Getting Around Romania
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Bucharest and Transylvania. Rural: Rent a car for Carpathians exploration. Coast: Buses and Black Sea trains. For convenience, book airport transfers from Bucharest to your destination.
Train Travel
CFR Călători National Rail
Reliable train network connecting major cities with regular services, though some delays possible.
Cost: Bucharest to Brașov €5-10, journeys 2-4 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via CFR app, website, or station counters. E-tickets accepted on most routes.
Peak Times: Avoid 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM for cheaper fares and more availability.
Rail Passes
InterRail Romania pass offers 3-8 days of unlimited travel for €50-100, ideal for multiple stops.
Best For: Extended trips across Transylvania and Moldova, savings for 4+ journeys.
Where to Buy: CFR stations, official website, or Eurail app with digital delivery.
High-Speed Options
Regio Călători and private lines connect to Budapest, Vienna, and Istanbul via Sofia.
Booking: Advance reservations for international routes, discounts up to 40% early.
Bucharest Stations: Main station is Gara de Nord, with links to Băneasa Airport station.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for Transylvania roads and rural sites. Compare rental prices from €25-45/day at Bucharest Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised, verify inclusions for mountain driving.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Highways like A1/A2 require electronic vignette (€3-15 for 7-30 days).
Priority: Yield to right at intersections, roundabouts common, watch for horse carts.
Parking: Free in rural areas, €1-3/hour in cities, use apps for paid zones.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at €1.40-1.60/liter for petrol, €1.30-1.50 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy in Bucharest rush hours, potholes on secondary roads in countryside.
Urban Transport
Bucharest Metro & Trams
Underground and surface network spanning the capital, single ticket €0.60, day pass €3, 10-journey €5.
Validation: Stamp tickets at entry, fines for non-validation, controllers active.
Apps: Metrorex/STB app for schedules, live tracking, and digital tickets.
Bike Rentals
Tibidabo and city bikes in Bucharest/Cluj, €4-8/day with docking stations citywide.
Routes: Bike lanes in urban centers, scenic paths along Danube and in parks.
Tours: Organized bike tours in Brașov and Sibiu for historical sightseeing.
Buses & Local Services
STB (Bucharest), local operators in Cluj/Timișoara run extensive bus and trolleybus routes.
Tickets: €0.50-1 per ride, purchase from kiosks or contactless on board.
Black Sea Line: Buses connect coastal resorts like Constanța to Mamaia, €2-5 fares.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Bucharest or Brașov Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Untold.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities, 3G/4G in rural Romania including mountains.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €4 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Orange, Vodafone Romania, and Digi Mobil offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with solid coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, malls, or provider shops with ID required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €10, 10GB for €15, unlimited for €20/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and public squares in urban areas.
Public Hotspots: Train stations and tourist sites offer free access.
Speed: Reliable (10-50 Mbps) in cities, sufficient for streaming and navigation.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Bucharest Airport 17km from city center, bus to center €0.60 (30 min), taxi €10, or book private transfer for €20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€3-6/day) and services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Newer trains and metro ramps available, historic sites often have stairs and cobbles.
- Pet Travel: Pets on trains (small free, large €2), confirm with accommodations in advance.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on trains off-peak for €3, folding bikes free on all services.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Romania
Bucharest Airport (OTP) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP): Primary international gateway, 17km north of city with bus/train links.
Cluj-Napoca (CLJ): Key Transylvanian hub 8km from center, shuttle bus €3 (20 min).
Constanța ( Mihail Kogălniceanu, CND): Coastal airport with seasonal European flights, taxi €15 to resorts.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Budapest or Sofia and taking bus/train to Romania for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Blue Air serve Bucharest/Cluj with European routes.
Important: Include baggage fees and ground transport when calculating total costs.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours prior, avoid airport surcharges.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Ubiquitous, fees €1-3, prefer bank machines over tourist spots for better rates.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted, Amex rare outside luxury spots.
- Contactless Payment: Common in cities, Apple Pay/Google Pay supported in modern terminals.
- Cash: Essential for rural areas, markets, and tips, carry 100-200 RON in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not included, round up for taxis and services.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, skip airport kiosks with high fees.