Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, commonly known as Otopeni Airport, serves as Romania’s busiest hub, welcoming over 16 million passengers annually with a practical and straightforward travel experience.
Located 16.5 kilometres north of Bucharest’s city centre, the airport connects travellers to more than 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with airlines like TAROM, Ryanair, and Wizz Air operating regularly. Its single-terminal design, split into distinct areas for departures, arrivals, and gates, ensures ease of navigation for passengers.
Reaching the airport from Bucharest is convenient, with multiple transport options available. The Henri Coandă Express train links the airport to Gara de Nord railway station in 15 to 20 minutes, with tickets costing around €1.70 and trains departing every 40 minutes. Express bus lines 783 and 780 connect to Piata Unirii and Gara de Nord, respectively, with fares at €0.80 and a journey time of 20 to 40 minutes, though buses can be crowded and lack dedicated luggage space.
Taxis, ordered via touchscreen kiosks in the arrivals hall to avoid overcharging, cost approximately €15 for a 20-minute ride, while Uber and Bolt offer similar fares. Passengers driving can use one of three parking lots within walking distance, with rates starting at €2.50 per hour, though spaces may be limited during peak times.
The airport’s layout is clear, with the Departures Hall on Level 1, Arrivals on the ground floor, and the Finger Terminal housing 38 gates, 14 of which have jet bridges. A walkway with shops connects the arrivals and departures areas, and the terminal is divided into Schengen and non-Schengen zones for immigration purposes.
With 104 check-in desks and clear signage, navigation is straightforward, but congestion at security or passport control can occur during peak morning and evening hours. Passengers should arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international ones to account for potential queues. Delays at baggage claim, sometimes exceeding an hour due to limited carousels or staffing issues, are a common concern, so travellers are advised to carry hand luggage when possible.
Dining and retail options are functional but limited compared to larger hubs. Airside, passengers can find duty-free shops, a Carrefour Express, and souvenir stores, though prices are higher than average, with bottled water costing around €2.50. Eateries include 24-hour cafes, fast-food outlets like Burger King, and restaurants offering Romanian and international dishes. The single lounge, located near Gate 9, provides basic amenities like Wi-Fi, snacks, and runway views, accessible only to business-class passengers or by invitation. Passengers note that dining and shopping choices are repetitive, so planning purchases before security is wise.
Facilities cater to essential needs, with free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal, though connections may slow during peak times. Charging stations are scarce, and seating is often limited, with rigid chairs and few padded benches. Accessibility is well-supported, with ramps, lifts, and assistance counters for passengers with mobility challenges, bookable 48 hours in advance. Other amenities include a 24-hour supermarket, pharmacy, currency exchange, and luggage wrapping, though no onsite luggage storage is available. Nearby hotels like Vienna House Easy Airport and RIN Airport Hotel, within 3 to 4 kilometres, offer free shuttles for overnight stays.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport handling 13.8 million passengers in 2018 and a growth of 7.95% compared to the previous year. Delays are often caused by airline-specific issues, such as equipment problems, or weather conditions affecting regional flights. Passengers should monitor flight statuses via the airport’s website or displays.
For connections, Bucharest serves as a hub for TAROM and low-cost carriers, with a minimum connection time of 45 minutes for Schengen-to-Schengen flights and 1 hour 20 minutes for non-Schengen transfers. The single-terminal setup simplifies transfers, but non-Schengen passengers may face delays at immigration due to manual passport checks. Those on separate tickets should verify luggage transfer policies to avoid rechecking bags.
Bucharest–Otopeni Airport’s compact design and ongoing upgrades, such as expanded gates and improved baggage systems, make it a practical choice for travellers. While challenges like crowded queues and limited seating persist, the airport’s accessibility, transport links, and essential amenities ensure a functional experience for those passing through Romania’s capital. Non-EU/EEA passengers may need visa checks at the airport.
Dan Air
Dan Air’s flights to Ireland from Bucharest Otopeni use Terminal 1 for departures. Check-in counters are in Terminal 1 international zone (desks 100-120) Check-in opens 2-3 hours before; closes 40-60 minutes prior. Online check-in 72 hours to 12 hours; bag drop 90 minutes before. Self-service kiosks in hall.
Departure Gates are in Terminal 1 (101-150 for Schengen/international) For Ireland, commonly gates 120-140. Boarding 30 minutes prior; gates close 15 minutes before. Use airport screens or Dan Air app.
HiSky
HiSky operates direct flights to Ireland (primarily Dublin) from Terminal 1 at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport. As a low-cost carrier, check-in is in the international departures hall, with assignments based on flight schedules. Online check-in is available 72 hours prior, with bag drop at designated counters. Check-in counters in Terminal 1 international zone (desks 100-120,) are assigned per flight.
Check-in opens 2-3 hours before departure; closes 40-60 minutes prior. Online check-in 72 hours to 12 hours before; bag drop 90 minutes before. Self-service kiosks available; for Dublin flights, desks are announced on screens.
Departure gates are 101-150 in Terminal 1 (120-140 for Schengen/EU flights to Ireland) Gates are assigned dynamically; boarding 30 minutes prior, closes 15 minutes before. Compact terminal; confirm via HiSky app or airport screens.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates flights to Dublin on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from the main terminal, with check-in desks typically in the Departures Hall (desks 1–20). Exact desk numbers are displayed on airport screens. Bag drop is available 2 hours to 40 minutes before departure.
Departure Gates: Flights to Ireland (Dublin) usually depart from gates in the Schengen area (gates 1–10). Specific gates are shown on departure boards.
