Bucharest airport transfers to the center
Check the airport code on your booking before choosing a transfer. Henri Coandă, also called Otopeni, has a rail link to Gara de Nord as well as road connections. Băneasa is closer to the city and relies on road transport. Your best route depends on whether you are staying near the main railway station, University Square or the Old Town.
The airports
- Henri Coandă International Airport, Otopeni (OTP)
- about 17 km north, usually 30 to 60 minutes by road
- Bucharest Băneasa Aurel Vlaicu Airport (BBU)
- about 9 km north, usually 20 to 45 minutes by road
Every way from the airport to Bucharest
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainAirport train to Gara de Nord | OTP | about 20 to 25 minutes to Gara de Nord | Stays near Gara de Nord and onward rail journeys |
| BusAirport express bus | OTP | about 40 to 60 minutes, longer in heavy traffic | Cheap access to central squares |
| TaxiAuthorized airport taxi | OTP | about 30 to 60 minutes to central accommodation | Luggage and direct journeys to accommodation |
| Private transferPrebooked airport car | OTP | about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic | Families and travelers wanting a planned pickup |
| BusLocal bus with an onward connection | BBU | allow about 40 to 60 minutes for a central journey | Light luggage and flexible arrival plans |
| TaxiTaxi or ride app | BBU | about 20 to 45 minutes to the center | Direct travel from Băneasa to your address |
How each one works
Train: Airport train to Gara de Nord
Follow the airport signs to the railway station and check the next departure for București Nord. Buy a valid ticket through the operator's available sales channels. At Gara de Nord, continue by metro or taxi; the station is outside the Old Town.
Bus: Airport express bus
Follow signs to the airport bus stop and check the current express route and central stops with the official transport operator. Confirm payment and validation instructions before boarding. Choose a stop near your accommodation rather than automatically riding to the terminus.
Taxi: Authorized airport taxi
Use the airport's official taxi ordering arrangements and follow the collection instructions. Check the vehicle details and meter before leaving. Keep your accommodation address ready, including the entrance street if it is beside the Old Town's pedestrian lanes.
Private transfer: Prebooked airport car
Book a licensed transfer with your flight number and accommodation address. Confirm the meeting point, waiting policy and luggage capacity before travel. Arrange a child seat in advance if needed, and keep the driver's contact details accessible after landing.
Bus: Local bus with an onward connection
Check the official journey planner for the stop outside Băneasa Airport and a route toward your destination. Some journeys require a change to the metro or another bus. Buy and validate the appropriate ticket using the operator's current payment instructions.
Taxi: Taxi or ride app
Use an authorized taxi or request a car through a ride app, following the airport's pickup instructions. Match the registration to your booking before boarding. Traffic on the northern approach can slow the journey, especially during commuting hours.
Arriving late or leaving early
For a late arrival, check the official departure information for your landing night and allow time for baggage collection. Keep a taxi or booked car as a fallback. For an early departure, work backwards from the airline's arrival requirement and confirm the first useful public transport service.
Before you land
- OTP and BBU are different airports. Give your driver the airport name and code, especially when booking the return journey.
- The airport train ends at Gara de Nord, so include the onward journey when comparing it with a direct road transfer.
- Check the current airport bus number with the official operator; older guides can show a superseded route number.
- For Old Town accommodation, ask for the nearest vehicle access point because many lanes are pedestrianized.
Bucharest airport transfers to the center
Which airport serves Bucharest?
Henri Coandă at Otopeni is the main airport, while Băneasa also handles passenger flights. Check OTP or BBU on your flight booking before arranging transport.
Does the airport train reach the Old Town?
The train from Henri Coandă reaches Gara de Nord. You need an onward metro, taxi or other connection for University Square and the Old Town.
What is the cheapest way into the center?
Public transport is generally the cheapest option. Compare the airport bus with the train plus any onward ticket needed to reach your accommodation.
Should I book a car for a late arrival?
A booked car can simplify a late arrival, especially with children or large bags. Check public transport departures first and confirm the driver's waiting arrangements.