Uber and Bolt in Bucharest

Getting around Bucharest with Uber and Bolt

Bucharest is a very big city and navigating its streets can be both an exciting and challenging adventure.

While Bucharest has a complex public transport system with many options, if you ask a local or a tourist who has visited, how to get around from place to place they will all tell you that shared transportation is the most recommended way.

Why, you ask? Well let's just say that Bucharest's public transport system it can sometimes feel a little… worn around the edges.

Most of the trams and buses are old and not air-conditioned, the metro is also old and crowded most of the day, the buses have long waiting times.

Let's not mention the famous taxis. Why skip the taxis?

Bucharest's taxi scene can be a bit of a gamble. While you might find a friendly driver with a clean cab, there have been reports of tourists getting scammed with unfair fares, rude behaviour from drivers, old and dirty vehicles. It can add unnecessary stress to your trip.

Locals and tourists alike tend to avoid taxis in Bucharest due to these concerns.

This is where Bucharest's ride-sharing apps, Uber and Bolt, come to the rescue! Both are hugely popular with locals and tourists, offering a convenient, reliable, and often more comfortable way to get around.

This option allows you to avoid the sometimes-sardine-can feeling of public transport, you can ride in style and comfort, especially during Bucharest's hot summers, with air conditioning a standard feature, avoid being scammed by taxi drivers and even say goodbye to cash.

How to use ride-sharing Bolt and Uber apps in Bucharest:

Download the app: both Uber and Bolt have user-friendly apps available for iOS and Android. Download one (or both!) before your trip. They also work in English.

Registration is easy and simple without the need for a credit card - you can pay in cash.

Enable location services for the app to pinpoint your pick-up point. You enter the address where you are and the destination address, the app will show you ride options, each with their prices and you can choose whether to order or not.

Request a ride: confirm your pick-up location, choose your payment method and tap "Request Ride"

What are the benefits of using ride-sharing apps?

The apps are user-friendly, allowing easy booking and real-time tracking of your ride.

Regarding safety the apps provide driver details and trip tracking, which is particularly reassuring for the user.

Payments are made through the app, which is convenient for travellers who may not have local currency.

Also fare estimates are provided upfront, reducing the likelihood of unexpected costs unlike taxi rides.

The vehicles are always spacious, clean and air-conditioned. Unlike taxi drivers, you will also feel the difference in the level of service of the drivers.

In Romania it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% or more for driver. You can do that by giving a cash tip to the driver at the end of the trip or through the app.

Uber vs Bolt in Bucharest: what is the difference?

For us, they are all at the same level, with small differences, mainly in prices.

Our recommendation is to download both apps and compare prices before you book, you will be surprised to discover the differences of 10-15 lei for the exact same trip.

Both apps give you ride options like Basic, Comfort, Green and Premium. Expect from the romanian Dacia car to Teslas to come and pick you up.

Another great feature is that you can customise your ride with some comfort options like AC preferences or opting for a chatty or quiet driver (features available at all the ride options besides Basic).

As availability Bolt can be more dominant in certain regions of the city.

Besides the prices, we noticed that Bolt offers more ride options that Uber:

If you are travelling with your pet you can request a Pet ride. The other ride options (both on Bolt and Uber) won't accept pets.

Request a ''Woman for woman'' ride. If you've had negative experiences with male drivers in the past, or simply feel more comfortable with a woman driver, this option provides peace of mind.

It's important to note that Bolt's Woman for Woman option doesn't guarantee a female driver will always be available.

Bolt offers the option to request a ''Delivery''. If you need to send small package to someone in the city this service can come in handy for you.

Bonus tips:

While ride-sharing apps are generally safe, remember to always check the driver's photo and car details before getting in and share your trip details with a friend or family member for peace of mind.

Using a local SIM card during your Bucharest visit may impact the ride-sharing prices.

The fares may be lower or they can sometimes offer discounts in both apps.

The verdict?

You can't go wrong with either Uber or Bolt! Download both apps and see which one offers the best fare or car option for your specific journey.

Ditch the stress of public transport and explore Bucharest in comfort and style with Uber or Bolt!