Traveler at Bucharest airport near train, bus, taxi and ride share signs
Tips & Advice

How to Get from Bucharest Airport to the City Center

Train, bus 100, Bolt, Uber, taxi or private transfer: here is the simple way to choose the right airport transfer in Bucharest.

Getting from the airport is simple once you know the options

Arriving in a new city can feel confusing after a long flight, but getting from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport to the city center is straightforward.

  • Choose the train if you are going to Gara de Nord or continuing by rail to Brașov, Sinaia, Sibiu or Constanța.
  • Choose bus 100 if you want the cheapest route to central areas such as Piața Victoriei, Universitate and Piața Unirii.
  • Choose Bolt, Uber, taxi or private transfer if you want a direct door-to-door ride after landing.
  • For most tourists near Old Town, Universitate, Piața Unirii, Calea Victoriei or Piața Romană, bus 100 or a ride-hailing app is usually the easiest balance.
Old Town Bucharest city center arrival
Details

The main airport transfer options

Train station at Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport for Gara de Nord
Train Option 01

By train to Gara de Nord

Fast public transport to Gara de Nord, with easy onward connections by metro, bus, taxi, Bolt or Uber.

Ticket6 lei
Time20-25 min
RouteAirport → Gara de Nord
  • The airport train connects Henri Coandă Airport with Bucharest North Railway Station, known locally as Gara de Nord.
  • From Gara de Nord, continue by metro, bus, taxi, Bolt or Uber.
  • It is especially useful if your hotel is near Gara de Nord or if you continue by train to Brașov, Sinaia, Sibiu or Constanța.
Best forRail connections, Gara de Nord hotels and avoiding road traffic.
Not ideal forOld Town stays unless you are happy to change transport.
Bus 100 at Bucharest Airport for public transport to the city center
Bus 100 Option 02

By bus 100: the cheapest way to reach central Bucharest

Budget public transport to central stops such as Piața Victoriei, Universitate and Piața Unirii.

Ticket3 lei
TimeTraffic based
RouteAirport → Unirii
  • Bus 100 connects the airport with central areas such as Piața Presei, Piața Victoriei, Piața Romană, Universitate and Piața Unirii.
  • For Old Town accommodation, the most useful stops are usually Universitate or Piața Unirii.
  • Validate or pay immediately after boarding. Travel time depends heavily on traffic.
1Henri Coandă Airport
2Piața Victoriei
3Universitate
4Piața Unirii / Old Town
Best forBudget travelers, solo travelers and central stops.
Not ideal forLots of luggage, small children or heavy traffic.
Bolt and Uber cars at the Bucharest Airport rideshare pickup area
Bolt / Uber Option 03

By Bolt or Uber: simple and convenient

Door-to-door ride with app pricing, useful for luggage, late arrivals and first-time visitors.

PriceShown in app
RideDoor-to-door
PickupApp location
  • Bolt and Uber are widely used in Bucharest and are easy for first-time visitors.
  • You see the price in the app before confirming, so there is no need to negotiate.
  • Prices vary by demand, time of day, traffic and destination. Always check the pickup point shown in the app.
Best forCouples, families, luggage, late arrivals and first-time visitors.
Not ideal forPeak demand moments, when app prices can increase.
Official taxi line outside Bucharest airport
Official taxi Option 04

By official taxi: use only authorized taxis

A metered airport ride that works best when you use only the official taxi area.

Price100-200 lei
RuleAuthorized only
Before rideMeter on
  • Taxis are available at Bucharest Airport, but use only authorized taxis.
  • Do not accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal or outside arrivals.
  • Use the official taxi area, check that the price per kilometer is visible, and make sure the meter is on.
  • A ride to the central Old Town area should usually not cost more than 100-200 lei.
Best forTravelers who prefer a traditional taxi and do not want an app.
Not ideal forTourists who do not want to check meters, rates and pickup rules.
Private transfer driver helping travelers with luggage at Bucharest Airport
Private transfer Option 05

By private transfer: the most comfortable option

Pre-booked door-to-door arrival with the least stress for families, groups or business trips.

PricePre-booked
RideDoor-to-door
PickupDriver waits
  • A private transfer costs more than public transport, but it is the easiest option.
  • Your driver waits for you, helps with luggage and takes you directly to your accommodation.
  • It can be worth it if you arrive late, travel with children, come with a group or stay away from a metro station.
Best forFamilies, groups, business travelers and zero-stress arrivals.
Not ideal forBudget travelers comfortable with public transport.
Local tips

Small choices that make arrival easier

For most tourists, the best balance between price and convenience is bus 100 or a ride-hailing app. Use these tips to avoid the common first-hour mistakes.

  • Keep a small amount of Romanian lei with you, even if card payments are widely accepted.
  • Do not exchange large amounts of money at the airport unless you really need to.
  • If you take the bus, validate or pay for your trip immediately after boarding.
  • If you use a taxi, never accept unofficial offers from people approaching you at arrivals.
  • If this is your first time in Bucharest and you arrive late, Bolt, Uber or a private transfer may be the easiest choice.
Tourists arriving in Bucharest city center with luggage
FAQ

Fast answers before you leave the airport

How far is Bucharest Airport from the city center?

Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport is located north of the city. Depending on traffic and your exact destination, the journey to the city center usually takes around 25-60 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bucharest Airport to the city center?

The cheapest option is usually bus 100, which connects the airport with central areas such as Piața Victoriei, Universitate and Piața Unirii.

What is the fastest way from Bucharest Airport to Bucharest city center?

The train is usually the fastest public transport option if you are going to Gara de Nord. For hotels in the Old Town or around Piața Unirii, Bolt, Uber or taxi may be more direct.

Is Uber available at Bucharest Airport?

Yes, Uber and Bolt are commonly used in Bucharest. Always check the pickup point shown in the app after ordering.

Is it safe to take a taxi from Bucharest Airport?

Yes, but use only authorized taxis and avoid anyone approaching you inside or outside the terminal with unofficial ride offers.

Discover Bucharest

After you reach the city center, explore it with a local guide

Join one of our Bucharest walking tours and discover the stories behind the Old Town, Revolution Square, Calea Victoriei and the Palace of Parliament.

Bucharest in One Tour Bucharest Essential Tour