- check our Covid-19 Romania travel restrictions article with updated info how Coronavirus restrictions affect travel & tourism in Romania
Are you planning to visit Bucharest? Booked a flight to Bucharest Otopeni Airport and want to know how to get to city centre and Old Town area? Want to know more about taxis, the metro, public transportation, safety and what Bucharest is like for tourists?
Stop looking somewhere else - you’ll find everything you need in this complete practical guide on how to visit Romania's capital Bucharest with info and honest tips from locals who live here. And if there’s anything missing just let us know and we’ll add it :)
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Quick facts about Bucharest: the city, safety and when to visit
- 3. Official tourism in Bucharest - don’t count on it!
- 4. How to plan a trip in Bucharest
- 5. Bucharest Otopeni Airport: how to get to the city & back
- 6. Bucharest North Train Station - Gara de Nord
- 7. Bucharest taxis: costs, tips, safety and apps
- 8. Bucharest metro & public transport
Besides lots of useful info and local tips, each section has useful links that will make your trip to Bucharest stress-free and easier to enjoy -- even in Covid times! This article was updated in July 2021.
1. Introduction
Romania’s capital may not have the best reputation. Or any reputation at all, really. It’s still an undiscovered, lesser-known travel destination in Europe that can seem rough on the edges for first-time visitors who've heard about tourist scams and safety. I’ll be honest - some of them are true and the city can be a challenge for travellers used to other European capitals. But just like any other major capital in the world, don't be quick to judge only by its cover, buildings' facades, first impressions or others’ opinions on the internet.
In fact, Bucharest is a lot more than that and has changed a lot over the past 5-10 years. It's a city of contrasts with a vibe of its own: Oriental influences, Balkan vibe and Western culture and lifestyle, mixed with communist landscaping, ‘old world’ French-aristocracy feeling and an undeniable lust-for-life Latin blood. It’s a combination unlike anything I’ve seen during my travels - Beirut came the closest to this cultural-clash of everything. And both have an amazing nightlife!
Hip and modern crowds (aka millennials) blend with people who grew up in communist times. Behind ugly, grey and tall communist buildings you'll find impresive Orthodox churches, steel and glass skyscrappers or beautiful townhouses that speak of Bucharest’s golden years.
2. Quick facts about Bucharest: the city, safety and when to visit
Bucharest is located in the Southern part of the country in the province known historically as Wallachia. Situated on plains, the city is quite spread out and continuously expanding. It is divided into 6 districts (sectors 1-6) for administrative purposes, but it doesn’t matter where you choose to stay and public transport is not influenced by this. Don’t confuse Bucharest with Hungary’s capital, Budapest - both are equally interesting and worth visiting, but locals in both cities are very proud and annoyed when tourists confuse them!
Bucharest is just over 400 years old and has been Romania’s capital since 1859 making it one of the youngest among European capitals. With an official estimated population of 2,2 million (but much higher in reality thanks to students and commuters) it dwarfs the country’s second-largest city of Cluj-Napoca which has around 350,000 inhabitants.
Bucharest was once known as Little Paris of the East because it was heavily influenced by French culture and architecture during the 19-20th centuries, much like the rest of Romania’s middle class living in the city of those times. Unfortunately, this changed when the Romanian communist regime came to power in 1948 and eliminated any signs of aristocracy and wealth and deeply transformed the city’s layout and social composition.
Entire communist neighbourhoods such as Militari, Crangasi or Berceni were built from the ground up with towering apartment buildings for workers to live in. An entire neighbourhood was demolished to make space for Ceausescu’s egomaniac project, the massive Palace of Parliament or House of People as he liked to call it, which is Bucharest’s most iconic and controversial building. Some say the city was 'tortured' by communist landscaping and landmarks, but our communist past is undeniable -- and fascinating!
Complete Bucharest Communism Tour: Palace of Parliament & Ceausescu's Home
Start from: Bucharest
How safe is Bucharest for tourists? If you’re an informed traveller, generally cautious and not looking for trouble - pretty safe. Besides the usual tourist scams (stay away from anyone ‘offering’ their services or asking for help in an unusual way), pick pockets in crowded areas and rude taxi drivers, there’s nothing in particular seasoned travellers should be worried about.
Solo female travellers should also feel safe, except for the occasional odd and long stares. As you will see, locals in Bucharest are very careful about appearances when going out and lots of stares are in fact ‘checking you out’ looks of admiration or curiosity.
Most importantly, there have been no terrorist incidents or threats and violence in the streets is very, very rare. No gun issues either. You may have heard of street protests in the media, but they’re peaceful and directed against our corrupt politicians. Here’s more about safety in Bucharest from this Irish travel blogger:
Weather in Bucharest is generally warm and pleasant. Like the rest of Romania, the climate is temperate-continental and all 4 seasons are still present. The best times to visit are during Spring (March - June) and Autumn (September - October) with averages of 15 - 25 Celsius, just perfect to enjoy the city. July-August can get pretty hot (34 - 38 Celsius) and heatwaves are frequent, but everyone in the city got used to it and AC is pretty common. Winters are generally frosty (around 0 degrees) and the amount of snow varies from none to a lot, but in December the city is beautifully decorated for Christmas and there’s mulled wine everywhere!
3. Official tourism in Bucharest - don’t count on it!
Local authorities in Bucharest are doing a very poor job at promoting the city, developing tourist infrastructure and making visitors feel welcomed. This is the biggest reason why our capital is not very well-known as a travel destination and why I recommend you continue reading this article and our other blog posts about Bucharest.
There are 2 tourist information centres one in the underground passage at Piata Universitatii and the other in the main Bucharest Train Station (Gara de Nord). But last time I checked (June 2021) both were either closed or had irregular opening hours. Street maps with public sights are few and the only ones I know of is in front of the Romanian Atheneum and in the Old Town area. So the best way to explore Bucharest's major sights and learn about the city's history is to go on a guided walking tour - unless you prefer to wander on your own with your eyes in a guidebook!
There used to be a Bucharest tourist bus doing hop-on hop-off routes on major boulevards and landmarks but due to Covid in 2020 the service has been suspended and there is no news on whether it will come back again. And there is no official Bucharest tourist card with tickets and discounts like in other tourist capitals.
Luckily, English in Bucharest is very common among young people who speak fluently and are very friendly. In restaurants, cafes, bars and tourist areas such as Old Town you won’t have any problems and even menus are in English. Other languages frequently spoken are French, German, Italian and Spanish, as the Romanian language is part of the Latin family. So if you need help or directions, you’re better off asking a young person rather than the middle-aged lady working in the subway ticket office.
There is no official Bucharest tourism website and a lot of websites or blogs have info that is either outdated or confusing especially after 1 year of pause due to Covid. So be careful where you get your info from -- luckily you have a Romanian Friend to help!
4. How to plan a trip in Bucharest
Start first by checking our guides on what to do in Bucharest or Bucharest city break blog post. Learn about top attractions such as Calea Victoriei, the Romanian Atheneum, Revolution Square, Palace of Parliament, museums and others.
The major attractions, landmarks and sights in Bucharest are located on a North - South line from Herestrau Park to Piata Unirii, easily accessible using the blue metro line (M2). Most tourists flock to Old Town area (Centrul Vechi - Lipscani - Smardan street) where a lot of bars, clubs and restaurants are located. While the area was renowned for its nightlife (especially in pre-Covid times), it has turned into a full-blown touristy spot (beware!) which locals avoid almost completely . Still, the atmosphere is fun, especially on weekends. Locals prefer hanging out on side streets and bars in other areas and if you want to discover them check this tour:
Or you might want to check bloggers who've discovered the city for the first time, like Jurga from Full Suitcase who shares her hidden gems of Bucharest or Lavi from Continent Hop who described in vivid - and funny - details what she experienced on her trip!
Travel guides from foreign publications (LonelyPlanet, RoughGuides etc) and TripAdvisor rankings are useful if you want to see the usual top attractions and places where most tourists go - but none of the locals. Caru’ cu Bere is a good example of this and practically lives off of tourists. Over the last 5 years the city’s hip and modern urban culture has changed so much that the info in these guides are outdated or intended only for tourists.
If you’re looking to discover the off-the-beaten-path places in Bucharest, what’s beneath the surface, local history and urban culture - then my honest tips to you are:
- don’t be afraid to wander on side streets from the main boulevards (Calea Victoriei, Magheru, Lascar Catargiu) and explore on your own and
- join a tour where a guide will show you parts of the city you would never discover on your own
Bucharest Street Food Tour: Farmers' Markets & Hidden Streets
Start from: University Square
5. Bucharest Otopeni Airport: how to get to the city & back
The biggest airport in Romania and closest to Bucharest is Henri Coanda (Otopeni) International Airport (OTP) and is located in the Northern part of the capital in the small town of Otopeni - that’s why the short name for the airport is Bucharest Otopeni. The airport has an official website.
Bucharest Otopeni Airport is about 20 km away from the city centre (Piata Universitatii and Old Town area). Depending on the time of day you travel (traffic hours) and means of transport, you'll need about 30-60 min. There are 3 ways to get from Bucharest Airport to the city:
- by car (fastest + convenient)
- public bus (cheaper but slower)
- train to North Train Station (slowest)
- 1. public bus transfer from Otopeni to Bucharest
STB (Bucharest’s public transport company) operates 2 public bus lines from Otopeni Airport to the city:
- 780 heading to North Train Station (Gara de Nord) - check route here
- 783 heading to the city centre (Piata Unirii) - check route here
Both leave from the ground floor outside the terminal building (international arrivals is at 1st floor) every 15-20 min on a regular daily schedule (Mon-Fri 6:00-23:00) and every 20-30 min on weekends and holidays.
A two-way ticket is cheap (8,5 Lei ~ 2€) and you can buy one from the white ticket booth on your right when you exit the terminal building. Drivers don’t sell tickets and there's no way to get them online. Without getting into too many details about ticket options, just trust me and buy the BLUE card and ask the lady to top it up with 2 bus rides. Validate the card on the orange box when getting on the bus and check to see the green light turned on.
Public transport in Bucharest (except for metro) can be unreliable and not in the best conditions (some don’t have AC during summer), so I wouldn’t recommend taking the bus if you’re in a hurry, arriving/departing during rush hours or not incredibly budget-conscious.
- 2. train from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest North Train Station
There is a train connecting Optopeni Airport with Bucharest's main train station with no other stops on the way. The train runs every 40 min from either these stations and you can check the schedule here. The ride takes 20 min and the ticket costs 4 Lei (less than 1 Euro). On the platform there is a ticket machine or you can buy your ticket online here.
- 3. taking a taxi or Uber from Bucharest Airport
Getting a taxi or an Uber from Bucharest Airport to the city centre is quick, convenient and reasonably priced (50 - 80 Lei or 10 - 17 Euro). A couple of years ago there were some problems with aggressive taxi divers at the airport waiting to rip off tourists - but authorities have fixed this and it’s no longer the case. As a local, I’ve always used taxis and Ubers to get to and from Bucharest Otopeni airport because it’s the best way. If you want to get to Bucharest by hired car, follow these local tips:
First, look for these yellow self-order machines on both sides of the international arrivals gate (after baggage claim) on the 1st floor; use them to order a taxi from the pre-authorised companies and you will get a printed ticket with taxi details which you need to hold on to. Walk outside the terminal building and wait for your taxi to come from the left; the disadvantage is that you can pay only with Romanian Lei in cash;
Second, a great alternative to the usual taxi companies is Uber or Bolt- ordering is easy through the app. Cars have a designated pick up point on the right side of the parking platform on the 1st floor just as you exit the airport building. You can pay via the card in the app. Drivers are excellent and this will be hassle free.
Third outside the terminal building there will be taxis waiting in line with fares between 1,69 - 3,50 Lei/km; you can choose one of them too as they're from the approved taxi companies by the airport
Other tips:
- if anyone approaches you in the airport offering taxi services, refuse
- if anyone wants to negotiate the fare, refuse
- when boarding taxis make sure the driver starts the meter when leaving; if they don't or they tell you it's not working - refuse the ride and get out
- if you can’t find a taxi you can walk 10 min to the Departures terminal (a long corridor on your left as you exit baggage claim) and get one of the taxis dropping passengers off there
Car rentals from the usual companies (Sixt, Avis, Hertz, etc) or the local company (Autonom) can be picked up from the airport.
To get from Bucharest Airport to Brasov there are 2 options: either go to North Train Station and get a train from there or use a shuttle company that runs straight from the airport (we recommend Kron transfers or Direct Aeroport).
Private Day Trip to Brasov Old Town, Bran (Dracula) and Peles Castle
Start from: Bucharest
Getting from Bucharest to Otopeni Airport you have the same choices, but if you need to leave during rush hours (7-10 am and 16-19 pm) there are high chances buses will be running late and cars will be stuck in traffic. Be sure to leave in advance and here’s one of my personal hacks of getting to the airport quicker: I take the metro to Aviatorilor Metro Station (blue line) and take a taxi from there to Bucharest Otopeni. You might still catch some traffic but you'll save a lot of time getting from the city centre to there.
- Local tip #1: food and drinks are outrageously expensive in Otopeni Airport (2-3x times higher prices). Pick up something from the city or a gas station on your way there. In case you’re hungry and looking for a warm meal, there’s a food court once you're passed security at gates 24 – 29.
- Local tip #2: exchange houses in the airport offer very bad rates compared with what you can get in the city. Change 20 Euro for taxi fare or use an ATM from a local bank (avoid Euronet!) to get some Romanian Lei.
6. Bucharest North Train Station - Gara de Nord
The main train station in Bucharest is Gara de Nord (translated simply as North Train Station). This is where all national and international trains arrive and depart. If you come across other train stations such as Bucharest Baneasa or Basarab, just ignore them.
Gara de Nord is always bustling with activity will give you the usual 'train station' experience: confused travelers, rushed locals, bored station workers, and, of course, scammers and beggars trying to get something out of everyone! Inside the train station there are many places to get food, sandwiches, drinks and there’s even a supermarket and exchange office.
If you’re looking for info about buying train tickets and navigating Romania by train, check our guide on getting around Romania.
Taxis are waiting at the end of this corridor
From the train station to the city. When arriving in Gara de Nord look for signs leading to the ‘authorised taxis’ station which is down the very long, wide and tall corridor as you arrive (pictured above). You will be approached by people offering ‘taxi’ services - refuse. Outside the building if taxi drivers first ask where you’re going and then try to negotiate the fare, refuse. If you can’t find a decent taxi, use Uber.
Getting there. The North Train Station is located in the North-Western part of Bucharest. You can get there using the yellow subway line and get off at Gara de Nord station. For a cost of 2-4 Euros, a taxi or an Uber is a better and more convenient choice than taking the bus, and sometimes quicker than using the metro.
7. Bucharest taxis: costs, tips, safety and apps
The first piece of honest truth - taxi services in Bucharest should be treated with caution because their reputation is notoriously bad for many good reasons. But if you follow my advice below on how to order a taxi in Bucharest like a local you’ll see how easy and safe it can be to use them and avoid bad experiences.
The second honest truth is that taxis and hired cars are a very cheap and convenient way of getting around Bucharest, especially since subway stations don’t cover some parts of the city or tourist sights. Other public transport such as buses and trams are not worth the effort as we'll explain below.
Taxis waiting in the Old Town area
There are many official licensed taxi companies and their cars are yellow with the name of the company on the hood. Fares and rates are calculated per km: the lowest starts from 1,69 Lei and 1,99 lei is standard while 3,5 Lei is for premium cars. Cost of rides should not be negotiated as fares are clearly written on both sides of the car and displayed on the meter (which should be visible) before and during the ride. A taxi ride from Bucharest to Otopeni Airport will cost about 50-70 Lei while most rides in the city will cost 15-30 Lei. Paying 10 Lei for a 8 Lei ride is common, as is rounding up or leaving a tip of 10% or 1-3 Lei. To put things into perspective, remember that 1 Euro = 5 Lei.
And now my most important piece of advice: everyone in Bucharest uses smartphone apps to order taxis online, and so should you. They’re easy to use, are tracked based on location and drivers have individual profiles and reviews from clients. Few problems, if any, have been reported, so they should be your go-to choice. Here are the most popular taxi apps I recommend:
- Uber works in Bucharest since 2015 and runs legally in the country. It’s cheap and reliable, with great drivers and clean cars. But because service is so great, it’s very popular and there's usually a fare surcharge because of high demand.
- Bolt is the runner-up and is the European version of Uber with almost identical features and functionalities. It’s trying to aggressively acquire market share by having even cheaper fares than Uber. Some drivers use both apps which means clients have more options to choose from - yay!
Most of these apps also work in Brasov, Timisoara or Cluj-Napoca but in all other cities in Romania taxi drivers are decent, polite and safe so no need to worry.
The only taxi company I would recommend picking up from the streets of Bucharest (without pre-order) is Meridian. There may be other companies too, but I rarely use them since there are so many apps available. During weekends, especially in the evening when Bucharest nightlife goes full on or on rainy days, taxis will be in very high demand so be patient and several ways to find one.
I don't recommend getting a taxi from Bucharest to other cities such as Brasov, Constanta, Mamaia or Sinaia. You can get better prices and comfort in a train, bus or even a private tour.
Here are my safety tips when using regular taxis in Bucharest:
- make sure the driver turns on the meter when starting the ride and get out if he doesn’t or says it’s not working
- have small notes (1-5-10 Lei) on you to pay the fare as one of the most often used tricks is drivers saying they don’t have change
- avoid if possible picking up taxis waiting in the Old Town/Lipscani area or North Train Station - they're the ones trying to scam tourists by overcharging; try ordering instead
- try to be, as much as possible, informed about your route or at least have Google Maps ready when using a standard taxi.
8. Bucharest metro & public transport
The subway network of Bucharest (metrou) is reliable, easy-to-use and fairly cheap. It’s by far the best way to get around Bucharest followed by taxis, even though it may be very crowded during morning and afternoon peak hours.
There are 4 lines (M1-4) but the ones important for tourists are M1 (yellow) and M2 (blue). Getting on the right metro should be easy as there is only one train running on each line in a single direction. If in doubt, ask locals waiting. All metro stations are underground and are marked with an ‘M’ on a white square.
The city centre is served only by 4 stops and there are some areas of Bucharest with tourist sights not covered at all by the subway. The metro stations close to the main tourist sights are Piata Unirii, Piata Universitatii, Piata Romana and Piata Victoriei (the 4 I mentioned), Izvor and Aviatorilor. Check the full map here. Distances between stations can be quite long (10-20 min walk).
Service is between 5:00-23:00 and trains run every 3-5 minutes during rush hours and 5-10 minutes during off-peak hours and weekends. Tickets are paper-printed and you need to validate them when entering the station, otherwise you can’t get in. A ticket with 2 rides costs 5 Lei (1€) but your best choice is to get the 10 ride ticket for 25 Lei. You can also use your contactless bank card to pay for a 2,5 Lei ride on the spot without having to pass by the ticket office. Extremely cheap compared to anything else in Europe!
The public transport network in Bucharest is made out of hundreds of buses, trolleys and trams, all operated by STB. For tourists they are very confusing and hard to use, because there are no clear maps, guides, apps or English-speaking people or drivers working for STB and able to give precise guidance to non-locals.
Buses and trolleys don’t always have a dedicated lane so they get stuck in traffic. Drivers sometimes illegally use tram lines so trams get stuck in traffic too. And overground traffic in Bucharest is already heavy and crowded. So despite being very cheap to use, the hassle of getting on the right one, waiting ages for them to show up and getting stuck in traffic is not worth it. Except for regular commuters, most locals don’t use them so my best advice is to stick to metro and taxis.
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I hope this practical guide will help you plan your trip to Bucharest and Romania! Check our page with all the info and tours in Bucharest:
Your Romanian Friend
Marius