Described as a ‘city of contrasts’, discover the unforgettable and enchanting charm of Bucharest.
Overview
Approximate flight time: 3 hours 15 minutes (total distance 1,379 miles)
Airlines that fly direct: Ryanair, Wizz Air
Airport in Bucharest: Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
Seasons: High = May - August; Low = November - February
Currency: Romanian Leu
Departing from Birmingham Airport
Fly to Bucharest from Birmingham Airport, for a great travel experience. Wherever you live in the UK, Birmingham’s location and transport links mean it’s easy to get to.
If you like driving to the airport, parking couldn’t be easier. There is a choice of seven car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal on foot or via the courtesy shuttle bus. Book a parking space online in advance and save up to 70%.
Taxis can drop you right outside the terminal, but if you prefer to take public transport, you will find bus services running directly to the airport or to Birmingham International Airport train station.
Alternatively, browse the shops or grab something to eat at one of our cafés, bars and restaurants.
Forgotten some travel essentials like your headphones or toothbrush? Fear not, as you can find both (along with any other electricals or beauty items you may have forgotten) at InMotion and Boots. World Duty Free has all your favourite brands at discount prices, from liquor to makeup. You might be tempted by other shops too, like JD Sports and Accessorize?
Need currency for your trip abroad? Then head over to our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge. If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport.
To find out about our other services, head to our terminal facilities page.
Whether you like to get through the airport as quickly as possible, or you enjoy spending time looking in the shops and having something to eat, check out our ‘Plan your Journey’ articles for the speedy and leisurely traveller.
Average temperature in Bucharest
| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 2°C | 7°C | 12°C | 17°C | 23°C | 26°C | 28°C | 28°C | 25°C | 18°C | 9°C | 4°C |
| Minimum | -5°C | -4°C | 1°C | 5°C | 10°C | 14°C | 15°C | 14°C | 11°C | 5°C | 1°C | -3°C |
Aerial view of a residential area in Bucharest
Arriving at Bucharest Airport
Bucharest Airport (OTP), officially known as Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, is the busiest international airport serving Bucharest, Romania. It’s located in Otopeni, around 10 miles north of the city centre.
However you prefer to travel, you will find plenty of options from Bucharest Airport. Find the bus stop outside both the Arrivals and Departures terminals. There are several lines that service the airport but the 783 Express line connects the airport with the city centre and runs 24/7 (more frequently during the day than at night).
If you are travelling elsewhere in Romania and you want to take the train, you will have to take a bus from the airport to Gara de Nord (main railway station). Buses run every 20 minutes and your total journey time will be 40 minutes.
A taxi journey to the city centre will take around 30 minutes or alternatively, you could rent a car.
Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.
Bucharest Old Town on a sunny day
What to expect in Bucharest
Romania’s capital has become a hot holiday destination. It’s dynamic, energetic and guaranteed fun. Many travellers give the city just a night or two before heading off to Transylvania, but it’s worth spending a decent amount of time there. Explore museums, stroll through parks, hang out at trendy cafés and check out the drinking gardens. There’s even an urban beach.
The official language in Bucharest is Romanian. Most people who work in the tourist industry will speak basic English.
Romania’s climate is characteristic of Central Europe with distinct seasons. The country gets hot summers and long, cold winters. If you are visiting between December and February, it is likely to snow.
River Dambovita in Bucharest
Culture in Bucharest
Bucharest is full of architectural treasures. From the charming monasteries and churches in Brâncovenesc style, through to the majestic villas built in the interbellum, not to mention the rough blocks of flats erected during the Communist regime, the city is certainly diverse.
Palace of Parliament is the most striking architectural monument of the city, and make sure to see the Arc of Triumph located nearby. The monument was erected in 1920 in the memory of Romanian soldiers killed during the First World War. Want to learn a thing or two about European history? Head to the Museum of History for a whistle stop tour.
In Bucharest, a city that rarely sleeps, there’s always something interesting going on. Festivals range from local neighbourhood parties, such as those held by the Armenian community, to vintage, organic food and design fairs. The George Enescu festival, a classical music marathon lasting almost a month, is one of Europe’s most prestigious.
You must try some traditional Romanian food while you’re in Bucharest. Sarmale is made of minced meat mixed with spices rice, rolled into fermented cabbage and boiled for hours in a special sauce. Mamaliga cu branza si smantana is very similar to polenta and is traditionally served with cheese and sour cream. For dessert, try ordering papanasi, usually made of cottage cheese rolled into donut like shapes, filled with sweet cream and topped with jam and berries.