Romania (RO)
Romania is the largest country in Southeastern Europe — a full Schengen EU member state blessed with the dramatic Carpathian mountains, medieval Saxon towns like Sibiu and Brasov, the legendary Transylvania region, a booming technology sector, and one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Romania.
Public Transport Overview
Romania has affordable urban public transport and a national rail network operated by CFR. Bucharest has a 5-line metro (Metrorex) plus STB buses, trams, and trolleybuses; most other cities rely on buses and trams. Contactless bank-card payment has been rolled out in Bucharest metro stations and on STB vehicles. Intercity travel is dominated by private coach operators through platforms like Autogari.ro.
🎫 Transit Passes
Unlimited travel on Bucharest metro (Metrorex) and STB buses, trams, trolleybuses.
Unlimited buses, trams, and trolleybuses in Bucharest (excludes metro).
Unlimited surface + metro travel for 24 hours.
Unlimited CFR travel on a specified route in 2nd class.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis are metered and affordable. Starting fare typically 2.99 lei, then 2.99 lei/km day and 3.50 lei/km at night (Bucharest). Always check the sticker on the rear window to confirm the rate before boarding. Bolt and Uber are widely used and usually cheaper and more predictable than street taxis. Avoid unmarked vehicles at airports and train stations.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Bolt and Uber operate in all major cities. BlaBlaCar is popular for intercity carpooling (e.g. Bucharest–Cluj around 70–100 lei). Payment by card is automatic in both apps.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure is still developing but expanding — Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Oradea, and Timișoara have growing networks of cycle lanes. Bike-sharing systems: iVelo (Bucharest), SpotLet. Drivers can be aggressive toward cyclists; use mapped cycle paths where possible and wear a helmet.
Intercity Trains
CFR Călători operates the national network. Intercity (IC) and InterRegio (IR) trains link major cities: Bucharest–Brașov 2h30, Bucharest–Cluj-Napoca ~8h, Bucharest–Constanța 2h. Rolling stock is mixed — some modern, some ageing. Book in advance on cfrcalatori.ro for lower fares. Private operator Astra Trans Carpatic serves premium routes.
Driving
Romania drives on the right. Motorway speed limit 130 km/h, expressways 100 km/h, outside urban areas 90 km/h, urban 50 km/h. Zero-tolerance for alcohol while driving (0.0‰ BAC). Dipped headlights must be on at all times, year-round. Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 31 March on snow/ice-covered roads. A rovinieta (electronic road tax) is required for all national roads — buy online at roviniete.ro (28 RON for 7 days, 50 RON for 30 days for cars).
Airports
Main airports: Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP) — the international hub; Cluj-Napoca (CLJ); Timișoara (TSR); Iași (IAS); Sibiu (SBZ); Bacău (BCM). OTP is connected to central Bucharest by express bus 783/100 (to Piața Unirii, ~40 min, 24/7) and bus 780 (to Gara de Nord). Metro Line M6 to OTP is under construction (started December 2023, expected ~2028). Primary carriers are Wizz Air, Ryanair, TAROM, and Lufthansa.