Book flights to Bucharest

Bucharest is the central hub of south-east Europe, sitting on the banks of the Dâmbovița River. This sprawling destination is the largest city in the region, and is a primary arrival point for international travel and a gateway to the broader landscape of the Wallachian Plain.

The city landscape has a complex architectural history, often nicknamed "Little Paris" for its early 20th-century elegance. Visitors discover a blend of styles ranging from the neoclassical Romanian Athenaeum and the medieval Old Town to the massive Palace of the Parliament. The Arcul de Triumf and the tranquil Herastrau Park provide a sense of scale and greenery amidst the urban expansion.

A journey here offers a study in contrasts, where traditional Orthodox churches sit beside modern glass towers. The city provides a deep sense of discovery through its varied cuisine, world-class museums, and a history that remains visible in its diverse neighbourhoods.

High season in Bucharest

Bucharest experiences its peak energy during the warm months from May to September, when temperatures often range between 25°C and 35°C. Upon landing at Henri Coandă International Airport, visitors immediately feel the heat and the lively pace of a city that has moved entirely outdoors. The wide boulevards and lush spaces like Herăstrău Park fill with people, while the cafe culture in the Old Town reaches its height with terraces packed well into the night.

The city’s social rhythm is defined by open-air festivals and a thriving street life. Events like the George Enescu Festival or various food and music gatherings transform the public squares into communal hubs. The long daylight hours allow for extended exploration of the eclectic architecture, from French-inspired villas to massive administrative structures. This period has a Mediterranean feel where the pace is fast and the atmosphere is consistently social.

Low season in Bucharest

The low season arrives with the crisp air of November and lasts through March, bringing a quiet, atmospheric shift to the capital. Winter temperatures frequently drop below 0°C, and a blanket of snow often covers the city's historic rooftops and Orthodox churches. Arriving during these months offers a more intimate perspective, as the focus moves from the busy streets to the warm, ornate interiors of museums, tea houses, and traditional restaurants.

While the outdoor pace slows, the cultural calendar remains full with indoor concerts and the charming Bucharest Christmas Market in Constitution Square. The city takes on a picturesque quality, especially when the holiday lights illuminate the Arcul de Triumf. This season is ideal for those who prefer a tranquil environment and the opportunity to see the architectural details of the city without the summer crowds. The shorter days encourage a cozy lifestyle, highlighting the contrast between the cold exterior and the hospitable, heated venues found throughout the centre.

Two distinct air gateways serve the Romanian capital, and have different levels of connectivity for those arriving on a flight to Bucharest. While one is the primary international hub, the other focuses on low-cost carriers and executive travel, and has flexible options for regional visitors.

Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)

Henri Coanda International Airport, commonly known as Otopeni, is the primary gateway for flights to Bucharest and is located approximately 17 km north of the city centre. As the busiest aviation hub in the country, it is the main base for the national flag carrier TAROM and is a significant regional base for several low-cost airlines. The facility consists of a single terminal building divided into two main halls for departures and arrivals, managing a wide network of international routes across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Travellers heading into the city can use the direct rail link, which departs from the airport station located just outside the arrivals hall. This train reaches Gara de Nord, the main railway station, in roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Alternatively, the 100 bus line (formerly the 783) has 24-hour service, connecting the terminals to central landmarks such as Piata Victoriei and Piata Unirii in approximately 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also readily available at designated pick-up points, and have a direct route to specific destinations throughout the capital.

Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU)

Located just 8 km north of the central district, Aurel Vlaicu International Airport, often referred to as Baneasa, is the city's older aviation facility. After undergoing significant renovations to its heritage terminal building, it primarily handles business aviation, private charters, and a select number of scheduled seasonal low-cost flights. Its position within the city limits makes it a convenient alternative for travellers who prioritize proximity to the northern business hubs and the residential areas of Baneasa and Pipera.

Because of its location deep within the urban fabric, the airport is exceptionally well-connected to the local transit network. Several STB bus lines and tram services stop within short walking distance of the terminal, and include links to Piata Presei Libere and the M2 metro line at Aurel Vlaicu Station. A taxi or ride-hailing trip to the city centre usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, making it one of the most accessible airports for those staying in the northern half of the city.

After your flight touches down at Henri Coandă International Airport, the drive into the city reveals a skyline where historical elegance meets a bold, modern energy. Bucharest greets newcomers with a sprawling landscape of wide boulevards and hidden garden cafes that invite immediate exploration.

Palace of the Parliament
This massive administrative building is one of the largest of its kind in the world, dominating the city centre with its heavy neoclassical facade and thousands of marble-filled rooms. It has a complex history and a scale that is truly difficult to grasp until you see it from the base of Unirii Boulevard.

Old Town (Lipscani)
The cobbled streets of this district are the heart of the city's social life, where medieval ruins sit right next to lively bistros and artisan shops. By day, it is a place to discover the city's merchant past, while at night, the area transforms into a spirited hub of music and dining.

Romanian Athenaeum
As a premier concert hall and a symbol of local culture, this building has a magnificent dome and an ornate interior decorated with gold leaf and frescoes. The garden out front is a tranquil spot to pause and admire the architectural detail that earned the city its nickname as the "Little Paris of the East."

Herăstrău Park
Located around a large lake in the northern part of the city, this expansive green space is where locals go to escape the urban bustle. You can wander through the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, an open-air collection of traditional peasant houses that offers a quiet glimpse into rural heritage.

Calea Victoriei
The most storied avenue in the city leads you past luxury boutiques, art museums, and historic palaces. Walking this route allows you to see the layers of the city's identity, from the French-inspired mansions to the quiet, shaded courtyards of the Stavropoleos Monastery.

Carturesti Carusel
Housed in a restored 19th-century building, this stunning bookstore has winding white staircases and a light-filled atrium. It is a peaceful sanctuary for readers and photographers alike, capturing the creative and intellectual spirit that defines the modern city.

Every great journey begins with a simple click, and finding the right flight to Bucharest is the first step toward your Romanian adventure. By using the search filters on eDreams and considering flexible travel dates, you can easily secure a seat that fits your schedule. For those who fly often, eDreams Prime has additional benefits that make every stage of your trip even smoother, ensuring you can focus on the excitement of landing at Henri Coandă International Airport.