Popcorn Hostel is a 24/7 self check-in hostel in Bucharest, 5 minutes on foot from Gara de Nord. Your access code is personal, smoking is forbidden indoors, and check-out is at 11:00.
One practical page before arrival: access, safety, distances, facilities and house rules.
Quick facts
Important rules before you book
These rules affect access, safety, sleep, and whether the stay can continue.
Security
1
Your access code is strictly personal
Do not let absolutely anyone enter the gate, hostel door, or dorm door using your code. Sharing the code or opening for another person is a serious security breach and can cancel your stay without refund.
No indoor smoking
2
No smoking inside
Smoking is forbidden inside dorms, bathrooms, hallways, the kitchen, and all indoor common spaces. Use only the designated outdoor smoking areas.
Time
3
Check-in / check-out
We strictly enforce the following times. They are inflexible: • Check-in: after 2:00 PM • Check-out: before 11:00 AM
Documents
4
Documents for online check-in
Passport mandatory for non-EU citizens, ID for EU citizens. Driver licenses are not accepted. Please upload an unmodified copy of your document. False, altered or unclear documents will result in cancellation.
Quick facts
Popcorn Hostel basics
These are the practical facts guests usually need before arrival.
Self check-in
24/7
from 14:00
Check-out
11:00
no exceptions
Beds
49
6 dorm types
Bathrooms
6
~8 guests/bathroom
Luggage
Free
free before or after stay
Quiet hours
22:00-09:00
sleep, not party
After booking
Self check-in is online and takes about 3 minutes
The guidebook opens after the online check-in is completed. It contains the personal access code and arrival details.
The hostel uses 24/7 self check-in. After booking you receive an email with the online check-in link. Set aside 3 minutes, go through every step carefully — at the end the same link opens the live guidebook with arrival details and your personal access code.
1
ID document
Upload a clear copy of your ID card (EU citizens) or passport (non-EU citizens). No other documents are accepted — no driver license, no other certificates.
2
City tax
Pay the mandatory tourist tax required by the Bucharest City Hall. It is set by law and cannot be bundled into the reservation price.
3
Extra services (optional)
Browse the optional extras you can add to your stay and pick the ones you want.
4
Rules acknowledgment
Sign digitally to acknowledge the hostel rules.
5
Open the live guidebook
After online check-in, the same link opens the live guidebook: all the info you need + your personal access code, valid for every door you have access to (gate, hostel door, dorm door). You can re-open the same link any time — do not wait for a separate message after completion.
Check-in is available 24/7 between 2:00 PM and 11:00 AM the next day.
At check-out you must vacate the dorm with all your luggage by 11:00 AM — no exceptions. On check-out day, departing guests' bedding is collected at 10:30 AM.
If you arrive earlier or leave later, we keep your luggage free of charge in a secured space.
Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal — emergencies ONLY. One person answers day and night for ~49 guests/day. For anything else, the online check-in (3 min) and the guidebook answer you instantly.
Quick facts
Distances that matter before arrival
Popcorn Hostel is close to Bucharest transport and useful daily stops.
Place
Distance
Time
Gara de Nord
450 m
5 min
M1 Gara de Nord
500 m
6 min
Kaufland
250 m
3 min
Piata Matache
650 m
7 min
Lipscani / Old Town
3.2 km
15 min by metro
Parcul Cismigiu
2.2 km
25 min walk
Info
What is inside the hostel
Use these sections for facilities, food, bathrooms, luggage storage and what to do nearby.
01
House at a glance
Capacity: 49 beds total, across 6 dorm types.
All dorms are shared and mixed-gender — men and women stay in the same dorm. The 2-bed dorm is also shared; if you book both beds, only guests from your booking use that dorm.
Staff may enter any dorm at any time, including fully booked dorms. Staff do not knock before entering, and guests must be decently dressed and behave decently at all times, day and night.
Bathrooms: 6 shared bathrooms (~8 guests per bathroom) — no queues.
Air conditioning in every dorm. Summer 25°C, winter 21°C, per Romanian law.
Individual lockers with keys for every guest.
Large fully equipped kitchen with 3 large fridges.
Strong free WiFi, including in the courtyard.
Quiet hours: 22:00 – 09:00.
Every bed has a privacy curtain in all dorms except the 3-bed dorms.
02
Food in the area
The hostel kitchen is large and fully equipped — stove, microwave, kettle, dishes, cutlery and 3 large fridges for all guests.
Kaufland is at the end of the street (~250 m). Carrefour and Matache market are 5–7 minutes on foot.
Plenty of restaurants, shawarma places, cafes and bakeries nearby — many open late.
03
What to do in Bucharest
We're 5 minutes on foot from Gara de Nord and 10 minutes from the metro (M1 Gara de Nord).
Old Town (Lipscani) — 15 min by metro. Palace of the Parliament — 20 min. Herăstrău Park — 25 min.
Highlights: hop-on hop-off red bus tour, Village Museum, Romanian Athenaeum, Cișmigiu Park.
04
Photo gallery
Browse the full gallery with photos of dorms, courtyard and common spaces.
The 360 degree viewers load only when you tap them, so the page stays fast on mobile.
360° tour of the shared kitchen 360° tour of the private courtyard 360° tour of the lobby
Check-in / check-out
3
01
Check-in / check-out
We strictly enforce the following times. They are inflexible:
• Check-in: after 2:00 PM
• Check-out: before 11:00 AM
06
Cancellation
Guests can cancel reservations at any time. Reservations are non-refundable — the full reservation price will be charged.
07
Documents for online check-in
Passport mandatory for non-EU citizens, ID for EU citizens. Driver licenses are not accepted.
Please upload an unmodified copy of your document. False, altered or unclear documents will result in cancellation.
Quiet hours
6
02
Hostel temperature
Summer: 25°C · Winter: 21°C.
These temperatures follow Romanian law and target overall guest comfort. Neither guests nor staff are allowed to adjust the settings.
03
Quiet hours
Quiet hours: 22:00 – 09:00.
During this window please avoid noise in common areas and dorms so every guest sleeps well. Normal-volume conversations in the courtyard are fine if they do not disturb the neighbours.
04
Shared, mixed-gender dorms
All Popcorn Hostel dorms are shared and mixed-gender — men and women stay in the same dorm, regardless of dorm type. We do not offer gender-separated, private or single dorms.
The 2-bed dorm is also a shared dorm. If you book both beds, only guests in your booking use that dorm, but staff may enter at any time.
05
Staff access to dorms
Staff may enter any dorm at any time, including dorms fully booked by one person or one group. Staff do not knock before entering.
In a hostel with shared dorms, guests must never be in embarrassing situations in the dorm. Decent clothing and decent behaviour are required at all times, day and night.
09
Bed-making policy
Guests are responsible for making their beds during their stay. Black mattress covers are permanent and washed monthly — sleeping directly on them is forbidden.
Only the white bedding (sheets, pillowcases) is changed after each guest leaves.
17
Decent attire
Decent attire is mandatory, including in dormitories and hallways. Walking around with only a towel around the waist is forbidden.
Eviction rights and refusing entry
7
08
Eviction rights and refusing entry
We reserve the absolute right to refuse entry or evict any individual without compensation for any unutilized stay if behaviour compromises the safety, security or experience of other guests.
Staff may cancel any reservation or deny entry without explanation. No refunds will be issued in these cases.
10
Acceptance of risks
Use of facilities involves inherent risks. Hostel representatives are not liable for harm except for damages directly resulting from negligent actions as defined by law.
14
Children and pets
Children under 16 are not permitted on the premises.
No pets are allowed.
15
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in dorms or common spaces. Designated smoking areas are provided outside.
16
Shower protocol
Use a towel and non-slip slippers when entering the shower.
19
Prohibited items
Firearms, projectile-capable items, sharp/bladed weapons, blunt instruments, explosives, flammable substances, illegal drugs and toxic substances are strictly forbidden.
21
High-risk areas
Be aware of stairs, hallways and bathrooms — slipping risk is high. Visitors fully assume these risks.
Facility use limitations
5
11
Parking
The hostel does not guarantee permanent parking. Absence of parking is not grounds for cancellation.
12
Facility use limitations
Access may be limited for technical, cleaning or maintenance reasons. No reductions or refunds are issued in such cases.
13
Persons with disabilities
Individuals with severe physical or mental disabilities who require supervision are welcome, provided they are accompanied by an adult and do not disturb other guests.
20
Personal belongings
The hostel assumes no responsibility for items forgotten, lost or allegedly stolen within the premises.
22
Guest liability for damages
Guests are liable for damages caused by their behaviour, including damages to third parties.
Dispute resolution
5
18
Controversial topics
To maintain a harmonious environment, please avoid discussions involving politics, sexual orientation, religion and COVID-related matters within the hostel.
23
Dispute resolution
Any dispute will first be addressed amicably. If not possible, it falls under the jurisdiction of the court in Bucharest.
24
Policy modification
The hostel reserves the right to modify its policies without prior notice.
25
Legal action
The hostel reserves the right to take legal action to obtain compensation from any guest who does not comply with its rules.
26
Acknowledgment and consent
By staying at our hostel, you acknowledge and consent to these rules unconditionally.
Frequently asked
Useful questions before arrival
Short answers for AI search, Google snippets and travelers who are already on the way.
How far is Popcorn Hostel from Gara de Nord?
Popcorn Hostel is about 450 m from Gara de Nord, roughly 5 minutes on foot. M1 Gara de Nord metro is about 500 m away.
Where is Popcorn Hostel in Bucharest?
Popcorn Hostel is at Str. Ing. Pisoni 26, sector 1, Bucharest — a 5-minute walk from Gara de Nord (main train station) and 6 minutes from the M1 metro station.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in: after 2:00 PM. Check-out: before 11:00 AM. The hostel uses self check-in: after booking you receive the online check-in link, and after completion the same link opens the live guidebook with your access code.
How do I get to Popcorn Hostel from Otopeni Airport?
Fastest route: direct non-stop train from Henri Coandă (Otopeni) Airport to Gara de Nord — about 21 minutes, with CFR fares from 6 RON. The train runs 24/7, with departures roughly every 40 minutes (slightly longer gaps overnight). From Gara de Nord it is a 5-minute walk to the hostel — we are the closest hostel to the airport because we are right next to the train station. Alternatives: bus 100 (~40 min) or Uber / Bolt (~70 RON).
Is parking available?
The hostel has no private parking lot. Paid public street parking is available nearby via the city parking app, subject to availability.
Is the WiFi free?
Yes — free WiFi throughout the hostel including the courtyard. Strong signal in every dorm.
Is the popcorn really free and unlimited?
Yes. Fresh, unlimited, free popcorn for every guest — our house signature. Plus free tea 24/7. (We do not offer free coffee — you can make your own in the shared kitchen.)
Are children or pets allowed?
Children under 16 are not accepted. No pets are allowed on the property.
How much does a night cost?
Per-bed nightly base rates: 9-bed dorm 65 RON, 6-bed dorm with balcony 70 RON, 4-bed dorm 75 RON (80 RON with balcony), 3-bed dorm 85–90 RON, 2-bed dorm 95–100 RON. Rates can vary by season — see live prices by clicking "Book now" on any page.
Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, guests can cancel at any time. Reservations are non-refundable — the full reservation price is charged regardless of when you cancel.
Is there a shared kitchen?
Yes. The kitchen is large and fully equipped: stove, microwave, kettle, dishes, cutlery and 3 large fridges for all guests. Kaufland supermarket is at the end of the street (250 m).
Is the area safe at night?
Yes — very safe. The Gara de Nord area (sector 1) is one of the best-lit and busiest parts of Bucharest — our street, Pisoni, is quiet but never empty, day or night. A woman travelling alone has zero reason to worry, by day or by night. The hostel has individual coded entry, a private enclosed courtyard, and ~49 guests a day who form a friendly community.
What documents do I need at check-in?
Passport for non-EU citizens; ID card for EU citizens. Driver licenses are not accepted. You will need to upload a clear copy of the document before arrival (Romanian law requirement).
How does the self check-in work?
After booking you receive an email with an online check-in link. Set aside 3 minutes and carefully go through 5 steps: (1) upload your ID or passport, (2) pay the city tax required by the Bucharest City Hall, (3) view optional extras, (4) sign the rules acknowledgment, (5) the same link opens the live guidebook with your personal access code. You can re-open the link any time — no separate message is sent after completion.
Can I share my access code or let someone else in?
No. The code is strictly individual and valid for every door you have access to (gate, hostel door, dorm door). Letting someone in or sharing the code means losing your reservation with no refund. This rule exists to keep every guest safe.
Can I call with questions before or during my stay?
Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal are for REAL emergencies only. One person answers day and night for ~49 guests/day — replies would be delayed. For anything else, the 3-minute online check-in and the guidebook answer you instantly. 3 minutes of patience at check-in = zero hassle afterwards.
Are there BBQ nights?
Yes — Saturday evenings, weather permitting. Just join the others in the courtyard. No sign-up, no extra cost.
What games and entertainment are available?
Pool table, foosball, jenga, chess, backgammon and more board games in the common area. Plus unlimited free popcorn and free tea 24/7.
What dorm types do you have and how do they differ?
Six types, 49 beds total: 9-bed dorm (cheapest, beds stacked on 3 levels — recommended only for young, agile travellers), 6-bed dorm with balcony, 4-bed dorm, 4-bed dorm with balcony, 3-bed dorm (NO bunks), and 2-bed dorm. All are shared and mixed-gender, with air conditioning and individual lockers with keys.
Are the dorms mixed-gender? Do men and women sleep in the same dorm?
Yes. All dorms at Popcorn Hostel are shared and mixed-gender — men and women stay in the same dorm, regardless of type (from the 9-bed dorm to the 2-bed dorm). We do not offer gender-separated, private or single dorms. If you book every bed in a dorm, only guests from your booking use that dorm, but staff may enter at any time without knocking.
Are there lockers?
Yes — every guest gets an individual locker with a key in the dorm. Safely store your documents, money and electronics.
How many bathrooms? Will I wait in line?
6 shared bathrooms for the whole hostel (maximum capacity 49 guests) — about 1 bathroom per 8 guests, enough to avoid waiting.
Are there quiet hours?
Yes — quiet hours run 22:00–09:00. During this window we avoid noise in common areas and dorms so every guest sleeps well.
Is there air conditioning in the dorms?
Yes — air conditioning in every dorm. Summer at 25°C, winter heating at 21°C (per Romanian law). Settings are fixed for overall guest comfort.
Blog
Read these before you book
Guest stories and practical guides about the rules in real life — self check-in, luggage policy, and what makes Popcorn a social place to stay.
We use cookies to understand how the site is used (Google Analytics) and where visitors get stuck (Microsoft Clarity), so we can make it better. Your choice. Details →