Tips for Getting Around Romania

Romania is a large country and travel times between cities can be long. Trains are scenic but often slow — the Bucharest-Cluj route takes 8-10 hours by rail but only 5-6 hours by bus. For the fastest intercity travel, consider FlixBus or private bus companies like Memento Bus, which operate modern coaches with Wi-Fi. Domestic flights connect Bucharest to Cluj and Timisoara in about an hour, often at reasonable prices with TAROM or Wizz Air.

Exploring Transylvania

Transylvania is Romania’s most popular region for visitors, and Brasov makes an excellent base. From Brasov, you can easily reach Bran Castle, Peles Castle in Sinaia, and the fortified churches of the Saxon villages. Trains run regularly between Bucharest and Brasov (2.5 hours), making it a feasible day trip. Renting a car is the best way to explore the Transylvanian countryside, as many villages and mountain passes are not served by public transport.

Practical Tips

• Romania is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations — a full restaurant meal rarely exceeds RON 60-80
• Bolt is by far the best way to get around Romanian cities, with rides often costing just RON 10-15
• At Bucharest airports, never accept rides from unofficial taxi drivers in the arrivals hall — use the official taxi ordering system or Bolt/Uber
• Romanian trains often run late — check real-time status before heading to the station
• Cash is still useful in rural areas and smaller towns, though cards are accepted in cities
• Tipping 10% at restaurants is customary and appreciated