Bucharest remains one of the more affordable European capitals, but 2026 brings a clear reality: prices have noticeably increased across most sectors. On average, costs are over 10% higher than last year, and this directly impacts a tourist’s daily budget.

Even so, Romania’s capital still offers options for all types of travelers, from budget to premium. Below is a realistic, updated guide based on official tariffs and current market prices.

Transport in Bucharest: updated costs for 2026

Transport remains one of the city’s strengths—relatively affordable and well connected. However, starting May 2026, metro fares have increased.

A single metro ride now costs 7 RON, and for tourists, the most efficient option is to use integrated tickets or passes.

Updated STB fares:

•  24-hour pass: 8 RON
•  72-hour pass: 20 RON
•  7-day pass: 30 RON
•  Single ride (90 minutes): 3 RON
•  2 rides: 6 RON
•  10 rides: 25 RON

Integrated STB + metro tickets:

•  1 trip (120 minutes): 7 RON
•  2 trips: 14 RON
•  10 trips: 59 RON

Ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt) are widely available, with an average trip costing between 10 and 50 RON, depending on distance and traffic.

Estimated daily transport budget:

• Low budget: 10–20 RON 
• Mid-range: 20–60 RON 
• Comfort: 60–150 RON 

Food: how much you spend in a day

The HoReCa sector has seen noticeable price increases, which are reflected in menus. Still, there are options for every budget.

Breakfast in a café costs between 15 and 35 RON.
Lunch (daily menu) ranges from 30 to 60 RON.
Dinner:

•  casual restaurant: 60–100 RON
•  more upscale restaurant: 120–250 RON

Daily estimate:

• Low budget: 60–100 RON 
• Mid-range: 120–200 RON 
• Premium: 250–450+ RON 

Attractions and activities: real prices in 2026

Visiting tourist attractions has become slightly more expensive, but still affordable compared to other European capitals.

Updated ticket examples:

• Palace of Parliament:
  •  Adults: 85 RON
  •  Students: 55 RON
  •  Children: 40 RON
• Village Museum: 40 RON
• National Museum of Art of Romania: 32 to 120 RON (depending on the full tour) 

Parks and city walks remain free, helping balance the budget.

Estimated daily cost:

• Low budget: 0–40 RON 
• Mid-range: 40–120 RON 
• Premium: 120–250+ RON 

Extra expenses: small costs that add up

Beyond main expenses, tourists often spend on small extras:

•  Coffee: 12–20 RON 
•  Dessert / ice cream: 10–25 RON 
•  Cocktail: 30–60 RON 
•  Souvenirs: 20–100 RON 

Estimated:

• Low budget: 20–40 RON 
• Mid-range: 50–120 RON 
• Premium: 120–250+ RON 

Total daily budget in Bucharest in 2026

After updating all categories, the realistic daily cost looks like this:

• Low budget: 120 – 180 RON / day 
• Mid-range: 230 – 400 RON / day 
• Premium: 450 – 900+ RON / day 

These estimates do not include accommodation, which can range from 150 RON/night for budget options to over 800 RON/night for luxury hotels.

Useful tips for tourists

To better manage your budget, it’s recommended to use integrated STB + metro tickets, which offer the best value for mobility. Daily lunch menus are a cost-effective option, and many paid attractions can be balanced with free activities like city walks.

Card payments are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry some cash for small purchases. For official information (weather, transport), public sources such as the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) and transport operators are reliable references.

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Despite recent price increases, Bucharest remains an affordable destination in Europe, and with proper planning, a day in the city can offer a complete and well-balanced experience.