When Romania first popped up on our radar throughout our Europe journey planning, our eyes instantly zeroed in on Transylvania. And immediately, we knew Brasov can be our dwelling base. It simply made sense — it’s near a variety of the sights we wished to go to, it’s pretty straightforward to get to, and let’s be sincere, its Outdated City is straight-up gorgeous. One look and it’s actually onerous to say no.
For those who’re flying into Romania, you’ll seemingly land in Bucharest, which is the capital metropolis and is served by two airports. The smaller and older one is Aurel Vlaicu Worldwide Airport (BBU), also referred to as Băneasa or Bucharest Metropolis Airport. Not a variety of flights land right here, and a lot of the ones that do are seasonal.
The principle airport — and the one most vacationers use — is Henri Coandă Worldwide Airport (OTP). It’s additionally generally referred to as Otopeni Airport as a result of it’s positioned within the city of Otopeni, simply north of Bucharest. However because it’s the largest and busiest within the nation, most reserving websites merely discuss with it as Bucharest Airport. So, only a heads-up: after we say “Bucharest Airport” on this publish, we imply Henri Coandă (OTP).
Now, whereas Bucharest itself has loads of cool issues to see and do, if you happen to’re like us and wish to head straight to Brasov, no worries — it’s tremendous doable. There are two primary methods to get there from Otopeni Airport: by bus or by prepare. Straightforward choices, relying in your journey fashion and schedule.
Bucharest Airport to Brasov By Mini-Bus
The simplest way to get from the airport to Brasov? Undoubtedly by bus. There are direct journeys that go all the way in which from Bucharest Otopeni Airport straight to Brasov’s Bus Terminal, which, conveniently, will not be too removed from the Outdated City — excellent if that’s the place you’re staying.
Some of the well-liked choices is an organization referred to as Direct Aeroport. They use smaller automobiles like mini-buses or mini-vans, which makes for a extra relaxed and fewer crowded experience. We booked with them, which was fairly simple. We even managed to order seats on-line forward of time.
How you can Ebook a Seat
- Head over to Direct Aeroport web site. Swap the language to English (there’s a toggle on the high). A lot of the reserving course of is in English, though there’s one half that also exhibits up in Romanian. It’s not too onerous to navigate although — Google Translate will get you thru.
- Enter your origin and vacation spot. Select “Otopeni Aeroport” as your origin and “Brasov” as your vacation spot, and also you’ll see an inventory of obtainable departure occasions. The buses run 24 hours a day, with intervals starting from 1.5 to 4 hours. The journey takes round three hours and prices 100 RON per individual — not unhealthy for a snug experience straight to the center of Brasov.
- Pay to your bus ticket. You’ll be able to select to both pay to your Direct Aeroport bus ticket on-line or just reserve a seat with out making a cost immediately. For our journey, we initially opted for the latter. We made a reservation first, considering it could be probably the most handy possibility. However we determined to cancel our reservation and take the scenic route as a substitute — by prepare.
Direct Aeroport Mini-Bus
Availability: 24 hours at 1.5- to 4-hour intervals
Journey time: 3 hours
Fare: 100 lei (RON) per individual
Bucharest Airport to Brasov By Prepare
Getting from Bucharest Airport to Brasov by prepare is a two-part journey, however it’s pretty simple and comes with the bonus of scenic views alongside the way in which.
The primary leg takes you from Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) to Bucharest Nord Station. From there, you’ll hop on one other prepare that may take you all the way in which to Brasov. A number of firms function this route, and whereas it’s doable to purchase tickets on the station, reserving on-line prematurely is extremely advisable — not solely to safe a seat, but additionally to take pleasure in discounted fares.
Right here’s a step-by-step information on find out how to get to Brasov from Aeroport Henri Coanda by prepare:
1. Purchase tickets on-line.
From Bucharest Airport to Bucharest Nord
- Head over to the official CFR web site. CFR is Romania’s nationwide railway operator.
- When you’re on the homepage, change the language to English from the highest menu. The interpretation isn’t excellent throughout the positioning, however it’s adequate to information you thru the method.
- On your origin, enter Aeroport Henri Coanda, and to your vacation spot, sort in Brasov. Choose your journey date, and the positioning will present you out there journeys, most of which contain a fast switch at Bucharest Nord Station.
Bucharest Airport to Bucharest Nord
Availability: Hourly prepare departure
Journey time: 25 minutes
Fare: 6.75 RON lei (RON) per individual
From Bucharest Nord to Brasov
- Select the prepare that greatest fit your finances and itinerary. For the second leg — the prepare experience from Bucharest Nord to Brasov — prepare for an extended listing of choices. When selecting your prepare, pay shut consideration not simply to the departure time, but additionally to the prepare sort and length. Typically paying a bit extra for a faster, extra snug experience is completely price it. Extra about this later.
- Choose the coach and your seat. When you’ve chosen your prepare, you’ll additionally be capable of select the precise coach and actual seat, which is tremendous helpful if you happen to’re touring with somebody or simply wish to safe a window spot.
- Create an account on the CFR web site. After that, you’ll must create an account and confirm your e mail. Then, enter all passenger particulars, together with full names — precisely as they seem in your passport. That is essential as a result of they do verify names on board towards the ticket.
- Proceed to the cost part. As soon as every thing seems to be good, go forward and pay utilizing a bank card. When the cost goes by means of, you’ll obtain a affirmation e mail with a QR code on the higher left nook. Save a digital copy in your cellphone and print one out simply in case.
Reminders
Now, listed below are the issues to contemplate when selecting the prepare:
- Not all trains are created equal. Some are fast and environment friendly, whereas others take for much longer. The quicker trains can get you to Brasov in as little as two hours and 14 minutes, whereas slower ones could take as much as 4.5 hours.
- Fares additionally range, relying on two primary issues: prepare sort and sophistication. For our journey to Brasov, we rode second class, however on our means again to Bucharest, we upgraded to firstclass simply to check — and we positively felt the distinction.
So, don’t simply take a look at departure occasions. Be sure to verify how lengthy the journey will take and what time you’ll truly arrive in Brasov. That is particularly essential if you happen to’re attempting to catch daylight or if in case you have lodge check-ins to contemplate.
Top quality is roomier, with simply three seats per row, in comparison with second class’s 4. That additional little bit of area makes an enormous distinction whenever you’re sitting for a few hours. It’s not nearly consolation. It’s additionally in regards to the environment. Top quality is noticeably quieter, just because there are fewer passengers. It’s a giant plus if you happen to’re hoping to catch some sleep or simply take pleasure in a peaceable experience. Oh, and the baggage racks? They’re larger too — excellent if you happen to’re carrying bulkier baggage or backpacks.
We paid 81 RON (16.35 EUR) for the primary class seats, whereas the second class seats price us 56.3 RON (11.35 EUR).
Three Sorts of Trains from Bucharest to Brasov
Right here’s one other factor: not all trains are priced the identical. Some fares are noticeably increased, whereas others, particularly the slower ones, are considerably cheaper. And that’s largely as a result of Romania has a number of kinds of trains, every catering to a distinct form of journey expertise.
For the Bucharest to Brasov route, you’ll most certainly come throughout three primary sorts:
- InterCity (IC). IC trains hyperlink Bucharest to the smaller cities and cities throughout Romania. These are the quickest, which implies shorter journey occasions, however in addition they include the very best fares. It took us solely two hours and 16 minutes to get to Brasov utilizing this prepare. For those who’re after consolation and velocity, and don’t thoughts paying a bit additional, that is your greatest guess.
- InterRegional (IR). These are long-distance trains that serve regional routes throughout Romania. They’re not as quick as IC trains, however they’re fairly dependable and strike steadiness between value and effectivity.
- Regio (R). Previously Private, these are your native commuter trains and the slowest of the bunch. They cease at nearly each single station alongside the route, which actually drags out the journey time. Utilizing this prepare to Brasov can take as much as three hours and 40 minutes. However the upside? They’re tremendous low cost. These are a strong alternative if you happen to’re on a decent finances and never in a rush.
2. Board the prepare to Bucharest Nord Station.
As quickly as you step out of the arrivals corridor at Otopeni Airport, the prepare station is difficult to overlook — it’s good throughout the road. Stroll a number of steps, cross over, and also you’ll end up on the gorgeous terminal.
Because you’ve already booked your ticket on-line, you’ll be able to skip the machines and queues. Simply head straight to the platform and wait to your prepare. However ensure you have your digital ticket and your passport prepared. A prepare inspector will come by to verify your reserving, and so they’ll scan the QR code in your ticket. They’ll additionally confirm if the identify matches the one in your passport, so double verify every thing earlier than the journey.
3. Alight at Bucharest Nord Station.
In case your prepare to Brasov is about to depart, all it is advisable do is discover the proper platform and wait. However if in case you have a bit extra time earlier than your prepare arrives, you’ll be able to simply cross the time at one of many cafés or quick meals spots close by.
For these needing to make use of the restroom, you’ll discover pay-to-use bathrooms within the station, however there’s additionally a free possibility contained in the McDonald’s. Simply take into account that you’ll must make a purchase order first, and the bathroom code is printed in your receipt. It’s a easy system, so seize a fast chunk and maintain your online business earlier than catching your prepare!
4. Switch to your Brasov Prepare.
Be sure to enable loads of lead time earlier than your boarding time as discovering your assigned automotive is usually a bit tough. From our expertise, prepare automobiles are numbered, however the precise quantity you’re searching for is commonly written on a chunk of white bond paper haphazardly caught to the window. For those who’re uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask a prepare employees member for assist.
When you’re on the proper automotive, discover your designated seat quantity. If in case you have baggage, there are overhead racks or baggage areas close to the doorways the place you’ll be able to retailer your baggage. Remember that most trains don’t terminate at Brasov, so that you’ll must regulate the station. It’s a good suggestion to start out getting ready to go away as you get nearer to Brasov to keep away from lacking your cease.
5. Take Uber to your Resort.
Brasov Station is smaller in comparison with Bucharest Nord, so it’s straightforward to navigate. As quickly as you step out of the terminal, you’ll be greeted by taxi drivers. Nonetheless, we extremely suggest utilizing Uber as a substitute. Some taxi drivers within the space have been recognized to benefit from unsuspecting vacationers, which is why our host steered Uber because the safer possibility. Plus, it’s fairly inexpensive in Brasov.
For example, our house was positioned proper inside the Outdated City, and we solely paid 13.96 RON (round 2.82 EUR) for the experience. Since we had been a bunch of three, that’s nearly 1 EUR per individual. Undoubtedly an awesome deal for comfort and peace of thoughts!
The place to Keep in Brasov
If, like us, you resolve to make Brasov your base, you’ll discover loads of lodging choices within the Outdated City and the Centrul Nou. These two areas are near the favored sights and transportation stations. Listed here are among the top-rated resorts in accordance with consumer evaluations on-line.
Prime Lodges in Brasov Outdated City
Prime Lodges in Centrul Nou
Seek for extra Brasov Lodges!
How you can Get from Brasov to Bucharest
When it’s time to go again to Bucharest or Bucharest Airport, it’s simply as essential to e-book your prepare tickets on-line prematurely. Comply with the identical course of talked about earlier, then merely retrace your steps:
- Take an Uber to Brasov Station.
- Catch a prepare to Bucharest Nord.
- Switch to a different prepare to the airport.
TIP! At all times allot loads of time to your transfers, as delays aren’t unusual in Romania. It’s clever to offer your self a number of hours of buffer time, particularly if in case you have a flight, bus, or one other prepare to catch. In our case, our prepare to Bucharest was delayed by over an hour, so it’s higher to be secure than sorry!
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