What is the cheapest way from OTP to central Bucharest?

STB express bus 100 (formerly 783) to Piața Unirii costs just 3 RON and takes about 45 minutes — far cheaper than the train or a taxi.

How do I pay for the bus at OTP?

Buy a 3 RON ticket from the red STB machine at the stop (loaded on a 3.70 RON Multiplu or Activ card), or tap a contactless Visa/Mastercard on the reader inside the bus. You cannot pay the driver in cash.

Is there a train from OTP to Bucharest?

Yes, a CFR train runs to Gara de Nord in about 25 minutes for around 6.5 RON, but Gara de Nord is north of the centre and usually needs an onward metro, so bus 100 is simpler and cheaper to the Old Town.

How do I avoid the taxi scam at OTP?

Ignore anyone offering a taxi inside the terminal. Use the yellow touchscreen taxi machines at the curb or order a Bolt in the app, and never accept a flat fare quoted by a tout.

What is the best way from OTP to downtown Bucharest?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest: STB express bus 100 to Piața Unirii in the city centre — a single 3 RON ticket and about 45 minutes.

How much is a taxi from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport to the city?

There is no honest flat rate to quote: the touts inside the arrivals hall ask 200–400 RON, which is the notorious OTP scam. Use the yellow touchscreen taxi machines at the curb or order a Bolt for a metered fare — or just take bus 100 for 3 RON.

How do you get from Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) to downtown Bucharest — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) into the centre is STB express bus 100 (the old 783) to Piața Unirii — a single 3 RON ticket, about 45 minutes. Buy the ticket at the red STB machine by the stop, or simply tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard on the reader inside the bus; you don't need to buy a card. Avoid the notorious taxi touts who approach you inside the arrivals hall and charge 200–400 RON for a ride worth a fraction of that.

How to find it

AIRPORTBucharest Henri Coandă International Airport
01Leave international Arrivals (1st floor), go down to the ground floor and exit; the bus 100 stop is just outside, in front of the terminal.
02Buy a 3 RON ticket at the red STB machine (load it on a Multiplu or Activ card), or get ready to tap a contactless Visa/Mastercard on the reader inside the bus.
03Board STB express bus 100 (the old 783) heading toward Piața Unirii, and tap or validate your ticket immediately.
04Ride about 45 minutes to Piața Unirii in the centre; for the metro, hop off earlier at Piața Victoriei or Piața Romană. One 90-minute ticket covers the whole ride.
CITY CENTREBucharest

Ticket

STB single-trip ticket, 90 minutes (bilet STB)

Where to buy: The red STB ticket machine next to the bus 100 stop, on the ground floor outside Arrivals; load it onto a Multiplu or Activ card. Contactless bank-card readers are on the bus itself.

How to pay: A single 90-minute fare is 3 RON. The reusable Multiplu/Activ card costs 3.70 RON once, or you can simply tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard on the on-board reader. You cannot pay the driver in cash; tap or validate when you board.

Local's trick: You don't need to buy a card at all: tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard on the reader inside bus 100 and you're charged the standard 3 RON, valid 90 minutes including transfers to trams and trolleybuses.

Trap to avoid: Ignore the men offering taxis inside the arrivals hall — the notorious OTP scam quotes 200–400 RON for a ride worth a fraction of that. Use only the yellow touchscreen taxi machines at the curb, order a Bolt, or just take the 3 RON bus 100.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from OTP to central Bucharest?: STB express bus 100 (formerly 783) to Piața Unirii costs just 3 RON and takes about 45 minutes — far cheaper than the train or a taxi.
How do I pay for the bus at OTP?: Buy a 3 RON ticket from the red STB machine at the stop (loaded on a 3.70 RON Multiplu or Activ card), or tap a contactless Visa/Mastercard on the reader inside the bus. You cannot pay the driver in cash.
Is there a train from OTP to Bucharest?: Yes, a CFR train runs to Gara de Nord in about 25 minutes for around 6.5 RON, but Gara de Nord is north of the centre and usually needs an onward metro, so bus 100 is simpler and cheaper to the Old Town.
How do I avoid the taxi scam at OTP?: Ignore anyone offering a taxi inside the terminal. Use the yellow touchscreen taxi machines at the curb or order a Bolt in the app, and never accept a flat fare quoted by a tout.
What is the best way from OTP to downtown Bucharest?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest: STB express bus 100 to Piața Unirii in the city centre — a single 3 RON ticket and about 45 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport to the city?: There is no honest flat rate to quote: the touts inside the arrivals hall ask 200–400 RON, which is the notorious OTP scam. Use the yellow touchscreen taxi machines at the curb or order a Bolt for a metered fare — or just take bus 100 for 3 RON.

Last verified: Jun 30, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.