Accommodation

About Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, home to nearly two million inhabitants and the cultural, economic, and academic heart of the country. Situated on the banks of the Dâmbovița River in the southern Romanian Plain, the city has a rich history stretching back over five centuries. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bucharest underwent rapid modernization inspired by Western European — and particularly French — models, earning it the enduring nickname “The Little Paris of the East” (Micul Paris). Grand Belle Époque architecture, sweeping boulevards, and elegant parks from that era still define much of the city’s character today.

Modern Bucharest is one of Eastern Europe’s most vibrant and welcoming capitals. Visitors can explore world-class museums, stroll through beautifully maintained parks and gardens, admire architectural gems ranging from ornate 19th-century villas to striking contemporary buildings, and discover a thriving culinary scene that blends traditional Romanian flavours with international cuisine. The city is also renowned for its lively café culture, creative arts scene, and some of the best nightlife in Europe. With excellent value for visitors, a warm and hospitable atmosphere, and easy access to day trips into the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania, Bucharest is an ideal destination for combining a summer school with an unforgettable travel experience.

Getting to Bucharest

Bucharest is well connected by air to major European and international destinations, and is also reachable by rail from several European capitals. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot, while an extensive and affordable public transport network makes it easy to reach attractions further afield.

By Air

Bucharest is served by Henri Coandă International Airport (IATA: OTP), commonly known as Otopeni Airport, located approximately 17 km north of the city centre. It is Romania’s busiest airport, with direct flights to most major European cities.

Getting from the airport to the city centre is straightforward. The Express Bus 100 runs 24 hours a day — every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night — connecting the airport to Piața Unirii (Union Square) in the city centre, with stops at Piața Victoriei (Victory Avenue), Piața Romană (The Roman Square), and Universitate (University). A single ticket costs 3 RON (approximately €0.60) and can be purchased at kiosks in the Arrivals hall, from vending machines, or paid contactlessly with a bank card on board. The journey takes 40–50 minutes depending on traffic.

A CFR (Căile Ferate Române — Romanian Railways) train connects the airport to Bucharest’s main railway station, Gara de Nord (North Station), every 20–40 minutes, with a journey time of about 25 minutes and tickets costing 8.50 RON (approximately €1.7). From Gara de Nord you can transfer to the metro (lines M1 and M4) to continue to the city centre.

Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber are widely used in Bucharest and are generally the most convenient and affordable door-to-door option, typically costing 50–80 RON (€10–16) to the centre. Official airport taxis are available from designated stands and touchscreen kiosks in the Arrivals hall — a legitimate taxi ride to the centre should cost 80–100 RON (€16-20).

Local Transportation

Bucharest has an extensive and very affordable public transport network, making it easy to get around the city.

The metro, operated by Metrorex, is the fastest and most reliable option. Five colour-coded lines (M1 yellow, M2 blue, M3 red, M4 green, and M5 orange) serve over 60 stations across approximately 80 km of track. Trains run from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with frequencies of 3–5 minutes during rush hours and 6–12 minutes off-peak. Contactless bank card payment is accepted directly at the turnstiles. The following table summarises the available metro ticket options:

Ticket Type Price (RON) Price (EUR) Details
1 trip 5.00 ≈ €1.00 Magnetic ticket, general use, no time limit
2 trips 10.00 ≈ €2.00 Magnetic ticket, general use, no time limit
10 trips 40.00 ≈ €8.00 Magnetic ticket, general use, no time limit
24-hour pass 12.00 ≈ €2.40 Contactless card, 15-minute entry interval
72-hour pass 35.00 ≈ €7.00 Contactless card, 15-minute entry interval
Weekly pass 45.00 ≈ €9.00 Contactless card, 15-minute entry interval

Note: The 15-minute timing means you must wait at least 15 minutes between consecutive entries. Euro equivalents are approximate (1 EUR ≈ 5 RON) and may vary with exchange rates.

Payment methods: Metro tickets and passes can be purchased at pay-desks, access booths, and automatic vending machines. Bank card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Visa Electron, Maestro) are accepted at pay-desks, vending machines, and directly at the access gates via contactless (NFC) technology — simply tap your card, phone (Apple Pay / Google Pay), or wearable device at the turnstile to pay for a single trip.

Subway Map, Bucharest
© Wikimedia Commons

Surface transport — buses, trams, and trolleybuses — is operated by STB (Societatea de Transport București — Bucharest Transport Company) and covers areas the metro does not reach. The following table summarises the available STB ticket options:

STB only (buses, trams, trolleybuses):

Ticket Type Price (RON) Price (EUR) Details
1 trip 3.00 ≈ €0.60 Valid for 90 minutes, unlimited transfers between STB vehicles
2 trips 6.00 ≈ €1.20 Valid for 90 minutes each
10 trips 25.00 ≈ €5.00 Valid for 90 minutes each
24-hour pass 8.00 ≈ €1.60 Unlimited rides on all STB vehicles
72-hour pass 20.00 ≈ €4.00 Unlimited rides on all STB vehicles
7-day pass 30.00 ≈ €6.00 Unlimited rides on all STB vehicles

Combined STB + Metro tickets:

Ticket Type Price (RON) Price (EUR) Details
1 combined trip 5.00 ≈ €1.00 Valid for 120 minutes, metro + STB
2 combined trips 10.00 ≈ €2.00 Valid for 120 minutes each
10 combined trips 45.00 ≈ €9.00 Valid for 120 minutes each
24-hour combined pass 14.00 ≈ €2.80 Unlimited metro + STB rides
72-hour combined pass 35.00 ≈ €7.00 Unlimited metro + STB rides
7-day combined pass 50.00 ≈ €10.00 Unlimited metro + STB rides

Euro equivalents are approximate (1 EUR ≈ 5 RON) and may vary with exchange rates

How to buy STB tickets: Tickets can be purchased at STB kiosks located near major bus and tram stops. You can also purchase STB tickets by sending an SMS to 7458 (available on all Romanian mobile networks, including prepaid SIM cards). The SMS must be sent before boarding. Keep the confirmation code on your phone for the entire validity period, as inspectors may ask to see it. Available options:

SMS Code Ticket Type Price
C 1 trip (90 minutes) €0.65 + VAT
AB 24-hour pass €1.50 + VAT
AB3 72-hour pass €4.10 + VAT
AB7 7-day pass €6.10 + VAT

For the 72-hour and 7-day passes, you will receive a confirmation request — simply reply with the same code followed by DA (e.g., send AB7 DA to 7458) to complete the purchase. Make sure your phone battery remains charged for the duration of your ticket’s validity. Purchasing a ticket by SMS during an inspection will not be accepted as a valid ticket. For the most convenient option, we recommend installing the official Bilet STB mobile app before your arrival:

The app allows you to purchase tickets directly from your phone using a bank card — no physical transport card needed.

Night buses operate on 24 select routes after regular service ends at around 11:00 PM, all departing from Piața Unirii at approximately hourly intervals. Google Maps provides accurate real-time routing for all public transport options in the city.

For maximum convenience, Bolt and Uber are widely available throughout Bucharest and are generally affordable and reliable.

Accommodation

A wide range of hotels and apartments are available throughout Bucharest at very competitive prices compared to other European capitals. The ESSIR 2026 venue is conveniently located near public transport, so staying anywhere along the M1 or M2 metro lines will provide easy access.

Booking.com is a reliable option for finding and reserving accommodation in Bucharest. Budget options (studio appartments and 2-star hotels) typically start from €20–30 per night, while mid-range hotels (3–4 stars) range from €40–80, and luxury options (4–5 stars) are available from €80–150.

Our hotel recommendations for the summer school:

Closest to the Venue

15–20 minutes walking distance

  • Le Blanc Apart Hotel ★★★★
    Cheapest when booked directly via their website.
    Extra 10% discount if the reservation is made by calling reception: +40 724 066 002

  • Hotel Yesterday ★★★
    Cheapest when booked directly via their website.

  • Hotel ibis Politehnica ★★★
    Book via website. Discounted rates for participants: Single room: €70/night, Double room: €80/night Contact izabela.petre@accor.com to make a reservation and mention promo code ESSIR.

  • Sir Hotel Lujerului ★★
    Book via website.

  • Ambiance Hotel ★★★
    Book via Booking.com.

Closest to Touristic Areas

  • Le Blanc Cotroceni Hotel ★★★★
    Cheapest when booked directly via their website.
    Extra 20% discount with promo code: ESSIR

    • Located in the Cotroceni neighbourhood
    • 7-minute walk to the Botanical Garden
    • 20 minutes to ESSIR by public transport

  • Vision Apartments Cismigiu ★★★★
    Cheapest when booked directly via their website.

    • Located directly on Calea Victoriei
    • 5-minute walk to Universitate and Cismigiu Park
    • 30 minutes to ESSIR by public transport

  • Continental Forum Bucharest Parliament Palace ★★★★
    Book via Booking.com.

    • Next to the Palace of Parliament and Izvor Park
    • 30 minutes to ESSIR by public transport

  • Mercure Bucharest Cantemir ★★★★
    Book via Booking.com.

    • 15-minute walk to the Old Town and city center
    • 35 minutes to ESSIR by public transport

  • Hotel Lido by Phoenicia ★★★★
    Book via Booking.com.

    • 3-minute walk to the Romanian Athenaeum
    • 7-minute walk to Piata Romana
    • 45 minutes to ESSIR by public transport