Voluntari Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Voluntari

Voluntari is a town situated in the historic region of Muntenia within Ilfov County, Romania. Located just one kilometer north of the capital city of Bucharest along the DN2 road leading toward Urziceni, the community is widely considered a northern suburb of the country's national capital.

The town derives its name from the Romanian word for volunteers. It was originally established by volunteer soldiers who fought for Romania during World War I and were subsequently awarded land parcels in the area to construct their residences. Following decades of growth, the settlement officially received city status in 2004. According to census figures from late 2021, the town has a population of over 47,000 residents, the vast majority of whom are ethnic Romanians alongside smaller Romani, Chinese, Turkish, and other minority communities.

Economically, Voluntari expanded rapidly in the early 2000s, driven by affordable land, close proximity to Bucharest, and efficient access to local road and rail infrastructure. This growth fostered significant commercial and light industrial development, particularly in international trade. Today, the town hosts commercial destinations such as the Jolie Ville Galleria shopping center, serves as the corporate headquarters for Vodafone Romania, and contains prominent educational facilities including the American International School of Bucharest, the British School of Bucharest, and the Japanese School in Bucharest. Despite local economic activity, many residents commute into neighboring Bucharest for work.

Visitors and residents navigate the town using a local public transit network managed by the local council, which operates five dedicated bus routes. Additionally, the region is integrated into the broader Bucharest transit system through public buses operated by STB. Voluntari is also home to its own professional football club, FC Voluntari, and is the birthplace of notable national athletes including rower Iuliana Munteanu and sports shooter Anișoara Matei.