Transportation
Traveling by plane
According to top-medical-schools, Tarom (RO), the main Romanian airline with a hub in Bucharest, connects Bucharest with most major cities in Romania. Carpatair (V3) is based in Timisoara and flies to various Romanian cities from there. In Romania, Blue Air (0B) has bases in Bucharest, Bacau, Cluj-Napoca and Iasi and flies to other domestic destinations from there.
Traveling by car/bus
Even the most remote places in Romania can be reached by car. The motorway network is well developed. The two picturesque pass roads Transfăgărașan and Transalpina over the Carpathians connect Wallachia with Transylvania. Toll: National roads and motorways are subject to tolls for cars. A vignette (Rovinieta) is available for 7, 30 or 90 days or as an annual vignette at border crossings and petrol stations (PETROM, ROMPETROL, MOL and OMV). Electronic vignettes should be purchased either upon arrival or in advance online from SC SCALA ASSISTANCE. Gas stations are everywhere; Opening hours mostly from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., on main roads also around the clock. Often only cash payment in Romanian currency is possible,
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The European roads and main connecting roads are in relatively good condition. Roads in rural areas, to small villages, often have potholes, are unpaved and difficult to pass without an off-road vehicle when it rains. It is therefore advisable to stay on the national roads (DN) and avoid shortcuts. Most street signs are made of non-reflective material, and delineators often do not reflect and are therefore difficult to see in the dark.
Road classification
The road network in Romania includes the following road categories: – Motorways (A on a green background with a one-digit number); – expressways (DX on red background with number or letters); – national roads (DN on a red background with a number or letters); – county roads (DJ on a blue background with a three-digit number or letters); – Municipal roads (DC on yellow background with 3 digit number or letters).
Car rental
Rental cars can be booked locally at the airport or through hotels. The driver of a rental car must be at least 21 years old (may vary depending on the vehicle category) and have held a driver’s license for at least one year. An additional young driver fee is often charged on site under the age of 25. Some providers also stipulate a maximum age of 70 years.
Taxi
Taxis can be hailed on the street or ordered from the hotel; it is advisable to only use those that are clearly marked as taxis.
Coach
Buses go to almost all towns and villages.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Mobile phones at the wheel are only allowed with a hands-free system. – A fire extinguisher and two warning triangles must be carried. – There is an absolute ban on alcohol. – Driving with dipped headlights on during the day is compulsory all year round. – Children under the age of 3 must be carried in suitable restraints and between 3 and 12 years or less than 1.50 m in a child seat. Speed limits: urban: 50 km/h; on rural roads: 90 km/h; on expressways and European roads: 100 km/h; on motorways: 130 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The Romanian automobile club Automobil Clubul Roman (ACR) can be reached in Bucharest on +40 (21) 315 55 10 and offers roadside assistance to members of similar organizations. The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (89) 76 76 76.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient for EU citizens. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to be able to enjoy full insurance cover in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. In addition, the international motor insurance card can make it easier to record accidents. Furthermore, the conclusion of a short insurance is recommended.
Traveling in the city
In larger cities there is a good range of public transport. Bucharest has metro lines, trams and trolleybuses. The underground network is operated by the transport company Metrorex. Subway tickets can be used indefinitely as long as you stay within the platform gates. Tickets for trams and buses must be purchased again each time you change trains. In addition to single tickets, there are also 10-tickets as well as daily, weekly and monthly tickets.
Locally on the way by train
The Romanian State Railways CFR Calatori is punctual, reliable and inexpensive. Some trains have sleeping and dining cars. There are price surcharges for fast and express trains from Bucharest to Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Constanta and Brasov, among others; Seat reservations are required. The train doors on Romanian trains are located relatively high above the platform, so boarding can often be a bit difficult for people with limited mobility.
rail passes
The Interrail One Country Pass and the Interrail Global Pass are also valid in Romania. If you only travel by train in Romania, you should check whether single tickets are cheaper than the Interrail One Country Pass due to the cheap train fares in the country.
Traveling by ship
Constanta is the main Black Sea port. Navigable Romanian rivers are Theiss, Muresch, Siret, Prut and Danube. There is a lot of shipping traffic, especially on the Danube and the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Cruises to the Danube Delta are popular on the Danube, where travelers can also rent fishing boats or speedboats to spot pelicans, cranes, and other birds in the canals. There are Danube ferries from Braila, Galati, Tulcea and Smardan, among others. Tulcea is connected to several towns in the Danube Delta via ferry.
