Travel - Internal
Air
The main airport for internal flights is Baneasa (travel time – 20 minutes to Otopeni). Tarom (RO) operates regular services from there to Arad, Baia Mare, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta, Iasi, Oradea, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Timisoara and Tirgu Mures.
River
The Danube Delta is easily explored by boat. Most trips and cruises depart from the ancient city of Tulcea and sail to Sulina.
Rail
Bucharest’s main station is the Gara de Nord on Calea Grivitei. Romanian State Railways (website: www.cfr.ro) runs frequent, efficient and cheap services to most cities, towns and larger villages, some with sleeping and restaurant cars. There are five different types of train, varying in speed from the slow personal to the faster accelerat, rapid and express trains, and the more expensive and comfortable Inter-City. Supplements are payable on rapid and express trains, for which seats must be reserved in advance. Express routes run from Bucharest to Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Constanta and Brasov. Rail Inclusive Tour tickets include transport and hotel accommodation. There are no platforms of any great height in Romania, making entering and alighting a little difficult for the elderly or infirm. There is a discount of 25 to 35 per cent for non-express trains.
Road
Traffic drives on the right. The Romanian Automobile Club (ACR) has its headquarters in Bucharest (tel: (21) 212 8247 or 223 4525) and offers services through all its branches to AA and RAC members. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in cities, 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, up to 90kph (57mph) on main roads and 120kph (75mph) on motorways. Driving under the influence of alcohol is forbidden. Coach: Local services operate to most towns and villages. The main coach stations in Bucharest are at 164 Soseaua Alexandriei, 1 Ion Ionescu de la Brad Boulevard, 1 Piata Gării Filarest, 221 Soseaua Chitilei, 141 Pacii Boulevard and 3 Gării Obor Boulevard. Taxi: Metered taxis can be hailed in the street or called from hotels. Prices are relatively low, but drivers expect a 10 per cent tip. Although most drivers are honest, prices should be agreed beforehand, especially at the airport. Car hire: Available at hotels and at Bucharest Airport. Driving is very erratic, so it might be advisable to hire a car with a driver. Documentation: National driving licence or International Driving Permit are required, as is Green Card insurance. Most Romanian roads are best suited to 4-wheel-drive vehicles as they are in poor, potholed condition.
Urban
Good public transport facilities are provided in the main centres. Bucharest has a good bus and tram system and a metro. Tickets are pre-purchased from agents, and there are stamping machines on board buses and trains. There are also daily, weekly and fortnightly passes. A separate minibus network is operated.
|