Parking in Bucharest in 2026: rates, zones, applications

Parking in Bucharest requires knowledge of local regulations, pricing zones and payment methods. In 2026, the capital of Romania offers modern mobile solutions, which significantly facilitate the payment of parking spaces. This guide contains up-to-date information on prices, charging times, payment apps and how to avoid fines.

Paid parking in Bucharest

Bucharest is divided into three main parking areas managed by the Bucharest Municipal Parking Company (CMPB). A unified pricing system has been in place since March 1, 2023, which has simplified parking rules across the city.

Zone 0 – the strict center

Zone 0 includes the most representative places of Bucharest: the area of ​​Piața Universității, Piața Romană, Piața Unirii and Centrul Vechi. It is an area with the highest level of tourist and commercial traffic. Parking lots in this area are often busy, especially during rush hour.

Zones 1 and 2: extended center and outer districts

Zone 1 extends around the narrow center and includes popular residential and business districts. Zone 2 includes the areas furthest from the city center where it is easier to find free parking.

Application times of parking fees in Bucharest

Parking fees apply every day (Monday to Sunday) from 08:00 to 20:00. Outside these hours, parking in public places managed by CMPB is free. However, it is always advisable to check the signs on site, because private car parks and those near shopping centers may have different opening hours.

Parking rates in Bucharest 2026

A unified tariff for public parking has been in force in Bucharest since 2023. The table below shows current prices:

Underground and private parking

Parking in underground garages and shopping centers is more expensive: prices vary between 5 and 10 lei per hour. Popular locations include Parcare Unirii (under Piața Unirii), the car park at AFI Cotroceni and Băneasa Shopping City. These car parks are often open 24 hours a day and offer a higher level of vehicle safety.

How to pay for parking in Bucharest

There are several convenient payment methods for parking in Bucharest. After paying for parking, it is not necessary to display the ticket behind the windshield: the check takes place electronically based on the vehicle’s license plate.

Bucharest Parking Application (official)

The official application of the Bucharest Municipal Parking Company is available for free on Google Play and the App Store. It allows payment by bank card, the location of car parks on the map and the purchase of daily and monthly passes. The app also shows the optimal route to reach the selected car park.

• Site: parkingbucuresti.ro
• Contact: +40 374 997 799

AmParcat application

AmParcat is a popular alternative that offers additional features: payment via Revolut Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and automatic parking extension. The application also works in Sector 4 of Bucharest, as well as in other cities in Romania (Oradea, Ploiești). It also allows advance purchase of the next day’s pass, useful when parking after 8pm.

Parking in Bucharest

In Bucharest there are more than 300 parking meters, where you can pay by bank card (no fees), phone (NFC), watch or QR code. Parking meters accept payment for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 hours or for the whole day. In some locations, cashiers still accept cash.

Where is the best place to park in central Bucharest?

Finding free parking in central Bucharest can be a challenge, especially during rush hour. Here are the verified positions:

Underground and multi-storey car parks

• Union parking lot – one of the largest car parks in the centre, under Piața Unirii. Many places both above ground and in the underground garage.
• The AFI Cotroceni car park – large shopping center with parking, good connection to the metro (Politehnica station).
• Promenada shopping center – near the Aurel Vlaicu metro station, parking approx. 3 lei/hour. Ideal Park & ​​Ride solution.

Parking near tourist attractions

Constitution Square (near the Parliament Building) – large car park on the east side of the Parliament building, about 10 minutes walk from the tourist entrance. Standard price: 5 lei/hour or 30 lei/day. It is one of the best options for visitors to the Parliament Building.

Free parking in Bucharest

Free parking is limited but can still be found:

Parking outside paid hours

Parking in public places managed by CMPB is free every day from 8.00pm to 8.00am. But remember that if you leave your car overnight and don’t pay for parking in the morning before 8:00, you can get a fine.

Suburban districts

On the outskirts of the city and in residential areas, street parking is often free of charge. It is worth looking for places near parks: Herăstrău Park (near the lake, many places around the park) or Cișmigiu Park (in the center, but with parking nearby).

Shopping centers

Some shopping centers offer free parking for customers for a certain period (usually 2-3 hours). Check the regulations of the respective center.

Electric and hybrid cars

From 1 January 2025Owners of electric and hybrid cars registered in Bucharest can park for free in all CMPB public car parks. The condition is the annual registration of the vehicle in the electronic register of electric and hybrid vehicles (registru.cmpb.ro). Registration for 2026 must be renewed by February 28, 2026.

Parking at Henri Coandă Airport (Otopeni)

Henri Coandă Airport (IATA code: OTP) is located approximately 16.5 km north of the center of Bucharest. Several parking options are available:

Official airport car parks

The airport has car parks P1 (departures), P2 (arrivals) and long-term car parks P3 and P5:

• Short-Term Parking: approx. 5 lei/hour.
• Long-term parking (P3, P5): 100 lei/24 hours for the first 4 days, then 10 lei for each additional day (e.g. 7 days = 430 lei, 30 days = 660 lei).

Private parking near the airport

A cheaper alternative are private car parks near the airport, which offer a free shuttle:

• Park4Fly – from 9.9 lei/day, 800 m from the airport, transfer in 3 minutes, 24/7 monitoring
• Parking – from 15 lei/day, 3 minutes from the terminal, free transfer

Parking fines in Romania

Irregular parking in Bucharest can result in significant financial penalties.

In case of non-payment the car may be immobilized until the debt is paid. From February 2024, the fine can be paid by bank card via the Parking Bucharest application, at parking meters or via the GHISEUL.RO platform.

See also: Fine for speeding in Romania, Fines for failure to grant priority in Romania, Fines for lack of lights in Romania.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much is an hour of parking in central Bucharest?
   Parking in CMPB public spaces costs 5 lei per hour in all areas. The rate applies every day from 8:00 to 20:00.
2. What is the SMS number for parking payment?
   From November 1, 2024 the SMS number is 7576. Send the number of hours + registration number (e.g. 2B123ABC for 2 hours).
3. Is there a charge for parking on weekends?
   Yes, the rate also applies on Saturdays and Sundays from 08:00 to 20:00.
4. Which parking application is better: Parking Bucharest or AmParkat?
   Both work for CMPB parking lots. Parking Bucharest is the official app, while AmParcat offers several payment methods (including Revolut), automatic extension and also works in Sector 4.
5. Is a free tourist park in Bucharest possible?
   Free parking is possible: (1) outside from 08:00 to 20:00, (2) on the outskirts of the city and in residential districts, (3) in some shopping centers for a limited time.
6. What to do if I don’t have a Romanian SIM card for payment via SMS?
   Use the Parking Bucharest or AmParcat application: both accept international payment cards. You can also pay by card at the parking meter.

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