Bacau Airport (BCM) – Complete Travel Guide 2026
IATA Code
BCM
ICAO Code
LRBC
Bacău International Airport quick facts
| Airport Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Strada Aeroportului 1, Bacău 600324, Romania |
| Website | www.bacauairport.ro |
| Airlines | Dan Air, AeroItalia, with seasonal charters by SkyUp and others |
| Terminals | 1 Main Passenger Terminal |
| Annual Passengers | Approximately 400,000 per year |
| Hub for | Dan Air |
| Phone Number | +40 234 575 400 |
Bacău International Airport Terminal Map and Layout
Bacău International Airport features a straightforward, single-terminal layout that prioritizes efficiency. The compact design places all passenger services—check-in, security, gates, and arrivals—within a short walking distance, eliminating the need for inter-terminal shuttles or moving walkways. The terminal is arranged in a linear configuration with arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the upper level.
Walking from the check-in counters to the furthest departure gate takes approximately 5 minutes, making this a stress-free airport for travelers with tight connections. Signage is bilingual in Romanian and English, guiding passengers seamlessly from curb to gate.
Navigating Bacău International Airport Terminals
Main Passenger Terminal
- Airlines that check in here: Dan Air occupies the majority of check-in counters, with AeroItalia and seasonal charter airlines also operating from this terminal.
- Key features: The terminal includes a landside area with car rental desks, a small café, and basic retail. After security, the airside area features a waiting lounge with charging stations, a duty-free shop, and a snack bar.
- Dining and shopping: Options are limited but functional—a newsstand for travel essentials, a small souvenir shop, and a café serving hot and cold beverages.
Transportation to and from Bacău International Airport
Bacău International Airport sits just 4 kilometers south of downtown Bacău, making transfers quick and inexpensive. Travelers can choose from taxis, rideshare, a limited bus service, or rental cars. The short distance means you can reach central hotels in under 15 minutes even during moderate traffic.
Getting to and from Bacău International Airport by Car
Driving from the city center to the airport is simple via Strada Aeroportului, a dedicated road leading directly to the terminal. Traffic within Bacău is generally light compared to larger European cities, though weekday mornings between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM can see localized congestion near the city center.
Parking rates:
- Short-term parking (closest to terminal): approximately $2 per hour, up to $12 per 24-hour period.
- Long-term parking (slightly further walk, approximately 3 minutes): around $8 per 24-hour period.
- Economy lot: not available at this airport due to its compact size.
Parking tips:
- Payment kiosks accept Romanian Lei and major credit cards.
- No advance booking is required, as the lot rarely reaches full capacity.
- The cell phone waiting lot is located at the entrance to the airport road—wait here to pick up arriving passengers without entering the paid parking zone.
- Curbside drop-off allows a maximum of 5 minutes for unloading; unattended vehicles are not permitted.
Getting to and from Bacău International Airport by Rideshare or Taxi
Official airport taxis queue directly outside the arrivals terminal. Rideshare services including Bolt and Uber operate in Bacău, with designated pickup zones at the arrivals curb.
- Taxi to city center: approximately $5-$7 (25-30 Lei).
- Bolt/Uber to city center: approximately $4-$6.
- Always confirm the meter is running in a taxi, or agree on the fare before departure.
- Payment in cash (Lei) is standard, though some drivers accept card payments via mobile POS.
Getting to and from Bacău International Airport by Public Transportation
A local bus line connects the airport to the city center, though service is infrequent. Bus number 18 runs between the airport and Bacău's central area with departures roughly once per hour. The bus stop is located approximately 100 meters from the terminal entrance.
| Route | First Bus/Train | Last Bus/Train | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 18 - Airport to City Center | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Every 60 minutes | $0.70 |
Key Amenities at Bacău International Airport
ATMs
Two ATMs dispense Romanian Lei: one in the arrivals hall near baggage claim and another landside near the check-in area. Both accept international cards.
Lost and Found
Lost items are handled by the Airport Administration Office located landside on the ground floor. Contact the main airport phone line at +40 234 575 400 and request the Lost and Found desk. Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Luggage Services
Luggage carts are available free of charge in the arrivals area. A luggage wrapping service operates near check-in desks during peak hours, costing approximately $3 per bag. There is no left-luggage or luggage storage facility at this airport.
Pets
Pets are permitted when traveling in airline-approved carriers. A small grassy area outside the arrivals terminal serves as an informal pet relief zone. No indoor pet relief area exists.
Showers
Showers are not available at Bacău International Airport. The nearest shower facilities are at nearby hotels.
Currency Exchange
A currency exchange counter is located landside in the departures hall, open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Rates are competitive for major currencies including EUR and USD.
Smoking Area
Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal. A designated outdoor smoking area is located outside the departures entrance.
Terminal Building Features
The single-story arrivals area and two-story departures area create a compact, navigable space. Check-in desks line one wall, with security screening leading to a modest airside waiting lounge.
WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the network named "Airport_Free_WiFi" and accept the terms of use via a browser pop-up. Charging stations with USB ports are located in the departures lounge near seating areas.
Other Amenities
- Information Desk: Located in the arrivals hall, staffed during operating hours.
- Medical Services: A first-aid room is available; ask at the information desk for assistance.
- Chapel/Prayer Room: A small Orthodox chapel is located near the terminal entrance.
Airport Lounges at Bacău International Airport
Bacău International Airport currently offers limited lounge facilities, consistent with its status as a regional airport. There is one small VIP lounge available.
Business Lounge
- Location: Airside, near the departure gates on the upper level.
- Standout features: Comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic and select beer/wine), newspapers, and free WiFi.
- How to access: Day pass available for approximately $15; business class passengers on select carriers receive complimentary access; Priority Pass is not currently accepted.
| Lounge Name | Location | Access Method | Day Pass Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Lounge | Airside, near gates | Day pass, business class ticket | $15 | Snacks, drinks, WiFi, quiet seating |
Other Airports in the Region
Iași International Airport (IAS)
- Distance to Bacău city center: 130 km (approximately 2 hours by car).
- Best for: Travelers in northern Moldova region; significantly larger with more destinations.
- Unique advantages: New terminal, wider selection of airlines, routes to the UK, Italy, Germany, and beyond.
- Recommended for: Those needing direct flights not available from Bacău.
Henri Coandă International Airport Bucharest (OTP)
- Distance to Bacău city center: 300 km (approximately 4 hours by car).
- Best for: Long-haul international travel and maximum flight choice.
- Unique advantages: Romania's largest airport, extensive duty-free, lounges, intercontinental connections.
- Recommended for: Travelers flying outside Europe or preferring major hub amenities.
Bacău International Airport Overview
Bacău International Airport, officially named George Enescu International Airport after Romania's most celebrated composer, has served the Moldova region since 1946. The airport operates as a military and public facility, sharing its single runway with the Romanian Air Force. Located in eastern Romania, the airport connects the historic province of Moldavia to destinations across Western Europe. Passenger traffic has grown steadily with the expansion of low-cost carriers, reaching approximately 400,000 annual passengers.
Bacău International Airport Postal Code
- Postal code: 600324
- City: Bacău
- Province/State: Bacău County
- Country: Romania
- Full mailing address: Strada Aeroportului 1, Bacău 600324, Romania
Duty Free and Shopping at Bacău International Airport
Duty-free shopping is available at Bacău International Airport in the airside departures lounge. The selection focuses on Romanian specialties and standard travel retail items. A small duty-free shop offers liquor, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, and local products.
| Product | Category | Approximate Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Romanian Wine (Fetească Neagră) | Alcohol | $12-$20 |
| Țuică (Romanian Plum Brandy) | Spirits | $8-$15 |
| International Perfume (50ml) | Beauty | $40-$80 |
| Romanian Chocolate (Rom) | Confectionery | $3-$5 |
| Traditional Embroidered Blouse (Ie) | Souvenir/Textile | $25-$50 |
| Cigarettes (Carton, Local Brand) | Tobacco | $20-$30 |
Dining options: A café-bar in the departures area serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. Expect to pay approximately $2 for a coffee and $5 for a sandwich.
Shopping tips: Romanian wines and palincă make excellent gifts and are priced lower at the airport than in Western European shops. For traditional crafts and more extensive souvenir selection, visit the Bacău city center shops before heading to the airport.
Security Wait Times Bacău International Airport
Security wait times at Bacău International Airport are notably short due to the airport's manageable passenger volume. Most travelers clear security in under 5 minutes. Peak times coincide with the departure schedule—morning flights to Western Europe typically generate the longest queues.
| Terminal | Typical Wait Time | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal | 3-10 minutes | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Tips to minimize wait times:
- Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight for domestic/Schengen destinations and 2.5 hours for international flights.
- Tuesday and Wednesday mornings see the lightest passenger traffic.
- Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings are the busiest periods.
- Keep liquids in containers under 100ml, placed in a clear resealable bag.
- Have your passport and boarding pass ready at the screening checkpoint.
Note: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR are United States programs and do not apply at this Romanian airport. EU/EEA passport holders may use faster automated gates when available.
Bacău International Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information
Departures Drop-Off: The departures drop-off zone is directly in front of the main terminal entrance on the upper roadway. A 5-minute maximum waiting time is enforced—vehicles left unattended may be ticketed. This zone is ideal for quick goodbyes.
Arrivals Pick-Up: Meet arriving passengers at the arrivals curb on the ground level. Short-term parking is available for those who wish to enter the terminal and greet passengers inside.
Cell Phone Lot: A free waiting area is located near the airport entrance road. Drivers can wait here until their passengers call, then proceed to the arrivals curb. This lot operates on an honor system with no amenities.
Commercial Vehicle Zones: Taxis and rideshare vehicles have designated waiting areas near the arrivals exit. Follow signage for "Taxi" or "Ride-Share Pickup."
Flight Routes and Airlines at Bacău International Airport
Bacău International Airport serves as a hub for Dan Air, which operates the majority of scheduled flights from the airport. AeroItalia provides seasonal service to Rome, while charter airlines including SkyUp operate summer routes to holiday destinations.
Primary airlines:
- Dan Air (hub carrier)
- AeroItalia (seasonal)
- SkyUp (seasonal charter)
Popular destinations from Bacău International Airport:
- United Kingdom: London Luton (3x weekly)
- Belgium: Brussels (3x weekly)
- Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia
- Italy: Treviso (Venice area), Rome (seasonal)
- France: Paris Beauvais
- Cyprus: Larnaca
- Seasonal charter: Crete (Chania), Hurghada (Egypt)
The summer season (April through October) brings significantly more destinations and flight frequencies. During winter, the schedule reduces to core routes serving the Romanian diaspora in Western Europe.
Getting to and from Bacău International Airport
Whether you land at midday or midnight, ground transportation at Bacău International Airport is straightforward. The airport's proximity to the city keeps transfer times short and costs low.
Car Rental at Bacău International Airport
Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Bacău County and the wider Moldova region. Rental counters are located in the arrivals hall, with vehicles parked in the adjacent lot for immediate pickup.
Car rental companies operating at the airport:
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Budget
- Local providers (Autonom, Klass Wagen)
Popular vehicle types: Economy cars for city driving, SUVs for exploring rural roads, and 4x4 vehicles for mountain excursions to the Carpathians.
Advance booking: Strongly recommended, especially during summer months (June-September). Book at least 2 weeks in advance for the best rates and vehicle availability.
Benefits of renting: Public transport in rural Romania is limited; a rental car gives you access to painted monasteries, national parks, and traditional villages unreachable by bus.
Bacău International Airport Taxi Services
Official airport taxis are available 24/7 at the arrivals curb. Look for marked vehicles with the airport logo on the door. Sample fares (approximate):
- City center: $5-$7 (10-minute ride)
- Bacău Train Station: $6-$8
- Nearby hotels on DN2: $8-$10
Private Car Services
Private transfer companies offer meet-and-greet service at the arrivals hall with fixed pricing. These are ideal for business travelers and families with luggage. Average rates to the city center range from $10-$15. Book via the airport website contact form or through hotel concierges.
Bus Services at Bacău International Airport
Bus number 18 connects the airport to the city center with stops at major intersections. The bus stop is located at the airport entrance, approximately 100 meters from the terminal. Fare is approximately $0.70, payable in cash to the driver. Service is infrequent—confirm schedules locally.
Hotel Shuttles
Several hotels near Bacău International Airport provide complimentary shuttle service for guests. C&C Residence Hotel, located approximately 2 kilometers away, offers free airport transfers when arranged in advance. Other nearby accommodation options with shuttle services include Hotel Bistrita (4 km) and Pensiunea Elite (3.5 km).
Parking at Bacău International Airport
Parking at Bacău International Airport is affordable and convenient, with all spaces within a 3-minute walk of the terminal entrance.
- Short-term parking: Located directly in front of the terminal. Approximately $2 per hour or $12 per day. Best for pickups and drop-offs.
- Long-term parking: A dedicated section of the main lot with slightly lower rates at approximately $8 per day. Weekly rates available upon request at the parking office.
- Payment methods: Cash (Romanian Lei), Visa, Mastercard accepted at automated kiosks.
- Electric vehicle charging: One EV charging station is available in the main parking lot, compatible with Type 2 connectors.
- Free parking: No free parking options exist at the airport. The cell phone lot offers free waiting for active drivers only.
Places to explore near Bacău International Airport
Bacău County offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here are top destinations accessible by car:
- Bacău City Center: 4 km (10 minutes). Visit the Bacău History Museum, the Precista Church, and stroll through Cancicov Park.
- George Bacovia Memorial House: 5 km (12 minutes). Former home of Romania's celebrated symbolist poet.
- Buhuși: 25 km (30 minutes). Historic town with a 19th-century manor and textile heritage.
- Slănic Moldova Ski Resort: 60 km (1 hour 15 minutes). Mineral springs, hiking trails, and winter sports.
- Nemira Mountains: 45 km (50 minutes). Part of the Eastern Carpathians, excellent for hiking and wildlife spotting.
- Târgu Ocna Salt Mine: 55 km (1 hour). Underground salt mine turned therapeutic center with sports facilities.
- Iași: 130 km (2 hours). Moldova's cultural capital with stunning Orthodox churches and the Palace of Culture.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Bacau
Bacău experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons:
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F). Green landscapes and fewer tourists make this an excellent time to visit.
- Summer (June-August): Warm with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. This is the busiest tourist season.
- Autumn (September-November): Temperatures from 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F). Beautiful fall colors in the Carpathian foothills. September remains pleasant for travel.
- Winter (December-February): Cold, often below freezing, with temperatures from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Snow is common; skiing available in nearby resorts.
Best time to visit: May through June and September offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer.
Essential Travel Tips
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours before domestic/Schengen departures and 2.5 hours before international flights.
- Flight status: Check real-time updates on the airport website at www.bacauairport.ro or the Dan Air mobile app.
- Packing: Summers are warm but evenings cool—pack layers. Winters require heavy coats, gloves, and waterproof boots.
- Currency: Romanian Leu (RON) is the local currency. While cards are accepted in cities, carry cash for rural stops and smaller shops. ATMs at the airport provide Lei.
- Language: Romanian is the official language. English is widely spoken at the airport and in tourist areas, but less so in rural villages. Learning a few Romanian phrases is appreciated.
- Documentation: EU/EEA citizens can enter with a national ID card. Non-EU travelers need a valid passport. Check visa requirements for Romania before booking.
- Driver's license: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU travelers should obtain an International Driving Permit alongside their national license for car rentals.
- Fuel stations: The nearest gas station is a Rompetrol located on Strada Aeroportului approximately 500 meters from the terminal exit. Open 24 hours.
About the City
Bacău, with a population of approximately 144,000, is the county seat of Bacău County and a key city in Romania's Moldova region. The city developed as a trading center and later an industrial hub, positioned along the Bistrița River. Today, Bacău serves as a gateway to the Eastern Carpathians and a convenient base for exploring painted monasteries, salt mines, and wine regions.
Local cuisine: Moldovan specialties dominate menus—try sarmale (cabbage rolls with polenta), bulz (polenta stuffed with cheese and bacon), and papanasi (fried doughnuts with sour cream and jam). Local wines from the Dealu Mare and Cotnari vineyards are excellent and affordable.
Cultural attractions: The Bacău County History Museum, the "Iulian Antonescu" Museum Complex, and the annual Bacău International Theatre Festival draw visitors interested in Romanian culture.
Why base here: Bacău offers lower accommodation prices than Bucharest or Iași, with easy access to natural attractions. The airport's growing route network makes it an increasingly practical entry point for exploring eastern Romania and Moldova.
Start Your Journey at Bacău International Airport
Bacău International Airport may be compact, but it punches above its weight as the fastest-growing airport in Romania's Moldova region. With new routes launching regularly, a hassle-free single-terminal layout, and rental cars available right at the arrivals hall, your journey into authentic Romania begins the moment you touch down. Book your rental car in advance to secure the best rates and hit the road without delay—the painted monasteries and Carpathian trails are waiting.
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