Bucharest's Iconic Double Decker Volvo B9R Unvi Urbis Tour Bus Ride & Close Up STB

Hop aboard for an immersive journey through the streets of Bucharest with this exclusive video spotlighting the iconic Volvo B9R Unvi Urbis double-decker bus, operated by Societatea de Transport București (STB) as part of the popular Bucharest City Tour hop-on hop-off service. Filmed in February 2026 during a vibrant day in Romania's capital, this footage captures the bus from every angle: exterior shots highlighting its striking yellow-and-blue livery (a nod to national colors with a modern twist), interior details of the spacious cabins, and dynamic on-the-road action as it navigates bustling boulevards, historic landmarks, and hidden gems of the "Little Paris of the East."The Volvo B9R Unvi Urbis 2.5DD (Double-Decker) is a powerhouse of urban tourism, blending Swedish engineering excellence with Spanish coachbuilding flair. The chassis, produced by Volvo Buses in Sweden, is a robust B9R model (introduced in the early 2000s as a reliable mid-engined platform), known for its durability and smooth performance in demanding city environments. Paired with the Unvi Urbis bodywork from the Spanish manufacturer Unvi (based in Ourense, Galicia), this bus features a sleek, aerodynamic design optimized for sightseeing. Measuring approximately 12-13 meters in length and 4.2-4.4 meters in height, it boasts a tri-axle configuration (one steering axle at the front and two rear axles for superior weight distribution and stability), which allows it to handle up to 70-90 passengers comfortably while maintaining excellent maneuverability on Bucharest's winding streets.Under the hood, the B9R is powered by a Volvo D9B diesel engine—a 9.0-liter inline-six compliant with Euro 5 or Euro 6 emissions standards—delivering 340-380 horsepower and a torque of 1,600-1,700 Nm. This setup, combined with Volvo's I-Shift automatic transmission (12 speeds), ensures efficient acceleration and fuel economy (around 20-25 liters per 100 km in urban cycles), making it eco-friendlier than older models. The air suspension system provides a plush ride, absorbing bumps from cobblestone roads like those in the Old Town (Lipscani district), while hydraulic brakes with ABS guarantee safety in heavy traffic. What sets the Unvi Urbis apart is its open-top upper deck—perfect for panoramic views of landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament, Arcul de Triumf, or the Romanian Athenaeum—complete with weatherproof seating and retractable roofs for rainy days. The lower deck is fully enclosed, wheelchair-accessible, and equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi hotspots, USB charging ports, and multilingual audio guides (available in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian) that narrate Bucharest's rich history from Dacian roots to communist-era architecture and post-1989 revival.In this video, join me on a personal ride along the 15 km route, starting from Piața Presei Libere and weaving through key stops like Piața Victoriei, Calea Victoriei, and Piața Unirii. You'll see raw, unfiltered street footage: the bus gliding past neoclassical buildings, dodging trams and taxis, and offering breathtaking elevated perspectives of the Dâmbovița River and bustling markets. I captured multi-angle shots—front, side, rear, and interior—to showcase the bus's engineering details, like its tri-axle rear setup (with dual rear axles for enhanced traction and load-bearing), vibrant yellow-blue paint scheme symbolizing Romanian pride, and the seamless integration of comfort features that make it a favorite for tourists exploring the city's 19th-century charm and modern vibe.The Bucharest City Tour, launched in August 2011 by STB to boost tourism after the global financial crisis, has become a staple for visitors, running seasonally from May to October (with extensions in mild weather). After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) and partial disruptions in 2023-2025 due to funding issues and urban infrastructure upgrades, the service fully resumed in 2026 with an expanded fleet of six buses, thanks to EU grants for sustainable transport. Tickets start at around 25 RON (about 5 EUR) for a full-day pass, allowing unlimited hops between 14 stops, making it an affordable way to discover Bucharest's hidden stories—from revolutionary sites to trendy cafes.Whether you're a bus enthusiast geeking out over the Volvo-Unvi collaboration, a traveler planning a Romanian getaway, or just love the thrill of open-top city tours, this video dives deep into what makes the Volvo B9R Unvi Urbis a rolling icon of Bucharest's tourism scene. From its powerful performance on crowded avenues to the joy of spotting street performers from the upper deck, it's all here—raw and real. If you've ridden one or dream of it, share your stories in the comments!Hit LIKE if this revs your engine, COMMENT your favorite Bucharest spot, and SUBSCRIBE for more in-depth bus adventures from around the world.