Late Night Arrivals at Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport

Henri Coanda Airport handles flights through the night, with low-cost carriers frequently landing after 11 PM. Knowing what works and what does not at that hour saves you from standing around wondering what to do.

What is open after midnight

The terminal stays open around the clock. A few shops and at least one cafe remain operational through the night, though selection is limited. ATMs are always accessible. Currency exchange counters may close, so withdraw RON from an ATM if you need cash. Free Wi-Fi continues to function, which is useful for arranging transport from the arrivals hall.

Transport that runs late

The express bus line 100 runs 24 hours a day, every 30 minutes overnight, for the same 3 lei fare as during the day - payable by contactless bank card, so you do not need to find a kiosk at 2 AM. This is the single most useful thing to know about arriving late at OTP, and it is a change from the old bus 783, which stopped in the evening before being replaced by line 100 in December 2023.

The automated taxi dispatch system also operates 24/7. You will find taxis outside arrivals even at 2 or 3 AM, though the selection of companies is thinner. Fares are metered at rates each company sets and displays on the car door, so check before you get in.

Bolt and Uber function at night, though wait times increase after midnight and prices rise with demand, especially at weekends. The app shows the price before you confirm.

Transport that does not run late

The airport train has its last departure in the late evening, so if you land after about 10:30 PM do not count on reaching Gara de Nord by rail. The bus, however, does run: line 100 is a 24-hour service. Older guides claiming the airport bus stops around 11 PM are describing bus 783, which no longer exists.

Why pre-booked transfers work best at night

A pre-booked transfer is the most predictable late-night option. Your driver monitors your flight in real time, so if you land at 1 AM instead of midnight, they adjust without you needing to call or message. The price is fixed at the time of booking, unaffected by surge pricing or late-night premiums.

After a long day of travel, standing at a taxi terminal at 1 AM trying to select a company on a touchscreen is not ideal. Having someone waiting for you with your name on a sign simplifies everything.

Safety considerations

Bucharest Airport is generally safe at night. The terminal is well-lit and staffed. Avoid accepting rides from anyone who approaches you inside the building. Always use the official taxi queue or a confirmed ride-hailing booking. If something feels off, return to the terminal and use the information desk.

A practical late-night plan

Before your flight, book a transfer or at least download the Bolt or Uber app with a payment method saved. Have your hotel address ready on your phone. Withdraw cash from the ATM in arrivals as a backup. If your transfer or ride is delayed, the terminal is a comfortable enough place to wait for a short while. The goal is to make your late-night arrival feel routine rather than uncertain.