How to Get to Brasov. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Brasov

Brasov possesses its own airport, but Bucharest's airport serves as the main gateway for most international travelers.

Airport Details

Brasov-Ghimbav International Airport (GHV): Opened in 2023, approximately 12 kilometers from Brasov city center. Limited direct flights, mainly with Wizz Air and Dan Air, to a few European cities.
Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) - Bucharest: Romania's largest and busiest international airport. Approximately 160 km (2.5-3 hours drive) south of Brasov. OTP serves as the main entry point for most international travelers.
Direct flights from major global hubs typically go to Bucharest (OTP). Connections usually occur through major European hubs like Frankfurt, London, Paris, Istanbul. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airlines and Facilities

Both airports offer typical features, but OTP provides a wider range of services owing to its size.

Airline and Airport Services

GHV Airlines: A Low-cost european airline and Dan Air are the main operators.
OTP Airlines: Serves major international airlines including TAROM, Lufthansa, Ba, Air France, KLM, The National flag carrier airline of the turkish republic, Ryanair, A Low-cost european airline, and Austrian Airlines.
Airport Facilities: Both GHV and OTP offer duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, and Wi-Fi. OTP has a wider selection of dining and shopping.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Ticket prices for flights are higher during peak summer (June-August) plus national holidays (Christmas, Easter). Off-peak seasons offer lower prices.

Rental Car Options

Available at both OTP and GHV for flexibility. Check DiscoverCars.com for affordable rates.

Private Transfers/Taxi

Most convenient but most expensive. Pre-book private transfers or use official airport taxis from the stand. Avoid unofficial solicitors.

Transfer Options to City/Accommodation

From OTP Bucharest

A direct train from Otopeni Airport station to Bucharest North Station (Gara de Nord), then connect to Brasov. Total travel: 3.5-4.5 hours.
Direct bus services (CDI Transport, Direct Aeroport) run regularly from OTP to Brasov. Journey: 2.5-3.5 hours.
Shared minibuses (Transfero) offer door-to-door services and can be pre-booked for convenience.
Rental Car: Pick up at OTP for flexibility in exploring the region.

From GHV Brasov

Public Bus: RATBV Line A1 operates between the airport and Livada Poștei in Brasov city center.
Taxi/Ride-sharing: Taxis and Bolt/Uber services are is available straight from from the airport to your accommodation in Brasov.
Rental Car: Rental desks available at GHV for exploring the local area.
Always verify the most recent routes and schedules for public transport options.

Land Transportation Overview

Train Connections

Brasov functions as a major railway hub with frequent connections to Bucharest (2.5-3.5 hours) and other Romanian cities like Sibiu, Sighișoara, and Cluj-Napoca. CFR Călători and Astra Trans Carpatic operate routes.

Long-Distance Buses

A network of long-distance buses connects Brasov to various Romanian cities and some international destinations. Companies like Autogări.ro and FlixBus are significant. Bus travel can be slower but provides direct connections to some towns.

Border Crossing

Romania shares land borders with Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Crossings with Hungary and Bulgaria are generally smooth for EU/Schengen citizens. Non-EU citizens undergo standard passport and visa checks. Have all required documents ready.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements & Costs

Car rentals are obtainable from major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt) and local agencies in Brasov and at OTP/GHV airports.

Rental Details

Requirements: Valid driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licenses. A credit card for the security deposit. Minimum age for rental is typically 21 or 23, with possible young driver additional fees for those under 25.
Cost: Varies significantly by season, car type, and rental duration. Expect to pay 150-300+ RON per day. Check DiscoverCars.com for options.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common but may be available from specialized local shops. An appropriate motorcycle license is necessary.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and road conditions for a hassle-free trip.

Rules of the Road

Driving Laws: Drive on the right side. Seatbelts are mandatory. Headlights must remain on at all times. Zero-tolerance for alcohol for first-time drivers.
Road Conditions: Main roads are generally in good condition. Secondary and rural roads can vary.
Winter Tires: Mandatory November 1 - March 31 if roads are adorned with snowfall or ice. Snow chains may be needed in mountain passes during heavy snowfall.

Vignette & Speed Limits

Road tolls and pace limits apply in Romania.

Road Use Regulations

Vignette (Rovinieta): A road toll for driving outside urban areas on national roads. Purchase online, at border crossings, or petrol stations.
Speed Limits: A speed limit of 50 km/h in towns, 90 kilometers per hour in rural areas, 100 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways.
Acquire the vignette before you begin driving on national roads.

Driving Safety

Watch out for possible hazards on Romanian roads.

Precautions

Romanian drivers may be assertive and overtake frequently.
Watch for horse-drawn carts and pedestrians or cyclists, notably in rural areas.
Exercise caution on less-traveled routes, which may have potholes.

Sea/River Arrivals

This section does not apply to Brasov.
Brasov is a city not on the coast.
There's no sea or major river access directly to Brasov.

Travelers typically arrive by air or land.
Consult the air and land travel sections for arrival details.
This mode of transport is irrelevant for Brasov.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

Prepare for your departure to guarantee a seamless exit from Romania. No departure taxes apply are levied on tourists departing Romania by air or land. Airlines typically include these in the ticket price.

Check Your Ticket

Verify your airline ticket for any included fees.
No additional payments are typically required at the airport or border for your exit.
Retain all receipts and boarding passes for your records.

Departure Procedures and Timing

Standard aviation security and immigration procedures apply upon departure.

Recommended Arrival Times

For Flights Abroad from Bucharest (OTP): Arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. This allows ample time for check-in, security, and potential delays.
For Flights from Brasov-Ghimbav (GHV): 1.5-2 hours is generally adequate because of its smaller size and lower passenger volume.
For Train Departures: Arrive at Brasov train station at least 15-30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure.

Waiting Areas

Waiting areas, restrooms, food outlets, and ATMs are available at both airports and Brasov train station (Gara Brasov).

Food & Drink

Larger airports, like OTP, offer a broader selection of restaurant and retail options for departing travelers.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is generally available in both airports, enabling last-minute communication or planning.

Departure Tip

Always check the latest flight or train status before heading to your point of departure. Allow extra time during peak travel seasons.

How to Get to Brasov