Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Bucharest Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I was nervous about sleeping here as I spoke no Romanian and had never spent the night at an airport. But, when I arrived there were probably 20 others doing the same, so that made me feel better. – robbo79
OTP Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport.
What to Expect
Bucharest Airport (Code: OTP) has a single terminal divided into three zones: Departures (Level 1, Schengen and non-Schengen), Arrivals (Ground Floor), and a Finger extension (gates). Facilities include many eateries and cafes, a few shops, and a grocery store. Several eateries are open 24 hours, both landside and airside, which is particularly helpful because the tap water is said to be undrinkable. Free WiFi helps pass the time, though it slows sometimes. Economy class passengers can upgrade their layover by paying to enter a few airport lounges.
Sleeping in Bucharest Airport
Overnight campers usually opt to stay at the airport for an early morning departure. Here are a few notable locations:
Landside
- Arrivals Level – Reported as very cold at night due to strong air-conditioning. Hard to find armrest-free seating; travellers often attempt floor or corner sleeping but note safety concerns.
- Departures Level (Upper Floor) – This area is said to be warmer than Arrivals, with one armrest-free bench noted, though it is usually occupied.
- Hallway Between Arrivals and Departures – This area remains a common backup if you can’t clear security.
Airside
- Metal seating with armrests is the norm, but there are a few padded benches. The airport becomes busy early in the morning, limiting quiet time for rest.
For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer free shuttle service for guests. See our Airport Hotels section below.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Bucharest Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours, landside and airside.
What this means for airport sleepers:
You can remain inside the terminal overnight, but don’t expect the airport to feel sleep-friendly. Security staff may check on people staying landside and could ask why you’re there, especially late at night. If you plan to sleep, keep your boarding pass handy, stay discreet, and be prepared to move if asked. Sleeping airside is generally easier once security is open, but comfort and quiet are still limited.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist; however, informal spots including padded benches and recliners are scattered around the airside. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Bucharest Airport that provide free airport transfers:
- Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Airport – Directly connected and walkable from the terminal. » Check Rates
- Vienna House Easy Airport Bucharest – Approximately 300 m from the airport; free airport shuttle available upon request. » Check Rates
- Hotel Otopeni – Located nearby; airport transfers available upon request. » Check Rates
- Motel Casa Romaneasca – Within walking distance of the airport. » Check Rates
- RIN Airport Hotel – Located a short drive away; airport transfers available upon request. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Bucharest Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge you can enter by paying at the door.
- Mastercard Business Lounge – Location: Airside, Terminal 1, Domestic Departures Area, near Gate 12. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Complimentary access for Mastercard Platinum, World, and World Elite cardholders (subject to availability) • Pay at the door (from RON 180) • Lounge membership programs.
- Business Lounge (Schengen Departures) – Location: Airside, Terminal 2, Schengen Departures Area, near Gate 3A. Hours: 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from RON 180) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
- Business Lounge (Non-Schengen) – Location: Airside, International Departures, near Gate 9. Hours: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from RON 180) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
- TAROM Business Lounge – Location: Airside, Departures Area, Terminal 2, near Gate 3. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Business Class passengers on TAROM and SkyTeam partner airlines • SkyTeam Elite Plus members • Pay at the door (from RON 180) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Drinking Water
Travellers report no public drinking water fountains at the airport, meaning bottled water must be purchased from shops and vending machines, often at airport prices. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the terminal operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours:
- Landside: City Grill and Brioche Dorée (Arrivals) • Five to go (Arrivals) • Osteria Treevi (Departures Terminal).
- Departures, airside: AiCovrig (Past the Travel Retail stores) • Buongiorno Italian & Gloria Jean’s (Domestic Departures • New terminal, departures) • Chozen Noodle (Lower Level, food court) • City Grill & Brioche Dorée (Corridor between the new & old terminals) • City Grill & Buongiorno Italian (Gate 2) • Fornetti (Ground floor, food court area) • Gate 9 Pub (Non-Schengen, ground floor) • Gioelia by Cremeria (Ground Floor, food court area) • Hesburger (food court) • K-Feine by Nespresso (Non-Schengen, ground floor) • La Croissanterie (food court area) • Maison Pradier (First Floor) • Origini by Bucur (food court area) • Prosecco Elegance (Non-Schengen, first floor) • Roberta Caffe (food court area) • Vivo Fusion Food Bar by Carlsberg (Past the Travel Retail stores)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Travellers report that mobile charging stations are available airside, including at least one area with 20+ charging points.
Showers
Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Bucharest Airport. Connect to the “AIHCB Free” network.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Chapel – A Christian-Orthodox chapel is available. Location: Departures Terminal, landside, first floor.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Several shops operate 24 hours a day, including all five BestValue duty-free locations, available both landside and airside. [ read more ]
Groceries – Need to pick up groceries before heading home? A Carrefour Express is located on the ground floor of the Arrivals Terminal and is open 24 hours.
Hair Salon – A hair salon/barber shop is available at the airport. Location: Landside, underground level.
Information Desks -Airport information desks are available if you need assistance. Locations: Departures (landside) • Arrivals (landside). Hours: 24 hours.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Free baggage trolleys are available throughout the terminal.
- Luggage Wrapping – Plastic wrapping services are available to help protect your bags. Location: Departures, landside, check-in area.
Medical Services
- Pharmacy – 2mPharma – Location: passageway between Arrivals and Departures. Hours: Open 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Medical Services – Urgent and emergency medical care is available via airport emergency phones by calling 1695 or 1696.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available throughout the airport. Fees may apply; check with your bank before travelling. Locations: Arrivals, landside (1st floor) • Corridor between Departures and Arrivals terminals.
- Banking Services – Romanian Bank for Development and Western Union offer in-airport banking services.
Location: Corridor between Departures and Arrivals terminals. - Currency Exchange – Multiple currency exchange offices operate throughout the terminal. Several locations are reported to be open 24 hours, including in Departures, Arrivals, airside gate areas, and the corridor between terminals.
Post Office – Drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s post offices. Location: Arrivals Terminal, Ground Floor. Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri). In addition to postal service, Western Union money transfers and mobile phone top-ups are available.
SIM Cards – Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at the Relay store located in the passageway between the Arrivals and Departures halls.
Smoking Areas – Designated smoking areas are available airside.
Car Rentals
Car rental desks are located on the walkway in the Arrivals Halls. On-site car rental agencies include Autonom • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
Some area hotels provide an airport shuttle service: Vienna House Easy Airport Bucharest • Hotel Otopeni.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber is available in most places in Romania. A ride to the city centre will cost you about 40 lei.
Taxis
Taxis are available on-demand but must be hired using one of the touchscreen devices located in the public area of the Arrivals terminal. The touchscreen device will signal a taxi to the pickup area for you and print a receipt that you must present to the taxi driver. This system prevents taxi rip-offs from occurring. Fares range from 1.89 lei/km to 3.5 lei/km.
Train
A railway station is located just 900 meters from the airport terminals. Shuttle buses connect the station to both Arrivals and Departures. Trains from the airport train station go directly to Gara de Nord railway station, where connections can be made to regional, national and long-distance trains. At the time of this update, the cost of an adult one-way ticket is 6,8 lei, which includes the shuttle bus transfer between the airport terminals and railway station. Buses operate 24/7 and depart every 40 minutes. A ride to the centre will take you about 20 minutes. For more information, check out the CFR website.
Related Pages: 7 things to do on a layover at Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport
Last updated: 2025-12-01
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.