Getting Around Romania: Transport Guide for Travellers

Getting around Romania is straightforward and budget-friendly, with affordable airport transfers, reliable public transport, easy ride-hailing, and well-connected trains and roads for inter-city travel. Expect low fares, simple ticketing, and good coverage, especially if you stay connected with a Hello eSIM for navigation and ride apps.

If you’re planning a trip to Romania, the good news is that transport is generally cheap, predictable, and tourist-friendly. Bucharest and major cities have solid public transport networks, inter-city trains and buses link most destinations, and ride-hailing apps make getting around urban areas painless.

Airport transfers from Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP) to the city center typically cost €2–3 by train or express bus in 2026, while a taxi or ride-hail is usually €15–25 depending on traffic and time of day. Inter-city trains can be surprisingly affordable: Bucharest to Brasov often runs around €10–15 for a second-class ticket.

For most travellers, the main decisions are: whether to rely primarily on public transport, mix in ride-hailing for comfort, or rent a car for maximum flexibility in rural areas like Maramureș and the Apuseni Mountains. Romania welcomed over 15 million foreign visitors in 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics, and transport infrastructure continues to improve each year.

Throughout this guide, you’ll find realistic price ranges for 2025–2026, practical logistics for airports and stations, and tips for using mobile data and navigation. When you need reliable connectivity for maps, tickets, and apps, an eSIM from Hello helps you arrive ready to move.

Airport transfers in Romania are generally inexpensive, with options ranging from €2–3 for public transport to €15–30 for taxis or ride-hailing in 2026, depending on distance and traffic. Most visitors can get from the airport to the city center in under an hour using these straightforward services.

Romania’s main international gateway is Bucharest’s Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), about 17 km north of the city center. The fastest budget option is the direct train from the airport to Gara de Nord (Bucharest’s main station), which usually takes around 25 minutes and costs roughly 5–6 RON (about €1–1.20) as of 2026. Express buses and local buses also operate between the airport and central Bucharest, with fares typically around 3–5 RON (€0.60–€1).

Taxis and ride-hailing are available curbside, but it’s best to use official taxis or app-based rides to avoid inflated prices. You can expect to pay roughly 80–120 RON (€16–€24) from OTP to central Bucharest under normal traffic conditions. Many travellers prefer ride-hailing for clearer fare estimates, especially late at night.

Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, and Sibiu also have international airports with local bus connections and taxis waiting outside the terminal. Typical city transfers from these regional airports run around 30–60 RON (€6–€12) in 2026, depending on the exact distance.

Since airport transfers often rely on ride-hailing apps and map navigation, having mobile data ready when you land is a big advantage. With a Hello eSIM for Romania, you can buy and activate data before your flight, then step off the plane already connected and ready to book your ride.

Romania’s public transport systems are affordable and extensive, especially in major cities like Bucharest, where metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses make it easy to get around for just a few euros per day in 2026. Most visitors can navigate with simple tickets or contactless cards.

Bucharest is the only Romanian city with a metro, and it’s the backbone of local commuting. Four main lines cover much of the city, with single metro tickets typically priced around 3 RON (€0.60) and day passes offering great value for heavy sightseeing. Buses, trams, and trolleybuses fill in the gaps, with similar fares and frequent services.

Many cities, including Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, and Brasov, rely on surface transport rather than metro. Local bus and tram tickets usually cost 3–4 RON (€0.60–€0.80) per ride in 2026, and you’ll often find multi-ride cards or daily passes that can reduce costs if you plan to use public transport multiple times a day.

Ticketing systems have modernized significantly. Bucharest uses contactless cards and mobile payment options on many routes, and other cities are gradually adopting similar systems. You can typically buy tickets from kiosks near major stops, from machines, or via local apps; just make sure to validate your ticket on board where required.

Here’s a quick comparison of typical urban fares:

City	Single Ride (2026)	Day Pass (Approx.)
Bucharest	3 RON (€0.60)	10–15 RON (€2–€3)
Cluj-Napoca	4 RON (€0.80)	12–18 RON (€2.50–€3.50)
Brasov	3.5 RON (€0.70)	12–15 RON (€2.50–€3)

Romania’s cities are compact enough that walking plus public transport covers most needs, making it a friendly destination for budget-conscious travellers.

Ride-hailing in Romania is widely available in major cities, with apps like Bolt and Uber complementing traditional taxis at typical prices of €5–10 for cross-town rides in 2026. Most travellers use a mix of ride-hailing and public transport for flexibility and comfort.

In Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, and other large cities, ride-hailing has become a regular part of urban mobility. Compared to some Western European capitals, prices are notably lower: a typical 6–8 km ride within Bucharest often costs 25–45 RON (€5–€9), depending on time of day and demand. Short hops of 2–3 km can be as little as 15–25 RON (€3–€5).

Traditional taxis remain common, especially around train stations and shopping malls. Official taxis should display company names and fare information, and most cities use metered pricing. In Bucharest, base fares are often around 2–3 RON per kilometer in 2026, with an initial flag fee of a few RON. Always confirm that the meter is running and avoid unmarked vehicles.

Since ride-hailing and navigation depend on mobile data, having reliable connectivity is essential. An eSIM from Hello lets you access ride apps, share your location with friends, and check fares without hunting for Wi‑Fi. The Hello app also supports expense splitting, so you can easily divide taxi and ride-hail costs among travel companions in multiple currencies.

Beyond the big cities, ride-hailing is more limited, especially in rural areas and small towns. It’s wise to plan ahead: ask your accommodation about reputable local taxi numbers, or arrange transfers in advance for places like rural guesthouses in Maramureș or the Danube Delta.

Inter-city travel in Romania is best done by train or bus, with second-class tickets between major cities typically costing €10–25 in 2026, and domestic flights serving longer routes. Most travellers combine trains for scenic routes with buses for flexibility and speed.

Romania has an extensive rail network connecting Bucharest with key destinations like Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Constanța. While speeds can be modest, trains are often scenic and inexpensive. For example, the popular route Bucharest–Brasov (about 166 km) usually costs around 50–70 RON (€10–€14) for second class in 2026, and takes roughly 2.5–3 hours, depending on the train type.

Bucharest–Cluj-Napoca, a longer route, can run about 90–140 RON (€18–€28) second class, with travel times in the 7–9 hour range on many services. Private operators sometimes offer slightly faster or more comfortable trains at higher prices. Seat reservations are often optional but recommended on busy routes or weekends.

Buses supplement trains, particularly where rail lines are slower or less direct. Inter-city buses from Bucharest to Brasov or Sibiu may cost similar amounts (around 60–90 RON, or €12–€18), with departures from central bus terminals or roadside stops. Buses can be more frequent on certain routes, especially from regional hubs like Cluj-Napoca to smaller towns.

Domestic flights are limited but useful for long distances, such as Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, or Iași. Low-cost carriers and national airlines continue to adjust routes based on demand; typical one-way fares might range from €40–100 in 2026 when booked in advance.

Here’s a simple comparison for popular routes:

Route	Train (2026, 2nd class)	Bus (2026)	Typical Duration
Bucharest–Brasov	50–70 RON (€10–€14)	60–90 RON (€12–€18)	2.5–3 hrs (train), 3–3.5 hrs (bus)
Bucharest–Sibiu	70–110 RON (€14–€22)	70–110 RON (€14–€22)	5–6 hrs (train/bus)
Bucharest–Cluj-Napoca	90–140 RON (€18–€28)	100–160 RON (€20–€32)	7–9 hrs (train/bus), ~1 hr flight

These prices make Romania attractive for slow travel and multi-city itineraries, especially as tourism continues to grow year by year.

Driving in Romania offers maximum flexibility for exploring rural areas and mountains, with daily car rental rates often starting around €25–40 in 2026. Most travellers with a valid EU or widely accepted license can drive, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licences.

Romania’s road network has improved significantly, especially key corridors like the A1 and A2 motorways linking Bucharest to major cities and the Black Sea coast. However, many scenic routes, including the famous Transfăgărășan and Transalpina roads, are mountainous, winding, and sometimes closed in winter. If you plan to explore remote villages or national parks, a rental car can be invaluable.

Standard rental cars usually cost from €25–40 per day in 2026, depending on the season, vehicle type, and pick-up location. Fuel prices hover around €1.5–€1.8 per liter, making longer drives a consideration for your budget. The Hello app’s budget tracking tools—multi-currency expense logging, AI receipt scanning, and automatic exchange rates—can help you keep an eye on tolls, fuel, and parking.

Romania drives on the right, and seatbelts are mandatory in all seats. Speed limits typically are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on national roads, and 130 km/h on motorways, though always check local signage. When entering and leaving cities, watch for speed cameras and police checks.

For licences, EU and many international licences are accepted, but if your licence is not in Roman script or you’re from outside the EU/EEA, an IDP is strongly recommended and sometimes requested by rental companies. Always carry your passport, licence, rental contract, and insurance documents when driving.

Parking in city centers can be tight; look for marked zones and pay via local apps or parking machines. In historic areas like Sibiu or Brasov, consider parking slightly outside the old town and walking in to avoid narrow streets and limited spaces.

Most travellers’ common questions about getting around Romania focus on safety, costs, and whether to rely on public transport or rent a car—and the answers show Romania is generally safe, affordable, and easy to navigate with a mix of trains, buses, ride-hailing, and occasional driving.

Is public transport in Romania safe and reliable?
Yes, Romania’s public transport—especially in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Brasov—is generally safe, widely used by locals, and reliable during the day. Metro lines and main bus routes run frequently, though night services can be limited. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded vehicles, as you would anywhere.

How much should I budget for daily transport?
In 2026, many travellers can get around cities for €4–8 per day using public transport, and occasionally €10–15 if they add ride-hailing. Inter-city trips can add €10–30 per travel day depending on routes and comfort preferences.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Romania?
If you have an EU licence, you typically don’t need an IDP. For non-EU licences, an IDP is strongly recommended and may be requested by rental companies, especially if your home licence is not in Roman script.

Is ride-hailing cheaper than taxis in Romania?
Prices often overlap, but ride-hailing apps provide clearer fare estimates and route tracking, which many visitors prefer. Taxis can be slightly cheaper on some routes if metered correctly, but always use official taxis.

Do I need mobile data for transport in Romania?
You can get by using station boards and paper tickets, but having data makes everything easier—from real-time timetables to ride-hailing apps and maps. With a Hello eSIM for Romania, you can stay connected from arrival, track transport costs via expense splitting, and navigate confidently between cities and sights.