Bucharest Henri Coandă Layover Guide (OTP)

What are you looking for in OTP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Bucharest Airport (OTP) is an international airport located in Otopeni, Ilfov County. It’s situated about 16.5 km (10.2 miles) from downtown Bucharest. The airport officially opened in 1965. Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, known for its vibrant culture and growing economy. The city blends historical architecture with modern life and offers a variety of museums, parks, and nightlife, making it a lively European destination.

Can you leave Bucharest Airport (OTP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave OTP during layover after clearing immigration. If you’re from a visa-exempt country (e.g., EU, US, Canada) you generally need no visa for up to 90 days. Nationals requiring a visa must obtain a short-stay C-type or airport transit visa if staying airside (<24 h). (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Palace of Parliament Explore the colossal Palace of Parliament, the world’s second-largest administrative building, marvel at its grandiose neoclassical halls, ornate chambers, and learn about Romania’s political history through engaging guided comprehensive tours. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Take the 783 bus to Piața Unirii then metro Line M1 to Izvor, or taxi (~45 minutes).)
• Lipscani Old Town Wander Bucharest’s vibrant Lipscani district, admire historic architecture and hidden courtyards, lively cafes, trendy bustling bars, artisan shops, and soak up local culture along atmospheric cobblestone streets day or night. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take the 783 bus to Piața Unirii then walk or metro to Universitate, or taxi (~40 minutes).)
• Village Museum Discover the open-air Village Museum, stroll through authentic 18th–20th century Romanian peasant homes, colourful windmills and churches transplanted from rural regions, and craftsmanship, offering cultural insights into traditional village life. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Take the 783 bus to Grădina Botanică stop then walk to museum, or taxi (~45 minutes).)
• Cişmigiu Gardens Relax in the serene Cişmigiu Gardens, Bucharest’s oldest public park, meander along tree-lined paths, row a boat on its small lake, and enjoy seasonal flower displays and comfortable shaded benches. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Take bus 783 to Universitate then walk south, or taxi (~40 minutes).)
• Romanian Athenaeum Admire the splendid Romanian Athenaeum, iconic neoclassical concert hall adorned with grand columns, ornate frescoes, and stained glass, and experience Romania’s rich cultural musical heritage during daily popular guided visits. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Take bus 783 to Piața Romană then walk, or taxi (~45 minutes).)
• Arch of Triumph Visit Romania’s Arch of Triumph, a majestic monument modeled after Paris’s Arc, commemorate World War I heroes, climb to the lofty observation platform for sweeping city panoramas and memorable photographs. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Take bus 783 to Aviatorilor then walk to Arcul de Triumf, or taxi (~50 minutes).)
• Stavropoleos Monastery Step inside the serene Stavropoleos Monastery, admire its Brâncovenesc architecture, intricate ornate wood carvings, vibrant frescoes, and peaceful courtyard garden, then browse the attached library housing rare 17th-century religious manuscripts. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: Take bus 783 to University Square then walk to Stavropoleos, or taxi (~40 minutes).)
• Herăstrău Park Stroll through expansive Herăstrău Park, admire landscaped gardens, rent a pedal boat on Lake Herăstrău, visit the nearby Village Museum, and browse lakeside cafes for refreshments and local snacks. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take the 783 bus to Aviatorilor then tram into park, or taxi (~50 minutes).)

Things to Do in Bucharest Airport (OTP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Henri Coandă Airport features several lounges, including the CIP Business Lounge and Salonul VIP, offering comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, beverages, shower facilities, free WiFi and workstations. Lounge staff also provide newspapers, magazines and flight information screens. Access is available via lounge memberships, certain business-class tickets or pay-per-use. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
On-site sleeping options include the Sleep&Fly capsule hotel in the Arrivals hall, offering private nap pods and hourly rooms. Outside the airport, guests can choose from nearby accommodations such as the Ibis Bucharest Airport and Pullman Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu Hotel, both providing complimentary shuttle services, fitness centers, bar and restaurant outlets and 24-hour reception. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Throughout both terminals, designated rest zones feature reclining seating, mood lighting and limited privacy pods. These areas provide comfortable spots for short naps, alongside charging stations and vending machines. Although no dedicated sleep cabins exist beyond the capsule hotel, travelers can find quieter corners near gates 14–17 during off-peak hours. Flight announcements remain audible throughout.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout Henri Coandă Airport. Passengers can connect to the “OTP Free WiFi” network, complete a brief registration using email or social media, and enjoy unlimited internet access. Ethernet ports are also available in business lounges, and power outlets are plentiful near seating areas for device charging. Network performance is optimized for streaming and video calls.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from Orange, Vodafone and Telekom are available at kiosks in the Arrivals and Departures halls. Packages start around €10 and include data, calls and SMS. eSIM activation services are offered at the information desk upon presentation of passport. Top-up vouchers are sold at airport convenience stores. Local and international plans available. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi services operate from the Arrivals level with a dedicated dispatch desk. Licensed COTAR taxis charge a metered rate of approximately 1.39 RON/km, plus airport fees. Credit cards are accepted in most vehicles. Avoid unlicensed drivers soliciting passengers outside designated areas; always request a receipt (bon fiscal) for transparent fares. Journey to the city center takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Train: An airport rail link connects OTP with Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord) in approximately 20 minutes. Trains run every 40 minutes, twenty-four hours daily. Tickets cost around 5 RON and can be purchased at vending machines or online. Luggage racks and seating are available. Service is reliable and avoids surface traffic delays. more info

Bus: The Express Line 100 links the airport to central Bucharest (Piața Victoriei and Piața Unirii) 24/7. Buses depart every 15 minutes by day and every 30 minutes at night. A single ticket costs about 8 RON and must be purchased before boarding. Buses feature luggage racks and free onboard WiFi—optimal for budget travelers. more info

Shuttle: Shared and private shuttle services offer door-to-door transfers between Henri Coandă Airport and Bucharest hotels. Vehicles range from minibuses to executive vans, with fares starting at €10 per person. Advance online booking is recommended for guaranteed seating. Operators include Airport Express and Blacklane, with flight-tracking, meet-and-greet options and child seats available upon request.

Car rentals: A wide selection of car rental agencies, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Budget, maintain counters in the Arrivals hall. Reservations can be made online or on-site, with options for daily or hourly rates. An international driver’s license and credit card are required. Vehicles can be returned to the same location or at drop-off points across Romania. Insurance packages and GPS units available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Henri Coandă Airport offers short-term and long-term parking in multiple lots (P1, P2, P3) adjacent to the terminals. Rates start at 5 RON/hour, with daily maximums around 60 RON. P1 is ideal for quick pick-ups, while P2/P3 suit extended stays. Disabled parking spaces and EV charging stations are available. Secure barriers and CCTV ensure vehicle safety.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A left-luggage office is located in the Arrivals hall, offering staffed storage for suitcases and parcels. Rates begin at 10 RON for the first 24 hours and 5 RON for each additional day. Automated lockers are not available, but luggage trolleys and wrapping services are on-site for added protection. Access is during terminal operating hours. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Bucharest Airport (OTP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks