How to plan your perfect trip to Romania: Step by Step

If you are planning a trip to Romania for the first time, there are several new things you will encounter when planning your trip. To help you with that, I put this overview of travel hacks together. It includes an easy-to-travel itinerary specially suited for first-time visitors, advice on flight, hotel and car rental booking, special information on driving and parking in Romania or travelling with the train through the country.

As a Romanian native, I´ve travelled (sometimes several times) to the most important tourist spots in the country and will provide you with a local’s perspective and information you really need to plan the trip of your dreams in Romania. I also admit to being a planning nerd, it´s in my DNA! I love making lists and having a step-by-step guide to all my travels. While this may sound stressful, it´s the best way to avoid getting paralyzed and not knowing what to do first when you arrive at your holiday destination.

Let´s start planning your amazing adventure in Romania!

* Article contains affiliate links

Choosing an itinerary for a new travel destination can be quite nerve-wracking, believe me I know it too! Especially if you only planned one week for your trip and want to see the best tourist spots in Romania, this can become Mission Impossible. As a Romanian native, I can help you with that.

But first things first, here is a little piece of information about Romania. The country is an incredibly diverse travel destination, offering everything from energy-filled cities with century-old architecture and buzzing nightlife, to the simple beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, the smooth hills of Transylvania, and the white sandy beaches of the Black Sea coast.

Whether you’re holidaying in Romania for the first time or returning to discover more, you’ll find that the country is packed with fascinating attractions for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends alike.

If your knowledge of Romania starts and ends with Dracula’s Castle, don’t worry – I’ve crafted a simple, practical Romania travel itinerary for a one-week trip that highlights three of the country’s most captivating destinations. My free itinerary includes hand-picked hotel and restaurant recommendations, advice on the best transportation and flight options, and a realistic travel budget to help you make the most of your Romania holiday.

Download your free itinerary for Romania here

If you’re looking for a Romania travel package that takes the guesswork out of planning, you’ll also find links to trusted tour providers and exclusive deals throughout my blog.

One of the best pieces of Romania travel advice I can give you is that you don’t need a huge budget to have an amazing experience. Romania is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, and with a few smart choices, you can stretch your travel funds further than you might expect.

For flights, consider budget-friendly airlines like WizzAir, and always compare prices using flight search engines to snag the lowest fares.

Once you’re in Romania, public transportation and trains are both reliable and inexpensive, making it easy to explore multiple cities without breaking the bank.

Booking your tours and activities in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator not only saves you money but also ensures you don’t miss popular experiences.

When it comes to accommodation, using platforms like Booking.com and joining their Genius program can help you save between 10% and 20% on hotels, and you’ll often find extra benefits like free breakfasts or late check-out.

Opting for local Romanian cuisine at family-run restaurants instead of tourist traps, and shopping for local products instead of overpriced souvenirs, will also help you stick to your budget while enjoying a more authentic holidaying in Romania. For more insider tips on traveling Romania on a budget, check out my detailed guides and recommendations.

Booking your flight to Romania is the first step to an amazing journey, and with a bit of planning, you can find fantastic deals that leave you with more to spend on experiences.

I always recommend using a flight comparison website like Kayak or Google Flights to scout out the cheapest options and being flexible with your travel dates -midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, tend to be the most affordable.

For the best prices, book your flight at least six weeks in advance if you’re flying from elsewhere in Europe, or four to six months ahead if you’re coming from further afield.

Many Romania travel packages include flights, but if you prefer to book independently, my blog offers up-to-date advice on the best flight connections to Romania, including tips for finding last-minute deals and avoiding hidden fees.

I always book my flights on Trip.com as they have the best options, variety of airlines and prices.

Remember to consider Romania travel insurance when booking your flights -having coverage for trip delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies is essential for peace of mind and is often required for visa applications.

Traveling by train in Romania is not only a relaxed and eco-friendly way to see the country, but it’s also a fantastic way to soak up the stunning landscapes and connect with locals.

Romania’s railway network is extensive, connecting major cities, charming towns, and even remote mountain villages, with tickets for long-distance journeys typically ranging from just €10 to €30.

Booking your train tickets online is easy and convenient, and I highly recommend installing the Romanian Railway app on your phone before your trip to manage your bookings and receive real-time updates.

Even though the trains in Romania are slower than those in Western Europe and the number of available connections per day is not that high, if you have the time and want to experience Romania at a slower pace, you should choose the railway. Especially the routes from Bucharest to Sinaia or through Moldavia offer perfect scenic train rides and the perfect occasion to take amazing photos.

I use the 12go App to book my train tickets, which has all connections featured by the Romanian Railway and easy to use.

To make your Romania travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, I’ve created a collection of detailed guides and downloadable maps, available right here on my blog. Before you set off, download these maps to your phone so you’ll always have offline access to the best destinations, photo spots, and hidden gems, even if you lose signal.

My Romania travel guides cover everything from must-see cities and natural wonders to the best hotels, transportation options, and local food you simply must try.

Check out my complete guide to a vacation in Romania, a family-friendly itinerary, the ultimate beach holiday, or a deep dive into budget planning for Romania and you’ll find inspiration and practical advice to help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

For those interested in a Romania travel package, my guides also feature curated tours and exclusive affiliate discounts to make booking your trip even easier.

A key part of Romania travel advice is understanding how to handle money while you’re there. Although Romania has been a member of the EU since 2007, it still uses the Romanian Leu (RON) as its official currency, and you’ll see prices displayed as “RON” in shops and restaurants.

You can withdraw cash from ATMs and banks using your credit or debit card (look for Maestro or V-Pay symbols), and in most major cities and tourist hotspots, paying by card is widely accepted.

Essential advice: the ATMs at the airport have the worst exchange rates, so make sure to exchange only a small amount here.

However, cash remains important, especially in rural areas, markets, and smaller towns, so always carry a reasonable amount of RON for small purchases, tips, or emergencies. Before you travel, check with your bank to ensure your card is activated for international use and to understand any foreign transaction fees.

For added convenience and security, consider using a multi-currency travel card like Wise or Revolut, which allows you to convert and spend RON at the best exchange rates. If you’re planning a longer stay or need to make larger payments, bank transfers and prepaid travel cards are also popular and secure options.

For more details, see my full guide to travel costs in Romania, including tips on avoiding unnecessary fees and making the most of your holiday budget.

The official language in Romania is Romanian, a Latin language that shares similarities with Italian, Spanish, and French, but you’ll find that many people in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants also speak English or German, making it easy to get by as a visitor.

Learning a few basic Romanian phrases is always appreciated by locals and can open doors to more authentic experiences and warm hospitality.

If you plan to travel a lot in rural areas, I recommend downloading the Google Translate App to your phone, ensuring you can always communicate, read menus, and ask for directions.

As a native Romanian living in Germany and who has travelled a lot, I can ensure you Romanians belong to the most helpful and friendly people, who like to help travelers, offer recommendations and strike up a conversation. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions as such moments often lead to the most memorable parts of your trip and can even help you find new friends.

Before you set off on your Romania adventure, be sure to check the latest Romania travel visa requirements for your nationality.

Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days, but it’s always wise to confirm current regulations or apply for a visa in advance if needed.

For peace of mind, securing Romania travel insurance is highly recommended; comprehensive coverage protects you against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and unexpected events, ensuring your holidaying in Romania is worry-free. Many Romania travel packages include insurance, but if you’re booking independently, I’ve partnered with trusted providers to offer you exclusive rates and easy online sign-up.

Romania is a safe country to travel to. This is also the rating given by the Foreign Office. As in all tourist areas, you should take care of your valuables and take the usual precautions, such as not leaving your wallet unattended on the beach.

When searching for the best car rental deals in Romania, I always recommend using Discover Cars. This platform consistently finds some of the lowest prices available, comparing offers from both international brands and trusted local agencies—sometimes with rates starting as low as €1 per day for mini and economy cars if you book in advance. 

One of the standout features is that you can read verified customer reviews for each rental company and car type, which helps ensure you’re choosing a reputable provider for your trip. In addition to their competitive price, Discover Cars offers free cancellation of most bookings and the option of adding full coverage insurance for around 7 € per day, giving you extra peace of mind and flexibility for your travels.

Renting a car in Romania is a straightforward process, but you should be aware of the following requirements before you book.

Valid Driver’s License – Most car rental companies, whether international or local, require that you present a valid driver’s license. If you are an EU or UK citizen, your national license is accepted without any problems. For travelers from outside the EU, especially from the US, Canada, or Australia, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, and in some cases, mandatory—this permit must be presented alongside your original license.

Passport or ID – For identification purposes, you will need a valid passport or national ID card.

Credit card – A major credit card in the driver’s name is always required for the security deposit, though a few local companies may accept debit cards, often with additional conditions or higher deposits.

Minimum age requirement –The minimum age for renting a car is typically 21 or 23, but some companies set the limit at 25, especially for larger or premium vehicles. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge, and you’ll usually need to have held your license for at least one year. Always check the specific requirements of your chosen company before booking to avoid surprises at pick-up.

Driving in Romania is the best way to discover scenic landscapes, charming villages, and historic towns at your own pace, but you should be prepared for local conditions and driving rules.

The main highways and national roads (marked “A” for highways (autostrada) and “DN” for national roads) are in good condition and well-signposted, especially the recently upgraded Transylvania highway (A3), which makes travel between cities fast and comfortable.

However, once you leave the main routes, you may encounter narrower roads, occasional potholes, and slower-moving agricultural vehicles, especially in rural areas.

Also know that Romanian drivers can be impatient and overtaking on single-lane roads is common, so always drive defensively and stay alert.

Speed limits are strictly enforced: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on country roads, and 130 km/h on highways and you often see police cars on the side of the road.

Headlights must always be on, regardless of the time or weather, otherwise you risk paying fines.

Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a mobile phone while driving is only allowed with a hands-free system.

In winter (November to March), snow tires are mandatory if roads are covered with snow or ice, and rental companies will provide these if needed.

Police checks are frequent, so always carry your license, ID, rental contract, and proof of insurance.
If you plan to drive outside Romania, check with your rental company for cross-border policies and necessary documentation, as extra fees or restrictions may apply.

Parking in Romanian cities is regulated and, in central areas, usually paid.

The city centers are generally divided into parking zones, with rates ranging from 3 to 7 lei (about €0.60–€1.40) per hour, payable at meters, via SMS, or through dedicated mobile apps such as TPARK. Parking attendants patrol regularly, and fines are issued for non-payment or overstaying the allotted time.

Free parking is rare in the centers of big cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Timisoara, but many hotels offer guest parking—always confirm availability when booking your accommodation. Shopping centers and supermarkets usually provide free parking for customers.

In residential neighborhoods and rural areas, parking is generally free and easy to find but always check for local signage to avoid fines.

Never park on sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, or in spaces reserved for disabled drivers unless you have the appropriate permit, as fines and towing are enforced.

If you are traveling to Romania from an EU member state, the roaming conditions apply to you when making calls and using the Internet. Since July 1, 2022, not only the same price applies when making calls when traveling within the Union, but also the same conditions as at home. Roaming providers are also obliged to warn their customers of the risk of additional charges.

But beware: roaming does not apply to WLAN calls! Additional charges apply here.

When it comes to data usage, the roaming provider must set a maximum amount for roaming data usage – this can be as little as 50 € or 100 €. This rule serves to protect the customer from additional charges. In plain language, this means that if you have reached the maximum limit for your data volume abroad, data usage will be interrupted by your provider.

If you don’t want to deal with the issue of roaming and additional charges, I recommend buying an eSIM for Romania. An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that you can download to your cell phone via an app and use the phone and internet abroad at the local rate. Perfect for your vacation, right?

Before you buy, make sure that your cell phone is also eSIM-capable, as this is unfortunately not the case with older models.

There are many international providers for eSIM such as Holafly, Ubigi, Saily etc. However, I recommend that you choose a local provider, so you are guaranteed to get the best conditions locally. The eSIM from the Romanian provider Orange offers good value for money and different packages of eSIM. For example, you can get 30 GB data volume and 120 minutes for 29.99 €. Click here for the eSIM from Orange.

I hope this guide provided you with the essentials to plan your next visit to Romania and enjoy all the beautiful and unique spots the country has to offer.

If you need a more detailed approach on planning your budget, I got you covered: check my travel costs guide for Romania to find out how you can maximize your expenses and avoid tourist traps. Browse through several Romanian destinations to decide what to visit.

I recommend choosing Cluj-Napoca as a base if you want to visit several destinations in Transylvania or flying to Bucharest if you have the Dracula castle or the Romanian beaches on your travel list.

Still have questions about planning your trip? Contact me or leave me a comment.

Drum bun! (Have a nice trip!)