The main scam at OTP
Bucharest has active airport taxi scams. Only use Speed Taxi (from the kiosk in arrivals) or Uber/Bolt.
Do
- Use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals
- Use Uber / Grab / Bolt / Careem / DiDi if available (app-based, fixed price)
- Insist on the meter or agreed fixed rate BEFORE entering the vehicle
- Verify the driver's license plate matches your receipt
- Pre-book a transfer for zero scam risk (see below)
Don't
- Never accept rides from drivers approaching you inside arrivals
- Never enter a taxi without confirming meter/price first
- Avoid taxi ranks OUTSIDE the official signposted zone
- Do not pay in cash without seeing the meter reading
- Never hand over your passport or luggage to hold as "security"
Official safe options at OTP
Uber / Bolt / FreeNow
ride share
Cost: RON 40-70 ($9-16)
Time: 25-40 min
Widely used + cheap.
Airport taxi (Speed Taxi kiosk)
taxi
Cost: RON 60-100 ($14-22)
Time: 25-40 min
Only use Speed Taxi kiosk in arrivals. Avoid taxi touts.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer — zero scam risk
The safest option for first-time visitors to Bucharest: driver meets you inside arrivals with your name, price locked before you fly, no queues, no negotiation.
Getting out of Bucharest (OTP)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
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Full Bucharest airport transport guide
All transport options compared: metro, bus, taxi, ride-share, shuttle.
See full transport guide →Frequently asked
How do I avoid taxi scams at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport?
Bucharest has active airport taxi scams. Only use Speed Taxi (from the kiosk in arrivals) or Uber/Bolt.
What is the official taxi rank at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport?
The official Bucharest airport taxi options are: Uber / Bolt / FreeNow (RON 40-70 ($9-16), 25-40 min); Airport taxi (Speed Taxi kiosk) (RON 60-100 ($14-22), 25-40 min).
Is Uber safer than a taxi at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport?
App-based ride-share (Uber, Grab, Careem, Bolt or similar depending on region) is generally the safest option for tourists at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport — pricing is locked before pickup, no negotiation, driver + vehicle details are recorded. If ride-share is unavailable, use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals (not lobby touts).
Should I pre-book a transfer from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport?
Pre-booking a fixed-price airport transfer eliminates all scam risk: no queues, no negotiation, driver meets you inside arrivals with your name. Price is locked before you fly. This is the most tourist-friendly option, especially for first-time visitors to Bucharest.