Transylvania by Train for Almost Nothing: The $8 (RON37) Ride Through the Carpathians

I took a train from Bucharest to Brașov—the gateway to Transylvania—for $8. The ride took 2.5 hours and passed through mountains, forests, and small villages. The car was clean, seats were comfortable, and the landscape was extraordinary.

For context, a similar train journey in any Western European country costs $40–80. Romania's 1/10th the price.

The Route and Cost Breakdown

Bucharest to Brașov:

Distance: ~150 km

Time: 2.5–3 hours

Cost: $8 (varies slightly by train class, but all classes are cheap)

What you get: Comfortable seat, views, occasionally a beverage vendor

Why it costs $8:

Romania's railway system is government-subsidized

Labor costs (train staff) are low

Fuel is cheaper in Eastern Europe

The route doesn't target tourists; it's built for local travel

No profit motive like private Western European railways

Romania's Train System

Romanian trains are categorized as:

IR (InterRegional): Slower, cheaper, local. Stops frequently. Cost: $4–8 for regional routes.

IC (InterCity): Faster, more comfortable, connects major cities. Cost: $8–20.

Rapid: Slower local trains. Cost: $3–5.

For the Bucharest-Brașov route, you want IC or IR trains. They're both fast enough and reasonable.

The Experience

I boarded in downtown Bucharest (central station) and was impressed that the station itself was clean and organized. The train pulled in, I found my assigned seat, and we departed.

The first part is suburban Bucharest. But within 30 minutes, you're in countryside—rolling hills, then mountains (the Carpathians), then forests. The landscape is genuinely beautiful in a non-dramatic way. It's not Swiss Alps or Norwegian fjords. It's quieter and more melancholic.

By Brașov, you're in the mountains with medieval architecture visible from the train.

Daily Budget in Transylvania

Break it down by category:

| Category | Cost | Notes |

|----------|------|-------|

| Accommodation | $15–25 | Guesthouses in Brașov or smaller towns |

| Food | $10–15 | Local restaurants, street food, traditional meals |

| Transport | $5–10 | Train rides between towns |

| Activities | $5–15 | Castle visits (Bran Castle, $10), hiking (free) |

| Daily total | $35–65 | — |

Transylvania is even cheaper than Bucharest. A full day costs under $50 if you're budget-conscious.

What to Do in Transylvania

Brașov: Mountain town with Gothic architecture, central square, hiking nearby. Cost: free walking, $10 for museums.

Bran Castle: The "Dracula castle" (it's not actually Dracula's, but marketing is marketing). Cost: $15 entry, 45 minutes from Brașov by train ($5).

Hiking: Carpathian mountains have excellent trails, most free. Starting points are accessible by train or local transport.

Villages: Medieval villages like Viscri and Biertan are worth day-tripping to. Transport is cheap buses ($3–5).

Romania's Train Booking

Trains are booked online (CFR.ro, the Romanian railway site) or at stations. Booking online is recommended for popular routes, but walk-up purchasing works fine for most trains.

Tickets are printed at the station or digital. You need:

Departure city and destination

Date and preferred time

Class preference (1st or 2nd class; 2nd is fine and cheap)

Why Romania Is Underrated

Romania hasn't benefited from the "Eastern European tourism boom" the way Poland and Czech Republic have. Prices reflect this. Brașov and the Carpathians are genuinely beautiful and genuinely cheap.

The train experience is excellent because it's not designed for tourists—it's designed for Romanians to move between cities. This means it's practical, comfortable, and way too affordable.

Ready to explore Transylvania?

Plan Your Romania Train Trip → | Book Your Bucharest-Brașov Train → | Read the Full Romania Guide →