Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP): Your Gateway to Bucharest and Romania
Welcome to the definitive guide for Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), also known as Bucharest Otopeni Airport. As Romania’s busiest airport and the primary air travel hub, OTP serves as a vital link connecting the country to over 100 global destinations. This updated guide provides essential, SEO-friendly information for travelers flying to and from Bucharest.
Overview & Location
Henri Coandă International Airport is strategically located to provide easy access to Romania’s capital.
- Location: Situated in Otopeni, approximately 16 km (10 miles) north of the bustling Bucharest city center.
- Geographic Coordinates: 44° 34′ 0” N, 26° 6′ 0” E.
- Serves: Primarily Bucharest, offering convenient access to its historic center and iconic landmarks, including the Palace of the Parliament and the Arch of Triumph.
- IATA/ICAO Code: OTP / LROP (Essential for checking Bucharest flights).
Passenger Traffic and Key Airlines
OTP continues to break records, solidifying its position as the premier aviation hub in Southeast Europe.
- Romania’s Busiest Airport: OTP maintains its status as the most active air hub in Romania.
- Current Passenger Traffic: The airport recorded a significant year, handling 15,946,791 passengers in 2024, reflecting substantial post-pandemic growth.
- Major Airlines: The airport is a base for the national carrier TAROM and is heavily served by major low-cost and full-service international airlines, including Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.
- Destinations: OTP connects Bucharest to over 100 cities globally, with high-frequency routes to major hubs such as İstanbul, London, Paris, and Rome.
- Long-Haul Connectivity: Expanding its intercontinental reach, OTP handles long-haul flights and is set to launch HiSky’s announced service to Chicago–O’Hare (ORD) beginning in June 2026, marking a significant expansion of its American network.
- 2025 Route Expansion: Look for increased flight frequencies and new services, including Turkish Airlines increasing its İstanbul routes and Wizz Air adding services for the Winter 2025 season to destinations such as Berlin, Prague, Turku, and Bordeaux.
Terminals and Services
The airport currently operates efficiently with a single, modern terminal building.
- Terminals: OTP operates with a single terminal building designed to manage both international and domestic traffic seamlessly.
- Available Services: Passengers can access a wide array of amenities designed for comfort and convenience:
- Connectivity: Free, high-speed Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
- Shopping & Dining: Extensive duty-free shopping areas and a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Passenger Support: Facilities for disabled access, car rental agencies (e.g., Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar), and luggage storage services.
- Bucharest Airport Lounges: OTP provides several premium options for relaxation and work:
- The airport operates three VIP Lounges and two Business Class Lounges (located near boarding gates 3 and 9 in International Departures).
- Tarom Business Lounge is available for eligible travelers.
- Many lounges are accessible 24/7 and offer amenities like PC areas, refreshments, and specialized services. Priority Pass holders can also enjoy access to multiple VIP lounges.
- Nearby Accommodation: Travelers seeking nearby accommodation can choose from options such as the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel and Vienna House Easy Bucharest.
- Travel Advice: Given the consistently high passenger volume, especially during peak season, passengers are strongly advised to check in early and allow ample time for security and passport control.
Current Developments & Future Expansion
To meet the surging demand for air travel, OTP is undergoing a massive infrastructural upgrade under the “Strategic Development Programme.”
- New Terminal 2 Project (OTP Terminal 2): The Bucharest Airports National Company (CNAB) is heavily invested in the design and construction of a major expansion, the New Terminal 2.
- Investment & Timeline: This crucial project has an estimated investment of over €797 million and is expected to commence operations in a phased approach starting around 2025.
- Future Capacity: Terminal 2 is designed to significantly increase the airport’s throughput, aiming to accommodate up to 30 million passengers annually by 2040.
- New Infrastructure: The project includes the addition of 266,000m² of aircraft parking, new connection roads, and modern support utilities.
- Terminal Modernization: An investment of EUR 22 million is dedicated to refurbishing the existing terminal interiors. This includes essential upgrades to the air conditioning system, electric systems (such as new LED lighting for energy efficiency), and updated signage, with completion expected by 2025.
- Parking Capacity: To better serve drivers, OTP has recently opened a new surface parking lot (671 spaces) and is actively constructing a new four-level multi-storey car park (adding 1,019 spaces) to manage increasing demand.
Ground Transportation Options
Connecting from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest is fast and convenient thanks to integrated public and private transport.
| Method | Route/Destination | Duration (Approx.) | Fare (Approx.) | Key Information |
| Bus | Express Line 783 (to the city center) | 40 minutes | 8 RON (Single Ticket) | Popular, reliable, and connects to key points in the center. |
| Train | Henri Coandă Express (to Bucharest North Station – Gara de Nord) | 20 minutes | 4 RON | The fastest direct link to the main train station. |
| Taxi | To the city center | 30 minutes | 50-70 RON | Recommended to use authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps; fares are regulated. |
| Car Rental | Services available from major companies (Sixt, Europcar, etc.) | Varies | Varies | Online reservation is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times. |
| Parking | Short-term and long-term available | N/A | Daily rate starts at 30 RON | Check official website for multi-storey car park status and pre-booking options. |
Visa Information for Turkish Citizens
Turkish citizens planning a visit to Romania via OTP should note the following:
- Visa Requirement: Turkish citizens are permitted a visa-free stay in Romania for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Contact Information
For the most accurate and official information regarding your flights to Bucharest or airport services, use the official channels:
- Address: Calea Bucurestilor 224E, 075150 Otopeni, ROMANIA
- Telephone: +40 (0)21 2041000
- Website: www.bucharestairports.ro