Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

OTPRomaniaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport

Bucharest, Romania

Drop-off

Bucharest city centre (Piața Unirii / Gara de Nord)

Pin before customs

Fastest

București Nord – Henri Coandă Airport train

rail · 30-40m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: București Nord – Henri Coandă Airport train
Headway: 30-40
Backup: STB Express line 100 (Airport – Piața Unirii) · 15-30m

Note

Direct trains operated mainly by CFR Călători and other operators run between Aeroport Henri Coandă T1 station and București Nord (Gara de Nord) roughly every 30–40 minutes, 24 hours a day, taking about 20–25 minutes. From Gara de Nord frequent metro, bus and tram services connect to central areas such as Piața Unirii and the Old Town. cite

Budget focus

Bucharest: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likebucharest airport busandotp to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: STB Express line 100 (Airport – Piața Unirii)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-30m
Note: Express bus 100 links Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport with the city centre at Piața Unirii, stopping at both Arrivals and Departures; it runs 24 hours a day, every ~15 minutes by day (every 20 minutes at weekends) and every 30 minutes at night. Travel time is typically 35–50 minutes depending on traffic, and a 90‑minute metropolitan ticket costs about 3 RON. cite

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: București Nord – Henri Coandă Airport train
Mode: rail
Freq: 30-40m
Note: Direct trains operated mainly by CFR Călători and other operators run between Aeroport Henri Coandă T1 station and București Nord (Gara de Nord) roughly every 30–40 minutes, 24 hours a day, taking about 20–25 minutes. From Gara de Nord frequent metro, bus and tram services connect to central areas such as Piața Unirii and the Old Town. cite

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.