Bucharest essentials

Money and cards

Romania’s currency is the leu (plural lei), shown as RON or lei. Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, including on public transport.

If a card machine asks whether to pay in lei or in your home currency, choose lei. Use bank ATMs rather than the independent cash machines in tourist streets, and avoid street money changers.

Tipping

In restaurants, a tip of around 10% for good service is normal, unless service is already included on the bill. In cafés and bars, rounding up is enough.

Where to eat →

Getting around

Bucharest has five metro lines, run by Metrorex, and a large network of buses, trams and trolleybuses run by STB. You can pay with a contactless card on the metro gates and on board most surface transport, or use the transport apps.

Uber and Bolt both work well and are inexpensive. If you take a street taxi, use a licensed one with the fares displayed, and avoid drivers who approach you at the airport or the station.

Getting around Bucharest →   Metrorex →   STB →

From the airport

Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is at Otopeni, about 17 kilometres north of the centre. Trains run from the airport station to Gara de Nord, Bucharest’s main railway station, which is on the metro.

Express bus 100 (formerly 783) runs to the centre via Piața Victoriei and Piața Romană in about 45 minutes, traffic permitting. Uber and Bolt pick up at the airport; use the official taxi screens in arrivals if you prefer a taxi. A metro line to the airport is under construction.

Getting around Bucharest →

Trains

Gara de Nord is the hub for trains across Romania, including to Sinaia and Brașov in the Carpathians. Buy tickets from CFR Călători online, in the app or at the station.

CFR Călători →   Sinaia & Peleș →   Brașov & Bran →

Language

Romanian is a Romance language, so if you speak Italian, French or Spanish you will recognise many words. English is widely spoken by younger people and in hotels, restaurants and shops. A few words go a long way: mulțumesc (thank you) and bună ziua (good day).

Plugs, water and emergencies

Romania uses European two-pin plugs (types C and F) at 230 volts. Tap water in Bucharest is treated and safe, though many people prefer bottled water. The emergency number is 112.

Entry and the Schengen area

Romania is in the European Union and has been a full member of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025. Check the entry rules for your nationality before you travel; visitors from outside the EU are registered when they enter the Schengen area.

Safety

Bucharest is a safe city. As in any capital, watch your bags and phones in crowded places and on public transport, use Uber, Bolt or licensed taxis, and check prices before ordering in bars on the busiest Old Town streets.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the loveliest seasons for walking. Summers are hot, often above 30°C, but the parks, lakes and garden bars come alive; winters are cold, with snow some years and a Christmas market. The George Enescu Festival fills the city with music in late summer and early autumn every two years.

The George Enescu Festival →

Onward to Belgrade, Sofia and Istanbul

Heading west? Air Serbia flies directly to Belgrade in about an hour and a half. Heading south? Sofia is five to six hours by road across the Danube, with a direct train in summer. Heading south-east? In summer a direct overnight train runs to Istanbul; the rest of the year, travel by coach, connecting trains or air.

Onward travel →   ULTIMATE Belgrade City Guide →   ULTIMATE Sofia City Guide →

Questions and answers