Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, with a population of over 1.8 million people in the metropolitan area. Located in the southeastern part of the country, it serves as Romania’s cultural, economic, and political center. The city has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when it was first mentioned as a residence of Vlad III Dracula.
Often referred to as the “Little Paris of the East,” Bucharest experienced a period of strong development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when elegant architecture, wide boulevards, and cultural institutions flourished. Today, this heritage can still be seen in landmarks such as the Romanian Athenaeum and along Calea Victoriei.

The communist era left a significant mark on the city’s landscape, most notably through the construction of the massive Palace of the Parliament—one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Since 1989, Bucharest has undergone rapid modernization, blending historical architecture with contemporary developments.
Today, Bucharest is a dynamic city offering a mix of historical sites, museums, parks, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The city is relatively easy to navigate, with an expanding public transportation network including metro, buses, trams, and ride-sharing services.
Bucharest is well connected internationally and domestically, making it easy to reach by plane, train, or road. Below is a detailed and accurate guide to help you arrive smoothly at your destination:
By PlaneThe main international gateway is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), located approximately 16–18 km north of the city center. It is Romania’s busiest airport, with direct connections to major European cities and international hubs.
Official airport website:
https://www.bucharestairports.ro
Once you arrive, you have several options to reach the city:
By TrainA direct train line connects the airport to the main railway station, Gara de Nord.
Route: Airport → Gara de Nord
Frequency: Every ~40 minutes
Travel time: ~20–25 minutes
Ticket price: approx. 5–6 RON (~1–1.5 EUR)
Tickets can be purchased at the station inside the airport or online via CFR Călători.
From Gara de Nord, you can take:
Metro Line M1 or M4
Taxi or ride-sharing (approx. 10–20 RON/~2-4 EUR depending on distance)
By MetroThere is currently no direct metro line from the airport (as of 2026). However, a new line (M6) is under construction.
To use the metro:
Take a bus or train from the airport to the city.
Transfer to the metro network operated by Metrorex.
Single metro ticket: 3 RON (~0.60 EUR)
Contactless payment is widely available.
By BusExpress bus lines connect the airport to key areas:
Line 100 (replaced former 783) → City center
Travel time: ~35–50 minutes (depending on traffic)
Ticket price: 3 RON (~0.60 EUR)
Tickets can be purchased using contactless payment directly on board or via transport cards.
By Taxi / Ride-SharingTaxis are available outside the arrivals terminal.
Typical cost to city center: 70–100 RON (~14–20 EUR)
Travel time: ~25–40 minutes
Use only authorized taxis ordered via the airport touch-screen system or apps.
Ride-sharing apps such as Bolt and Uber are widely used and often preferred for transparency and fixed pricing.
Fastest: Train (20–25 min, ~1 EUR)
Cheapest: Bus (3 RON, ~0.60 EUR)
Most convenient: Taxi / Bolt / Uber (~15–20 EUR)
Please note that you must apply for your own visa application. MDPI is not responsible for any visa application. However, MDPI can provide a Visa Support Letter. To be eligible for such a document, the criteria below must be fulfilled.