Cluj-Napoca Airport

Avram Iancu International Airport in Cluj-Napoca (IATA code: CLJ) is Romania’s second busiest airport and the primary air gateway to Transylvania. Located approximately 8 km east of Cluj-Napoca city centre, it’s reachable in 15–20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The airport is named after Avram Iancu, a Romanian national hero and symbol of the 19th-century struggle for Transylvanian rights.

Its location makes it an ideal hub not only for Cluj-Napoca but for the entire central Romanian region. Sibiu is around 150 km away (1 hour 45 minutes), Brașov is approximately 170 km (2 hours), whilst Sighișoara sits about 120 km away (1 hour 30 minutes). Bucharest lies roughly 450 km to the south-east, with a driving time of approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. Timișoara is about 310 km to the west (3 hours).

Getting to Cluj-Napoca city centre from the airport

The most economical option is bus line 5, which connects the airport with Piața Unirii, Cluj-Napoca’s central square, in roughly 30–40 minutes. Services run frequently during the day, departing every 20–30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus or at kiosks near the arrivals exit for a modest fare in Romanian lei.

It’s advisable to check timetables on the CTP Cluj website, the local public transport operator, as evening and weekend services may vary. For those arriving on late-night flights or outside regular service hours, taxis and ride-hailing apps offer the most reliable alternative.

Taxis and private hire vehicles

Taxi ranks are located at the arrivals area exit. It’s recommended to use vehicles from established companies with clearly visible meters, avoiding drivers who approach you inside the terminal. The journey to the city centre covers roughly 8 km and takes 15–25 minutes, with fares typically ranging between 30 and 50 lei, depending on time of day and company.

The apps Bolt and Uber are widely used in Cluj-Napoca and provide a convenient, transparent alternative. You can book a ride directly from the airport, with the estimated fare visible before confirmation. The ride-hailing pickup point is marked in the external area near the arrivals exit.

Private transfer

An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Cluj-Napoca Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.

It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Cluj-Napoca Airport airport visit this site.

Car hire

For those wishing to explore Transylvania’s cities and landscapes freely, car hire is the best option. Major international operators have desks inside the terminal, where you can collect your vehicle immediately after baggage claim. Having your own car is particularly advantageous for visiting destinations such as Dracula’s Castle at Bran, medieval Sighișoara or the Turda Salt Mine, all easily accessible by car but poorly served by public transport.

To rent a car in Romania we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.

Private car and parking

The airport has a multi-storey car park directly connected to the terminal, with separate areas for short-stay and long-term parking. Tariffs are tiered according to duration and updated regularly: it’s worth checking prices on the airport’s official website before departure to avoid surprises.

The road connection to the city centre is direct and well-signposted via Traian Vuia road, which leads to major city routes in approximately 15–20 minutes. Access to the nearby A3 motorway allows you to quickly reach Turda, Câmpia Turzii and, continuing further, the main cities in central Romania.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Cluj-Napoca Airport.