Cheap flights from Barcelona to Bucarest

If you're arriving from Barcelona at Henri Coandă International Airport, you'll find yourself about 16 kilometres north of central Bucharest. The journey into the city is straightforward and affordable, with several reliable options at your disposal.

The airport bus (Express Bus 783) runs directly to Piața Universității in the city centre, taking approximately 40 minutes and costing around €2–3. For a faster option, you can take the train from the airport station to the central terminus, which takes roughly 15–20 minutes and costs €1.50. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber are also available at the airport and typically charge €15–25 for the journey, depending on traffic.

Many travellers arriving from Barcelona prefer the bus for its cost-effectiveness, whilst others opt for taxis if they have luggage or prefer door-to-door convenience. Whichever option you choose, you'll arrive in the bustling city centre ready to explore.

Bucharest's old town is a vibrant maze of medieval streets, colourful buildings and lively cafés that feel worlds away from the modern Barcelona you've just left. The historic Lipscani district sits at the heart of the city, where 18th and 19th-century architecture blends with contemporary galleries and restaurants.

Beyond the old town, you'll find some of Europe's most impressive monuments, including the colossal Parliament Palace, which dominates the skyline. Revolution Square tells the story of Romania's modern history, whilst the tree-lined neighbourhoods of Dorobanți and Obor offer a more residential, local feel away from the tourist bustle.

• Lipscani Old Town – medieval streets and historic squares
• Parliament Palace – world's second-largest administrative building
• Revolution Square – symbolic heart of modern Bucharest
• Stavropoleos Monastery – ornate Byzantine architecture
• Cotroceni Palace – official residence and museum
• Obor neighbourhood – bohemian cafés and independent galleries

Romanian cuisine is hearty, flavourful and refreshingly different from the Mediterranean fare you've just left in Barcelona. Upon arriving in Bucharest, you'll discover that local dining revolves around slow-cooked stews, grilled meats and pastries that reflect centuries of cultural exchange across Eastern Europe.

Street food culture thrives here – mici (spiced grilled meat rolls) and ciorbă (sour soup) are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Traditional dishes in cosy neighbourhood restaurants offer generous portions at prices remarkably fair compared to major European cities. Sample local țuică (plum brandy) and craft beers that pair beautifully with these specialities.

• Mici – seasoned grilled meat rolls, Romania's iconic street food
• Sarmale – cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice
• Ciorbă de burtă – tripe soup, a traditional breakfast favourite
• Papanasi – fried pastry doughnuts with sour cream and jam
• Mămăligă – creamed cornmeal served with cheese and egg
• Cozonac – sweet bread with chocolate and walnut filling