ROMANIA
HOW TO TRAVEL TO ROMANIA
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
How To Travel To Romania
Romania is well-connected and easy to reach by air, with growing low-cost options, plus scenic train and bus routes from neighboring countries. Once there, affordable trains, buses, rideshares, and car rental make exploring Bucharest, Transylvania, the Danube Delta, and beyond straightforward. This guide (updated March 2026) covers arrival methods, domestic transport, practical tips, and how to combine options for a smooth, budget-friendly trip—whether you're flying in for castles and hikes or road-tripping scenic routes.
How To Get To & Around Romania: 10 Essential Tips 2026
1. Fly into Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP)
OTP is Romania's main international hub with direct flights from most European cities (Wizz Air, Ryanair, TAROM, Lufthansa, etc.) and connections from North America/Asia (often 1-stop).
Fares: €50–300 round-trip from Europe, €400–900 from US/Canada. Other gateways: Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Timișoara (TSR), Iași (IAS) for Transylvania/west.
Airport to city: Express bus 783 (€1–2), Bolt/Uber (€10–20), or train (limited).
2. Arrive by Train from Neighboring Countries
Direct trains from Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria), Sofia (Bulgaria), Belgrade (Serbia), and Chișinău (Moldova) to Bucharest or Cluj—scenic and affordable (€50–150).
CFR Călători runs comfortable overnight sleepers on some routes. Book via cfrcalatori.ro or in person.
Border checks minimal within EU; passport ready for non-Schengen entries.
3. Use FlixBus or Maxitaxis for Budget Arrival
FlixBus connects major European cities to Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj, Sibiu (€30–100, modern coaches with Wi-Fi). Maxitaxis (minibuses) from Bulgaria/Serbia/Moldova cheap/fast.
Book via flixbus.com or autogari.ro. Drop-offs often central or at bus stations.
Longer journeys comfortable with breaks; overnight options available.
4. Get Around Cities with Bolt & Public Transport
Bolt (Romania's Uber equivalent) is cheap, reliable, and widely used in Bucharest, Cluj, Brașov, Timișoara (€3–15 per ride). Uber also available in major cities.
Public transport: metro/buses/trams in Bucharest (day pass €2–5); validate tickets to avoid fines. Apps: Google Maps, Bolt, STB (Bucharest).
Walking best in historic centers (Old Town, Brașov Council Square).
5. Travel Between Cities by Train (CFR)
CFR Călători trains connect Bucharest to Brașov (2.5–4h, €10–30), Cluj, Sibiu, Constanța. Scenic routes (e.g., Bucharest–Brașov through mountains).
Book via cfrcalatori.ro app or station. InterRegio faster/more comfortable than Regio.
Delays common—allow buffer time.
6. Use Buses & Maxitaxis for Flexibility
FlixBus and local operators ( autogari.ro) connect cities/regions faster than some trains (€10–40). Maxitaxis great for rural/Saxon villages/Delta access.
Frequent departures; book same-day possible. Comfort varies—FlixBus best.
Ideal for Brașov–Sighișoara or Bucharest–Constanța.
7. Rent a Car for Rural & Scenic Exploration
Essential for Transfăgărășan road, painted monasteries, Danube Delta access, Saxon villages. Rates €25–60/day (Autonom, Hertz, Rentalcars.com).
Rovinieta vignette mandatory for highways (€3–30 depending on duration—buy online/at border). International driving permit recommended.
Drive defensively—roads narrow/curvy in mountains.
8. Explore the Danube Delta by Boat
Train/bus to Tulcea (€20–50 from Bucharest), then boat tours (€30–80) to floating villages, birdwatching, Letea Forest. May–Sep best for wildlife.
Stay in guesthouses (pensiuni) in Crișan/Mila 23. Private boats flexible; group tours cheaper.
Mosquitoes heavy—bring repellent.
9. Buy a Local SIM or eSIM for Connectivity
Excellent 4G/5G coverage. Prepaid SIMs from Orange, Vodafone, Telekom (€5–15 at airport/stores) include data/calls. eSIM via Airalo/Jetpac (€5–20).
Passport may be required for registration. Top up online/in-app.
Essential for Bolt, maps, CFR app.
10. Combine Modes for Best Experience
Fly into OTP → Bolt to city → train/bus to Brașov → rent car for Transylvania → return by train → fly out. Or fly to CLJ for northern focus.
Use apps (Bolt, CFR, FlixBus, Waze) to plan. Book intercity ahead in summer.
Affordable mix keeps costs low while maximizing flexibility.
Disclaimer: Schedules, prices, and transport options can change. Always verify with official sources (CFR Călători, FlixBus, airport websites, Bolt app, Romanian tourism sites) before your trip. This guide is for general reference only and based on information as of March 2026.