Getting There & Away in Bucharest

Good to Know

• Bucharest Otopeni is the main airport; confirm your terminal (T1 vs. T2) with your airline before arrival.
• The train is consistently the fastest and most reliable way to reach the city center from the airport; buses can face severe traffic, especially 7-10 am and 4-8 pm.
• Airport exchange rates are poor; withdraw Romanian Lei from ATMs instead of exchanging cash at the terminal.
• Bus 100 (Express) requires cash or physical card purchase at kiosk (foreign credit cards may not work onboard); buy your ticket before boarding.
• Romania's rail network is extensive and inexpensive; sleeper trains to Budapest, Vienna, and Istanbul are comfortable and popular with nomads.
• FlixBus launched domestic routes in Romania in July 2025, offering very affordable long-distance travel to 50+ cities.
• Day trips to Transylvania castles (Peleș, Bran) are accessible by train or organized tour; public transport alone is slow but doable.
• Book train tickets in advance for international routes, especially Budapest-Vienna service; summer Istanbul service may require connections via Bulgaria in off-season.
• Uber and Bolt are available from the airport and throughout the city as alternatives to official taxis; use these ride-hailing apps for peace of mind on pricing.