โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
70
minutes
International โ Domestic
70
minutes
International โ International
85
minutes
Interline Connections
100
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Craiova International Airport (CRA/LRCV) is a significant regional aviation hub located in southwestern Romania, serving the city of Craiova and the broader Oltenia region. As a key gateway for low-cost European travel, the airport handles a steady volume of passengers connecting to major cities in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain via carriers like Wizz Air. The airport plays a vital role in supporting regional commerce, particularly for the local automotive industry, and has undergone several upgrades to modernize its facilities and increase capacity.
The terminal building is a functional and well-maintained facility designed to handle the regional passenger volume efficiently. Inside, travelers will find multiple check-in counters, a streamlined security and immigration area, and a comfortable gate lounge. Amenities at CRA include several small cafes and snack bars offering both local and international refreshments, a newsstand for travel essentials, and clean restroom facilities. While the airport is relatively compact compared to Bucharest's Otopeni, it provides a more personal and efficient experience for those traveling to and from southwestern Romania.
Operational capacity at Craiova International is supported by a significant paved runway (09/27) measuring approximately 2,500 meters in length, which is capable of handling common narrow-body commercial jets such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Navigation through the terminal is exceptionally easy due to its logical layout, ensuring short walking distances for all passengers. For ground transportation, the airport is conveniently located just 7 kilometers from the Craiova city center, with options including official taxi services, local public buses, and several international car rental agencies located in the arrivals hall.
๐ Connection Tips
Craiova International Airport (CRA) serves as a primary regional gateway in southwestern Romania and is a significant base for low-cost carrier Wizz Air. Connecting through CRA is highly efficient due to its compact, single-terminal design, which handles both domestic and international operations within one building. Because most flights at Craiova are operated on a point-to-point basis by Wizz Air, passengers connecting between different flights will typically need to perform a 'self-transfer.' This process involves exiting through the arrivals hall, collecting any checked luggage, and then re-entering the departures area to clear security and passport control once more. It is recommended to allow at least 2 to 3 hours for such a self-connection to account for potential flight delays and processing times. If you are on a rare through-ticket, follow the 'Transit' signs located within the arrivals area to proceed directly to the gate. The terminal offers essential amenities, including free Wi-Fi throughout the facility, small cafes both airside and landside, and duty-free shops. For passengers seeking premium comfort, a small business lounge is available, which often accepts Priority Pass. Ground transportation to the Craiova city center is straightforward; Bus Line 9 provides a frequent and budget-friendly link, while authorized taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Bolt are readily available for the 15-to-20-minute trip. It is advisable to use the rideshare apps for transparent pricing. Note that while the airport is small and navigation is easy, it can become quite crowded during peak Wizz Air departure banks in the morning and late evening, so arriving early is always wise.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport (CLJ/LRCL) is the primary aviation gateway to Transylvania and the second busiest airport in Romania. Located in Cluj-Napoca, the country's unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, it serves as a major hub for low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and provides essential international connections via legacy airlines such as Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. The airport has seen significant growth in recent years, reflecting Cluj-Napoca's status as a burgeoning European technology and cultural hub.
The airport features a modern terminal complex consisting of two main buildings for departures and arrivals, which are seamlessly connected to facilitate passenger flow. Inside the terminal, travelers have access to a variety of amenities, including several duty-free shops, newsstands, and a selection of cafes and restaurants offering both local Romanian cuisine and international snacks. For those seeking a more relaxed environment, a business lounge is available in the departures area, providing comfortable seating, refreshments, and dedicated workspaces.
Navigating through CLJ is efficient due to its compact and logical layout, although the terminal can become quite crowded during peak morning and evening flight waves. The airport features a single paved runway (07/25) that is approximately 2,100 meters long, capable of supporting a wide range of narrow-body and some medium-sized aircraft. For ground transportation, the airport is conveniently located just 9 kilometers from the city center, with multiple options including local public buses (Line 5 or 8), official taxi services, and several international car rental agencies located in the arrivals hall.
๐ Connection Tips
Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport (CLJ) is Romania's second busiest airport and the primary gateway to the Transylvania region. Connecting through CLJ is generally efficient due to its compact, single-building design, but passengers should be aware that the airport does not currently feature a dedicated airside transit zone. This means that for the majority of connectionsโespecially those involving low-cost carriers like Wizz Air or Ryanair on separate ticketsโyou will need to perform a 'self-transfer.' This process involves exiting through the arrivals area, collecting any checked luggage, and then re-entering the departures hall to clear security and passport control once more. It is recommended to allow at least 2 to 3 hours for this transition, particularly during the morning peak between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM when security queues can be longer. For international travelers, remember that Romania is part of the Schengen Area for air travel; flights to other Schengen countries do not require passport control, while flights to destinations like the UK or Turkey still do. The terminal offers essential amenities, including free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, and small cafes airside. A business lounge is also available for eligible passengers in the departures area. Ground transportation to the Cluj-Napoca city center is excellent; Bus Lines 8 and 5 run frequently, taking about 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, rideshare services like Uber and Bolt are highly reliable and offer transparent pricing for the 9-kilometer trip. Always ensure you have checked in online for your onward flight to avoid high airport check-in fees common with regional low-cost carriers.
โ Back to Craiova International Airport