelers without a transport card.
3️⃣ 24Pay App
24Pay allows you to buy STB tickets directly from your smartphone.
How it works:
- Register with your phone number
- Add a bank card
- Buy a digital ticket
- Store it inside the app
During inspection:
- Show the valid ticket in the app
Advantages:
- No physical card needed
- Immediate activation
Risk:
If your phone battery dies, you cannot prove payment.
4️⃣ Bilet TB App
Bilet TB is the official STB ticketing application.
It allows you to:
- Buy tickets and subscriptions
- Pay securely by card
- Display a QR code
During inspection:
- Controllers scan your QR code
This is currently one of the most reliable digital methods.
5️⃣ Paying with a Contactless Credit Card
You can buy a 90-minute ticket by:
- Boarding the bus, tram, or trolley
- Tapping your contactless card on the validator
The validator automatically issues the ticket.
During inspection:
- You may be asked to tap your card again
- Verification is done using the last four digits
Important:
This is not a stored ticket — it is linked to your card transaction.
6️⃣ The Dual BRD-STB Card
BRD Groupe Société Générale offers a dual-function bank card integrated with STB.
This card works as:
- A normal debit card
- A transport subscription card
You must:
- Open a BRD account
- Request the dual card
- Load subscriptions via STB
Verification is done through your CNP.
7️⃣ SelfPay and PayPoint Stations
SelfPay and PayPoint stations allow you to:
- Select STB
- Enter your CNP
- Choose subscription
- Pay by cash or card
Your subscription is stored electronically.
Controllers verify it using your CNP.
What Happens During a Ticket Inspection?
Sooner or later, you will experience a ticket check.
Ticket inspections are performed by employees of the transport company or contracted private firms.
Controllers are not police officers.
They:
- Can check tickets
- Can request your ID
- Can issue a surcharge or formal fine
- Can call the police if you refuse identification
They cannot:
- Search your belongings
- Physically detain you
- Force you off the vehicle (without police involvement)
- Force immediate payment
If You Are Caught Without a Valid Ticket
In Bucharest:
You usually have two options:
➤ Pay the surcharge (“suprataxă”)
- Around 80 Lei
- Paid on the spot
- Receipt must be issued
➤ Receive a formal fine
- Around 300 Lei
- Sent to your address
- Can be legally challenged
The surcharge is not technically a fine — it’s a way to regularize the ride immediately.
Once paid, you are legally traveling and should not be forced off.
Common Scenarios Explained
1️⃣ You Have a Valid Ticket
Inspection ends quickly.
If paid by card:
Don’t be afraid to tap it again.
2️⃣ The Controller Claims Your Valid Ticket Is Not Valid
It happens.
Especially with expats unfamiliar with procedures.
If this occurs:
- Stay calm
- Firmly state you have paid
- Refuse to pay cash without receipt
- Refuse to leave the vehicle without police
- Start recording the interaction
- Ask for the controller’s name
Controllers sometimes try to isolate passengers.
Never accept discussions away from witnesses.
3️⃣ You Forgot Your STB Card
If your subscription is linked to your CNP:
Provide your CNP.
Controllers can verify it electronically.
4️⃣ You Paid via App but Your Phone Is Dead
This is complicated.
Legally, you must prove payment.
Options:
- Pay surcharge
- Ask for formal fine and later challenge it
Do not accept intimidation.
5️⃣ You Have No Ticket
The safest option:
Pay the 80 Lei surcharge and continue your journey.
Avoid escalation.
Can Controllers Force You Off the Vehicle?
Legally: No.
Only police or Jandarmeria have authority to detain or compel.
Controllers may request you step off to finalize paperwork — but cannot physically force you.
If you cooperate and provide ID, you may remain on board.
A Personal Story (Bucharest, 2005)
Life has highs and lows.
The first and only time I got caught without a ticket happened during one of my lowest moments.
I needed to travel from Bucur Obor to Barbu Văcărescu. I had a half-used ticket — but no money to buy another.
So I chose to risk one ride.
Two inspectors caught me.
They asked if people in Italy also travel without paying.
I had three options:
- Pay and skip dinner
- Request a fine sent to Italy and ignore it
- Change the tone of the conversation
I chose the third.
I replied:
“Yes, in Italy we pay for tickets — but our trams don’t smell like pigsties.”
They laughed.
The tension dissolved.
We talked about football.
They left.
A Brief Reflection on Context
Romania in 2005 was still transitioning — socially and institutionally.
Public workers were often strict on the surface, but human underneath.
This does not justify abuse.
But it reminds us that interaction style matters.
Sometimes firmness works.
Sometimes calm humor works better.
Important Advice for Expats
Foreign residents — especially from non-EU countries — are often more intimidated during inspections.
Remember:
- Your residence permit grants you equal rights.
- You are not inferior.
- Controllers are not immigration officers.
- Calm confidence changes dynamics.
Public Transport Companies in Major Romanian Cities
| City | Company | Website | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucharest | Societatea de Transport București | stb.ro | +40 21 9391 |
| Cluj-Napoca | Compania de Transport Public Cluj-Napoca | ctpcj.ro | +40 264 430 917 |
| Timișoara | Societatea de Transport Public Timișoara | stpt.ro | +40 356 803 720 |
| Iași | Compania de Transport Public Iași | sctpiasi.ro | 0800 110 427 |
| Constanța | CT BUS S.A. | ctbus.ro | +40 241 694 960 |
| Craiova | RAT Craiova | rat-craiova.ro | +40 251 506076 |
| Brașov | RATBV S.A. | ratbv.ro | +40 268 334 678 |
| Galați | Transurb S.A. Galați | transurbgalati.ro | +40 721 111 602 |
| Ploiești | TCE Ploiești | tceploiesti.ro | +40 244 541 254 |
| Oradea | OTL Oradea | otlra.ro | +40 728 556 612 |
Final Thoughts
Public transport in Romania is affordable and generally efficient.
Ticket inspections are routine — not personal.
If you:
- Pay properly
- Keep proof
- Stay calm
- Know your rights
you will have no problems.
And if you ever experience misconduct, report it.
Romania is evolving — and so is its public accountability.
If you had a personal experience with ticket controllers in Romania, share it in the comments. Your story may help others understand what to expect.