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.
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.
From your hotel in Bucharest, the sights of the Romanian capital are particularly easy to reach thanks to an excellent infrastructure and central locations.
Ride-Sharing & Taxi
Apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used in Bucharest and offer a transparent and convenient way to travel to the Palace of the Parliament or the numerous museums. In addition, official taxis are available at marked stands in front of the major hotels and at public squares for spontaneous trips.
Metro (Metrou)
The subway network is the city's most efficient means of transport and quickly connects important hubs like Piata Unirii with other districts. The modern trains run at short intervals and allow for swift progress directly beneath the city bustle.
On Foot
The historic old town Lipscani as well as the magnificent Calea Victoriei can be wonderfully explored on a walk. Many central hotels are so conveniently located that you can reach cozy cafes and architectural highlights in about 10 to 15 minutes while enjoying the city's special atmosphere.
To make the most of your stay in the Romanian capital, we recommend focusing on the vibrant historic center as well as the city's monumental landmarks.
Centrul Vechi
The historic Lipscani district forms the pulsing heart of Bucharest and delights with its winding cobblestone streets and magnificent buildings, which today are perfect for an exploration tour of charming cafes and traditional inns.
Palatul Parlamentului
The impressive Parliament building is considered one of the largest structures in the world and, thanks to its central location, is ideal to visit; furthermore, the monumental architecture offers a fascinating insight into the history and splendor of the metropolis.
Muzeul Național al Satului
The idyllic open-air museum on the banks of Lake Herastrau presents authentic farmhouses from all regions of Romania and simultaneously enables a cultural journey through time as well as a relaxing break in the countryside directly within the city area.
Therme București
Therme București is a spectacular wellness oasis located about thirty minutes' drive from the city center, making it a perfect destination for exclusive relaxation during your stay in Bucharest. This impressive resort offers a first-class infrastructure with thermal pools, real palm trees, and the elegant "The Palm" area, including comfortable loungers and pool bars for high-quality drinks. Thanks to the expansive architecture and tropical atmosphere, you can enjoy relaxation at the highest level here, providing an ideal addition to your travel itinerary. It is best to visit the Therme directly at opening in the morning to secure a preferred spot, and plan your return to the hotel or ship transfer in a relaxed manner for the early afternoon.
The return journey to your hotel or the central meeting point for the ship transfer is very relaxed and safe thanks to Bucharest's excellent infrastructure.
Taxi and Ridesharing
Licensed taxis are available at any time at central locations such as Piața Universității or in front of major hotels like the Radisson Blu for a comfortable ride. Additionally, you can use apps like Uber or Bolt, which pick you up directly at your location and guarantee reliable planning for your return thanks to fixed pricing.
Metro and Public Transport
The Bucharest Metro is a fast and punctual means of transport that connects the most important sights directly with central hubs such as Piața Unirii. The stations are clearly designed and allow you a quick return journey to your hotel, simply bypassing the city's heavy road traffic.
On Foot
The historic Lipscani district is ideally developed for pedestrians, and many hotels as well as transfer meeting points are within easy reach of this pedestrian zone. Thanks to the good lighting and the lively atmosphere in the Old Town, you will find your way back to your starting point safely and can gather further impressions of the architecture along the way.
