TLDR:

If you prefer public transport the airport train to central station followed by subway is a quick way to get downtown. If you prefer private transport directly to your accommodation Uber and Bold are the way to go.

🚂 (Recommended) Take the Train:

The new train service connects OTP airport to the city center of Bucharest. The train station is located at the arrivals terminal and runs every 40 minutes during the day. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs 5.5 RON (less than 2 USD). End station is Gara de Nord, which is a major transportation hub in the city. Tickets can be bought at the counter by the station or inside the train with card (tap to pay machine) or cash (when they check tickets) - Gara de Nord is then connected to the subway network. The Downtown Stations are Unirii and Universitate the subway can be payed with contactless cards/apple pay - or buy a 10 rides card for 25 lei

🚎Take the Express Bus:

The fastest and most affordable way to get from OTP airport to downtown Bucharest is by taking the Express Bus 783. The bus runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 40 minutes at night. You can find the bus station outside the arrivals terminal. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around 3.5 RON (less than 1 USD). The end station for the bus is Unirii

🚗Use a Ride-Hailing Service:

Uber and Bolt are both available in Bucharest, and you can use their apps to order a ride from the airport to downtown. The prices vary based on demand and hover around 100 (20USD), and the journey should take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. You can order your ride as soon are passed baggage pickup. The apps will tell you where the exact pickup is, there is a ride-share pickup area, follow the signs towards the train station and it will be on the right, there is also a sign for it

🚕 Take a Taxi:

Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal, and you can use the taxi kiosk to order a licensed taxi. Make sure to check that the taxi has a meter and that the price is agreed upon before getting in. The journey to downtown Bucharest should take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and should cost about 100 RON (20 USD).