Local information

Arriving

Most international flights to Bucharest arrive at Henri Coandă (Otopeni) International Airport (IATA code: OTP). There are multiple ways of getting from the airport to the city centre:

  • Take the train to Gara de Nord (the trip takes approximately 25 minutes; the fare is 5-7 RON; the ticket may be purchased at the local CFR kiosk), which is Bucharest’s main railway hub and from which one may continue the journey by bus/metro.
  • Take the STB express bus 783 to the city center (the trip takes approximately 40 minutes, stopping at key locations including Piața Victoriei, Piața Romană, Piața Universității, and Piața Unirii; the fare is 3 RON; one can pay by card on the bus).
  • Order a licensed taxi from the touch screen terminals in the airport lobby (on average, the fare from the airport to the city center of Bucharest is around 80 RON; we recommend only taking taxis which were ordered via the terminals to avoid being overcharged).

Accommodation

We recommend the following hotels:

Transport

Above-Ground Transportation

Buses, trams, and trolleybuses operate between 4:30 a.m. and 11:50 p.m. with minor schedule variations. The subway runs from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. Additionally, for those requiring transportation during the nighttime, there are 24 bus lines known as Linii de Noapte to cater to their needs.

Payment for Bucharest’s public transport can be made on-board using a contactless debit or credit card. Alternatively, you can obtain a public transport card from kiosks situated near most bus and tram stops. These cards come in several types:

  • Non-reloadable, transmissible Prepaid cards (Card Multiplu) are issued for free and can be used for two to 30 trips, as well as for daily, 3-day, and 7-day passes.
  • Reloadable, transmissible Prepaid cards (Card Activ) are available for 3.7 RON and can be reloaded at any STB kiosk or online.
  • Reloadable, non-transmissible Activ cards are issued for free, with a 4.7 RON reissuing fee.

For both residents and visitors, there is the Bucharest Public Transport Tourist Card. This comprehensive ticket offers unlimited rides on the following:

  • The train from Bucharest International Airport to Gara de Nord Train Terminal
  • All urban, above-ground transport, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses
  • Bucharest Metro (underground)

The cost of the Bucharest Public Transport Tourist Card is 20 RON for a 24-hour card or 40 RON for a 72-hour card.

Remember to validate your tickets and cards when boarding, as travelers may be asked to present their validated ticket or card during the journey. Passengers without a validated ticket are subject to a penalty.

Fares:

  • Single trip (90 minutes): 3 RON
  • 10-trip card (90 minutes per trip): 25 RON
  • Day pass: 8 RON
  • Three-day pass: 20 RON
  • Seven-day pass: 30 RON
  • Monthly pass for above-ground transport: 80 RON

These tickets can be used interchangeably for bus, tram, and trolleybus rides.

Bucharest Metro

  • Operates from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Comprises five subway lines (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5).
  • Subway stations are marked with the letter “M” on a blue background.
  • The final destination is displayed at the front of the train, and each stop is announced as the train approaches the station.
  • Trains run every four to seven minutes during peak hours and every 15-20 minutes during off-peak times.

Fares:

  • Single trip metro card: 3 RON
  • Two trips metro card: 6 RON
  • 10-trip metro card: 25 RON
  • Day pass metro card: 8 RON
  • Three-day pass: 20 RON
  • Seven-day pass: 30 RON

Restaurants

Near the University of Bucharest

Near the Institute for Logic and Data Science

Tourist Attractions

  • National Bank of Romania Museum
    1. Tickets are free.
    2. Online reservation to visit.
    3. The access will be based on identity documents of all adult persons, as specified in the Registration Form.
    4. The visits shall be scheduled at least 2 working days before the requested date.
  • Primăverii Palace (House of Ceauşescu)
    1. Tickets
      1. 55 RON – English guided tour
      2. 80 RON – English guided tour + “One History” (documentary)
    2. The visit can take place exclusively with a guide, in either Romanian or English.
    3. Online reservation to visit.
  • National Museum of Romanian History
    1. Tickets
      1. 22 RON – Adults
      2. 5.5 RON – Students
  • Palace of Parliament
    1. Tickets
      1. 60 RON / person – Adults
      2. 30 RON / person – Students
    2. Tours are subject to availability. Bookings for 1 to 9 people can be made only by phone, 24 hours prior to the visit, between 09:00 – 16:00.
    3. When having a booking, the visitors are asked to be present 15 minutes before the tour starts at the information desk, otherwise the reservation will be automatically cancelled.
    4. For visiting the Palace of Parliament, the entrance tickets may be purchased the day of your visit only from the ticket office located within the “Constantin Brancusi” Exhibiton Hall, 2-4, Izvor Street. Payment can be done in cash or by credit card.
  • The National Museum of Contemporary Art
    1. Tickets
      1. 24 RON – Adults
      2. 6 RON – Students
  • The National Museum of Art of Romania
    1. Tickets
      1. 24 RON – Adults
      2. 6 RON – Students