Getting Around Romania: Trains, Car, Flights and Buses

Romania is a country you get to know slowly, with the window down and a flexible plan. Distances look short on the map, but the road winds through mountains, villages and hills that are worth the extra time. Here is how to move from one corner to another, with the upside and the catch of each option.

Renting a car and self-driving

If you want total freedom, renting a car is the best choice. You reach monasteries tucked into the hills, small wineries and villages where no train ever stops, and the scenery becomes part of the trip rather than just the way to it.

A few things to know before you set off:

• Motorways are still expanding. Many routes are single-carriageway roads that pass straight through towns, so they are slower than the map suggests. Add roughly a third to your estimated driving time and don't over-pack the day.
• The vignette (rovinietă) is required. It's an electronic road toll; rental cars usually include it, but confirm with the hire company to be sure.
• Mountain roads are seasonal. Showstoppers like the Transfăgărășan and the Transalpina generally open only in summer and close with the first snow. Check the road status before you climb.
• Driving is relaxed outside peak times, but patience helps in cities and on busy weekend routes.

If you want to set off without the hassle, see our car-hire options and book early, especially in summer.

Trains (CFR)

Trains have their own charm: they're cheap, scenic and let the country roll past the window. On some routes they're genuinely practical. The Bucharest–Brașov line is popular and easy, and the Prahova Valley (Sinaia, Bușteni, Predeal) looks wonderful from the carriage.

What's worth knowing:

• Trains are scenic but often slow. On many routes you'll travel more slowly than by car or bus.
• Intercity trains are the fastest and most comfortable; regional services stop everywhere.
• There are also overnight trains on long routes, with sleeper cars — a handy way to save time and a night's accommodation.
• Buy tickets ahead in high season, and pick a window seat on the scenic lines.

Intercity buses and minibuses (maxi-taxi)

The real backbone of intercity travel is the coach and minibus network. On many routes they're faster than the train and leave more often.

• They cover towns the railway reaches slowly or not at all.
• Minibuses (maxi-taxi) are smaller and more frequent on short hops between nearby towns.
• Comfort varies by operator, but fares stay friendly.
• Check departures online in advance; some services are ticketed, others you simply pay on boarding.

Domestic flights

Romania is large enough that a domestic flight can save hours behind the wheel. A handful of routes link the capital to the big cities: Bucharest–Cluj, Bucharest–Iași or Bucharest–Timișoara can spare you a full day of driving.

• The main airports are in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași and Sibiu.
• Flying makes most sense between opposite ends of the country; for medium distances, the car or the bus is often simpler door-to-door.
• Factor in airport access and security when comparing with the road.

Getting around cities

In cities you can manage easily without a car:

• Ride-hailing apps work well in the larger cities and are convenient, with the price shown upfront.
• Bucharest has a metro, the fastest way to cross the capital at rush hour.
• Trams, trolleybuses and buses cover the cities well; grab a ticket or a local transport card.
• Historic centres are best explored on foot.

Which to choose

In short, choose by what you want to see:

• Car — for rural Transylvania, Maramureș, mountain roads and total freedom. The best choice for most itineraries.
• Train — for the Prahova Valley, the Bucharest–Brașov run and the pleasure of a slow, cheap ride.
• Bus or minibus — for direct, fast links between cities when you'd rather not drive.
• Plane — only for opposite ends of the country, when time matters more than the view.

For many visitors the best answer is a mix: fly or take the train to a hub city, then rent a car to explore the region at your own pace. Plan your route in advance and book the car as early as you can — the rest falls into place.