Getting from Henri Coanda International Airport to central Bucharest involves a range of prices depending on how you choose to travel. Here is an honest breakdown of what you can expect to pay.
Taxi
Taxis are metered, and there is no single airport fare to quote - what you pay depends on the taxi company, your exact destination, and traffic. Confirm the rate before you set off, and insist on the meter rather than agreeing a flat price on the spot.
Fixed-price private transfer
OTP Bucharest City Center
From€37for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €62 per vehicle, about €16 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Ride-hailing apps
Ride-hailing prices are set by the app and fluctuate with demand, which means no honest fixed range can be published - but the app shows you the estimated fare before you confirm the ride, which is the real advantage over a taxi.
Express bus line 100
The cheapest way to reach the city, and the one most guides get wrong: the old bus 783 no longer exists. It was replaced by line 100 on 2 December 2023. Line 100 runs to Piata Unirii, stopping at Primaria Otopeni, Aeroport Baneasa, Piata Presei, Piata Victoriei, Piata Romana, Universitate and Piata Unirii (among others), and operates 24 hours a day - every 15 minutes in the daytime, every 30 minutes overnight.
The fare is a standard STB 90-minute metropolitan journey: 3 lei. You can pay with a contactless Visa or Mastercard on the validator, by SMS to 7458 (sent before boarding), or with an STB card, so there is no need to work out a ticket kiosk on arrival.
Airport train
The rail link to Gara de Nord (Bucuresti Nord) costs 6.50 lei and takes about 20-25 minutes. A seat reservation adds 4.50 lei, and buying your ticket from the train conductor costs 13 lei - so buy before you board (ticket office, the CFR Calatori website or app, or SMS to 7458). From Gara de Nord you would need the metro or a taxi to reach your final destination.
Pre-booked private transfer
A sedan transfer to central Bucharest has a fixed price quoted at booking (see the live From price on this page), with minivans for larger groups priced higher. The price is fixed at booking. Confirm what is included, such as meeting point and luggage help, when you book.
Hidden costs to consider
If you plan to pay a taxi in cash, withdraw RON from an ATM rather than exchanging at a counter. Some ATMs offer "dynamic currency conversion" which adds fees; always choose to be charged in RON.
Bottom line
Budget travellers can reach the centre for 3 lei on line 100 at any hour of the day or night, or 6.50 lei by train to Gara de Nord. Those wanting door-to-door convenience will spend more, whether by metered taxi, app, or a pre-booked transfer (fixed price quoted at booking). A pre-booked transfer gives a price you know before you land.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Line 100 replaced 783 on 2 December 2023, 24 hours, every 15 min by day / 30 min at night, stops: https://www2.pmb.ro/pmb/comunicate/comunicat_presa.php?msj=1410
- 90-minute metropolitan ticket 3 lei: https://stb.ro/tarife
- Contactless card and SMS 7458 payment: https://stb.ro/modplata
- Airport train 6.50 lei, 4.50 lei seat reservation, 13 lei on board, 20-25 minutes: https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/bucuresti-nord-railway-station-henri-coanda-airport/
When a private transfer from OTP is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Bucharest City Center is from €62, about €16 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
OTP → Bucharest City Center from €37Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.