Romania has 16 airports covering the entire country, making air travel the quickest way to get there. The main airports provide connections to many major European cities, making Romania accessible to tourists from almost every corner of Europe. To better control expenses, it’s ideal to plan your vacation during less crowded periods, ensuring a peaceful and economical stay. For instance, a round-trip ticket from Spain to Romania in the off-season can cost under €50, while peak season prices may exceed €300.
Regardless of your budget, Romania offers a wide range of accommodation options. Prices can vary significantly depending on the season and region. For example, during the summer, accommodations along the coast are more expensive, while mountain resorts have higher rates in the winter. However, even with these seasonal changes, Romania offers lodging options for every budget.
Backpackers
If you’re on a budget and looking for authentic experiences, hostels are an ideal choice and are becoming increasingly popular in Romania. In major cities, you’ll find these traveler-friendly lodgings that facilitate interactions with fellow travelers. A night at Retro Youth Hostel in Cluj-Napoca costs around €22 per night. Additionally, Airbnb offers budget-friendly options, starting from €30 per night.
Couples
For a romantic getaway in Romania, hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb are excellent options. A 3-star hotel in Bucharest costs around €45 per night, while a 5-star hotel is about €120 per night. Guesthouses are perfect for those looking to experience the authenticity of rural Romania, where you’ll meet warm hosts and enjoy traditional meals. For instance, a night at “Casa Săsească” in Saschiz, Mureș County, costs from €40 per night.
Groups of Friends
Trips with friends are unforgettable, and the lodging options include hostels and Airbnb apartments. Hostels allow for private room rentals for groups, while Airbnb offers various apartments in diverse locations. With good planning and early reservations, you can secure affordable accommodations, leaving only the choice of which region to explore and booking your flights.
Business Travelers
If you’re visiting Romania for business, business-oriented hotels are a suitable choice, offering excellent services, including 24/7 reception. Airbnb is also an option, though it may require precise scheduling for check-in and check-out.
Seniors
For a quiet and comfortable vacation, hotels and guesthouses are ideal. Many accommodations emphasize comfort and relaxation, catering to a variety of preferences.
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Air Travel: Domestic Flights
For long-distance travel, internal flights are the fastest option. For example, the Bucharest – Cluj-Napoca route takes just 40 minutes by plane, compared to seven hours by car and nearly ten hours by train. A plane ticket on this route starts at €42. The cheapest months for flights on this route are December and July, with Friday flights generally offering the lowest fares.
Train
The train is a convenient option for shorter distances, such as Bucharest-Brașov or Bucharest-Constanța. For longer distances, night trains with sleeping cars can be comfortable. For example, a first-class ticket on the Bucharest-Cluj-Napoca route costs around €30 and takes about 10 hours. If you have the time, traveling by train offers the opportunity to enjoy Romania’s varied landscapes.
Bus/Minibus
Faster than the train on certain routes, the bus is an affordable option. For example, a Bucharest-Cluj-Napoca bus journey costs around €22 and takes approximately 8.5 hours.
Car
Renting a car is ideal for those seeking flexibility during their vacation. Through Rentalcars.com, you can find various rental options, including well-known international companies like Avis and Hertz, as well as reliable local firms such as Autonom and Autoboca, with prices starting at approximately €20 per day. However, it’s important to note that the lack of highways and Romania’s unique driving style may impact your experience on the road.
In Romania, most restaurants offer a “menu of the day,” with two courses and sometimes dessert, averaging €6. A complete meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about €21. For those looking for a fine dining experience, top restaurants in Bucharest and other large cities offer competitive culinary experiences compared to other European capitals. Recommended traditional dishes include sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), ciorba de burtă (tripe soup), and mici (grilled sausages).
Romania is also an affordable destination for cultural tourism. Entrance fees to most museums are low, around €3, and churches are generally free to visit.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of planning a vacation in Romania. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Romania offers a wide range of options tailored to every travel style and budget.