Public Transportation

       

Public Transportation in Cluj-Napoca

A practical guide for international students: prices, passes, how to validate, and how “Green Friday” works.

🚌 What public transport looks like

Cluj-Napoca has an extensive network of buses, trolleybuses, and trams that connect the city center with student areas, campuses, dorms, and neighborhoods.

  • Use Google Maps (public transport mode) to plan routes and see departure times.
  • Keep your ticket or pass available - ticket inspections can happen at any time.

🎟️ Ticket prices (urban) — Cluj-Napoca

Current public transport fares:

  • 1 trip ticket: 3.50 RON
  • 2 trips ticket: 7.00 RON
  • 60-minute ticket: 7.00 RON
  • Night ticket (1 trip): 6.00 RON
💡 If you travel often, a monthly pass is usually easier than buying tickets every day.

🎓 Student passes (CTP) - free transport & discounts

International Students in Cluj-Napoca can access the same public transport facilities as Romanian students through CTP Cluj-Napoca (the local public transport operator).

  • Who can get free public transport: students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) up to 30 years old, enrolled in full-time studies at universities in Cluj-Napoca. This applies in the academic year 2025–2026.
  • How it works: students typically receive a free monthly pass (commonly issued as 120 trips/month, depending on the convention / type of pass).
  • Who may not qualify: students over 30 or students enrolled in distance learning / part-time formats (rules can differ; some cases may receive a discount instead).
✅ Tip: If you’re in Cluj for a short visit, the 24h / 72h options can be convenient.

🌿 “Vinerea Verde” (Green Friday): FREE public transport

“Green Friday” is a local initiative where public transport is free for everyone every Friday. On Fridays, passengers do not need to present tickets/passes within the participating areas.

  • Where it applies: Cluj-Napoca, Florești, Apahida, Gilău, and Baciu.
  • For students: even if you have a student pass, on Fridays you can board without validating.

📲 Fares and Alternative Payment Methods

If, for any reason, you are not eligible for free public transport or a discounted student pass, you can pay for your trip using the following options:

  • Single-ride tickets: These can be purchased from street ticket machines, CTP kiosks, or directly through the official mobile application.
  • 24BT mobile app: Allows you to buy tickets directly on your phone using a bank card. When boarding, you must scan the QR code displayed on the validator.
  • Direct bank card payment: On most vehicles, you can pay for a single trip directly at the validator using a contactless bank card or your phone.