Quick Answer
- Express Bus 783 runs every 20-40 min, costs 3 RON (~0.60 EUR), takes 40-50 min to Piata Unirii.
- Train to Gara de Nord runs every hour, costs 6.50 RON, takes 25 min. No metro connection yet.
- Taxi: ~80-100 RON (16-20 EUR) to city center, 30-45 min depending on traffic. Use the official taxi stands.
- Bolt/Uber: cheapest rideshare option, typically 50-80 RON, same travel time as taxi.
1. Express Bus 783
The cheapest way to get from the airport to central Bucharest. Bus 783 runs from the Arrivals terminal to Piata Unirii (the geographic center of the city), stopping at several major points along the way.
How to do it:
- Exit the Arrivals terminal and follow signs to the bus stop (to the right as you exit, about a 2-minute walk)
- Buy a ticket at the STB kiosk near the bus stop or use a contactless bank card directly on the validator inside the bus
- Board bus 783 and validate your ticket
- The bus runs to Piata Unirii via Piata Victoriei — get off wherever is closest to your hotel
Cost: 3 RON (about 0.60 EUR) for a single trip (STB ticket), or buy an STB day pass for 8 RON Duration: 40-50 minutes to Piata Unirii Frequency: Every 20-40 minutes, depending on the time of day Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM
2. Train to Gara de Nord
A direct train (CFR Călători) connects the airport to Bucharest’s main train station, Gara de Nord. It is faster than the bus but only useful if your destination is near Gara de Nord or if you need to connect to the metro.
How to do it:
- Follow signs to the railway station inside the airport terminal
- Buy a ticket at the CFR counter or from the vending machine
- Board the train — there is only one line, you cannot get confused
- At Gara de Nord, transfer to Metro M1 or M4 to continue into the city
Cost: 6.50 RON (about 1.30 EUR) Duration: 25 minutes Frequency: Approximately every hour Hours: 5:35 AM to 10:35 PM
3. Taxi
Bucharest taxis are affordable by European standards but the airport has historically been a hotspot for overcharging tourists. The situation has improved, but follow these rules.
How to do it:
- Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal. These are unlicensed drivers who will overcharge you.
- Use the official taxi order screens in the Arrivals hall — they look like touchscreen kiosks. Press the screen, and it will assign you a licensed taxi with a displayed fare estimate.
- Alternatively, walk to the official taxi stand outside Arrivals and take the next taxi in the queue.
- A legitimate taxi to the city center should cost 80-100 RON (16-20 EUR). If the driver quotes significantly more, decline.
Cost: 80-100 RON (~16-20 EUR) Duration: 30-45 minutes depending on traffic Payment: Cash or card (most taxis now accept cards, but carry cash as backup)
4. Bolt or Uber
Rideshare apps work well in Bucharest and are usually cheaper than taxis from the airport. Bolt is more popular than Uber in Romania.
How to do it:
- Download Bolt or Uber before you arrive (and set up your payment method)
- After collecting your luggage, order a car
- The pickup point is in the designated rideshare area — follow the in-app instructions
- Typical wait time: 5-15 minutes
Cost: 50-80 RON (~10-16 EUR), varies with demand Duration: 30-45 minutes Payment: Card (through the app) or cash
Comparison Table
| Option | Cost | Time | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 783 | 3 RON | 40–50 min | Basic | Budget travelers |
| Train | 6.50 RON | 25 min | Good | Going to Gara de Nord |
| Taxi | 80–100 RON | 30–45 min | Good | Convenience with luggage |
| Bolt / Uber | 50–80 RON | 30–45 min | Good | Best value for comfort |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber available at Bucharest airport?
Yes. Both Uber and Bolt operate at Henri Coanda Airport. Request a ride from the Arrivals terminal — drivers pick up from the designated rideshare area in the short-term car park. Expect to pay 50-80 RON (10-16 EUR) to the city center depending on traffic and time of day. Bolt is generally slightly cheaper.
How long does it take from Bucharest airport to the Old Town?
By car or rideshare, 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) can push this to 60 minutes. The express bus takes 40-50 minutes to Piata Unirii. The train to Gara de Nord takes 25 minutes, then add 15 minutes by metro to the Old Town.
What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Bucharest city center?
Express Bus 783 at 3 RON (about 0.60 EUR) is the cheapest option. It runs from the Arrivals terminal to Piata Unirii every 20-40 minutes. The train to Gara de Nord is a close second at 6.50 RON. Both accept contactless bank card payments.
