Bucharest Airports
Bucharest has two main airports, Henri Coandă (also known as Otopeni – by the name of the city it is in), indicative BUH and Băneasa (or Aurel Vlaicu), indicative BBU.
While Henri Coandă is about 20km outside the city, Băneasa is a small airport literally within in the urban area of Bucharest. Both airports are over the north side of the city.
Let’s see what’s the best way to get between those airports and downtown Bucharest.
If your flight lands at (or departs from) Băneasa BBU airport, your options are either buses (you will need to cross the main road in front of the terminal to reach the bus stop to Bucharest) or taxi/uber/bolt.
For details regarding the airports, use the official Bucharest Airports portal: https://www.bucharestairports.ro/en
Use the bus lines
Bus line number 100
This is the official line that connects Henri Coandă (BUH) to downtown Bucharest (Unirii Square or Piața Unirii). This bus also serves the smaller airport, Băneasa.
A full trip takes about 40 minutes in normal traffic conditions, but expect it to go a bit over 1 hour during rush hour.
This bus line works 24/7.
Taking the bus from the arrivals terminal
The bus stop is right in the arrivals terminal at Henri Coandă. Once out, you need to go down 1 level (if you picked up your luggage from belts 4&5, you are already at that level). Look for the elevators or escalators that take you down to the ground level. Once there, go out towards the parking lot, you should see the bus stop on your right hand side.
How much does the trip with the bus line 100 costs?
There’s no special charge for this bus, you will pay the same 3 lei (0.6EUR) for the standard 90 minutes ticket.
Not that this bus always has the tap to pay system, so you can use your contactless card (as wel las Google or Apple pay) to pay for your trip.
Make sure you don’t go over the allocated 90 minutes, certain times of the day (especially mornings) mean heavy traffic goes into the city, so the trip can take longer than expected.
Check out our article about public transport in Bucharest
Train
There is a train line that links the Henri Coandă (BUH) airport to the main train station (Gara de Nord – North Train Station).
There is a train every 40 minutes and the ride takes 25 minutes one way.
It’s a great option if you plan to travel further to a different city, or if your accommodation is close to the train station. There’s also a connection with the underground system right in the train station (yellow and red lines).
Getting to the airport train station
The Henri Coanda Airport train station is right in front of the arrivals terminal. Once out, you will need to cross the parking lot in front of the terminal (note that you need to be at the top floor of the arrivals terminal, if your luggage arrived at belts 4 or 5, you need to go up one level). The stop is right across the parking lot.
How much does a train ride between Bucharest and the airport costs?
There’s a standard fare of 6 lei (1.2 EUR) one way for the train between Henri Coanda and Bucharest. This is regardless the operator. You will be able to buy a ticket from the train station before boarding.
Using Taxis, Uber, Bolt to Bucharest
Taxi is a good option to get into Bucharest, especially if you have a lot of luggage, or prefer to get straight to your accommodation.
Ordering a regular taxi from the arrivals terminal
There are special taxis that have access in front of the arrivals terminal. To order one, look for the machines that allow you to order electronically. There should always be few in the arrivals hall (note that you need to be at the 1st floor this – if your luggage arrived on belts 4 or 5, you need to go up one level).
Once ordered, you will receive a receipt with the taxi number and waiting time.
You will find your taxi right in front of the terminal hall – note that all taxis in Bucharest are required to be painted yellow.
Ordering Uber/Bolt from the arrivals terminal
Although most uber/bolt services don’t hold access permits to the arrivals terminal, there is a way to get one.
Order using your app and select the arrivals terminal, then go out to the parking lot in front of the terminal (note that you need to be at the top floor of the arrivals terminal, if your luggage arrived at belts 4 or 5, you need to go up one level). You will meet your driver around this parking lot. The parking fee is automatically included in your ride.
Transfer service
As any airport, there are dedicated transfer services.
One of the services that have full access to the terminal is Black Cab. They can also accommodate a larger group. You can order in advance through their app or website, input your flight number and a car will wait for you right in front of the arrivals hall (where regular taxis are).
To book this service see the details on the Black Cab website:
Looking to rent a car in Romania? Read our article abour car rental in Bucharest.
