Craiova International Airport (CRA/LRCV) – The Essential Gateway to Romania’s Oltenia Region
Craiova International Airport (CRA), officially designated LRCV, stands as the principal air travel hub for the historic Dolj County and the wider Oltenia region of Romania. Seamlessly blending regional efficiency with vital international connectivity, CRA serves as the key entry point to Craiova’s rich cultural tapestry, historical landmarks, and burgeoning economy. The airport is strategically located, ensuring rapid transit to the city center, and has demonstrated remarkable growth, handling an impressive 500,000 passengers in 2024, solidifying its role as a dynamic regional connector.
General Information & Strategic Importance
| Feature | Detail | Added Value for Travelers |
| Official Name | Aeroportul Internațional Craiova | Ensures easy identification for booking. |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | CRA / LRCV | Crucial for flight tracking and reservation. |
| Location | Situated approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) east of the Craiova city center. | The short distance minimizes travel time to your accommodation. |
| Geographic Coordinates | 44° 19′ 8” N, 23° 53′ 11” E | Helpful for GPS navigation. |
| Passenger Capacity | Successfully processed 500,000 passengers in 2024. | Highlighting its modern capacity and operational efficiency. |
| Travel Recommendation | Due to the airport’s growing popularity and focused flight capacity, early flight and hotel reservation is strongly advised for all international and domestic routes. | Essential travel tip for peak season planning. |
| Visa Information | Turkish citizens are permitted a visa-free stay in Romania for up to 90 days. | Relevant information for a major segment of international travelers. |
Terminal Facilities and Premium Passenger Services
Craiova Airport operates with a single, modern terminal building, which is optimized for quick check-in and efficient passenger flow. This design ensures that travelers experience minimal congestion while enjoying a range of essential and enhanced amenities.
- Connectivity: Free, high-speed Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected right up to boarding time.
- Retail & Refreshments: The terminal features a well-stocked Duty-Free shop offering a selection of local and international goods, alongside a comfortable cafe serving hot drinks, snacks, and light meals.
- Accessibility: The airport provides full accessibility services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), including dedicated assistance and facilities, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for all.
- Car Rental Services (On-site): For maximum convenience upon arrival, internationally recognized agencies Avis and Hertz have operational desks located directly within the terminal building.
- Nearby Accommodation: For overnight stays or early departures, several quality hotels are located conveniently close, including the Hotel Golden House and the premium Ramada Plaza Craiova.
Craiova Airport Transportation and Parking Options
Traveling between Craiova Airport and the city center is straightforward, with several reliable and cost-effective transportation options available:
- Airport Taxi: Taxis offer the fastest transfer, taking approximately 10 minutes to reach the city center. Fares are highly reasonable, typically ranging between 20 and 30 RON (Romanian Leu). Always ensure the use of authorized airport taxis.
- Public Bus Service: The most economical option is the regular public bus service. The journey to the city center takes around 15 minutes, with a single-ride ticket priced at only 5 RON. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the terminal exit.
- Off-site Car Rental: Travelers seeking more flexibility can also utilize other well-known rental agencies operating off-site but offering shuttle services, such as Sixt and Budget.
- Parking: The airport provides ample short-term and long-term parking spaces. The parking system is designed for ease of use, with a competitive daily parking rate of 20 RON.
Airlines and Destination Network (Updated 2025 Outlook)
Craiova International Airport has emerged as a key base for major low-cost carriers, alongside supporting Romania’s national airline, focusing on strengthening links to Western Europe. The current network services over 15 key destinations.
| Airline | Focus | Popular Routes Served |
| Wizz Air | Main Low-Cost Carrier Hub | London, Milan, Rome, Barcelona, Bologna (Largest route portfolio) |
| Ryanair | Expanding European Routes | Major hubs in Germany, Spain, or Italy. |
| TAROM | Romania’s National Carrier | Potential domestic flights or key business routes. |
- Route Highlights: Key European cities like London, Milan, and Rome remain highly popular connections.
- Longest Route: The longest regularly scheduled service is the approximate 3-hour journey to London, a vital route for the Romanian diaspora.
- 2025 Route Expansion: Responding to high passenger demand, Wizz Air has significantly increased its frequency to London, now operating four times a week, enhancing connectivity and travel flexibility for passengers.
Contact and Strategic Location Details
For direct inquiries or for more detailed information, travelers can use the following official contact information:
- Official Address: Calea Bucuresti nr. 325, 200785 Craiova, ROMANIA.
- Airport Phone: +40 (0)251 416860.
- Official Website: www.aeroportcraiova.ro
- Local Attractions Proximity: The airport’s location provides easy access to some of Craiova’s most beautiful spots, including the expansive Nicolae Romanescu Park (one of Europe’s largest natural parks) and the Art Museum, making it an ideal starting point for your visit.