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 from the official queue
The automated taxi dispatch system outside arrivals assigns you a car from licensed companies. Taxis are metered, but Bucharest companies set their own per-kilometre rates within the city's rules, and the rate must be printed on the car door. That means there is no single airport fare to quote - what you pay depends on which company the terminal assigns you, your exact destination, and traffic. Read the rate on the touchscreen and on the car before you get in. Some drivers may try to negotiate a flat rate; you are better off insisting on the meter.
Fixed-price private transfer
OTP Bucharest City Center
From€34for 2 passengers
Other destinations
Ride-hailing apps
Bolt and Uber both operate at OTP. 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, stops at only nine major connection points, 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, which covers the whole trip. You can pay with a contactless bank card, an STB card, or by SMS, so there is no need to work out a ticket kiosk on arrival. Expect 40-60 minutes to Piata Unirii, longer during rush hour.
Airport train
The rail link to Gara de Nord costs 6.50 lei and takes about 20-25 minutes. A seat reservation adds 4.50 lei, and buying your ticket from the conductor costs 13 lei - so buy before you board. From Gara de Nord you would need the metro or another taxi to reach your final destination, adding a small cost.
Pre-booked private transfer
A sedan transfer to central Bucharest typically costs 25-40 EUR, booked in advance. Minivans for larger groups run 40-60 EUR. The price is fixed regardless of traffic or route. This includes meet-and-greet at arrivals, help with luggage, and flight tracking for delays. No surprises on arrival.
Hidden costs to consider
Currency exchange at the airport offers worse rates than in the city. If you plan to pay a taxi in cash, withdraw RON from an airport ATM rather than exchanging at the counter. Some ATMs offer "dynamic currency conversion" which adds fees; always choose to be charged in RON. Parking fees do not apply to passengers, but if someone is picking you up, the short-term lot charges by the minute.
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 at 25-40 EUR. For most visitors, a pre-booked transfer offers the best balance of predictability and value, especially when you factor in the cost of stress after a long flight.