Bucharest North Station (Gara de Nord) is the main railway hub, located about 17 km from the airport.

About Bucharest North Railway Station

Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord) is Romania's busiest railway station and the country's main hub for domestic and international train services. The current building, dating from 1872 with subsequent renovations, features a grand waiting hall and connects Bucharest to major Romanian cities including Brașov (2.5 hours), Cluj-Napoca (8 hours), Timișoara (8 hours), and Constanța on the Black Sea coast (2.5 hours).

International services from Gara de Nord reach Budapest (13 hours), Sofia (9 hours), and other European capitals, making it a strategic node for rail travelers exploring Eastern Europe. The station area, while somewhat rough around the edges, is undergoing renewal as Bucharest invests in infrastructure improvements.

The station connects to Bucharest's Metro Line 1, providing quick access to the city center, and is surrounded by hotels catering to transit travelers. The nearby Grivița neighborhood has an interesting industrial heritage and is home to several craft beer bars and alternative culture venues that reflect Bucharest's evolving urban character.

Nearby Landmarks

Gara de Nord historic building Grivița neighborhood Basarab Overpass Dinamo Stadium

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $15-22
Time 25-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $10-16
Time 25-40 min

Arrivals level pickup zone

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take Express Bus 783 from the airport. 2. Alight at Gara de Nord stop. 3. Walk 5 minutes to the station entrance.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $15-22 25-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $10-16 25-40 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The airport train runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Outside these hours, Express Bus 783 runs all night (every 40 min) and stops near Gara de Nord. Night taxis from the airport cost about Lei 60-80. Use the official taxi dispatch screens inside the terminal.

Luggage Tips

The airport train has luggage racks and space for large bags. Gara de Nord has left luggage facilities (garderobă) on the ground floor for travelers connecting to later trains. The metro connection at Gara de Nord has escalators and an elevator for luggage.

Accessibility

The airport train has wheelchair-accessible carriages. Gara de Nord has platform-level access from the main concourse but facilities are dated — request assistance from CFR staff if needed. The metro station has an elevator. Accessibility improvements are ongoing at the station.