Getting around Romania
Domestic air travel plays a smaller role than rail and road transport for many journeys. Due to the country's size and the mountainous terrain separating some regions, domestic flights can nevertheless save significant travel time on longer routes.
Bucharest is the main domestic aviation hub, with regular flights linking the capital to cities including Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Oradea, Suceava and Baia Mare. TAROM and several low-cost airlines operate most domestic services.
Road travel is one of the most common ways of getting around Romania, particularly for reaching rural areas, mountain regions and smaller towns not directly served by airports. The country is large by European standards, and journey times can often be longer than distances might initially suggest, especially in mountainous areas.
Romania has an expanding motorway network, particularly in the west and around Bucharest, though many journeys still rely on national roads passing through towns, villages and mountain passes. Major cities, such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, Sibiu, Timișoara and Constanța, are connected by the main road network.
Driving through the Carpathian Mountains can be particularly scenic, with routes such as the Transfăgărășan Highway and Transalpina attracting visitors during the warmer months. However, mountain roads may close or become hazardous during winter due to snow and ice.
Petrol stations are widespread throughout the country, particularly along national roads and motorways. Fuel prices are generally lower than in much of Western Europe.
Road quality in Romania varies considerably depending on the region and type of road. Motorways and major routes connecting larger cities are generally in good condition, particularly around Bucharest and in western Romania.
Secondary roads and rural routes can be more variable, with potholes, uneven surfaces and limited lighting in some areas. In villages and smaller towns, drivers should also watch for horse-drawn carts, pedestrians and animals on the road.
Mountain roads through the Carpathians can be spectacularly scenic but are often narrow and winding. Snow, ice and fog may affect higher-altitude routes during winter, and some mountain passes close seasonally due to weather conditions.
Romania's road network is divided into several categories. Motorways (autostrăzi), identified by an "A" prefix such as the A1 and A3, are the highest standard of roads and are designed for faster long-distance travel between major cities and regions.
National roads (drumuri naționale), marked with a "DN" prefix, connect major towns, cities and border crossings throughout the country. European routes crossing Romania are additionally marked with an "E" designation.
County roads (drumuri județene) and local roads provide access to smaller towns, villages and rural areas, particularly in mountainous and agricultural regions.
Car hire is widely available in Romania, particularly at major airports, railway stations and in larger cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov and Timișoara. Both international and local rental companies operate nationwide. Self-driving is one of the most practical ways to visit scenic routes such as the Transfăgărășan Highway, the Transalpina and villages in Transylvania or Maramureș.
Drivers are usually required to be at least 21 years old, though some companies may impose higher age limits or additional fees for younger drivers. A valid national driving licence is accepted for most visitors, though an International Driving Permit is recommended if the licence is not written in the Latin alphabet.
Before hiring a vehicle, travellers should confirm insurance coverage and any conditions relating to cross-border travel, as additional documentation or restrictions may apply when entering neighbouring countries.
Taxis are widely available in Romanian cities and towns, particularly in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov and Timișoara. Licensed taxis are usually identified by company markings, roof signs and displayed tariffs, though vehicle colours vary between operators.
Fares are generally inexpensive by European standards, though prices can vary between companies and cities. Official tariffs are usually displayed on the taxi doors. It is advisable to use licensed taxis ordered by phone, app or from official ranks, particularly at airports and railway stations.
Tipping is not compulsory, but passengers commonly round up the fare or leave around 5–10% for good service.
Ride-hailing services are widely used in Romania's larger cities and are often preferred by visitors due to transparent pricing and app-based payment systems. Uber and Bolt operate extensively in Bucharest and several other major cities.
At Bucharest's Henri Coandă International Airport, authorised taxis and ride-hailing services are available, though travellers should avoid unofficial drivers approaching passengers inside the terminal.
Cycling in Romania ranges from urban commuting and countryside touring to demanding mountain biking in the Carpathians. The country's varied landscapes, traditional villages and scenic rural roads can make it rewarding for experienced cyclists, particularly outside the major cities.
Romania has developed sections of long-distance cycling infrastructure in some regions, including parts of the EuroVelo network along the Danube. The Danube region and Transylvania are especially popular for cycle touring due to their scenery, historic towns and quieter rural roads.
Mountain biking and road cycling are increasingly popular in the Carpathians, particularly around Brașov, Sibiu and the Apuseni Mountains. However, steep gradients, winding roads and changing weather conditions can make some routes physically demanding.
Cycling infrastructure in major cities remains variable. Bucharest has fewer dedicated cycling lanes than many Western European capitals, though some other cities have invested more heavily in cycle paths and bike-sharing schemes.
Coach and minibus services are an important part of domestic transport in Romania and are widely used alongside the rail network. Long-distance buses connect Bucharest with major cities, towns and rural regions throughout the country, including destinations less directly served by trains.
Services range from modern long-distance coaches operating between major cities to smaller minibuses (microbuze) serving regional and rural routes. Journey times can vary considerably depending on road conditions and mountain routes.
Bucharest's main coach terminals provide services to destinations across Romania, while regional cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, Iași and Timișoara also act as important transport hubs.
Tickets are usually inexpensive by European standards and can often be purchased online, at stations or directly from the driver depending on the operator. Standards vary between companies, though modern air-conditioned coaches are increasingly common on major routes.
Traffic in Romania drives on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas, 90km/h (56mph) on most roads outside urban areas, 100km/h (62mph) on express roads and 130km/h (81mph) on motorways, unless otherwise indicated by signs.
Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers, and children must use appropriate child restraints. The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free system.
The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is effectively zero, and Romania has strict drink-driving laws. Police checks are relatively common, and penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.
Headlights must be used at all times when driving outside built-up areas, and are compulsory throughout the day on motorways and express roads.
Vehicles must carry a warning triangle, reflective safety vest and first-aid kit. During winter conditions, winter tyres are compulsory on roads covered by snow, ice or slush.
On-the-spot fines may be issued for traffic offences, and speed cameras are increasingly used on major roads and motorways.
Romania has a network of roadside assistance and towing services operating throughout the country, particularly along major roads and in larger cities. The Romanian Automobile Club (ACR) provides roadside assistance services for members and affiliated international motoring organisations.
Drivers using hired cars should contact the rental company first in the event of a breakdown or accident, as most rental agreements include roadside assistance coverage.
Response times may be slower in remote rural or mountainous areas, particularly during severe winter weather.
The general emergency number in Romania is 112.
Foreign drivers may use a valid national driving licence in Romania for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended if the licence is not written in the Latin alphabet.
Drivers must carry their driving licence, passport or identification documents, vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance at all times while driving.
Visitors using their own vehicle should ensure that their motor insurance is valid for Romania. Drivers from non-EU countries may also need to carry a Green Card or other internationally recognised proof of insurance.
Vehicles travelling on national roads, expressways and motorways must also have a valid electronic rovinietă road toll registered for the vehicle.
Bucharest has an extensive but sometimes crowded urban transport system consisting of buses, trams, trolleybuses and a metro network. The Bucharest Metro is modern, inexpensive and relatively easy to use, connecting most major districts, railway stations and commercial areas. Public buses, trams and trolleybuses cover areas not reached by the metro, though traffic delays are common on surface routes. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt are widely available and relatively affordable by European standards. Bucharest's historic centre and Old Town are also easily explored on foot.
Elsewhere in Romania, cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași and Brașov operate local bus and tram networks, while smaller towns rely mainly on buses, taxis and minibuses. Public transport standards vary between cities, though most urban areas are relatively inexpensive to navigate.
Romania has one of the largest rail networks in Eastern Europe, and trains remain an important way of travelling between major cities and regions. The national railway operator, CFR Călători, runs most passenger services, ranging from modern intercity trains to slower regional routes.
Rail connections link Bucharest with cities including Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, Sibiu, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța and Suceava. Overnight sleeper services operate on some longer domestic routes, particularly between Bucharest and northern or western Romania.
Journey times can often be longer than equivalent road distances might suggest, especially on regional routes and in mountainous areas. However, train travel can still be a comfortable and scenic way of exploring the country, particularly through the Carpathians and Transylvania.
Standards vary depending on the route and train type. InterCity and InterRegio services are generally faster and more comfortable than local regional trains. Tickets are relatively inexpensive by European standards and can be purchased online, at stations or through mobile apps.
Romania participates in the Eurail and Interrail network, and rail passes can be used on most CFR services. Seat reservations are compulsory on many long-distance trains.
Domestic passenger water transport in Romania exists in certain regions, particularly along the Danube and within the Danube Delta. River boats and ferries are used mainly for local transport, tourism and access to isolated communities. Passenger ferries and water taxis operate between towns such as Tulcea, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe. Tourist cruises and sightseeing boats also operate on the Danube and along parts of the Black Sea coast during the warmer months.
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