Transport and Driving in Romania

You have several options when it comes to transport and driving in Romania. Buses and trains can be used for cross-country travel as well as within cities. Although some expats drive in Romania, many prefer not to due to poor-quality roads, especially outside of large cities.

Public transport in Romania

Public transport in Romania is well developed, especially in Bucharest. Tickets are affordable, and between bus and rail, most of the country is accessible via public transport.

Buses

Bus services in Romania are widely available. Passengers should buy tickets before boarding, and they can usually be purchased at bus stations. In major cities like Bucharest, contactless payment with bank cards is also available on many buses. Buses can be crowded during peak hours, and petty theft is common. Expats should guard their valuables at all times.

Privately run express buses are a good option for intercity travel. Terminals are often located close to city train stations. Euroline buses can be faster than trains when travelling to other parts of Europe.

Trains

Trains are an inexpensive way to travel in Romania. The rail network is dense and covers most of the country, but the infrastructure is old in many places, so trains may be slow at times or experience delays.

The country’s train network was once run entirely by CFR (Căile Ferate Române), but today numerous private companies operate rail services throughout Romania, including Grup Feroviar Român (GFR), Regio Călători, and Transferoviar Grup, alongside CFR for commuter trains, intercity trains and international trains.

Trains are an efficient means of travelling to Romania’s neighbouring countries, including Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria. You can buy tickets online or at stations before boarding.

Metro

Bucharest is home to Romania’s only metro system, although a second metro system in Cluj-Napoca is currently under construction. The Romanian metro is reliable and is a commonly used form of transport within the city, consisting of more than 60 stations.

Read more: Getting Around in Bucharest

Useful links

• CFR Călători: Romanian Railways
• Grup Feroviar Român (GFR): Private Railway Operator
• Regio Călători: Regional train services
• Eurolines Romania: International bus services

Taxis in Romania

Taxis in Romania are affordable. Expats should be careful not to use unauthorised taxis, however, because they are known to inflate their fares. Authorised taxis usually have their company’s name and phone number on the car. It’s best to use metered taxis and to insist that the driver switch it on at the beginning of the journey.

Ride-hailing apps operate widely across Romania, with Uber available in over 20 cities, including Bucharest, Brașov, Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Constanța. Bolt operates in major Romanian cities and has broader coverage than Uber. Romanian alternatives include Star Taxi and FreeNow (formerly Clever Taxi).

Useful links

• Uber Romania
• Bolt Ride-Hailing Services
• FreeNow (formerly Clever Taxi)
• Star Taxi

Driving in Romania

Some expats, especially those living in rural areas, buy cars to get around Romania. The driving laws in Romania are strict. Drivers should stick to the speed limit and follow road rules. This includes having the correct documents in the car at all times.

Driving in Romania can be hazardous as the driving culture can be reckless, and roads in some areas may not be well maintained. Parking is also a problem in Romanian cities, and reserved parking is usually expensive.

Winters in Romania can be especially treacherous for drivers. Ice on the roads is not always cleared away regularly, so drivers should ensure they have fitted winter tyres between November 1st and March 31st, as required by law. Snow chains are mandatory in mountainous areas when conditions require them. Romanian law also requires dipped headlights to be on at all times, including during the day.

Driver’s licences

Most expats from outside the EU will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Although UK licence holders can use their licence for short-term visits, they require an International Driving Permit for longer stays due to post-Brexit regulations. This can be used for up to 90 days, at which point the driver must obtain a Romanian licence to continue driving. Drivers with a licence from any EU or EEA country can continue to use this licence until its expiry.

Useful links

• UK Government: International Driving Permits
• Your Europe: Road rules and safety in Romania
• DRPCIV: Romanian Driver’s Licence Authority
• Romanian Police: Traffic Regulations

Domestic flights in Romania

There are domestic flights in Romania that connect major cities, although the network is relatively limited. The national airline, TAROM, offers flights between Bucharest and important cities like Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Iaşi. Smaller operators like Animawings and LAR have routes between Bucharest and the largest cities.

Flight frequency varies by route, with some destinations served daily while others have more limited schedules. Domestic flights can be helpful for business travellers or those covering long distances, particularly between Bucharest and cities in the Transylvania or Moldavia regions.

Useful links

• TAROM
• Animawings
• LAR