Getting Around Romania

Air

TAROM (www.tarom.ro) and Blue Air (www.blueairweb.com) both operate domestic flights.

Air passes

TAROM Flight Pass: valid for a year and must include at least six flights to the same destination during that period.

Departure tax

None.

Road

The majority of tourists travel by road in Romania, although speeding, overcrowded streets and double-parked cars are common hazards.

Side of the road

Road Quality

Road conditions vary widely throughout Romania. Major streets in larger cities and major intercity roads are in fair to good condition, with DN (Drum National) well maintained. Other roads such as DJ (Drum Judetean) are in poor repair, badly lit, narrow and often do not have marked lanes. Drivers need to be alert for horse-drawn carts and livestock, especially at night.

Road Classification

Roads are ranked by importance, with A designating a motorway, DX an expressway, DN a national road, DJ a country road and DC a local road.

Car Hire

Available at hotels and at Bucharest Airport from local and international firms. The minimum age for car hire is 21 years. Driving is very erratic, so it might be advisable to hire a car with a driver.

Taxi

You can hail inexpensive metered taxis in the street or call them from hotels. Although most drivers are honest, it's advisable to agree prices beforehand, especially at the airport.

Bike

You can hire bikes in most of the major cities for a reasonable sum.

Coach

The public road transport network comprises a combination of buses, coaches, minibuses and maxitaxis. Some timetables are available at Autogari (www.autogari.ro).

Regulations

Tolls are charges on motorways and main roads, payable in Euros. Drivers must buy a toll badge or rovinieta; these are available for one week or one month at border points, post offices and at most petrol stations (www.roviniete.ro).

Children under 12 are not allowed to travel in the front seat and front seat passengers must wear a seat belt. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas, 90-100kph (56-62mph) on main roads, and 130kph (81mph) on motorways. Car drivers need to have a fire extinguisher and two breakdown triangles in their car at all times.

Breakdown services

Contact the Romanian Automobile Club (ACR) (tel: 9271, in Romania only or +40 21 222 2222; www.acr.ro).

Documentation

A national driving licence or International Driving Permit are required, as is Green Card insurance if you're travelling from outside the EU. Police carry out frequent checks, so observe the speed limit and carry relevant documents.

Urban travel

Most cities offer efficient and inexpensive bus, trolleybus or tram transport. Bucharest has a good bus and tram system and a metro. You can buy tickets in advance from agents, and there are stamping machines on board buses and trains. Passes and reloadable smartcards are available. A separate minibus network also exists.

Rail

Bucharest's main station is the Gara de Nord on Calea Grivitei. CFR (tel: +40 21 9521; www.cfrcalatori.ro) runs several different types of train, varying in speed from the slow personal to the faster accelerat, rapid and express trains, and the more expensive, modern and comfortable Inter-City. Rural services have a way to go - poor onward connections make these an undesirable choice for travellers to the countryside.

You must reserve seats in advance on express routes. There are no platforms of any great height in Romania, making entering and alighting a little difficult for the elderly or infirm.

Rail Passes

InterRail One-Country Pass: offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Romania. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children under 12 travel free when accompanied by an adult using an Adult Pass. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Available from Voyages-sncf.com (tel: +44 844 848 5848, in the UK; www.voyages-sncf.com).

Eurail Romania Pass: offers travel for three, four, five or eight days in one month within Romania. Available to non-EU nationals from Eurail (www.eurail.com).

Water

It's easy to explore the Danube Delta by boat. Most trips and cruises depart from the ancient city of Tulcea and sail to Sulina.