What is Wizz Air's free carry-on size for Bucharest flights?

Wizz Air allows one small cabin bag of up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm free for all passengers. A larger cabin bag (55 × 40 × 23 cm, up to 10 kg) requires WIZZ Priority or a paid add-on. The 40 × 30 × 20 cm bag must fit entirely under the seat in front — it does not go in the overhead bin.

Is Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) the main airport?

Yes. Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is Bucharest's main international airport, located about 16 km north of the city centre. An express bus (line 783) runs to the city for a very low fare and takes around 40 minutes. A taxi or rideshare to the centre costs roughly 50–80 RON.

Does Romania use the Euro?

No. Romania is an EU member but uses the Romanian Leu (RON). ATMs are available at OTP and throughout Bucharest. Currency exchange offices in the city centre often give better rates than airport exchange desks. Most restaurants and hotels accept cards, but smaller markets and transport may be cash-only.

How cold does Bucharest get in winter?

Bucharest winters are genuinely cold. January averages around -3°C but can drop to -10°C or below. Snow is common December through February. Pack a warm coat, thermal layers, and waterproof boots — all of which fit in a carry-on if you wear the heaviest items on the plane.

How far is Bran Castle from Bucharest?

Bran Castle — known as Dracula's Castle — is about 165 km north-west of Bucharest, roughly 2.5 hours by public bus via Braşov. Day-trip buses depart from Bucharest's Filaret bus station. Alternatively, an organised day tour picks you up from the city centre and handles transport.

Carry-On Only for Bucharest: Wizz Air, Ryanair & OTP Tips

Bucharest is one of Europe's most underrated capital cities — Belle Époque boulevards, excellent food at low prices, and a vibrant nightlife scene that rivals Warsaw or Prague at a fraction of the cost. It is also a carry-on-only challenge: Wizz Air, the dominant budget carrier at OTP, operates some of the strictest free-bag rules in European aviation.

Airline Quick Reference

Airline	Free cabin bag	With add-on	Weight
Wizz Air	40 × 30 × 20 cm (underseat only)	55 × 40 × 23 cm (overhead)	10 kg with Priority
Ryanair	40 × 20 × 25 cm (underseat only)	55 × 40 × 20 cm (overhead)	10 kg with Priority
TAROM	55 × 40 × 20 cm	—	8 kg
Blue Air	35 × 20 × 20 cm (underseat only)	55 × 40 × 23 cm (overhead)	10 kg with add-on

Understanding Wizz Air's Rules

Wizz Air operates more flights from OTP than any other carrier and uses a two-tier carry-on system. Every passenger receives one small bag (40 × 30 × 20 cm) for free — but this bag must fit under the seat in front, not in the overhead bin.

A larger cabin bag (55 × 40 × 23 cm, up to 10 kg) that goes in the overhead bin requires WIZZ Priority boarding or a paid bag add-on. Priority is the most economical way to get overhead bin access if you are traveling with a proper carry-on roller or backpack. Book it when you buy the ticket — it is significantly cheaper than adding it at the airport or gate.

Wizz Air dimensions are enforced. Staff at OTP use bag sizers, especially on busy routes to the UK and Western Europe. If your bag does not fit the free sizer, you will pay a gate fee.

Ryanair Rules at OTP

Ryanair allows a small personal bag (40 × 20 × 25 cm) for all passengers in the cabin, for free. Overhead bin access for a larger bag (55 × 40 × 20 cm, 10 kg) requires Priority boarding or a Plus/Flexi Plus fare. Without Priority, your large bag will be checked into the hold at the gate — at no charge, but not in the cabin.

TAROM: Romania's Flag Carrier

TAROM is the national airline and operates a more traditional policy. Economy passengers receive one cabin bag of up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm weighing no more than 8 kg, plus one small personal item for under the seat. No add-ons are required — the bag goes straight in the overhead bin. TAROM's network is smaller but useful for routes where budget carriers do not fly.

What to Pack for Bucharest

Clothing by season:

Summer (June–August): Light cotton, one light layer for evenings — temperatures reach 32–35°C and the city is humid
Winter (December–February): Thermal base layer, mid-layer, warm coat, and waterproof boots — wear the heaviest items on the plane
Spring/Autumn: A waterproof jacket and versatile mid-layers handle the changeable weather

Packing essentials:

Smart-casual clothes for restaurants — Bucharest diners dress well in the evening
Comfortable walking shoes — the Old Town (Centrul Vechi) is paved with cobblestones
Universal power adapter (Type C/F — standard European two-pin)
Small amount of RON cash for buses, markets, and smaller cafes

Getting from OTP to Bucharest

The 783 express bus is the cheapest option and runs frequently from outside the Arrivals hall. The journey to Piața Unirii (city centre) takes around 40 minutes in normal traffic. Buy a card at the vending machines inside the terminal. Taxis and Bolt/Uber rideshares are widely available and inexpensive by Western European standards — agree the fare in advance with metered taxis, or use the app.

Day Trips from Bucharest

Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle): Located 165 km north-west, about 2.5 hours by bus via Braşov. The castle sits dramatically on a cliff and is well worth the journey. Return day trip is comfortable from Bucharest.

Sinaia: A mountain resort town in the Carpathians, 1.5 hours by train. Peles Castle is one of the most beautiful palaces in Eastern Europe. In winter the ski slopes above town are busy with Bucharest weekenders.

Tips for Carry-On Success

Weigh your bag before leaving home — WIZZ Priority includes 10 kg and Ryanair Priority includes 10 kg; TAROM limits to 8 kg
Wear your coat and heaviest shoes on the plane in winter to free up bag weight
Pack a small day pack inside your main bag — Bucharest is walkable but day trips require carrying water and layers
RON is not widely available outside Romania — use an airport ATM on arrival rather than pre-ordering at home

Bottom Line

Bucharest rewards carry-on travelers who plan their airline choice carefully. Buy Wizz Air Priority or Ryanair Priority when booking — it is the single most important decision for a smooth trip. With that in place, a 10 kg cabin bag is enough for a week in Bucharest across three seasons.