I am an experienced traveller with Low Cost Vibes and an adventure pocket in Europe; Romania has become my favourite. Imagine mountainous Carpathians, castles of the Middle Ages, and wooden churches that look like the work of a fairy tale. They are friendly, and the good news is that the language is an interesting blend of Latin and Slavonic roots and the food, whether it is sarmale or mici, is healthy and inexpensive. Romania offers a lot at a fraction of the cost compared to the busy capital cities of France or Italy, making it one of the cheap destinations in Europe for travellers seeking a lot at a low price.
My personal travels in Transylvania showed that the answer to the question of whether is Romania cheap to visit is a resounding yes, when you tap into the cheap hotels in Romania, local restaurants, and other food options in the country, along with effective means of transport. Here is a bare-bones guide to help you navigate this hidden gem on a tight budget.
Transylvania, Romania, is not easily accessible by road or air
Raising the funds from Transylvania is easier–and cheaper–than it may seem. Bucharest is the most common route of entry, and several low-cost airlines serve key airports across Europe. A train or bus can be caught in the capital and travel straight to Brașov, Sibiu or Cluj-Napoca. The InterCity (IC) and city trains provide picturesque routes with unlimited stops in lovely villages.
The overnight bus running between neighbouring countries (like Hungary or Slovakia) is a sleep-and-save solution, ideal for the absolute frugal traveller who wants to preserve the adventures of the day. Arriving, you can buy a local transportation ticket or a reusable one in order to receive a discount on train and bus rides in Transylvania. The trick to ensuring that the journey is cost effective is to book in advance and keep flexible on the dates of departure since fares can change drastically during the festival season.
When is the best time to visit Transylvania, Romania?
Time is of the essence when you are pursuing cheapness. Golden periods of a budget trip are the late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). It is shoulder season, and accommodation is still abundant at lower prices than in the high season, and the weather is cool enough that one can walk the cobblestone streets without sweating. You will also get harvest festivals and local markets displaying local crafts and food. Summer may be hot and busy, particularly in the most popular towns, which increases the cost of accommodation and food. In winter, there is free sledging and the opportunity to view Transylvania’s snowy winter without the tourists, though a few guesthouses and restaurants close. You would also get romania travel deals and a more direct street-food experience by picking the off-peak months.
The article teaches how to travel on a budget in Transylvania
The historic centres of Transylvania are the most affordable and easiest to explore on foot. You can spend free time wandering in the old towns in such cities as Brașov and Sibiu, where you can find churches, squares and local markets. To further distances, the country’s rail network also offers cheap trains that serve big cities and sightseeing routes, particularly the so-called cheap trains in Romania, which operate on weekends. If you want to be flexible, renting a bicycle or using a bike-sharing scheme, which many towns seem to have, may be a good choice. You can use a regional bus, which offers the lowest fares, for day trips from a base city. Various sites can be visited with a day pass, so you do not have to spend a lot of money on tours, but you can enjoy the different scenery that Transylvania has to offer.
Public Transport in Romania
Surprisingly, the public transport in Romania is modern and affordable. The majority of the country uses InterCity (IC) trains and local buses (with RegioJet, FlixBus, and others), and you can buy tickets both in the station and online. Shared taxis (so-called taxi grup) or local minibuses are cheap alternatives for short hops within the neighbouring villages. One of the rarities of the Eastern European capitals is the Bucharest metro, which connects most major areas with no additional ticket purchase after the initial purchase. Numerous towns also have free or low-priced tram lines that wander through historic areas. The most important thing to save on transportation expenses is to purchase tickets in advance, look for discounted passes, and avoid travelling during high seasons when there is a surcharge. You must always have a small change in your pocket; then there are a good many smaller shops that only take cash.
Communicating with locals
Although most Romanians in tourist destinations speak basic English, it might save time and money to learn a few Romanian phrases. Even simple words, such as “Bună” (hello) and “Mulțumesc” (thank you), are helpful. A language app on your cell phone would also help you take orders or ask for directions without a guide. When it comes to more intense contact, a few sentences such as “Cât costă? (How much does it cost?) can assist in bargaining for good prices of the product in the local area. Most locals appreciate the effort to learn their language, and they can offer you a discount or a free local snack as a gesture of appreciation. In case of uncertainty, a kind smile and decent nod will never go amiss.
Getting To Transylvania
After arriving in Romania, the quickest way to get to Transylvania is by train from Bucharest. The cheapest train in Romania operates every hour and takes approximately 3.5-4.5 hours to reach cities such as Brașov or Sibiu. Those who are more at ease with air travel may take flights to the small airports at Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu at reasonable rates. A third option in the budget, but requiring some time, is the long-distance bus to neighbouring countries; these routes usually stop in towns in Transylvania and provide an alternative to the train, which is less expensive. When you are on a shoestring budget, you should always book early and monitor any promotional fares that appear during holidays and festivals.
How to spend the night in Transylvania without going broke
Finding cheap hotels in Romania does not mean sacrificing comfort. A variety of hostels and guesthouses in Transylvania offer shared facilities in their private rooms, and many offer free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen. You will find breakfast included in cheap hotels in Romania, which will save you a few euros every day. When you travel alone or with a few people, you can choose to book a hostel in a shared apartment using any of the host sharing websites, and you will have the local experience, as well as the ability to cook your own meals. To experience it in the true sense, consider staying at a low-end hotel in an ancient city like Brașov or Sibiu; the paved streets and local cafes are included in the free sightseeing. Read recent traveller reviews to ensure a clean, safe, and friendly environment.
In Transylvania, Romania, it is possible to find the best places to visit
The beauty of Transylvania is distributed among the towns and nature. The fortified city of Alba Iulia, with its enormous citadel, and the fairy-tale Bran Castle, which served as inspiration for the Dracula myth, are a combination of history and cost-effectiveness. The medieval city of Sighișoara, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is free to explore and completely immersive. The nearby Carpathian Mountains offer walking paths that require little gear, and the villages around them host markets where you can taste local cheeses and sausages. It also has some mild rivers where kayaking can be done, some of which are free with a small fee. The budget traveller will not be short of things to do, whether he is strolling down the old streets, hiking up a mountain trail or sipping away on Romanian wine at a local bar, without having to empty his pockets.
Alba Iulia
The magnificent citadel of Alba Iulia is a masterpiece of Transylvania. Visiting its old walls is free, and you can also climb the towers at a very minor fee, which spectacular views in the nearby plains will compensate for. There are also some old cafes and markets in the city’s historic centre where you can have traditional pastries at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in bigger cities. It is cheap to visit the local craft shops around, and bargaining away your souvenirs is not only possible but also very easy. The city’s rich cultural life (folk music and local festivals) offers free entertainment during the summer holidays. To feel local in a real way, one of the low-end guesthouses just beyond the original fortifications is all one needs; many of these include free breakfast, which gives one a good start to the day.
Sibiu
The Germanic streets of Sibiu are the delight of the eye-wanderer. The ancient marketplace of the city, its fortified walls, and the museums are mostly free to visit, and the local cafes are not costly. And do not pass a walk through the little, paving cobblestoned streets which end in mysterious fountains and lavish churches. The Mărțișor Festival in March is an annual free performance and craft fair that showcases traditional Transylvanian clothing. To the low-end traveller, it is quite easy to spend the night in a hostel in the city centre and be able to visit the main attractions compared to spending the night in the countryside. There is also a weekly open-air concert in the city’s main park, a free event that brings locals and tourists together around music and laughter.
Brasov & Bran Castle
Brasov is a city located in the foothills of the Carpathians and boasts numerous free walking trails around the city centre and up into the hills. Black Church and Council Square are the city’s main sights, both of which can be viewed free of charge. A short ride out of Brasov by bus, and you are at Bran Castle, which is the so-called Dracula Castle. The castle itself is often the only paid option, but the woods around it, as well as the village of Bran, are free to visit, and the rest of the area is full of country landscapes as well as local cafes to have a good meal at a rather affordable price. A hike of not too long a distance to the mountain hut close to Bran provides an amazing sight of the city and the valleys around it- an adventure that will only cost a small fee to get into the hut.
Sinaia & Peles Castle
Sinaia is a mountain resort, and there are free trails here that lead through botanical gardens and pine forests. A nearby sightseeing spot is Peles Castle, which charges an entrance fee, but the park around it and the old palace of the kings are both free to explore. The city’s rooftops are breathtaking, and a mere stroll along the tram tracks gives one an overhead view of all the mountains in the area. To save on costs, one can stay in a low-cost hostel in Sinaia, which offers direct access to the train station, and take a local train to visit the rest of Transylvania without straining the wallet.
Sighisoara
Sighisoara is an active museum with a medieval clock tower to display the time free of charge. The cobblestone streets and coloured houses of the town are ideal for a day of walking. You can visit the birthplace of Vlad III (the historical figure behind Dracula) for not even a euro. The local market sells fresh products, and the bars provide the local wine at low prices. To be more authentic, one can stay in a cheap guesthouse just outside the wall; it offers a good combination of comfort and price without being too expensive, and many owners offer a basic breakfast of traditional Romanian pastries.
Cluj‑Napoca
As a young city, Cluj-Napoca boasts a vibrant student population, which keeps food and accommodation costs low. The old town can be accessed on foot, and there are no fees to visit St. Michael Church and the Old Town Hall, the main attractions of the city’s historic centre. On a certain day each month, most museums are free to enter, and it is an excellent venue for sampling local cheeses and cured meats at the open-air markets. Biking is cheap to rent, and it is easy to ride the city’s roads through its parks and around the surrounding Piata Fagarasului. When travelling on a budget, it is convenient to stay in a budget hostel or a small apartment in the city centre, which can save money.
Other travel tips for Transylvania, Romania
To squeeze every euro, prepare in advance and keep a loose itinerary. Explore local travel blogs and forums to find secret spots that don’t require a guided tour. There are also free walking tours provided by the local volunteers, which can be registered on a website or at your hotel reception. Restaurants and street stalls run by families should be your choice for eating out because you will get authentic meals at the lowest prices. You should always have a reusable water bottle; it is safe to fill up the tap in Romania. To save more, get a regional rail pass, which serves several cities in addition to having a discount on long-distance trains.
Visas
The EU, the US, Canada, Australia, and most other countries have allowed most of their tourists to enter Romania for up to 90 days without a visa. If you are a citizen of a visa-free country, you only need a valid passport. To stay longer than 90 days or work, you will require a long-stay visa or a temporary residence permit. Do remember to consult the Romanian embassy website for the most current requirements before travelling.
E-SIMs
The local ESIM is an economical way to stay connected while travelling in Romania. Large operators offer prepaid plans with data, calls, and texts at a fraction of the roaming charges. It is possible to buy an ESIM online before departure or at the airport upon arrival. This spares you costly roaming charges and lets you use navigation and local transport booking apps simultaneously.
Work Exchange
Transylvania attracts many digital nomads and work-exchange volunteers. Find hostels that provide work-accommodation, or find local farms and guesthouses which need help in exchange for a free room and meals. There are also numerous non-governmental organisations and many universities, which have short term volunteer programmes that enable you to improve your cultural experience at low cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is necessary even on a low cost trip. Find a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Most companies offer plans specifically designed for budget travellers, and you can be insured without spending a lot.
Final Thoughts
Having been an experienced traveller and a proud member of Low Cost Vibes, I can tell with certainty that how cheap is Romania to visit is not a question but a fact. Thanks to the low-cost trains between its cities and small hostels with cheap rooms, Romania is evolving the image of the European country where people can enjoy a really magical experience without emptying their pockets. The history and heritage of the country can be seen from the fortified citadels of Alba Iulia to the Gothic beauty of Bran Castle at a fraction of the cost that it costs Western countries.
Things to Do in Transylvania range from strolling along the old alleyways of Sighișoara and climbing the winding Carpathian roads to enjoying local food at lively street stalls activities that add meaning and authenticity to every journey. Transportation in Romania is very cheap, and the availability of cheap hotels and shared accommodations ensures that your travel costs are in check. Travelling alone as a backpacker, as a couple, or as a group of friends, Romania has a landscape that will not break your budget but will stay in your memories forever. Heavy curiosity, adventure, and go and have the castles, villages, and mountains of Transylvania demonstrate to you an aspect of Europe that is culturally rich but financially friendly. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions.
Yes – the total cost of travelling around Romania is cheap, particularly when you are travelling on the local transport, and you are living in cheap hostels and eating in local cafes.
Visit the old walls of town, walk the Carpathian trails, free museums, and attend the local festivals; all these are cheap or free.
The 10-14-day plan will provide sufficient time to explore Transylvania’s key attractions at minimal expense.
Yes, day trips by major cities by cheap trains and buses are cheap and easy
These include solo passengers, students, families, and adventure tourists seeking rich culture and natural beauty without spending a lot of money.
