It’s no secret that traffic and parking in Bucharest are a headache for drivers day and night. Planning a visit soon? Let us tell you why you should leave your car in an Otopeni parking lot and rely on public transportation!
Romania’s capital has a well-developed public transport system, making it easy to get across the city by metro, bus, trolleybus, or tram.
Metro
The metro is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to traverse Bucharest as it runs underground. The metro network consists of five main lines (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5), covering a large part of the city.
Stations are well signposted, and maps are easy to understand, available in every metro station.
Metrorex operates the metro, and a ticket costs 3 lei per journey. You can buy tickets from machines, station cashiers, or pay directly with a bank card at the turnstiles.
Buses, Trolleybuses, and Trams
Operated by STB (Bucharest Transport Company), buses and trolleybuses cover areas where the metro doesn’t reach.
A ride costs 3 lei, and for 90 minutes, you can use any surface public transport vehicle.
There are a total of 196 bus, trolleybus, and tram lines, making it very easy to reach every part of the city—so you won’t even need the car you left in Otopeni parking.
Night Lines
The good news in Bucharest is that public transport runs at night as well. Several night lines operate between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
Useful apps for your phone
No need to worry if you’re not familiar with public transport—there are several apps even locals use.
- InfoTB provides real-time information about bus, tram, and trolleybus routes, waiting times, and route changes.
- Google Maps and Moovit guide you step by step with the best routes and transport options from your starting point to your destination.
Tips for using public transport
- Use maps and mobile apps to plan your route in advance.
- If possible, avoid traveling between 7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM, when public transport is busiest.
- Keep your personal belongings safe, especially in crowded vehicles.
- Be polite and respect the rules of conduct posted in public transport vehicles.
Why leave your car in an Otopeni parking lot?
There are many reasons to leave your personal car outside the city. Here are a few we consider most important for you as a driver.
- Bucharest is known for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Boulevards and even side streets are often blocked due to congestion.
- Sometimes it’s nearly impossible to find a safe and convenient parking spot. Plus, parking fees in Otopeni are much more advantageous, with corresponding benefits.
- As you’ve seen, public transport is very well organized and reliable.
- By not wasting time searching for parking or sitting in traffic, you can enjoy your time exploring Bucharest.
So, have we convinced you to leave your car in an Otopeni parking lot?
Olimpia Airport Parking is just steps from Bus 100, which takes you directly to the center of Bucharest. We are the only covered parking near Henri Coanda Airport, and one of our 1,500 spots could be yours. Reserve your parking spot and travel without worrying about your car!
