Bucharest's main station: Location map
Bucharest has one main station, the imposing Gara de Nord (Bucureşti Nord), opened in 1872. I've always found the grand scale of the architecture somewhat dark and oppressive but it has improved over recent years.
Bucharest Gara de Nord. Photo courtesy of Daniel Brvnišťan
Station concourse running the width of the station, with platforms on the left and the main station exit to the right. Note MacDonald's on the right. Courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com.
Platforms
The station is a terminus, with platforms numbered from 1 to 14 left to right as you stand on the concourse and look towards the platforms.
Tickets & reservations
International tickets are bought at ticket window 1 in a room marked Case de bilete with a large blue sign, see the photos below so you know what to look for. To find it coming from outside the station, simply walk in through the main station entrance in the colonnaded station facade (see topmost photo on this page) and it is in that broad passageway heading towards the platforms, on the right opposite a large pharmacy. To find it from the platforms, look for the passageway roughly opposite platforms 8 & 9, between MacDonald's and the information office. It's 50 metres down that passageway, just behind MacDonald's, on the left.
If you are collecting tickets bought online here, do it the day before or earlier in the day if you can, not at the last minute. The international window closes for breaks at various times of day, don't get caught out.
Left luggage & ATMs
There's a left luggage office in the passageway linking the main entrance and the concourse behind the platforms, it's right next to the Regio Calatori ticket office, see the left luggage page for opening hours & prices. If you're on the concourse behind the platforms, look for the wide passageway leading off from that concourse opposite platforms 5/6.
There are privately-run luggage lockers too, but these are more expensive as they charge per hour, see www.romobility.ro and see the left luggage page for prices.
There are plenty of ATM cash points around the station.
Food & drink
There is a McDonalds, a KFC, a Subway & a Springtime inside the station, as well as many kiosks selling drinks and snacks. Further feedback appreciated.
The Bistro Nord (www.facebook.com/bistronord) on the east side of the station closest to platform 14 has been recommended, see location and see the photo above. It serves inexpensive Romanian & Moldovan food, open 08:00-22:00 daily, ideal for a meal before a sleeper departure.
Supermarket
There is a Carrefour Express minimarket on the concourse at the platform 2/3 end, open early until late at night 7 days a week, ideal for stiocking up for your journey.
Taxis & metro
You will see signs hanging from the roof pointing to the official station taxi rank at the front of the station For safety and right fares, Gara de Nord's authorized taxi station. Only use the official yellow taxis, ignore any touts. Do not use taxis (or cars that appear to be taxis) from anywhere else outside the station.
Bucharest Nord has its own metro station on line M1 & M4. For a metro map & information see www.metrorex.ro.
Things to see in Bucharest
The Palace of Parliament (formerly Ceaușescu's palace) is a 36-minute walk from the Gara de Nord, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Parliament.
The Arcul de triumf is a 41-minute walk from the Gara de Nord, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcul_de_Triumf.
Recommended hotels
The Euro Hotel Grivita, Hotel MyContinental Bucuresti Gara de Nord, Hello Hotels Gara de Nord are all just a 5 minute 350m walk from the station, inexpensive with good or great reviews. Other hotels in Bucharest.