In short: OTP is 20 km from the centre. Express train to Gara de Nord: 25 minutes, ~4 RON (~€0.80). Express Bus 783 to Piața Unirii: 40–50 minutes, 3.50 RON (~€0.70). Bolt/Uber: 50–80 RON (€10–16). Official taxi via kiosk only — Bucharest is a known overcharging hotspot.
Your Options
Express train (fastest): Runs every 40 minutes to Gara de Nord. 25 minutes. ~4–7 RON (~€0.80–1.40). Unaffected by Bucharest’s notorious traffic. Buy at the ticket counter on the first floor of arrivals. Best option if your accommodation is near the city centre.
Bus 783: Every 20–40 minutes to Piața Unirii. 3.50 RON/~€0.70. 40–50 minutes in normal conditions — can be 90+ minutes in rush hour (07:00–10:00, 16:00–20:00).
Bolt and Uber: Both operate with designated pickup zones in the parking lot (not directly outside arrivals). 50–80 RON (€10–16). Usually cheaper and safer than street taxis.
Official taxi (kiosk ONLY): Use the touchscreen Dispecerat Automatizat Taxi kiosks inside arrivals. Never accept drivers who approach you in the terminal. Licensed fare: 80–100 RON (~€16–20).
Honest Caveat
Bucharest traffic is genuinely awful. During peak hours, a taxi journey can triple in time. The train is the only option unaffected.
FAQ
Is there a metro from Bucharest airport? Not yet. Planned but not operational as of June 2026.
Bolt/Uber pickup location? Parking lot area — follow ride-hailing signs from inside the terminal.
Night bus? Night Bus N101 runs when train and 783 aren’t operating.
How early to arrive for a flight? Add significant buffer in rush hour. Train is always more reliable for departures.
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