Romanians are very pride of their trains, and they have rights to be. The country boasts a robust railway system that extends even to many villages. With numerous international routes connecting Romania to Hungary, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Turkey, the railway network enhances Romania's connectivity with neighboring countries. The link to Budapest is particularly advantageous for traveling throughout Europe. While many European countries have replaced railway tracks with roads, Romania has retained its railway infrastructure, which aligns well with modern trends toward green energy.
In Romania, railway stations are called "Gara"
with the main station often referred to as "Gara de Nord," typically
located in the northern part of the city. The term "Gara" simply
means "station" Bus station is called "Auto
Gara." This distinction highlights the historical significance of train
travel in the culture and language.
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| In the middle of the night in Severin |
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| Diesel train on non-electrified railway system |
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| Empty Gara Bucurest, summer peak |
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| Cehapest local train Bucurest - Craiova |
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| Buchurest Gara |
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| Night train, first class, CFR |
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| Promotion |
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| Night train Trans Astra Carpatian |
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| Coffee machine in Softrans |
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| On the way to Brasov, good catch |
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| Softrans with book library |
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| Local train Pitesti - Craiova |
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| Night train Timisoara - Bucharest |
However, bus stations in Romania are less popular and often
in poor condition, with limited hours, even in Bucharest, the capital.
Remarkably, train tickets for students are discounted by 90%, and seniors
receive a 50% discount, making train travel extremely affordable—something
quite rare elsewhere. Tickets can be purchased online or at ticket offices in
city stations. It certainly feels like trains reach every village in Romania.
Types of Train Companies
Romania has several train companies. The state-owned CFR
(Căile Ferate Române), established in 1880, serves the entire network. Tickets
can be bought online or at ticket offices.
Softrans is a private company that connects Craiova to
Brașov via Bucharest, and Craiova to Constanța, also through Bucharest. Tickets
can be purchased online or onboard the train, with payment options for cash or
card.
Astra Trans Carpatic is another private operator offering
night services from Cluj to Bucharest, with tickets available online or on the
train.
Speed of the Trains
When compared to Western European trains, Romanian trains
are generally slower and can often run late. However, if you're delayed, the
train is likely to be as well, so you might still arrive on time. Some locals
have mentioned that trains were faster 15 years ago, but upgrades are expected
soon.
Railway Conditions
Romanian trains are quite comfortable, clean, and suitable
for sleeping, especially on night journeys, which tend to be quieter and
warmer.
Types of Railway Network
An interesting aspect of the Romanian railway system is the
prevalence of non-electrified lines, with many trains operating on diesel. This
gives a unique travel experience, akin to being in a car. While major and
international routes are electrified, many local lines remain diesel-powered, a
feature I haven't encountered elsewhere, making it a fascinating aspect of the
journey.