As the main airport serving Romania, Henri Coandă International Airport offers passengers several transport options for their onward journey to Bucharest city center. The four main modes include an airport taxi, private transfer, bus, or train.

A Bucharest Airport taxi or a Bucharest Airport transfer offers the only direct means of transport, with the advantage of a door-to-door transfer in as little as 30 minutes.

The next best and cheapest option is the 100 Express Bus Line, which will get you to Union Square in about 50 minutes, not including waiting time.

If you’re not going straight into the city center or to another part of the country, the CFR train to Bucharest North Station may be more suitable. This is also a very affordable option and only takes 25 minutes, assuming you don’t have to change trains en route. If you do need to make a change, this won’t be the most convenient choice.

4 ways to get from Bucharest Airport to the city center

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€13 30min 24/7
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€1.20 40min 24/7
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How to get from Bucharest Airport to the city by taxi

Taking a Bucharest Airport taxi to the city is quick and seamless, taking just 30 minutes in light traffic to reach the heart of the Old Town. There are two ways to catch a taxi, you can either head to the ‘Fast Taxi’ rank and get in the first available car, or you can book one using the touch-screen booking machine in the Arrivals Hall.

Bucharest airport taxis are always yellow and have their company logo on the side. Vehicles should be equipped with a working taximeter and depending on which booking option you use, you’ll be able to choose between a 5 and 14-seater vehicle.

How much is a taxi from Bucharest Airport to city center?

All taxis in Bucharest are required to use a taximeter, which means that when you’re traveling from Bucharest Airport to the city, the taxi price will be calculated according to the distance traveled. Each taxi company sets its own prices, with maximum prices set by the government.

In any case, the average fare from Bucharest Airport to the center is €13 (RON 65), excluding tolls.

Where do I get a taxi from?

If you wish to take a ‘Fast Taxi’, the rank is located outside the Arrivals Hall on the ground floor. On-demand taxis booked via the touch-screen booking machines will pick up passengers on the first floor of the Arrivals Hall.

The touch-screen booking machines are located after the baggage claim area in the Arrivals Hall on Level 1. Keep your ticket and look for the taxi that matches the registration number you have been given. After that, give your ticket, which contains all the details of your journey, to the driver.

Convenience

A taxi from Bucharest Airport to the city center is faster than other means of transport, as it offers a direct, door-to-door service. The comfort of a private car is unmatched compared to a crowded bus or train.

 

Useful Tips

Avoid anyone approaching you inside the Arrivals Hall, as official airport taxis can only be hailed from the designated ranks outside.
There is no extra charge for traveling at night and luggage should be included in the price.
Remember that even with luxury vehicles the rate should never exceed €20 (RON 100). To be sure, always check that the meter has been reset to the base fare when starting your trip.
If the taxi driver starts to negotiate the fare, move on to the next driver.

How to get from Bucharest Airport to the city by bus

There is only one bus line connecting Bucharest Airport to the city center – the 100 Express line. The journey to Piata Unirii 2 (Union Square) Station takes between 40 to 60 minutes, with stops at Roman Square and the university. This is the cheapest form of transport and the bus stops are conveniently located within walking distance from the Old Town.

How much is the bus from Bucharest Airport to the city center?

Like most public transport in Bucharest, the 100 Express Line costs €0.60 (RON 3) for a single ticket and €0.80 (RON 4) for a rechargeable STB card. There is a ticket machine and a public transport ticket counter located in the Arrivals Hall.

If you don’t want to buy an STB card, you can pay with your credit or debit card by tapping on the ticket validator when you get on the bus. Just remember to tap off as well.

Cost
€0.60
Trip Duration
50 Min.
The bus runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The 100 bus line operates 24/7.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stop for the 100 Express Line is located right in front of the Arrivals and Departures Terminal.

Convenience

When it comes to traveling directly to the city center of Bucharest, the 100 Express Line is the only public transport option available. Although the journey can take more than twice as long as a taxi or a private transfer, tickets only cost €0.60 (RON 3), making it a very affordable way to travel if personal comfort is not an issue for you.

Timetables

100 Express Timetable

Bucharest Airport - P. Unirii station (city center)

Useful Tips

There is no space for luggage on board other than the aisles.
A minimum of €1 (RON 5) must be loaded onto your STB card for you to use it.
Tickets are valid for 90 minutes and can be used to change to another mode of transport within that timeframe.
There are dedicated bus lanes, which are useful for avoiding traffic in some parts of the city.
The STB card can be recharged at most bus stops in the city. Keep in mind that you cannot buy tickets on the bus.
If you are traveling back to the airport, remember to buy a ticket in advance as there is no ticket office at P. Unirii station.

How to get from Bucharest Airport to the city by train

If you’re not staying in the city center or traveling to another destination in Romania, another affordable public transport option is the train. The train is operated by CFR Calatori and runs between Henri Coandă International Airport and Bucharest North (București Nord) station in 25 minutes.

If you’re staying in the Old Town, you’ll have to change to a bus which can take over an hour. Trains run every 20 minutes except between 01:00 and 05:00 in the morning when they run about every 90 minutes.

How much is the train from Bucharest Airport to the city center?

A single ticket costs €1.10 (RON 5.5) for a second-class ticket without a seat reservation. For children, the same ticket costs €0.55 (RON 2.75). Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket counter in the Arrivals Hall, Level 1.

 

Cost
€1.10
Trip Duration
25 Min.
Services run every 20 minutes except between 01:00 and 05:00 when trains run approximately every 90 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The train runs 24 hours a day from the airport.

Where do I catch the train from?

The train platform is located on the ground floor of Bucharest Airport, at the end of the main car park area.

Convenience

The train is the most comfortable way to get from Bucharest Airport to the city center, but it’s only convenient if you plan to get off at North Bucharest Station, otherwise, you’ll have to change to another mode of transport which means waiting and buying another ticket.

If you need to get further into the city center but still want to travel in comfort, a pre-booked private transfer offers a direct service in total privacy with plenty of room for luggage.

Timetables

Airport to North Bucharest Station

Train Timetable

Useful Tips

If you're staying in the Old Town this is the least convenient transport option.
There are designated areas for luggage at the entrance of each wagon.
First-class tickets with a seat reservation cost around €1.40 (RON 7)
There is a train link counter on the first floor of the Arrivals hall to assist passengers with tickets or information about getting on the train.

How to get from Bucharest airport to the city by private transfer

If you’re after a seamless and hassle-free journey from Bucharest Airport to the city center, consider pre-booking a Bucharest Airport transfer to skip the taxi queue altogether. Companies like Welcome Pickups specialize in catering to travelers and offer a range of benefits designed to make your journey as smooth as possible:

  • Meet-and-greet at the airport
  • Local English-speaking drivers
  • Live flight tracking
  • Guaranteed fixed prices
  • Top-notch customer service

Booking your transfer in advance not only gives you peace of mind but also allows you to focus on enjoying your trip. As a bonus, your driver will give you a quick tour of Bucharest and share local tips to help you make the most out of your time in the city.

How much does a private transfer cost?

Private transfer bookings provide a fixed price that includes all extra charges that taxis typically add, such as airport surcharges, luggage fees, and nighttime rates. This allows you to plan and pay for your journey in advance, ensuring a smooth transfer on the day of your arrival.

A transfer from Bucharest Airport to the center in a private sedan that carries up to 4 passengers costs €23 (RON 114.50. If you’re traveling in a larger group, you can book a spacious 8-seater minivan for €36 (RON 179.30), all fees included.

Bookings can be made online or via the Welcome Pickups app. All you need to do is enter your details, and flight number and select a pick-up time; the whole process takes less than a minute.

Cost
€23
Trip Duration
30 Min.
Your driver and vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available from Bucharest Airport 24/7.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

After you land at Bucharest Airport, your driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall to take you to your pre-selected vehicle. To help you recognize them, their photos and details will be emailed to you the day before your arrival. They will also hold a sign with your name on it so you won’t have to look for them.

Convenience

Although, slightly more expensive than a taxi, private transfers are still a very affordable way to travel around Bucharest, especially if you’re splitting the cost with a group. They offer complete flexibility, allowing you to tailor a trip that suits your needs and schedule while providing a direct door-to-door transfer.

Useful Tips

It's best to book your private transfer 30 minutes after your flight lands to allow enough time for Passport Control and luggage collection.
The payment must be made by credit card at the time of booking.
Baby seats can be requested at the time of booking at no extra charge.
Don't worry if your flight is delayed, your driver will be informed and they will be there on time to pick you up.

Bucharest Airport private transfers

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Bucharest Airport to the city center?

When taking a taxi from Bucharest airport to the city center the price will be determined by a taximeter based on the distance traveled. The average taxi fare during the day is €13 (RON 65), excluding tolls.

How do I get from Bucharest Airport to the city center?

How far is Bucharest city from the airport?

How much is a bus ticket from Bucharest Airport to Bucharest city center?

Transfer Options in Bucharest