Cruise port Giurgiu
Port information & tips for Giurgiu
Giurgiu is the historic gateway of Romania on the Danube and impresses as a significant river port due to its strategic location directly on the border with Bulgaria. The charming city welcomes travelers with a relaxed atmosphere and simultaneously serves as an ideal starting point for cultural discoveries in the nearby capital, Bucharest. Architectural highlights in the immediate vicinity include the striking 18th-century clock tower and the magnificent Sfântul Nicolae Cathedral, which reflect the rich history of the region. River cruise ships dock at the central passenger terminal of the Port of Giurgiu, from where the city center and the impressive Friendship Bridge are easily accessible by shuttle or taxi thanks to a distance of only around two kilometers.
Giurgiu is a significant Danube port that serves as a gateway to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, and is characterized by its good accessibility by plane and convenient transfer options. The river cruise ships dock directly at the banks of the Danube.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, which offers good connections from numerous cities in the DACH region. The airport is located around 85 to 93 kilometers north of Giurgiu and is therefore the ideal arrival point for your cruise journey.
Transfer & Shuttle
The most convenient way to reach the port of Giurgiu from Bucharest Airport (OTP) is by private transfer or shuttle. Many cruise lines and local providers offer special services that take you directly from the arrival hall to the ship. The travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Private transfers are particularly recommended to ensure a punctual and stress-free arrival, as there is no direct public transport.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed embarkation, especially after a longer flight from the DACH region, an overnight stay in a hotel in Bucharest is recommended. This allows you to arrive at the ship well-rested and potentially explore the Romanian capital. Many hotels in Bucharest also offer the possibility to organize transfers to the port of Giurgiu.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Giurgiu is a significant Danube port that serves as a gateway to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, and is characterized by its good accessibility by plane and convenient transfer options. The river cruise ships dock directly at the banks of the Danube.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, which offers good connections from numerous cities in the DACH region. The airport is located around 85 to 93 kilometers north of Giurgiu and is therefore the ideal arrival point for your cruise journey.
Transfer & Shuttle
The most convenient way to reach the port of Giurgiu from Bucharest Airport (OTP) is by private transfer or shuttle. Many cruise lines and local providers offer special services that take you directly from the arrival hall to the ship. The travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Private transfers are particularly recommended to ensure a punctual and stress-free arrival, as there is no direct public transport.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed embarkation, especially after a longer flight from the DACH region, an overnight stay in a hotel in Bucharest is recommended. This allows you to arrive at the ship well-rested and potentially explore the Romanian capital. Many hotels in Bucharest also offer the possibility to organize transfers to the port of Giurgiu.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
From the port in Giurgiu, you can easily reach the city center and also conveniently take excursions to the Romanian capital, Bucharest.
On Foot
You can reach the city center of Giurgiu in about 15 to 20 minutes, enjoying the path along the Danube promenade. This route is ideal for an initial stroll and leads you directly to the central Clock Tower as well as the surrounding parks.
Taxi
Official taxis wait for passengers at the port exit and offer a fast connection to all destinations in the city. Thanks to the affordable rates, this is a comfortable choice and also allows for a quick trip to the Giurgiu Nord train station for further connections.
Public Buses & Microbuz
The local minibuses, known in Romania as Microbuz, regularly connect the port area with the various city districts and the center. They represent an authentic as well as inexpensive option and take you directly to the city's busy squares.
To make the most of your stay in Giurgiu, we recommend a combination of exploring the local charm and an excursion to the impressive architectural highlights of the nearby capital, Bucharest.
Giurgiu City Center & Clock Tower
The heart of the port city is characterized by the historical 18th-century Clock Tower and, thanks to the central pedestrian zone, offers ideal opportunities for a leisurely stroll past local shops and cafes.
Old Town of Bucharest
This charming district fascinates with its magnificent buildings and the flair of "Little Paris"; furthermore, it is easily accessible via organized shore excursions and is perfect for visiting the monumental Palace of the Parliament.
Comana Monastery
This cultural jewel is located in the middle of a picturesque nature park and, thanks to its quiet location, offers a fascinating insight into Romanian history as well as the region's traditional Orthodox architecture.
Bucharest Old Town (Lipscani)
The historic Old Town of Bucharest is easily accessible from the port in Giurgiu in about eighty minutes travel time and offers an impressive mix of grand architecture and vibrant culture. The charming Lipscani district, with its ornate facades and cobblestone alleys, is ideal for exploring and also offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the flair of the "Paris of the East" in one of its stylish cafés. Thanks to the central location of important sights such as the Stavropoleos Church, a visit can be perfectly designed on foot and combined with a view of the monumental Palace of the Parliament. It is best to start your excursion in the morning to experience the city in peace, and plan your return trip to the port generously so that you arrive back on board your ship relaxed and on time.
The return journey to the port of Giurgiu is straightforward due to the city's manageable size and can be easily organized within a short amount of time.
Taxi
At the central square, Piața Unirii, and directly by the historic Clock Tower, you will always find available taxis for the short ride to the ship. The drivers know the docking points on the Danube exactly and will bring you safely back to the terminal in less than ten minutes.
Shuttle Services
Many cruise lines offer a direct transfer from the city center to the passenger terminal. Additionally, local minibuses are often available at the main square, providing a simple connection to the riverfront and ensuring a punctual return thanks to their regular frequency.
On Foot
From the city center, you can walk via Șoseaua Portului directly to the port in about twenty minutes. The path is clearly laid out and leads along the wide main street, allowing you to see the masts of the ships early on and orient yourself effortlessly.
