Getting to Bucharest

Visitors heading for Bucharest can choose from a range of options for arriving here, with air travel being the most popular means for those coming from abroad. The road network is generally in poor condition, with potholes marking much of the way. Train travel can be very comfortable and reliable.

By car

Roads in Romania are generally poor with numerous potholes. Four main thoroughfares serve Bucharest. Those coming from international destinations will want to take the E85 from the Bulgarian border at Giurgiu. From other destinations within Romania, take the E70 from Pitesti; the E60 from Brasov via Ploiesti; or the E60 from Constanta on the Black Sea coast.

Drivers should note that drinking alcohol and driving is treated seriously in Romania, and the maximum legal blood-to-alcohol ratio is a scant 0.01 per cent. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. An International Driving Permit or national driving license with photo, issued in the visitor’s own country, is necessary. EU nationals driving their own cars must have a Green Card insurance document.

By rail

Train travel within Romania and to Bucharest is pleasant and reliable. Bucharest’s main train station is Gara de Nord, located in the northern part of the city. The station handles direct trains from Budapest (13 hours), Sofia (10 hours), Belgrade (12 hours) and Istanbul (20 to 24 hours). Train travel to or from Western European cities connect in Budapest.

By bus

Coach travel to Bucharest is available from all major domestic stops as well as numerous international cities, although many of these are also served better by rail, with Athens and Istanbul being the exceptions. Eurolines offer direct buses between Bucharest and Paris as well as to and from various destinations in Europe. Eurotime offers service to Romanian and Western European destinations. The city lacks a main coach station, and most buses arrive and depart from opposite the main train station, Gara de Nord.

By air

Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) is situated 11kms from the centre of the city, it is a modern facility and the major international airport serving Bucharest, with daily flights available from several major European cities. The airport offers most major amenities and services such as ATMs, postal service, banks and money changers as well as mobile phone rentals and a business lounge.

Express buses shuttle travellers to the city at 15-minute intervals on weekdays and every 30 minutes at weekends. Minibuses that seat up to six or 21 people are also available for booking, as well as car rental. Taxis queue outside the terminal, although it is advisable to ride with a yellow taxi that has rates posted on the window.

Bucharest Airport

Henri Coanda International Airport operates a single terminal with two halls, with the Departures Hall split into domestic and international sections, and an Arrivals Hall. The Romanian national airline, Tarom, serves flights between many major European cities, and the airport also manages flights operated by Air France, Alitlalia, British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa.

The airport has been undergoing major renovations and expansions, and currently offers most major amenities and facilities such as ATMs, banking services, money changers, duty-free and retail shopping, dining options and mobile phone and car rentals. The airport also offers two business facilities that offer fax service, phone and computer use and photocopying. One lounge offers internet access.

Bucharest airport transportation

Ground transportation from Henri Coanda International Airport is plentiful, and the ride into the city centre is fairly short. The express bus takes about 30 minutes and departs every 10 to 15 minutes on weekdays, and every 30 minutes at weekends. A private service offers six-seat and 21-seat minibuses for shuttling to the city.

Taxi service is plentiful, with a taxi rank located outside the terminal doors. However, be advised to use the yellow taxis that have the rates posted on the window. Car hire is also available from within the terminal, with many major car rental companies operating booths inside.