Night transport in Bucharest: how safe is it really?

By Bucharest Team

Articles

At night, Bucharest looks different. Main roads stay busy until late, but side streets empty quickly. For those without a car or who don’t want to rely on ride-sharing apps, public night buses are often the only accessible option. The question that keeps coming back is: how safe are they, really?

How night transport works

STB (Bucharest Transport Company) currently operates more than 20 night bus lines, divided into two categories:

N1–N10 – following the routes of the metro lines, connecting major areas of the city.
N101–N122 – linking Piața Unirii to the city’s large neighborhoods such as Berceni, Militari, Colentina, Titan, or Pipera.

All buses start from Piața Unirii and run every 30 minutes between 11 PM and 5 AM. The fare is the same as during the day: 3 lei, paid by card directly on board.

What passengers say

The experience varies from line to line. On central routes like N1 or N2, buses are still relatively busy even after midnight. In more distant neighborhoods such as Colentina or Berceni, rides can feel almost deserted. For some, that means peace and quiet; for others, unease.

“Most of the time it’s fine, but I avoid traveling alone after 2 AM towards the outskirts,” says Andreea, 27, a frequent passenger on line N117. Other riders mention that surveillance cameras and the fact that drivers don’t stop between stations make them feel safer.

Real risks vs. perceptions

The Bucharest Police rarely report incidents on night buses. The most common situations involve arguments between passengers or people under the influence of alcohol. Serious crimes are rare.

The bigger problem is often the way to the bus stop: many stations are poorly lit or run-down, and the emptiness of the streets amplifies the feeling of insecurity.

Alternatives and comparisons

Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt, FreeNow) are the main competitors, but the price difference is significant: a trip that costs 3 lei by bus can be 25–40 lei with an app.

In other European capitals such as Berlin or Vienna, the night network also includes the metro, which makes travel more predictable. Bucharest still relies solely on buses.

Conclusion: how safe is it really?

Statistically, night transport in Bucharest is safe. But the perceived safety depends on the context: the hour, the area, and whether you’re traveling alone or not. For some, the N1–N122 lines are a cheap and functional way to get home. For others, they remain a last-resort option, used only when necessary.