Offering a mix of snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and peaceful spaces, the Platinum Lounge caters to business travellers and premium passengers, enhancing their airport experience with attentive service and amenities.
Henri Coanda International Airport serves Bucharest, Romania’s main gateway to the world. Opened in 1977 and named after the inventor of the first jet-powered aircraft, it handles flights from across Europe and beyond. The terminal features modern check-in counters and baggage systems designed for efficiency. Located about 10 kilometers northeast of the city center, it connects travelers to major hubs like London, Paris and Istanbul via airlines such as TAROM and Ryanair. The airport includes shops, cafes and lounges for passengers seeking comfort before departure or arrival.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Romanian Leu (RON) £1 ≈ RON 6.39 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in cities, though cash is often required in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Romania. 10-15% in restaurants is standard, and small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are common. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not widely accepted, though it is tolerated in some festive events. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and transport, with designated areas available. |
| Unification Day (December) |
Expect closures and parades. |
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| Easter (March/April) |
Religious and cultural activities dominate. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and festive celebrations occur. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Uber, Clever |
| Other: | Romania is famous for its castles, including Dracula’s Castle, and its beautiful Carpathian landscapes. |
Henri Coandă International Airport handles a significant volume of passengers annually, experiencing steady growth with Romania’s increasing global connectivity. The airport’s facilities are modern with spacious terminals, though during peak travel periods it can feel crowded and busy.
While the airport boasts a wide range of shopping and dining options, some travelers have reported long queues and occasional delays at security checkpoints. The airport is well-equipped with lounges, business facilities and comfortable waiting areas to mitigate this.
Transport connections to Bucharest’s city center are good, including express trains, buses, taxis and ride-sharing services. The train station inside the airport offers a quick 20-30 minute ride to central Bucharest, making it a very convenient option.
The climate around the airport is continental with cold winters and warm summers, so seasonal preparations are important. Snow and ice in winter can occasionally affect travel schedules, so flexibility is wise during those months.
Helpful tips for Henri Coandă International Airport
- Arrive two hours early for international flights to allow extra security time.
- Use the free Wi‑Fi and charging stations in Terminal A, but keep valuables secured during check‑in.
- Check flight status via the airport app; gates can shift last minute due to operational changes or weather delays.
- Explore the modern art installations near the arrivals hall – locals often use them as meeting points for quick coffee breaks.
Available airport lounges
The OW Lounge provides travellers with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and newspapers. It is accessible to Oneworld frequent flyers, business class passengers, and via paid access. The lounge aims to offer a quiet retreat from the lively terminal environment.
Where to stay near Henri Coandă International Airport
Most travelers stay in central Bucharest, where there is a wide range of accommodation options including luxury hotels, boutique stays and budget hostels. The airport area itself is more industrial and commercial, with limited lodging directly nearby.
Hotel recommendations
How to get from Bucharest Airport to popular destinations
To Bucharest City Centre:
Express trains (the Airport Express) run regularly between Henri Coandă Airport and Bucharest Gara de Nord railway station, with a travel time of roughly 20-30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the station or on board, typically costing around €4 – 6 (£3.37 – 5.06). Taxis and ride-hailing services provide more direct but costlier transfers, with fares around €15 – 20 (£12.65 – 16.87) and travel times depending on traffic.
To Ploiești:
Accessible by regional train from Bucharest Gara de Nord or by car, Ploiești is about a 1 to 1.5-hour journey. Public bus services connect local towns to Bucharest but require transfers.
To Constanța:
Reachable by train or long-distance bus from Bucharest, Constanța takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours via vehicle. Car hire from the airport offer flexibility for visiting Romania’s Black Sea coast.