How to Get to Bucharest. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Bucharest's main international airport is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP). Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU) handles private jets. Many major airlines serve OTP, connecting Bucharest to most major Urban centers in europe. For wider looking for flights, consider Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Information

Direct Flights: Mainly European hubs. Travelers from North America or Asia typically experience a layover.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Prices are generally higher during peak summer (June-August) and major holidays. Book in advance for better rates.
Airport Facilities: OTP offers ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, car hire counters, and free Wi-Fi.

Airport Transfers

Several options exist for transferring from OTP to Bucharest city center.

Transfer Options from OTP

Bus: Express Bus 783 (24/7) and 784 go to Piațan Unirii/Universității. Purchase tickets at kiosks.
Train: Henri Coandă Express connects to Gara de Nord (main train station). A shuttle bus runs to the airport train platform.
Taxi/Ride-sharing: Order taxis from touch-screen kiosks inside the terminal to avoid scams. Uber and Bolt are widely available via app.

Efficient Bus Transfers

Express Bus 783 operates 24/7 between Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) and Piațan Unirii, a central point in Bucharest.

Smart Taxi Choices

For taxis from OTP, use the electronic kiosks inside the terminal. This offers a clear fare estimate and a certified taxi, avoiding potential overcharging.

Ticket Procurement

Purchase bus and train tickets from kiosks outside arrivals or at respective stations. Ride-sharing services are booked directly through their apps.

Land Transportation Essentials

Border Crossings & Trains

Border Crossings: Romania borders Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria. NATIONALS of the eu/eea use a valid ID. Non-EU/EEA citizens need a passport and potentially a visa.
Train Services: Gara de Nord (main station) serves as the railway hub. CFR Călători connects to major Romanian cities. Limited direct international services exist (e.g., Budapest).
Buy tickets for the train in advance, especially for international routes. Different train types offer varying speeds.
Long-distance Buses: Several private bus companies operate national and international routes from Bucharest. FlixBus serves global routes.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-Driving: A valid driving you need a license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is advisable for non-EU/EEA license holders. DiscoverCars.com offers options.
Road Conditions: Main roads and motorways are generally in good condition. Secondary roads vary. Be a defensive driver.
Bucharest Traffic: City traffic can be heavy and aggressive. Parking poses challenges and is often expensive in central areas.
Be watchful for potholes, horse-drawn carts in rural areas, and aggressive driving, especially in urban environments.

Sea/River & Departure Information

Sea/River Arrivals

Bucharest is a landlocked city, so direct sea or river arrivals do not apply. Constanța, Romania's main Black Sea port (220 km east), handles cruise ships. The Danube River flows south of Bucharest, with cruises not directly serving the city.

Land Connections from Constanța

Regular train and bus services connect Constanța (Black Sea coast) to Bucharest. The journey lasts approximately 2.5-3 hours, offering a practical link between the coast and the capital.

Departure Information

No separate exit fees are typically charged at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP); these are usually an element of your airfare. Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights (non-Schengen) and 1.5-2 hours for domestic/Flights within the schengen area.

Departure & Airport Facilities

Departure Timing

Plan your arrival at the airport with ample time before your flight, accounting for check-in, security, and passport control.

Recommended Arrival Times

International Flights (non-Schengen): Arrive 2-3 hours prior to departure.
Domestic/Schengen Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours prior to departure.
General Tip: Factor in sufficient time for airport transfers, especially during rush hour.

Airport Facilities for Departures

Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) offers a range of facilities for departing travelers, making your wait comfortable.

Available Amenities at OTP

Lounges: Several airport lounges provide comfortable spaces for relaxation or work.
Shopping: Extensive duty-free shopping options can be found in the departures area.
Dining: A wide selection of restaurants and cafes caters to various tastes.

Additional Departure Services

Beyond basic amenities, specific services assist travelers with final arrangements before departure.

Financial & Refund Services

Currency Exchange: Services available for exchanging remaining local currency.
VAT Refund: Facilities for processing VAT refunds are located within the airport.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi remains available throughout the terminal for last-minute checks.

Gara de Nord Facilities

For those departing by train, Gara de Nord (Bucharest's main train station) additionally provides basic facilities.

Train Station Amenities

Waiting Areas: Comfortable spaces for passengers awaiting their trains.
Shops & Cafes: Small shops and cafes for refreshments and last-minute purchases.
Ticket Offices: Available for purchasing or amending train tickets.

Bucharest Airport Terminal Visual

Henri Coandă International Airport OTP

As Romania's busiest international airport, OTP is designed to provide a comprehensive and comfortable experience for departing travelers, ensuring a smooth transition for your journey onward.

Departure Features

Modern and well-organized check-in counters.
Efficient security screening processes.
Clear signage in multiple languages for navigation.

Passenger Experience

From the moment you arrive for your departure, the airport seeks to meet your needs with various services and amenities.

Comfort & Convenience

Ample seating throughout the terminal, including near gates.
Charging stations available for electronic devices.
Family-friendly facilities, including nursing rooms.

Seamless Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected and productive until your flight.

Efficient Passport Control

Dedicated lines for EU/EEA citizens and efficient processing for other nationalities. Have your documents ready.

Diverse Dining Choices

A wide array of restaurants, cafes, and refreshment stands caters to various tastes and dietary needs before getting on.

Transportation from Bucharest City

Public Transport to Airport

Utilize Bucharest's public transport network for economical travel to the airport. The Express Bus 783 provides direct service from city center locations.

Bus & Train Links

Express Bus 783: Connects Piațan Unirii to OTP, operating 24/7.
Airport Train: Direct rail connection from Gara de Nord to OTP.
Purchase tickets from STB kiosks or train station ticket offices.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing Options

For convenience or late-night departures, taxis and ride-sharing services give direct routes from your accommodation to the airport.

Direct & Private Transfers

Licensed Taxis: Order from a reputable company by phone or application to ensure fair pricing.
Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt): Book through their apps for transparent pricing and tracking.
Private Transfers: Pre-booked services offer convenience, especially for early or late flights.

Navigating Gara de Nord

Location

Bucharest's main train station is Gara de Nord (North Train Station), situated slightly north of downtown.

Connectivity

It connects to the metro (M1 line), various bus routes, and the Henri Coandă Express train to the airport.

Amenities

You will find waiting areas, small shops, cafes, and ticket offices for your convenience.

Final Departure Advice:

Allocate sufficient time for transfers and airport procedures. Confirm flight status before heading to the airport. For taxis from OTP, use the electronic kiosks inside the terminal.

How to Get to Bucharest