Airplane: the state Romanian airlineTarom also offers domestic flights, as does Carpartair based in Timisoara.
Ship: Boote and ferries are the only way to travel the Danube Delta.
Rail: Rail travel has long been that in Romaniamost popularWay of traveling. The Romanian state railway C? Ile Ferate Române (CFR) operates a route network of more than 11,000 kilometers in length, to which most cities and larger villages in the country are connected. There is a detailed timetable overview on the State Railways website. A brochure with all national rail connections is also available from the CFR offices for a small fee.
In Romania there are a total of five different types of trains, each with different speeds and different levels of comfort. The cheapest way to travel is on the slow-moving regional or local trains. Traveling on the express trains is more expensive, but also more convenient and faster. InterCity trains, on the other hand, are expensive but not faster than express trains. Sleeper trains run between Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, Oradea, Timisoara and Tulcea, among others. It is advisable to book in advance.
Tickets for all trains, with the exception of regional trains, can be purchased in advance from the CFR offices. According to Youremailverifier, tickets are also available at all train stations.
Automobile: Romania has some highways (Autostrada) as well as main roads (Drum national). The smaller side roads (Drum judetean) and the mountain and forest roads (Drum forestier) can be heavily damaged and in some cases impassable, especially after heavy rainfall. Many roads are not paved. Driving in Romania can be quite adventurous, not least because of the sometimes poor road conditions, drivers who drive too fast and insufficient signage.
There are numerous gas stations. However, before driving to remote regions, drivers should fill up their tanks again. Most petrol stations accept credit cards.
Rental car
Large car rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar or Budget have offices in most cities and at the Henri Coanda Airport in Bucharest. However, local businesses are usually cheaper. There are good deals, especially in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.
Bus: a mix of buses, minibuses and Maixi taxis make up the Romanian bus system. Finding current timetable information without local help is a little difficult. Sometimes the bus stops change locations and so it is usually unavoidable to ask locals for help.
In the past few years, a steadily increasing number of Maxitaxis has started service along the bus routes. The vehicles offer space for between ten and 20 people. However, there is little space for luggage. Some useful routes are Brasov-Sinaia and Sibiu-Cluj-Napoca.
Local transport: Buses, trams and trolleybuses are the main means of public transport in most Romanian cities and towns. They usually run between five in the morning and midnight. However, after 7 p.m., services can be severely limited in some areas. Tickets are available at kiosks labeled Bilete or Casa de bilete. There are both single tickets and multiple tickets. The tickets must be validated in the vehicles. Bucharest is the only city with a metro.
In some rural areas the only companions are horse and donkey carts. However, they are also found in the cities. Many offer the possibility to ride along for a low price.
Bicycle: Bicycle travelers are an increasingly common sight, especially in Transylvania and Maramures. It’s an excellent way to discover the country and meet the people. Intercity roads are usually in good condition, but they are busy and drivers are not always considerate.
It is possible to rent or buy bicycles in most of the larger cities. Many cities have repair shops. However, it is not wrong to have a few spare parts with you.
Bicycles can be taken on most trains. Many have an extra baggage cart (vagon de bagaje). However, it is easier and safer to take the bike with you on the train. There is usually plenty of space at both ends of the wagon, near the toilets.
Bucharest
Bucharest (Romanian Bucureşti), capital of Romania, with (2011) 1.9 million residents.
With several universities, academies and other colleges, Bucharest is the country’s leading educational center. The economy (industry, trade, finance) and transport (rail hub, international airport) are also entirely geared towards the capital.
From the 14th century onwards, Bucharest was temporarily the seat of the princes of Wallachia and from 1659 onwards, and in 1861 it became the capital of the united Romania.
