Capital · Bucharest · Romanian leu (RON)

Romania

Bucharest, the painted monasteries, the Carpathians, and Transylvania at last on the easy circuit.

Romania is the largest country usually grouped with the Balkans. Bucharest connects to Sofia (6h), Belgrade (10h) and Istanbul (12h) by direct coach. Inland, the rail network covers most cities.

Romania is in the EU but uses the leu. Schengen accession is rolling out (air and sea borders since 2024). For travellers, Bucharest is the gateway and the painted monasteries of Bucovina + the Transylvanian towns (Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara) are the prize. The Sofia–Bucharest overnight train is a Balkan classic.

Currency

Romanian leu (RON)

Language

Romanian; English fluent in cities

Visa

Schengen rules apply (air/sea borders).

Best time to visit

May–June, September–October.

Main transport hubs

BucharestCluj-NapocaBrașovTimișoara

All Romania routes

Bucharest → Varna Bucharest → Chisinau Bucharest → Istanbul Bucharest → Sofia Bucharest → Piraeus Cluj Napoca → Budapest Bucharest → Constanta Timisoara → Budapest Brasov → Chisinau Bucharest → Galati

Other Balkan countries

Croatia Serbia Bosnia & Herzegovina Montenegro Albania Bulgaria Greece Slovenia Kosovo

Romania travel — FAQ

Is Romania part of the Balkans?+

Politically yes for many groupings, geographically it sits on the northern edge. It's the largest country on the peninsula.

What currency does Romania use?+

Romanian leu (RON). Cards widely accepted in cities.

How do I get from Sofia to Bucharest?+

Overnight train (10h) or direct bus (6–7h). The train is the classic — sleeper carriages available.