This website uses cookies to ensure you the best experience and enhance site navigation.



Discover Romania

Should you find yourself with some extra time during your stay, and if you're inclined to venture beyond Bucharest, we highly recommend taking the opportunity to explore other destinations as well. Romania has breathtaking natural landscapes, from the majestic Carpathian Mountains to the pristine beaches of the Black Sea coast. Additionally, it boasts a rich cultural heritage, including mediaeval castles, charming villages, and vibrant cities, offering a captivating blend of history, tradition, and modernity.
Accommodation & Transport
Situated in the vibrant city of Bucharest, Caro Hotel is deeply rooted in the local history while maintaining a forward-looking perspective. It has garnered acclaim as one of the most fashionable venues in the city, offering a uniquely designed property that seamlessly blends contemporary elements with echoes of the past. The architectural style harks back to the interwar period, with the original facade dating back to 1930. Throughout the Communist era, the building functioned as an alcohol factory utilising glucose in the distillation process—a historical detail that the owners opted to honour in both the design and naming of the establishment.
Before diving into our destinations, it’s worth talking about a few ways of getting there.

Accommodation
Romania provides a plethora of accommodation options catering to various budgets, preferences, and styles, all conveniently listed on either Booking or AirBnB.
In popular cities, you'll discover a diverse array of hostels, hotels, boutique guesthouses, and apart-hotels. It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance before your journey to Romania, as spontaneous walk-ins are rarely advisable.
Transport
By Train
To reach any of the destinations listed below, you can conveniently board a train from the Bucharest North railway station.
Tickets are available for purchase at dedicated offices within the station premises or online. It's important to note that both public operator CFR and private companies such as Softrans, Regio Calatori or Astra Trans serve these routes, each with its own merits and drawbacks. We recommend exploring your options to determine which best suits your needs.
It’s important to know that there are different types of trains in Romania. The most important distinction is between R (Regional) and IR (Interregional) trains. Put simply, IR trains offer faster journeys as they only halt at major stations, while R trains stop at every station, regardless of size, resulting in longer travel times. Whenever possible, we recommend opting for an IR train for a smoother travel experience.
Another important consideration is that when travelling with state-owned trains, amenities such as WiFi or a restaurant car are typically not available, so make sure you plan for that ahead.
Renting a Car
If you prefer the flexibility of making your own schedule, renting a car is also an option. You can check out the car rental platform Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals.
Generally, to rent a car in Romania, you must be at least 21 years old (though the age requirement might be higher depending on the vehicle) and hold a valid driver's licence for at least one year. Additionally, if you are under 25 years old, you may incur higher fees due to being classified as a "young driver”. Terms and conditions differ among car rental providers, hence it's strongly advisable to review them with your specific provider.
It’s worth noting that if you opt to travel by car to the destinations mentioned below, you might encounter highly congested highways, especially during the summer season and even more so on weekends. This might delay you considerably, modifying the estimated arrival times we’ve listed in the section below. We advise you to always check out Google Maps or Waze and plan accordingly.
Must-see Places in Romania
Now, let's dive in some must-visit places in Romania:
Bran Castle (Transylvania)
Explore the stunning landscapes, mediaeval castles, and fortified churches in this historical region. Don't miss iconic sights like Bran Castle, commonly associated with the Dracula legend.
The Bran Castle is located in Bran commune, near Brasov. It’s worth noting that Bran does not have a train station, so if you opt to travel by train, you’ll have to board the train from Bucharest to Brasov and then use a bus or Uber to get to Bran.
Distance from Bucharest: 185 km
Estimated travel time by train: 2.5 to 3 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 2.5 to 4 hours
Sibiu
Immerse yourself in the charm of this mediaeval town, known for its well-preserved old town, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene.
Distance from Bucharest: 280 km
Estimated travel time by train: 5.5 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 3.5 to 5.5 hours
Brașov
Discover the picturesque town of Brașov, nestled beneath the Carpathian Mountains. Explore the medieval walls, visit the Black Church, and take a trip to nearby Bran Castle.
Distance from Bucharest: 185 km
Estimated travel time by train: 2.5 to 3 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 2.5 to 4 hours
Maramureș County
Experience the traditional rural life of Romania in the Maramureș region, where wooden churches, quaint villages, and scenic landscapes await.
One of the more unique attractions in the area is the Merry Cemetery of Săpânța. In contrast to typical graveyards worldwide, the Merry Cemetery of Săpânța adopts a distinctive perspective on death, celebrating the lives lived rather than mourning their end. The graveyard crosses are coloured in vibrant hues and feature cheerful poems and paintings, vividly portraying the stories and experiences of those interred.
To get to the Merry Cemetery by train, you must travel from Bucharest to Baia Mare and then find an alternative way of transport (car or bus) to travel the rest of the 86 km left to reach Săpânța. It’s a longer trip, but definitely worth it, especially if you decide to tour the whole county of Maramureș.
Distance from Bucharest: 600 km
Estimated travel time by train: 12.5 to 15 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 8.5 hours to 11.5 hours
Danube Delta
Explore Europe's largest and best-preserved delta, home to a rich variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and plants. Take a boat tour to discover its pristine beauty and unique ecosystem.
To reach the Danube Delta, you must journey to the city of Tulcea, either by car or train. From there, you can continue your journey by boat or car to reach your chosen destination within the Delta.
Distance from Bucharest: 280 km
Estimated travel time by train: 7 to 9 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 6 to 7 hours
Constanta & The Black Sea
The city of Constanta offers stunning beaches along the Black Sea coast, providing relaxation and seaside fun. Additionally, Constanta boasts a rich history, with archaeological sites such as the ancient Roman ruins of Tomis and the iconic Constanta Casino, providing insights into its centuries-old heritage.
To reach Constanta, you have the option of taking a direct train or traveling by car.
Distance from Bucharest: 227 km
Estimated travel time by train: 2.5 to 3 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 2.5 to 3 hours
Peles Castle
Marvel at the fairytale-like Peles Castle, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains near the town of Sinaia. Explore its opulent interiors, stunning architecture, and beautiful surrounding gardens.
You can reach Sinaia by opting for a direct train or travelling by car.
Distance from Bucharest: 140 km
Estimated travel time by train: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Bucovina Painted Monasteries
Admire the vibrant frescoes adorning the exterior walls of the painted monasteries in Bucovina, showcasing intricate religious scenes and motifs.
To get there by train, you need to travel to Darmanesti, Radauti and then board a bus to reach the monasteries
Distance from Bucharest: 450 km
Estimated travel time by train: 6 to 8 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 7 to 8 hours
Cantacuzino Castle
A trip to Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni makes for a perfect day excursion from Bucharest. It's more accessible than Bran Castle and typically less congested than Peles Castle in Sinaia. If you're driving or joining a tour, it's feasible to visit all these castles in a single day. The castle stands in a park overlooking the majestic Bucegi Mountains.
To get there by train, you need to travel to Busteni and then board a bus or simply take a walk to the castle.
Distance from Bucharest: 145 km
Estimated travel time by train: 1.5 to 2 hours
Estimated travel time by car: 2 to 3 hours

For further information contact us at:

helpdesk@iseftconference.com