Romania
General train travel information for ROMANIA. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
Romanian rail passenger transport has a rich history, beginning in the 19th century. The first railway line was opened in 1854, and the first passenger train departed in 1857. In the following years, the railway network expanded rapidly, with new lines, electrification, and improved technology.
After World War I, the railway system was nationalized, and the company Căile Ferate Române (Romanian Railways) was established to manage and operate the railways. During the communist era in Romania, the rail network continued to develop and modernize, providing transportation for both goods and passengers.
However, after the fall of communism, the Romanian railway system faced financial difficulties and outdated infrastructure. In recent years, efforts have been made to restructure and modernize the system, including the involvement of private operators and the renovation of key lines.
Today, Romanian rail passenger services provide connectivity between various cities and regions within the country, as well as international connections to neighboring countries. Ongoing efforts are focused on upgrading infrastructure and renewing rolling stock to improve comfort, reliability, and efficiency of passenger transportation.
General Information and Statistics
Căile Ferate Române is one of the country's largest employers. In 2019, CFR reported carrying over 56 million passengers across its network. In 2018, the number of passengers transported was approximately 52 million.
There are 11 343 kilometres of railway lines in Romania. As of 2021, there are about 800 railway stations in Romania.
3,654 km electrified (37%).
What connections to other countries there are.
The road borders the railroads of Ukraine (Lviv railroad of Ukrzaliznytsia), the railroads of Moldova (Calea Ferată din Moldova), the railroads of Serbia (Železnice Srbije), the railroads of Hungary (Magyar Államvasútak), the railroads of Bulgaria (BDZ).
Are trains fast in Romania in general? How much time to cross the country?
On average, regional trains have lower speeds and make frequent stops, so they tend to have slower travel times. InterCity (IC) trains, on the other hand, are faster and make fewer stops, providing faster connections between major cities. Some routes also offer limited express trains, such as the InterCity (IC) Plus or RegioExpress (REX), which provide faster travel times compared to regional trains. The journey from Bucharest to Cluj Napoca takes 8:30 hours and from Timisoara to Bucharest 10:00 hours.
What railway companies are available?
In Romania, the main railroad company is Căile Ferate Române (CFR), a state-owned operator that operates most of the railroad infrastructure and services. Private train companies in Romania are starting out with favorable prices, modern trains and generally better value (perfect air conditioning, cleanliness, free internet and so on), although their destinations are somewhat limited at the moment. Look for companies like Softrans, Regio Calatori or Astra Trans as these are the current private train operators in the country.
What train types are available in Romania
There are three main domestic train types in Romania: Regional (RE), InterRegio (IR) and Intercity (IC).
• Regional (RE): Slow trains with frequent stops, connecting small towns and villages on commuter routes.
• InterRegio (IR): Faster trains covering longer distances, with stops in important towns and villages. Bicycles are allowed on board, but a separate bicycle ticket is required. Former Rapid and Accelerat trains.
• Intercity (IC): High-speed trains connecting major Romanian cities as well as international destinations, primarily Budapest.
• There are also special trains (S), which are vintage tourist trains running along scenic routes. Special conditions apply for these trains.
Romania offers several international train connections to neighboring countries. Some of the key international train routes from Romania are:
• InterCity (IC): The InterCity trains connect Bucharest to Craiova, Timisoara, Arad, and Budapest. There are also routes from Timisoara and Brasov to Budapest.
• EuroCity (EC): The EuroCity trains provide international connections such as Cluj Napoca, Oradea, and Baia Mare to Budapest, Vienna, and Debrecen.
• Other international trains: There is a seasonal train running from Bucharest to Ruse and Sofia, typically operating from June 21st to October 9th.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
The EuroCity (EC) and EuroNight (EN) high-speed trains run inside Romania, as well as connecting Bucharest to neighboring capitals such as Budapest, Hungary, and Belgrade, Serbia. The fastest domestic lines are the InterCity (IC) trains.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main stations and hubs of the Romanian railway network: Iasi, Bucharest, Constanta, Galati, Remnita.
Websites to buy train tickets for Romania?
https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/
https://bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/ro/booking/search
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Romania?
Using the CFR Călători app, you can quickly see trains to your future destination as well as buy tickets online.
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Romania?
You can buy tickets at the ticket offices of railway stations. You can also buy a ticket online, through the application, through a vending machine. if passengers were not able to buy tickets in advance, it can be done directly on the train. If you bought your train ticket online you'll get an email with the PDF - no need to print, just show it.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
No information about buying a ticket by phone.
Return the ticket.
Here is the main information about ticket refunds:
Unused or partially used tickets: If the ticket was not used or was partially used for an untraveled segment of the route, the transport fares are refunded with a processing fee deduction. The processing fee is 10% of the transport fee for the canceled trip.
Group tickets: If the ticket was purchased for a group of passengers and not all passengers used the ticket, the transport fares for the unused portions are refunded with a processing fee deduction.
Illness during the trip: In case of illness during the trip, the fare for the untraveled part of the route is refunded, subject to certain conditions.
The specific deadlines and conditions for requesting a refund depend on the type of travel document. Typically, the refund request must be made before the specified date and time of the first train departure on the route. Passengers can submit the request at any ticket office or online, depending on the ticket purchase method.
Train ticket prices
"CFR" always offers special discount tickets. If you book well in advance, the ticket prices are cheap. You can buy tickets for most long-distance journeys within Germany for as little as EUR 19.9 - even on major routes such as Bucharest North to Cluj Napoca.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
Prices for international trains are not the lowest. For example, from Bucuresti to Budapest from EUR 37.6. And from Bucharest to Wien from EUR 52.8.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/, https://mersultrenurilor.infofer.ro/en-GB/Itineraries
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
Discounts are available for advance ticket purchases.
- 10% discount for purchases made 11+ days in advance, 5% discount for purchases made 6-10 days in advance.
- Tickets can be bought online, at ticket offices, or through vending machines.
- Discounts apply only to electronically issued tickets.
- Not applicable to other offers or discounted tickets.
Types of tickets.
Train tickets are valid only for your chosen day, time and train which is clearly printed on the ticket; each ticket also has an allocated seat number (and cart) which people usually respect
The Romanian Railways has the "TrenPlus" card, which allows you to buy tickets at a 25% discount.
The card is valid for one year, it is personal and non-transferable, and allows you to buy an unlimited number of tickets at a 25% discount.
The 25% discount on the card applies to the full price of travel in any direction, on Regio and Interregio trains. Card price = 28.3 EUR
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Romania
Eurail/Interrail Pass passes are available in Romania. Interrail/Eurail Passes are best purchased from the official website.
Saver price.
CFR offer special tickets that are non-refundable, but cheap.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
When you purchase a round-trip ticket, you get a 10% discount, for adult fare on any rank train (Regio, InterRegio, Intercity) in 1st class or 2nd class.
Flexible tickets.
In fact, there are no flexible tickets as such, when you buy a train ticket on a route that requires a transfer, you will be given the number of tickets corresponding to the number of transfers.
Rules of boarding.
In addition to your train ticket, you will need an identity card. A valid passport is required for all overseas/ non-EU visitors in Romania.
Discounts for group travel.
For groups of at least 20 people travelling together under the same conditions (same train, date, destination and class) reservations may be made without paying the appropriate transport fares on the spot
Requests can be made at station ticket offices or at CFR travel agencies, a minimum of 6 days and a maximum of 60 days before the date of departure of the first departing train.
Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability, and payment of the freight rates can be made at any time, but no later than the 20th calendar day before the departure date of the first departing train.
Age groups and discounts.
Students up to the age of 26, attending / enrolled in full-time education in accredited higher education institutions in Romania, benefit from a 50% reduced fare for domestic rail transport on all train categories, 2nd class, throughout the calendar year. Students who are orphans or come from orphanages benefit from free domestic rail transport on all train categories, 2nd class, throughout the calendar year
Pupils attending compulsory, vocational, including post-secondary, accredited/authorized high schools are entitled to free travel by rail within the country on trains of all categories (Regio, InterRegio and Intercity) of grade 2 for the entire calendar year (on the basis of a pupil's card stamped for the current year, or a school certificate for students in the preparatory classes.
Pensioners receive a 50% discount on rail travel
6 simple trips per year with a 50% reduction in the fare established for rail travel on 2nd class trains on regional or interregional routes.
Age limitations for minors.
On board the 1st and 2nd class coaches
• For children up to 5 years old, unless a separate seat is not required, the transport is free of charge;
• For children up to 5 years old, for which a separate seat is required and for those between 5 and 10 years old, a 50% discount is granted
On board the berth and sleeping coaches:
• For 2 children that occupy one bed together, a single bed supplement is paid;
• If a separate bed is not required for a child, the bed supplement shall not be paid (one accompanied child for each bed is allowed);
Important:
• up to 10 years old, a person is considered as a child;
• the reduction shall cumlate with discount for buying in advance;
• in all cases, children attendants must prove their age;
Handicapped passengers.
Specific assistance services are provided free of charge for the transport of persons with reduced mobility, both to get in / get off the train, on board the passenger train, at the railway stations and for the trains intended to this type of traffic. Asking for these services must be made with at least 48 hours prior to travelling by filling the standard printed form available both at all railway stations and at railway travel agencies, and in digital format.
Seat reservations in trains in Romania.
On some trains you don't need to reserve a seat - just sit in an empty seat in your class. On other trains (long distance) and in cars with berths, reserving a seat is mandatory.
Comfort classes on the trains.
Usually there is 1st class and 2nd class, between which there is not much difference, except for fewer people in 1st class and a little better comfort.. sleeper trains are used for longer routes such as Bucharest - Oradea or Bucharest - Timisoara (~12-13 hours). You can choose between a regular sleeping cart (with 4-6 bunk beds in a compartment) or 'premium' sleeping wagon (2 beds) for around 30-50€ per way.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Romania.
Some long-distance trains have a bar express. bar express operates on the following trains:
Bucharest North - Cluj-Napoca (IC 531/IC 532)
Bucharest North - Arad (IC531/IC521/IC522/IC532)
Bucharest North - Suceava (IC551/IC552)
Bucharest North - Iași (IC551/IC562/IC 561/IC552)
Bucharest Nord-Constanta ( IC581/IC582)
Bucharest Nord-Constanta - Brasov (IR1583/IC536/IC538/IR1682)
Bucharest North to Budapest (IR 72/IR 73)
SANDWICH CU MUSCHI,BRANZA TOPITA SI
CASTRAVETI (smoked pork loin, processed cheese and cucumbers) 2.10 €
SANDWICH CU SUNCA, BRANZA TOPITA SI
ROSII (ham, processed cheese and tomato) 2.10 €
CAFEA FILTRU JACOBS KRÖNUNG CU LAPTE (coffe and milk) 1.10 €
Also available for drinks, alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Night trains in Romania?
Romania offers a wide network of night trains, including both domestic and international routes. Domestic night trains include Intercity (IC) and InterRegio (IR) trains, which require reservations. Some domestic routes include:
• Bucharest – Craiova – Timisoara
• Bucharest – Brasov – Beclean pe Somes – Sighetu Marmatiei
• Bucharest – Brasov – Beclean pe Somes – Baia Mare
• Bucharest – Brasov – Cluj Napoca – Oradea – Satu Mare
• Timisoara – Arad – Cluj Napoca – Suceava – Iasi
Some routes are available only during the summer season.
International night trains include EuroNight (EN) trains, which also require reservations. International routes include:
• Bucharest – Brasov – Sibiu – Budapest
• Bucharest – Craiova – Timisoara – Budapest (and Vienna)
• Bucharest – Brasov – Sighisoara – Budapest – Vienna
• Cluj Napoca – Oradea – Budapest – Vienna
• and others
Additionally, there are other night trains such as the Bucharest – Istanbul Halkali route, which operates during the summer season.
Important train routes in Romania.
Bucharest - Brasov / from 2:30 hours / from 5.6 EUR / 1-2 trains per hour (July 2023)
Bucharest - Constanta / from 2:20 hours / from 6.7 EUR / every hour (July 2023)
Bucharest - Cluj-Napoca / from 8:30 hours / from 21.4 EUR / 7 trains a day (July 2023)
Arad - Sibiu / from 5:12 hours / from 16.1 EUR / 3 trains a day (July 2023)
Bucharest - Tulcea Oras / 5:37 hours / from 16.10 EUR / 3 trains a day (July 2023)
International train routes.
There are direct international trains from Romania to Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria (Ukraine, Serbia, Moldova).
Tourist / scenic routes in Romania.
Transylvania Train is a tourist train that leaves Brasov with stops in Sighisoara, Alba Iulia, Medias, Sibiu and nearby regions. Those who depart on the journey are offered many activities and experiences to discover the beautiful region of Transylvania.
Viseu de Sus - Paltin
This route covers the beautiful Vazer Valley, located in the northern part of Romania in the Maramures region. This train ride is special because it is done on a steam locomotive, known in the local language as mocăniţa, which used to run on narrow gauge in the mountainous areas of the country. The route is accompanied by beautiful views.
Orșova – Drobeta Turnu Severin
The train trip linking these two southeastern Romania cities is a great opportunity to see the bank of the river Danube. Orșova is located some 22 km east of the Iron Gates, a spectacular gorge on the Danube, part of a nature park of stunning views. Reaching Drobeta Turnu Severin, you can explore a settlement with a history going back to the time of Roman emperor Trajan. Among the town’s attractions are the ruins of Trajan’s bridge, the Severin Medieval Fortress, and Water Tower.
Luggage information.
Luggage must be kept in designated areas. Each passenger has a place for his hand luggage, located above his seat, or a similar place in the storage chamber of the bus. The total weight of luggage allowed per occupied seat is 30 kg. Luggage storage in the aisle is prohibited.
If your luggage exceeds 30 kg/occupied seat, a fee depending on the kilometer, from 0.6 euros is charged.
Bicycle on the train.
Non-removable bicycles are allowed ONLY in trains that have a type of carriage with special seats for the carriage of bicycles. One bicycle per person is allowed. Tickets must be purchased at the ticket office with a fee of 4 EUR.
Folding / collapsible bicycles can be transported free of charge on all Journeys, in the 1st and 2nd class or skis in the 2nd class, as hand baggage.
If you travel with a bicycle, without a paid ticket, the charge for large-sized luggage per kilometer corresponding to the passenger's travel ticket applies (a bicycle is considered to weigh 15 kg).
Ski or snowboard on the train.
Skis can be carried free of charge on all 2nd class carriages, as hand luggage, within the available space, provided that they do not cause inconvenience to other passengers (one folding bicycle or a pair of skis per person).
Luggage lockers on the stations in Romania.
Large stations have luggage storage facilities. Read more -https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/services-major-railstations/
Lost and Found Items.
No information was found.
Pets on the trains.
Small dogs, cats and small animals that are carried in arms, as well as small birds in cages can be transported free of charge.
The fare for the carriage of medium or large dogs is charged by issuing a ticket for 50% of the cost of a Regio train ticket, second class, for an adult, on the same route.
For dogs that are carried in carriages without a valid travel ticket, the train will issue a ticket at full price according to the class of the train and the mileage travelled by the passenger owning the dog.
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