Verified Facts
To get around in Romania, you can use a variety of transportation options, including buses, trains, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, as well as domestic flights and car rentals, which provide a convenient and relatively affordable way to explore the country.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Romania is easily accessible by air, with several international airports located throughout the country, including Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest and Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport (CLJ) in Cluj-Napoca. Direct flights are available from major European hubs, such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam, as well as from other parts of the world, including the United States and the Middle East. If you prefer to travel by land, Romania has several overland entry points, including border crossings with Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria, which can be reached by bus or train.
In addition to air travel, Romania is also connected to neighboring countries by a network of buses and trains, making it easy to get to and from the country overland. Several bus companies, including Fany and Atlassib, operate routes from Romania to other European cities, while train operators like CFR Călători and Regiojet connect Romania to countries like Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Whether you're traveling by air, bus, or train, you'll find that getting to Romania is relatively straightforward, with a range of options to suit your budget and preferences.
Domestic Flights
Romania has a moderate domestic air network, with several airlines operating flights between major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara. Tarom, the national carrier, offers the most extensive network of domestic routes, while low-cost airlines like Blue Air and Wizz Air also operate flights within the country. To book a domestic flight, you can visit the website of your chosen airline or use a travel booking platform like Expedia or Booking.com. Approximate costs for domestic flights range from $50 to $200, depending on the route and time of year, with prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons.
Trains & Rail
Romania has an extensive rail network, with trains connecting major cities and towns throughout the country. The national rail operator, CFR Călători, operates a range of services, from slow and affordable Regio trains to faster and more comfortable InterRegio and InterCity trains. While high-speed rail options are limited, some routes, like the Bucharest to Brașov line, offer relatively fast journey times. To book a train ticket, you can visit a station in person or use the CFR Călători website, which offers online booking and payment options.
Buses & Coaches
Romania has a comprehensive network of intercity buses, with several companies operating routes between major cities and towns. Companies like Fany, Atlassib, and Transurb operate modern and comfortable coaches, with services often departing from major bus stations in cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. Ticket prices vary depending on the route and operator, but you can expect to pay around $10 to $30 for a one-way ticket, with discounts often available for advance bookings or students.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Subway | Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca | $1-2 | Efficient and affordable |
| City Bus | Most cities | $0.50-1 | Frequent services, but can be crowded |
| Taxi | Everywhere | $0.50-1/km | Be sure to use a licensed taxi |
| Ride-Hailing | Major cities | $3-6 | Uber, Bolt, and local alternatives available |
| Tuk-tuk/Rickshaw | Not available | - |
Driving
- To drive in Romania, you'll need a valid driver's license, which can be obtained in your home country or, in some cases, rented with a car.
- Road conditions in Romania vary, with some highways and major roads in good condition, while others, especially in rural areas, can be poor and uneven.
- Fuel costs in Romania are relatively low, with prices for gasoline and diesel around $1.20 per liter.
- If you plan to rent a car, be sure to research and book in advance, as prices can vary depending on the rental company and location.
- When driving in Romania, be aware of aggressive drivers and poor road signage, and always wear a seatbelt.
- Be sure to purchase car insurance, which is mandatory in Romania, to protect yourself and others in case of an accident.
Transport Tips
- Be aware of scams targeting tourists, especially in major cities like Bucharest, and always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- When using public transport, be sure to validate your ticket, as fines can be steep for those caught without a valid ticket.
- Download transport apps, like Moovit or Citymapper, to help navigate Romania's public transport network.
- Always carry cash, as not all transport operators or ticket machines accept credit or debit cards.
- Be mindful of peak travel seasons, when prices for transport and accommodations can be higher, and plan ahead to avoid crowds and high costs.
- Consider purchasing a public transport card, which can provide discounts and convenience when using buses, trams, and metro lines.
- Learn some basic Romanian phrases, like "hello" (salut) and "thank you" (mulțumesc), to help you navigate and communicate with locals.