Exploring Romania: A Guide for UK Tourists

If you ever wondered if we have tours in Romania from the UK, the answer is yes! While we specialize in ensuring unforgettable experiences for our tourists from the moment they arrive in Romania, it’s important to note that we don’t provide international transport services. However, fear not! We’re here to offer invaluable advice on how to get here and provide all the information needed to craft the perfect vacation in our beautiful country.

Getting to Romania from the UK:

By Air:

Plane departing to London from Sibiu
photo source: Sibiu Airport

The easiest and most convenient way to reach Romania from the UK is by air. Bucharest, the capital city, is home to Henri Coandă International Airport, which serves as the main gateway for international flights. Airlines such as British Airways, Tarom, and low-cost carriers like Wizz Air or Ryan Air offer direct flights from major UK airports to Bucharest.

One of our most popular tours of Romania, easily accessible to British tourists using Henri Coanda airport is our bespoke Private tour of Romania from Bucharest.

If your interests lie more in exploring the enchanting regions of Transylvania, Maramureș, or Bucovina, you may want to consider alternative airports for your travels. While Bucharest serves as Romania’s primary international gateway, other airports offer convenient access to these captivating destinations:

For Transylvania and Maramures:

Cluj-Napoca is the largest city in Transylvania, being the region’s busiest airport with the most extensive array of flights from UK airports. For UK tourists keen on exploring Transylvania, this airport serves as the optimal choice. Moreover, Cluj-Napoca acts as a pivotal entry point to Maramureș, further enhancing its appeal. Wizz Air offers flights to Cluj from several British airports, including Luton (London), Leeds, and Birmingham, while Ryanair connects Cluj to Stansted (London). Cluj would be the airport to choose for UK tourists interested in our Tour of Transylvania and Maramures.
Sibiu, located in the southern reaches of Transylvania, serves as an ideal base for exploring the region. For travellers seeking direct access, Wizz Air operates five weekly flights from Luton to Sibiu, offering convenience and flexibility. Alternatively, those who prefer traditional airlines can opt for daily flights via Lufthansa from Heathrow Airport, with a layover in Munich, providing a seamless journey to this enchanting city. Sibiu Airport is the best positioned for UK travellers interested in our Tour of Transylvania from Sibiu.
Brasov, very well positioned for exploring Bran Castle and Peles Castle, is the newest Transylvanian airport and Wizz Air flies there from Luton. Our hiking tour of Transylvania, highly appreciated by British tourists, can start from Brasov
Targu-Mures, located in the heart of Transylvania, close to Sighisoara, also provides flights to Luton with Wizz Air

For Bucovina:

Iasi is the main city in the Romanian region of Moldova and British tourists can fly there from Liverpool and Luton with Wizz Air
Suceava is the best-positioned airport to explore Bucovina, the land of the painted monasteries and Wizz Air flies to Suceava from Luton

Western Romania:

Timișoara, the largest city in the Banat region of Romania, offers a convenient gateway for British tourists eager to explore the country. Connected to London by Wizz Air, which operates flights from Luton, Timișoara serves as an ideal starting point for adventures in Romania. For UK travellers embarking on our Romania tour, which begins in Timișoara and concludes in Bucharest, or those seeking accessibility, Timișoara or Budapest airports are the most convenient options.
Although Budapest is not located in Romania, it can serve as a strategic launchpad for visiting the country. With numerous flights from the UK and just a three-hour drive to Romania, Budapest offers an alternative entry point for British tourists looking to embark on their Romanian journey.

By Train

If you’re environmentally conscious and seeking a scenic journey, travelling by train can be the most eco-friendly option. Romania is well-connected to Vienna and Budapest by rail, offering a sustainable alternative for travellers concerned about their carbon footprint. Several trains ply these routes, making stops at major tourist cities such as Timișoara, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Brașov, and Bucharest. You can find the trip planner and an online booking platform for international trains to Romania on the Romanian National Railways Company (CFR) website.

Opting for a night train not only reduces your environmental impact but also presents a cost-effective solution. By travelling overnight, you can save money on accommodation for one night, making it a prudent financial decision as well. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of Romania’s picturesque landscapes or motivated by sustainability, travelling by train offers a unique and rewarding experience for eco-conscious travellers.

Useful Things to Know by British tourists travelling to Romania:

Currency: Romania’s currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). While major credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting rural areas or smaller establishments. Don’t need to bring RON in cash from the UK. You can easily exchange them at banks or exchange offices in every city. Witrowing cash from the ATM is also possible, but check the fees first. Although the EUR is widely used in the Romanian economy for bank transactions, the European currency is not accepted in shops or hotels.
Language: The official language of Romania is Romanian, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and among the younger population. Learning a few basic phrases in Romanian, however, can go a long way in enhancing your travel experience and connecting with locals. Romanian is a Romance language, so if you know Italian and Spanish, Romanian will sound familiar to you.
Climate: Romania experiences a temperate continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit depends on your preferences; spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter is perfect for skiing enthusiasts.
Safety: Romania is generally a safe country for tourists, but it’s essential to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets, particularly in busy markets and public transportation.

Tips and Tricks:

Explore Beyond Bucharest: While Bucharest is undoubtedly captivating with its mix of historic architecture and modern attractions, don’t miss out on exploring the rest of Romania. Venture into Transylvania to discover fairytale castles, visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina, or hike in the scenic Carpathian Mountains.
Try Local Cuisine: Romanian cuisine is hearty and diverse, influenced by various cultures and traditions. Indulge in traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and mici (grilled sausages), and don’t forget to sample local wines and spirits. Find more information on our dedicated blog post about Romanian gastronomy.
Respect Local Customs: Romania has a rich cultural heritage, so it’s essential to respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress decently and observe any rules or rituals. Additionally, always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals or their property.
Stay Connected: While roaming charges may apply, it’s worth staying connected during your travels in Romania. Having access to maps, translation apps, and communication platforms can be invaluable, especially when navigating unfamiliar areas or seeking assistance. A good idea would be to purchase a local SIM card, which can offer data and voice services at prices starting from £5. The coverage is very good in Romania, and all the major providers can be reached from almost every inhabited area. If you’re planning to venture into more remote areas of Romania, it’s a good idea to save your tour maps offline to avoid any potential issues.

The most popular tours to Romania from UK

While the tours listed below aren’t exclusively dedicated to British tourists, we’ve noticed a preference for this type of tour among visitors from the UK: