Train Travel in Romania

Given that Romania‘s roads are so bad, it‘s comforting to know that the country‘s railways are equally crap.

Having said that, many long years of line upgrades on the Bucharest - Brasov and Bucharest - Constanta routes are now approaching completion, and journey times will soon be back to something approaching 1989 levels: 2 hrs 30 mins to Brasov, 2 hrs 50 mins to Constanta.

Should you have to take a train, always try to get an InterCity (IC) or InterRegio (IR) as they are the fastest and usually have the most modern rolling stock. Regio (R-) trains (which until recently were known as Personal), are slow and use much older rolling stock.

You will also see trains designated as ICN: these are InterCity trains which stop at more stations than usual, and are more like InterRegios.

Prices on all types of train are relatively cheap, but are rising fast. An InterCity adult single from Bucharest to Brasov costs 78.50 lei.

Bucharest is well linked to Budapest by train (there are four per day) but poorly to Belgrade, Sofia, Chisinau and Kyiv. To buy train tickets, visit either the station, a CFR agency or buy online at https://bilete.cfrcalatori.ro. (Note that if buying online you need to do so at least 24 hours in advance).

Your best bet for the purchase of international tickets is Wasteels at the station. In all cases, do not leave buying tickets to the last minute: long queues could mean you miss your train.

Tickets cannot be purchased on the train, though in the worst case scenario you can try bribing the guard. Many locals do this habitually.

Plenty more about Romanian trains at Bucharest Life.

Bucharest's main station is Gara de Nord.