Getting Around
Public transport in Bucharest is cheap and generally reliable. The metro is the best way to get around the centre as not many bus and tram routes go through the central zone, apart from some express buses on major thoroughfares; they are the quickest way to reach outlying areas, and cost about double the standard bus fare. The metro is fast, and despite some poorly signed stations, easier to navigate than the bus system. Tickets valid for two journeys cost 5 lei.
Buses, trolley buses and trams are well integrated and tickets are valid on all three networks, but they are usually crowded and pickpockets are a problem. To use any of these, visitors must first purchase an 'Activ' card. Trips cost 1.30 lei each. There are also private minibuses that travel along the major thoroughfares and can be hailed anywhere along their route.
Taxis in Bucharest are reasonable, but foreigners are more than likely to be overcharged. Hotels or restaurants should know the approximate fare, which can then be negotiated and a fixed price agreed before getting in. Car hire is targeted at business visitors and is quite expensive; drivers need to be 21 years of age and have a passport, international insurance policy, international driving permit, and valid driver's license. Driving in Bucharest can be harrowing as locals drive erratically, and roads are not well signposted.
Airports
Bucharest Airport
The airport is situated 10 miles (16.5km) north of Bucharest.
Bucharest Airport (OTP)
Location
The airport is situated 10 miles (16.5km) north of Bucharest.Getting to the city
Express bus services, 783 or 780, leave frequently for the city centre and main railway station, respectively. This line runs both in daytime and at night, and buses arrive every 40 minutes. Taxis are also available 24 hours to take passengers anywhere in Bucharest or to any other region in the country. Taxi stations are located at the exit of the main terminal. Passengers should avoid cabs that do not display the price and have no meters.
Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).Car rental
Car rental companies include Avis, Autonomous, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Enterprise.
Airport Taxis
Bucharest has two types of taxi. Smaller taxis cost about RON 1.5 per km and the larger taxis charge about RON 3.5 per km. The trip between the airport and Bucharest can take up to an hour in heavy traffic. Visitors are advised to only make use of official taxis with working meters and the prices displayed.
Transfer between terminals
The terminal buildings are connected by a corridor; it takes five minutes to walk between the terminals.
Facilities
There are banks, bars, and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include a bureau de change, left-luggage, a hairdresser, duty-free shops, chapel, pharmacy, and a post office. Disabled facilities are good; those who need a wheelchair or have other special requirements should contact their airline in advance.
Parking
Long and short-term parking is available. Short-term parking is 3 lei for every 30 minutes. Long-term parking costs 40 lei per day, and 20 lei if parking is extended up to 3-4 days. The maximum use of this car park is 30 days.