Bucharest Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is served by two main airports. Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is the primary international gateway, while Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU) serves as a city airport for business aviation and limited commercial flights. Understanding their distinct roles is key for efficient travel planning.

Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)

Overview: Commonly known as Otopeni Airport, Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is the busiest airport in Romania and the main international gateway to Bucharest and the country. Located approximately 16.5 km (10 miles) north of the city centre, it is the hub for TAROM (Romanian Air Transport) and a base for low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and Blue Air.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The original terminal, now used exclusively for non-Schengen international flights (e.g., to/from the UK, USA, Middle East, etc.). It has its own check-in, arrivals, and departures facilities.
• Terminal 2 (T2): A newer, larger terminal that handles all Schengen-area flights and all domestic flights. It is modern and houses most of the airport’s retail and dining options.

Important: Always confirm your terminal with your airline. Terminals 1 and 2 are separate buildings located about 500 meters apart, connected by a free, frequent shuttle bus (running every 10-15 minutes). The walk takes about 10 minutes along a marked path.

Getting to and from OTP:

• Train (CFR Călători):
  The fastest and most reliable public transport. The airport train station is located between T1 and T2 (a short walk from either). Trains run directly to Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord), the city’s main rail hub, in about 20 minutes. From Gara de Nord, you can connect to the metro (Line M1/M4) or other transport. Trains run approximately every 40 minutes. Highly recommended to avoid road traffic.
• Express Bus 783:
  Operated by STB, this bus runs from the airport (stops at both terminals) to the city centre, terminating at Piața Unirii (a major square). The journey takes 45-90 minutes, heavily dependent on Bucharest’s infamous traffic. It is cheap but can be crowded.
• Night Bus N101:
  Operates when the train and Express 783 are not running (late night/early morning).
• Taxi:
  Use only the official airport taxi service. Book a taxi at the designated touchscreen kiosks inside the arrivals halls of T1 or T2. You will receive a ticket with the taxi number and fixed fare per km. The fare to the city centre should be around 3-4 Lei/km, totaling approximately 50-80 Lei (€10-€16). NEVER accept offers from drivers soliciting inside the terminal; they charge exorbitant rates.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber, Bolt):
  Widely available and often cheaper/more convenient than official taxis. Designated pickup points are at the parking lots (follow signs). The app will specify the exact location.
• Car Rental:
  Desks for all major agencies are located in the arrivals halls of both terminals.

Best for: All international travel and most domestic flights. Over 95% of passengers use OTP.

Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU)

Overview: Also known as Băneasa Airport, this is a smaller airport located just 8 km (5 miles) north of the city centre. It previously handled low-cost traffic but now primarily serves business aviation, charter flights, and a very limited number of scheduled commercial routes (mainly seasonal or regional).

Terminals: A single, small terminal.

Getting to and from BBU: Taxi or ride-hailing is the only practical option, taking 15-30 minutes to the city centre depending on traffic.

Best for: Private jets, charter flights, and the occasional scheduled flight to specific destinations. Check your airline carefully if your ticket says BBU.

Which Bucharest Airport Should You Choose?

For the vast majority of travelers, Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is the primary and most convenient choice, offering the full range of flights and transport links. Aurel Vlaicu (BBU) is only relevant for specific business or charter travel.

Critical for OTP: Know whether your flight uses Terminal 1 (non-Schengen) or Terminal 2 (Schengen & domestic).

Essential Travel Information for Henri Coandă Airport (OTP)

Terminal 1 vs. Terminal 2 Strategy:

• Schengen Area Flights (most EU countries): You will use Terminal 2 for both arrival and departure.
• Non-Schengen Flights (UK, USA, UAE, etc.): You will use Terminal 1.
• Arrivals: All flights arrive at their respective terminals. Follow signs for baggage claim and exit.
• Transfer Between T1 and T2: If you need to change terminals (e.g., arriving internationally at T1 and flying domestically from T2 on a separate ticket), use the free shuttle bus. Allow at least 60-90 minutes for this process, including potential security re-entry.

Arrival Process at OTP:

1. Disembark & Follow Signs: Follow signs for “Bagajele” (Baggage) and “Ieșire” (Exit).
2. Passport Control (Non-EU arrivals): Have your passport ready. EU citizens can use the dedicated lanes.
3. Baggage Claim: Collect luggage.
4. Customs: Walk through the Green (“Nothing to Declare”) channel.
5. Arrivals Hall: Here you will find the taxi booking kiosks, information desks, and exits to the train station and bus stops.

Departure Process at OTP:

1. Arrive Early: For Schengen flights, arrive 2 hours early. For non-Schengen flights, arrive 3 hours early. Security lines, particularly at T2, can be lengthy during peak travel times.
2. Go to Correct Terminal: Confirm T1 or T2.
3. Check-in: Find your airline counter. Self-service kiosks are available for TAROM and others.
4. Security & Passport Control:
   • Schengen Flights (T2): Pass through security to the gate area.
   • Non-Schengen Flights (T1): Pass through security, then clear Romanian exit passport control.
5. Gate Area: T2 has a good selection of shops and cafes. T1 is more basic. Boarding often involves a bus transfer to the aircraft, even from T2.

Ground Transport in Detail:

• Best for Speed & Reliability: Train to Gara de Nord. Unaffected by road congestion.
• Best for Direct to City Centre (if no traffic): Express Bus 783 to Piața Unirii.
• Best for Door-to-Door: Pre-booked Uber/Bolt or an official taxi from the kiosk.

Money & Connectivity:

• Currency: Romanian Leu (RON). ATMs and exchange bureaus are available in both terminals. Exchange rates at the airport are poor; withdraw Lei from an ATM instead.
• SIM Cards: Kiosks for Romanian operators (Vodafone, Orange, Telekom) are in the arrivals halls, selling prepaid SIMs with data.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available for a limited time (usually 60 minutes).

Local Tips:

• Bucharest traffic is notoriously bad, especially during rush hours (7-10 am, 4-8 pm). The train is consistently the fastest option.
• When taking a taxi, always use the official kiosk or a ride-hailing app. Never negotiate with drivers inside the terminal.

Bottom Line: Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) is a modern facility with a clear terminal split. Your success hinges on knowing your terminal (T1 for non-Schengen, T2 for Schengen/domestic) and using the train for the most reliable transfer to the city. For taxis, use only the official system or apps to avoid scams. With this knowledge, navigating Bucharest’s main gateway is straightforward.