Cruise port Bucharest (Hotel stay)
Info for port Bucharest (Hotel stay) on 23 Sept 2026
Port information & tips for Bucharest (Hotel stay)
Bucharest, the glamorous "Paris of the East," welcomes travelers as a fascinating Romanian metropolis and impresses with a unique blend of magnificent Belle Époque architecture and monumental history. The city's lively atmosphere can be wonderfully enjoyed during a stroll along the splendid Calea Victoriei or in the charming old town of Lipscani. Architectural highlights include the gigantic Palace of the Parliament and the magnificent Romanian Athenaeum, which impressively underscore the capital's cultural significance. Since Bucharest is located inland, the port of Giurgiu serves as the official docking point for Danube cruise ships, from which guests can reach the city center approximately 60 kilometers away and their exclusive hotels directly thanks to comfortable transfers.
Bucharest serves as an ideal starting point for numerous river cruises, especially on the Danube, with actual embarkation often taking place in nearby ports such as Giurgiu or Oltenita. For travelers from the DACH region, the journey to the booked hotel in Bucharest and the subsequent transfer to the ship is usually straightforward thanks to good connections. Arriving the day before is recommended for a relaxed start to the cruise, making travel time and transfers stress-free.
Airplane
Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), also known as Otopeni Airport, is Romania's largest airport and is located approximately 13 to 25 kilometers north of Bucharest city center. The single terminal has separate arrival and departure halls. From the airport, you can easily reach your hotel in the city center by taxi (approx. 20-35 minutes, cost approx. 15-27 Euro), by express bus line 780 (about 45 minutes), or a private transfer (approx. 40 minutes, from 35 Euro).
Transfer to the Ship and Pre-Cruise Hotel
Since river cruise ships for Danube voyages do not dock directly in Bucharest, but usually embark in Giurgiu or Oltenita, a transfer from your hotel in Bucharest to the respective port is required. The port of Giurgiu, for example, is located about 65 kilometers south of Bucharest and can be reached by private transfer in about 1 to 1.5 hours. Numerous cruise lines and local providers offer seamless transfer services between Bucharest hotels and the embarkation ports. For a relaxed start to your journey, we recommend booking a pre-cruise hotel in Bucharest to explore the city before departure and arrive at the ship well-rested on embarkation day.
Car & Train
Arriving in Bucharest by car is possible via the well-developed Romanian highway network. The Autostrada A1 connects Bucharest westward toward Hungary, while the A2 connects the capital with the Black Sea coast. Please note that a vignette is required for using the highways in Romania. Parking in Bucharest, especially in the center, is subject to fees and can be challenging; however, many hotels offer their own parking spaces. By train, you will reach the main station Gara de Nord, Romania's central railway hub with connections from many European cities. From Gara de Nord, you can reach most hotels in the city center quickly and conveniently by taxi (approx. 5 minutes), bus, or subway. Private transfers from the station to the hotel are available from 10 Euro.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
