How to get from Bucharest Airport to the city centre
Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), also known as Otopeni Airport, is approximately 16 km north of central Bucharest. You can get from Bucharest Airport to the city centre by train, bus, taxi, Uber or Bolt. The journey usually takes between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on the type of transport, traffic and your final destination.
For most travellers, the train is the fastest and most reliable option: it runs directly from the airport to Bucharest North railway station (Gara de Nord). Bus 100 is particularly useful if you want to travel directly towards central Bucharest, while a taxi, Uber or Bolt is more convenient with heavy luggage or when travelling door to door.
Bucharest Airport to city centre at a glance:
- Train to Gara de Nord: about 20–25 minutes; 5.5 RON.
- Bus 100: about 40–50 minutes; 6 RON.
- Taxi: about 30–45 minutes; typically 50–80 RON to central Bucharest.
- Uber / Bolt: about 30–45 minutes; typically 45–75 RON.
- Private transfer: about 30–40 minutes; usually from 120 RON.
Which option should you choose?
- ✅ Fastest to the city: take the train to Gara de Nord (20–25 minutes), then continue by metro, bus or taxi.
- ✅ Best for central stops: take Bus 100 towards Piața Unirii.
- ✅ Best with luggage: use a taxi, Uber or Bolt.
- ✅ For a late-night arrival: check the next train or Bus 100; a taxi or ride-hailing service is the easiest door-to-door option.
Bucharest Airport transport options compared
| Transport | Journey time | Typical fare | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 20–25 min to Gara de Nord | 5.5 RON | Fast, traffic-free journey |
| Bus 100 | 40–50 min | 6 RON | Central Bucharest |
| Taxi | 30–45 min | 50–80 RON | Door-to-door travel |
| Uber / Bolt | 30–45 min | 45–75 RON | Convenience and app payment |
| Private transfer | 30–40 min | From 120 RON | Pre-booked meet-and-greet service |
Journey times by road are approximate. Bucharest traffic can substantially increase travel times, particularly during busy periods. Ride-hailing fares also vary according to demand.
Bucharest Airport train to Gara de Nord
The train from Bucharest Airport to Gara de Nord is usually the quickest public transport option. Trains run directly between Aeroport Henri Coandă station and București Nord (Gara de Nord), Bucharest’s main railway station. The airport railway station is next to the terminal and can be reached via a covered walkway, so there is no need to take a shuttle bus. The journey to Gara de Nord takes approximately 20–25 minutes and is not affected by road traffic.
A one-way train ticket costs 5.5 RON. Tickets can be purchased at the station, from ticket machines and through railway operators’ sales channels. Check the current timetable and fares on the CFR Călători website before travelling, as they may change. Services operate throughout the day and night, with trains normally running at regular intervals. If your accommodation is around Gara de Nord, the train is particularly convenient. If you are staying in Bucharest Old Town or elsewhere in the centre, continue from Gara de Nord by metro, bus or taxi.
Bus from Bucharest Airport to the city centre
Bus 100 connects Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport with central Bucharest. It replaced the former 783 airport route, so travellers may still come across older websites and guides referring to bus 783. The route serves important central areas including Piața Victoriei and Piața Romană before continuing towards Piața Unirii, close to Bucharest Old Town. This makes Bus 100 useful if your hotel is in the centre and you would rather avoid changing from the airport train at Gara de Nord. The journey from Otopeni Airport to central Bucharest normally takes around 40–50 minutes, although traffic can make it longer. The service runs around the clock, with longer intervals during the night.
Bucharest Airport bus tickets
The Bus 100 fare is 6 RON. Contactless payment is available on board, making it convenient for international visitors who do not yet have Romanian cash. If you use a transport card or ticket rather than paying directly by contactless bank card, make sure it is properly validated. Fares and ticketing rules can change, so check the current information on the STB website before your journey.
Taxi from Bucharest Airport to the city centre
A taxi from Bucharest Airport to the city centre is a convenient option if you have several bags, are travelling as a group or want to go directly to your hotel. Use the authorised taxi facilities at the airport rather than accepting unsolicited offers from drivers inside or outside the terminal. Depending on the company, distance and traffic, a journey to central Bucharest typically costs around 50–80 RON and takes approximately 30–45 minutes. The journey is metered, so the final fare depends on the distance travelled and the operator’s per-kilometre rate. Traffic congestion can also increase both journey time and cost.
Uber and Bolt from Bucharest Airport
Uber and Bolt operate at Bucharest Airport and are popular alternatives to conventional taxis. The main advantage is that the app shows the estimated price before you confirm the ride and handles payment without the need for cash. A ride from OTP Airport to central Bucharest typically costs around 45–75 RON, although prices can rise significantly during periods of high demand. The journey normally takes 30–45 minutes but may take longer in heavy traffic. After booking, follow the pick-up instructions displayed in the app. Airport pick-up locations can change, so use the location shown for your particular ride rather than relying on older instructions found online.
Private transfer from Bucharest Airport
A pre-booked Bucharest Airport transfer is the easiest option if you want a driver waiting when your flight arrives. Transfers are more expensive than public transport or ride-hailing services but can be useful for families, larger groups and travellers arriving with a lot of luggage. Prices depend on the vehicle, company and destination. A private transfer to central Bucharest generally starts at around 120 RON. When booking, check whether flight monitoring, waiting time and meet-and-greet service are included.
Getting from Bucharest Airport to the Old Town
If your destination is Bucharest Old Town (Centrul Vechi), Bus 100 is one of the most straightforward public transport choices because it continues towards Piața Unirii. From there, much of the Old Town is within walking distance. The airport train is faster, but it terminates at Gara de Nord rather than in the Old Town. From Gara de Nord you will need to continue by public transport or taxi. For door-to-door convenience, Uber, Bolt or an authorised taxi can take you directly to your accommodation.
How to get from Bucharest Airport at night
Passengers arriving late at night still have several ways to reach Bucharest. The airport rail connection and Bus 100 provide overnight transport, while taxis, Uber and Bolt are available around the clock subject to vehicle availability. Which option is best depends on where you are staying. The train is convenient if your destination is near Gara de Nord or has a simple onward connection. For accommodation in the Old Town, Bus 100 may be more direct. With heavy luggage or an address away from public transport, a taxi or ride-hailing service is usually easier.
Is there a metro at Bucharest Airport?
No, Henri Coandă Airport does not currently have a metro station. For a direct public transport journey from the airport, use the train or Bus 100. Bucharest’s metro network can then be used after reaching the city.
Car hire at Bucharest Airport
Hiring a car at Bucharest Airport makes sense if you plan to travel beyond the Romanian capital to destinations such as Sinaia, Brașov, Bran or other parts of the country. International and local car hire companies operate at or near the airport. For a trip only from the airport to central Bucharest, however, renting a car is rarely worthwhile. Public transport is inexpensive, traffic can be heavy and parking in central areas may be difficult or chargeable.
Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport: address and details
- Official name: Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport
- Also known as: Otopeni Airport
- IATA code: OTP
- ICAO code: LROP
- Address: Calea Bucureștilor 224E, Otopeni 075150, Romania
- Official website: bucharestairports.ro
Bucharest Airport map
Henri Coandă International Airport is approximately 16 km north of central Bucharest. The map below shows the airport’s location in relation to the city.
Useful tips for arriving at Bucharest Airport
- Romania uses the Romanian leu (RON), not the euro. Avoid exchanging large amounts of money at an airport exchange desk before comparing the rate.
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and contactless payment is available across many transport services.
- Airport Wi-Fi can be useful for booking an Uber or Bolt after landing.
- Public transport fares, timetables and pick-up locations can change. Check the relevant operator shortly before travelling.
