Henri Coandă International Airport — known as Otopeni or OTP — sits about 17–20 km north of central Bucharest. Getting to the city center is straightforward and affordable once you know your options.
Note: The airport is currently under renovation (Starting April 2026). Some access points have temporarily moved — details are covered in each section below.
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 100 | 30-60 min | 3 RON | Budget Travelers |
| Train | 20-25 min | 6.5-11 RON | Speed + Comfort |
| Taxi / Uber / Bolt | 25-45 min | 50-70 RON | Door-to-door |
| Private Transfer | 25-45 min | 150-180 RON | Families, Groups |
Getting From Bucharest Airport to Downtown
Here are the four ways to get from OTP to the city center, from cheapest to most convenient.
Bus 100 — The Cheapest Option
The Bus 100 is the most affordable way into the city at just 3 RON per ride. You can pay with a contactless bank card directly on the bus, or buy a ticket at the machine on the ground floor of the arrivals terminal.
Due to the renovation, the bus stop for departures toward the city has temporarily moved to the front of the arrivals terminal, right outside the building. Look for it as soon as you exit arrivals.
The bus runs from the airport all the way to Unirii Square, stopping at Piața Victoriei, Piața Romană, and Universitate along the way. If you want to head somewhere specific, Piața Victoriei is a great place to hop off and connect to the metro.
On a Sunday with light traffic, the ride takes around 30 minutes. During rush hour (08:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00), expect up to 60 minutes.
Good to know: Other guides online list this route as bus 783 — that line has been replaced by Bus 100, so don’t get confused if you see the old number mentioned elsewhere.
Train — The Fastest Route to Gara de Nord
The airport express train is the quickest way into the city, reaching București Gara de Nord in about 20–25 minutes on a dedicated track with no traffic delays. Trains run every 40 minutes.
Tickets are available at the ticket office or ticket machine at the station. Prices are:
- 6.50 RON — Second class, no guaranteed seat
- 11 RON — First class, guaranteed seat
During renovation, the train station access from the first-floor arrivals area is temporarily closed.
To reach the train, exit on the ground floor, walk through the parking area, and take the stairs up to the platform.
Follow the signs — it takes about 5 minutes.
From Gara de Nord, you can connect to the metro lines M1 or M4.
Switch to M2 for Piața Universității or Unirii Square, which puts you right in the heart of the city.
Taxi, Uber and Bolt — Door-to-Door Convenience
For door-to-door service, you have three solid options: Uber, Bolt, or a metered taxi.
Uber and Bolt are the go-to recommendations. Both apps are widely used in Bucharest, show you the price upfront, and typically cost 50–70 RON to reach the city center, depending on traffic.
Download and set up your preferred app before you land. My recommendation is to have both, check the prices on both apps, and take the cheapest. After collecting your luggage, order your ride and head to the designated pickup zone near the terminal parking area.
Due to ongoing renovation, Uber and Bolt pickups have temporarily moved to the front of the departures terminal. Get there easily through the tunnel connecting arrivals and departures on the first floor.
Metered taxis are also available through touch-screen kiosks inside the airport. These machines assign you a licensed taxi and print a slip with your car’s plate number — it’s the safest way to take a traditional cab.
Expect to pay a higher price to Uber and Bolt. Always make sure the driver starts the meter at the beginning of the trip. Avoid anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride.
Private Transfers — Best for Families and Groups
If you’re traveling with kids, heavy luggage, or a group, a private transfer is worth the extra cost. Services like Welcome Pickups let you pre-book online.
The driver tracks your flight, meets you inside arrivals with a name sign, and takes you directly to your accommodation — no stops, no stress.
Prices run around €25–35 for both a standard car and minivans. Split between a group, this becomes very competitive with taxis. Many services offer baby seats on request and English-speaking drivers.
Quick Tip Before You Flying Back
Skip the overpriced airport shops — there’s a Carrefour Express on the ground floor of the arrivals terminal with normal store prices.
Departing passengers can reach it through the tunnel on the first floor, about a 5 minute walk from the departures side. Great for picking up snacks, or last-minute items before your flight.
