Road Trip Recommendations Romania

Romania is vast, varied and practically made for a road trip: from the peaks of the Carpathians, through castles and medieval towns, to the Black Sea coast and the Danube Delta, many highlights lie within easy reach of each other. In this guide, we present three varied road trips (6–10 days), including concrete timing and planning tips, parking tips in the cities, and a compact toll guide for Romania. Secure your digital vignette in advance so you can use national roads and motorways with ease.

Before you set off: planning is everything!

The perfect itinerary for your road trip depends above all on time and travel style. Romania offers enough highlights for several holidays. From lively cities such as Bucharest, Constanța and Sibiu to remote mountain regions and stretches of coastline, there is something here for everyone. Think in advance about whether you'd like to focus more on culture & cities, hiking & nature, or the sea & the Danube Delta.

• Travel duration 5–6 days: Ideal for a compact route with 1–2 cities and a hiking area or stretch of coast. Plenty to see, but less time for extended relaxation.

• Travel duration 7–10 days: Perfect for combining several regions, such as Bucharest – Carpathians – Transylvania or Carpathians – Retezat – Banat Mountains, or Bucharest – Danube Delta – Black Sea – Dobrogea.

Our tips

As a rule of thumb, we recommend planning 1–3 hours of driving time per day and no more than two activities. That leaves enough room for spontaneous photo stops, a coffee break in a village, or a short hike. A road trip isn't a race, but a journey full of in-between moments. Keep the season in mind:

• May to October: The best time for Carpathian passes, hikes and city trips. Higher-altitude passes such as the Transfăgărășan high-mountain road are usually only open in summer.

• July to August: Peak season, ideal for the Black Sea and the Danube Delta. However, expect heavier traffic and accommodation in seaside resorts to book up early.

• December to March: For winter fans: a combination of cities and ski resorts such as Sinaia, Poiana Brașov, Straja, Predeal, Paltiniș or Semenic.

If you're travelling during public holidays or school holidays, expect heavier traffic around Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu and along the coast. Plan important legs as early in the morning or as late in the evening as possible.

Romania by car: starting points & parking in cities

Your starting point depends on how you're arriving, by plane or in your own car:

• Bucharest: The ideal starting point for combining the capital, the Carpathians and the Black Sea.

• Sibiu or Cluj-Napoca: Perfect for road trips through Transylvania, the Făgăraș Mountains, the Apuseni Mountains and Retezat.

• Timișoara: Convenient if arriving via Hungary, ideal for the Banat Mountains, Semenic and Retezat.

• Constanța: Perfect for a loop along the coast, into the Danube Delta and the Măcin Mountains.

Wondering where to park near these cities? Here are some valuable tips on parking in Romania:

• In Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu and Constanța, city centres are largely organised as "parcare cu plată" (paid parking zones). You can often pay via parking meters, SMS, or apps such as TPARK or UPPARK.

• Around the old towns (e.g. Brasov, Sibiu), it's often worth using a parking garage or a large public car park on the outskirts. From there, it's usually just a 5–15 minute walk to the pedestrian zones.

• In popular coastal towns such as Constanța, parking can become scarce and more expensive in summer. Allow some extra time to find a spot or check parking options in advance.

• Guarded car parks ("parcare păzită") offer extra security when you have a lot of luggage or expensive equipment in the vehicle.

In general: old town and city centre = better on foot. Park your car a little outside and enjoy the rest on foot or by public transport.

Road trip 1: Carpathian classics & city highlights (7–10 days)

This route is perfect if you're visiting Romania for the first time and want to see the best-known highlights: the capital, castles, high-mountain panoramas and one of the country's most beautiful old towns. The hikes are mostly easy to moderate.

• Bucharest: Capital flair & starting point (1–2 nights)

• Sinaia: Peleș Castle & access to the Bucegi Mountains (1–2 nights)

• Brasov & Bran Castle: Medieval town & "Dracula" backdrop (2 nights)

• Transfăgărășan high-mountain road & Făgăraș Mountains: Spectacular mountain roads (1–2 nights)

• Sibiu: Old town with charm (1–2 nights)

Bucharest (1–2 nights)

Start your road trip in Bucharest. The city combines historic façades and buildings with a surprisingly young dining and nightlife scene. Walking tip: old town Lipscani, the Palace of the Parliament from the outside, perhaps a museum visit (e.g. the Village Museum), and in the evening a meal at a traditional restaurant serving Romanian cuisine.

Parking tips for Bucharest to bear in mind when you arrive:

• The old town is largely a pedestrian zone. It's best to park your car in a parking garage or a guarded car park on the outskirts.

• Use apps or SMS parking to buy tickets in paid zones. Many hotels in the city centre offer their own parking spaces or partnerships with parking garages. It's worth asking in advance.

• Avoid rush hour (especially evenings during the week) when leaving the city, which saves both time and stress.

Sinaia & the Bucegi Mountains (1–2 nights)

From Bucharest, it's about a 2-hour drive to the mountain town of Sinaia. Here, Peleș Castle awaits — one of the most magnificent residences in Europe, beautifully set among forests and parklands.

Spend a day with:

• A visit to Peleș (and possibly Pelișor), followed by a walk through the castle park

• A stroll through the town of Sinaia with its Belle Époque-style hotels and cafés

• Optional: cable car or gondola up into the Bucegi Mountains for short panoramic trails and views over the Prahova Valley

Parking in Sinaia: There are designated car parks (paid) around the castle and in the centre. Arrive early during peak season, as car parks fill up quickly. Some accommodations have their own parking spaces.

Brasov & Bran Castle (2 nights)

Next, continue towards Brasov. One of Romania's most beautiful cities, with a colourful old town, the Black Church and a large market square — definitely not to be missed.

Plan for:

• 1 day in Brasov: A stroll through the old town, the Black Church, the city walls, and possibly a cable car ride up Tampa, the local mountain.

• Half a day to a full day at Bran Castle: A visit to the castle (known as "Dracula's Castle") and a walk through Bran village. (Read more: Bran Castle)

Parking in Brasov:

• There are many "parcare cu plată" zones around the old town (parking meters / SMS). Rates are generally moderate compared to Western Europe.

• During peak season, car parks right on the edge of the centre can fill up. Try the public car parks or parking garages located a little further out, and walk the last few minutes.

• Motorhomes can sometimes find spaces on larger parking areas above the city (e.g. on the road towards Poiana Brașov). It's worth checking parking apps here.

Parking in Bran: There are several paid car parks at the castle. During peak season, it's worth arriving early or visiting in the late afternoon once the tour groups have left.

Transfăgărășan high-mountain road & Făgăraș Mountains (1–2 nights)

Via the Prahova Valley or the Burzenland, continue towards the Transfăgărășan. This high-mountain road connects Wallachia and Transylvania and is one of the most spectacular roads in Europe. (Read more: Transfăgărășan high-mountain road)

Highlights along the way:

• Hairpin bends with numerous photo stops

• A stop at Lake Bâlea: a short loop trail with views of the surrounding peaks

• Depending on your fitness level: an easy to moderate hike to viewpoints or mountain ridges in the Făgăraș Mountains

Season note: The high-mountain section of the Transfăgărășan is only open during the summer months (typically around July to October, depending on weather conditions). The rest of the year, the upper section of the pass is closed, and Lake Bâlea may then be reached by cable car instead. Be sure to check the current status of the road in advance.

Parking: There are several car parks along the road at Lake Bâlea (paid). Arrive early on weekends and in good weather. At lower altitudes (e.g. near reservoirs), there are further parking options for photo stops and shorter walks.

Sibiu (1–2 nights)

To conclude the first road trip, you'll arrive in Sibiu (Hermannstadt). The city impresses with its squares (Great Square and Small Square), the famous "eye houses" and the Liars' Bridge. (Read more: Sibiu)

Recommendations:

• A walk through the old town, including a visit to the viewing towers

• A stroll among the cafés and restaurants on the Great Square

• Optional: a short trip into the surrounding area, e.g. to villages with fortified churches

Parking in Sibiu:

• There are several public car parks and parking garages around the historic old town. If you want to park close to the centre, it's best to use official parking areas (e.g. near Piața Unirii or on the edge of the lower town).

• Most car parks are paid, with payment via meter, SMS or app.

• For larger vehicles (e.g. motorhomes up to 3.5 t), it's worth checking parking apps — many users recommend car parks near the old town with enough space.

From Sibiu, you can return to Bucharest (around 4–5 hours' drive) or combine your trip with further road trips.

Road trip 2: Carpathians in depth, hiking areas & mountain lakes (8–10 days)

This road trip is a dream for hikers and nature lovers. It combines several of Romania's most important hiking areas: the Southern Carpathians, the Western Carpathians and Retezat.

• Sibiu or Cluj-Napoca: City start (1 night)

• Apuseni Mountains (Western Carpathians): Apuseni Nature Park & Padiș Plateau (2–3 nights)

• Hunedoara (optional): Castle & stopover (1 night)

• Retezat National Park: High mountains & mountain lakes (2–3 nights)

• Semenic & the Banat Mountains: Forests & plateaus (1–2 nights)

• Timișoara or Sibiu: City finale (1 night)

Starting in Sibiu or Cluj-Napoca (1 night)

Depending on your flight connections, it's worth starting in either Sibiu or Cluj-Napoca. Both cities offer beautiful old towns, plenty of restaurants, and a good base for picking up your rental car and doing any last-minute shopping.

Parking: In both cities, the old town is partly traffic-calmed. Use public parking garages or guarded car parks on the edge of the pedestrian zones and explore the centre on foot.

The Apuseni Mountains & Apuseni Nature Park (2–3 nights)

From Cluj or Sibiu, head into the Western Carpathians, specifically the Apuseni Mountains. This region is characterised by gentle hills, karst landscapes, caves and traditional villages.

Possible places to stay overnight:

• Villages such as Gârda de Sus or Arieșeni with guesthouses and mountain huts

• Accommodation on the Padiș Plateau for short distances to the hiking trails

Activities you won't forget any time soon, and which will bring you even closer to nature:

• Hikes through karst landscapes and gorges

• Visits to caves (e.g. ice caves) on guided tours

• Easy loop trails across pastures and through forests, also ideal for families

Since many villages are small, you'll usually park directly at your accommodation. For day trips, use the car parks at trailheads or cave entrances (some free, some with a small parking fee).

Hunedoara (optional, 1 night)

On the way to Retezat, you can make a stop in Hunedoara. Here stands the imposing Corvin Castle, one of Romania's best-known castles. Ideal for an afternoon with a castle tour and photo stop.

Parking: There are designated car parks near the castle, designed for visitors.

Retezat National Park (2–3 nights)

Retezat National Park is a high-mountain paradise with over 20 larger mountain lakes and numerous peaks above 2,000 metres. Hiking trails range from shorter walks to lakes to long day hikes up peaks and ridges. (Read more: Retezat National Park)

Recommendation for 2–3 nights:

• Day 1: Arrival in the valley, a relaxed hike to a lower-lying lake or viewpoint

• Day 2: A major day hike to mountain lakes or one of the peaks (only with suitable equipment and in stable weather conditions)

• Day 3 (optional): Another half-day hike or a relaxed day in the valley

Parking & infrastructure: The roads into the valleys are sometimes narrow and not always in perfect condition, but are fine to drive with a normal car. There are car parks (some paid) at the trailheads. Arrive early if you want to do popular hikes.

Semenic & the Banat Mountains (1–2 nights)

Next, continue on to the Banat Mountains and the Semenic Mountains. This region is quieter than many other Carpathian areas and is excellent for slowing down after the intense Retezat hikes.

Here you can expect:

• Gentle mountain tops, forests and plateaus

• Easy hiking routes and forest tracks, excellent for hiking or cycling

• The Semenic ski resort in winter

Parking & overnight stays: Many accommodations offer their own car parks. In the villages and ski resorts, there are larger parking areas that also accommodate motorhomes.

Timișoara or Sibiu (1 night)

To round things off, consider a stay in Timișoara (art nouveau, squares, cafés) or once again in Sibiu. Here you can wrap up your mountain road trip with a stroll through town and a good dinner before heading home.

Parking tips: As in the other cities: park on the edge of the centre, use a parking ticket or app, and explore the city centre on foot.

Road trip 3: coast, Danube Delta & Dobrogea (6–9 days)

This road trip is for anyone who wants to combine the sea, river landscapes and gentle hills. You'll start in the capital, experience unusual geological features, explore the unique Danube Delta, and relax on the Black Sea coast, before lacing up your hiking boots once more in the Măcin Mountains.

• Bucharest: Capital start (1 night)

• Berca Mud Volcanoes: Natural phenomenon (½–1 day)

• Tulcea & the Danube Delta: Boat tours & nature (2–3 nights)

• Constanța & the Black Sea coast: Harbour, old town & beach (2–3 nights)

• Măcin Mountains/Dobrogea: Romania's oldest mountain range (1 night)

Bucharest (1 night)

Use your arrival day to get a quick feel for Bucharest. A walk through the old town, a look at the Palace of the Parliament from the outside, and dinner are enough for a first impression. The next morning, continue towards Berca.

Berca Mud Volcanoes (half a day to a full day)

The Berca Mud Volcanoes are a geological highlight: mud rises to the surface from small craters, creating a barren, almost otherworldly landscape. Short loop trails lead through the area and offer plenty of photo opportunities. (Read more: Berca Mud Volcanoes)

Parking: There are car parks near the entrance area, usually for a small fee. Sturdy shoes and sun protection are recommended, as there's hardly any shade.

Tulcea & the Danube Delta (2–3 nights)

From Berca, continue on to Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta. Plan for at least two nights here, ideally three.

Possible activities:

• Boat trips along different routes, from short rides to full-day tours

• Bird watching: pelicans, herons and numerous other species

• Visits to villages in the delta with traditional houses

Parking: There are several parking options within the town of Tulcea. Some accommodations offer parking for guests or can recommend guarded car parks while you're out on the delta by boat.

Constanța & the Black Sea coast (2–3 nights)

The next stop is Constanța, the most important port city on Romania's Black Sea coast. Here, historic buildings, the famous casino, stretches of beach and a waterfront promenade all come together. (Read more: Constanța)

Recommended activities:

• A walk along the promenade and to the casino

• A stroll through the old town, with its mosque, churches and squares

• Beach days in Constanța or at the nearby seaside resort of Mamaia

Parking in Constanța:

• There are numerous paid parking zones around the old town and waterfront areas (some app-/SMS-based). During peak season, allow some extra time to find a parking spot.

• Many hotels along the coast offer their own car parks or reserved parking spaces — a definite plus to look for when booking, especially in peak season.

Măcin Mountains / Dobrogea (1 night)

On your way back west, it's worth making a detour to the Măcin Mountains in the Dobrogea region. Geologically one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe, today it's more of a gentle hilly landscape — ideal for leisurely hikes.

What awaits you:

• Well-marked trails with sweeping views over hills, Danube branches and fields

• Dry, almost steppe-like vegetation combined with oak forests

• Peaceful nature without large crowds

Parking & hiking: There are designated car parks at the entrance to the national park's hiking routes. Bring plenty of water, as the area can get very warm depending on the season.

From here, you can head back to Bucharest or, depending on time, continue on to other regions, such as Transylvania, to combine further road trips with this one.

Toll guide for Romania

To ensure your road trip goes smoothly, here's the most important information about tolls in Romania. For more detailed information, see our guide to tolls in Romania.

Digital vignette (Rovinieta)

The electronic vignette (Rovinieta) is mandatory across the entire national road network, meaning national roads, expressways and motorways. It is linked to your licence plate, so you no longer need a sticker and can avoid the annoying scraping. The only exceptions are sections of national roads within larger cities (municipii).

Special toll on Danube bridges

In addition to the Rovinieta, the Calafat–Vidin Danube bridge has its own fee (€6 for cars, both directions), as does the Ruse–Giurgiu bridge when travelling towards Romania (charged by Bulgaria). These fees are not included in the vignette. The Romanian bridge fees at Fetești and Giurgeni–Vadu Oii were abolished as of 1 October 2026.

Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW

For trucks over 3.5 t GVW, the distance-based toll system TollRo has applied since 1 October 2026 (not part of the flat rate). Find out in advance which system applies to your vehicle and how billing works. Our support team will be happy to help with any questions.

Vignettes are country-specific

The digital vignette for Romania is valid only in Romania. Neighbouring countries (e.g. Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Slovakia) may also have their own vignette or toll systems. We offer digital vignettes for several countries, ideal if your road trip crosses borders.

Why DMC's digital vignette is the right choice

DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH makes your trip to Romania especially simple:

• Quick online ordering in just a few minutes

• Choice of start date for optimal planning

• Email support in 14 languages

• Years of experience with digital vignettes in several European countries

• Transparent information on fines, vehicle classes and special routes

Practical tips for your road trip in Romania

Finally, here are a few more things to factor into your planning:

• Timing: On weekends and during holiday periods, roads (especially between Bucharest and Brasov or along the coast) can get busier. Drive longer legs as early or as late as possible.

• Traffic rules: Stick to speed limits and blood alcohol limits. You'll find more information in our guide to traffic rules in Romania.

• Parking & apps: In many cities, parking works via SMS or app. You'll usually find the relevant information on parking signs. Keep your SMS confirmations.

• Respect nature: Stay on marked trails, especially in national parks and protected areas, and take your rubbish with you.

• Camping & pitches: Wild camping is officially banned in national parks and protected areas. In general, campers are often viewed tolerantly in Romania. Even so, it's best to use official campsites or pitches and follow local rules.

• Weather in the mountains: Weather in the Carpathians can change quickly. Pack a rain jacket, warm layers and sturdy shoes, even in summer.

• Fuel: There are plenty of petrol stations in cities and along major routes, but distances can be greater in remote mountain regions. It's therefore best to always refuel early.

The Europamaut team wishes you a wonderful trip

With these three road trips, you'll experience Romania in all its diversity: capital-city flair, Carpathian panoramas, fairy-tale castles, traditional villages, the Danube Delta and the Black Sea. Secure your digital vignette in advance with your preferred start date and enjoy maximum freedom on your route.

We wish you a good trip, unforgettable views and plenty of small moments that will make your road trip through Romania truly unique. Feel free to use our route planner to see all the toll products you'll need. You'll also find more detailed information on tolls and vehicle classes in our guide. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with us by email.