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 very easily explored
by boat. Most trips and cruises leave 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 runs frequent, efficient
and inexpensive 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 costly 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. None of the platforms are of any great
height in Romania, making entering and alighting a little difficult
for the elderly or infirm. There is a markdown 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, up to 90kph (57mph) on main roads, 60kph (37mph) in built-up
areas and 120kph (75mph) on motorways. Driving under the influence
(DUI) of alcohol is forbidden.
Taxi
Metered taxis can be hailed in the street
or called from hotels. Prices are relatively low, but drivers expect
a 10 % tip. Although most drivers are honest, prices should be agreed
in advance, especially at the airport.
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 Gãrii Filarest,
221 Soseaua Chitilei, 141 Pacii Boulevard and 3 Gãrii Obor
Boulevard.
Car hire
Car hire is 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
is required, as is Green Card insurance.
Most Romanian roads are best suited to 4-wheel-drive vehicles as
they are in poor, bumpy 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 bought in advance from agents, and there are stamping machines
on board. There are also daily, weekly and fortnightly passes. A
separate minibus network is operated. |
