Getting There & Away: Sibiu

Air Travel

Main Airports

Sibiu International Airport (SBZ): The main airport directly serving Sibiu. A smaller, regional airport, convenience for direct arrivals.

International Gateway

Direct flights to major European cities.
Connections via Munich, Vienna, London Luton.
Direct flights outside Europe are rare for SBZ.

Bucharest Alternative

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP): Approximately 4.5 hours drive or train journey from Sibiu. Romania's largest airport.

Extended Reach

Serves as an alternative for more international connections.
Numerous major airlines serve OTP, vast network.
Connects to a broader range of international cities.

Flight Booking Tips

Flight frequency and prices increase during Sibiu's peak tourist seasons (June-August, Christmas Market).

Booking Advantage

Booking flights 3-6 months before travel secures best prices and preferred flight times.

Off-Season Value

Prices generally lower during shoulder and low seasons.

Airport Transfers

From SBZ to City

Bus: Local line 11 direct to city center (~3 RON).
Taxi: Readily available, use meter or agree price (~15-25 RON).
Ride-sharing: Bolt operates from the airport.
Car Rental: Desks at airport, if exploring region.

From OTP to Sibiu

Train: OTP to Gara de Nord, then direct trains to Sibiu (5-6 hours).
Bus: Long-distance buses from OTP or Bucharest terminals (4-5 hours).
Private Transfer/Shuttle: Pre-booked direct service.
Rental Car: Pick up at OTP, drive to Sibiu (3.5-4 hours via A1).

SBZ Airport Services

Facilities

Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) is a small and modern facility. It basic but adequate facilities.

Shops & Food

A few shops offering local products and travel essentials. Cafes for snacks and drinks.

Car Rental

Car rental desks for various companies. Currency exchange services available. Find car rental deals on DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Sibiu connects to the national railway network, operated by CFR Călători.

Routes & Types

Direct trains from Sibiu to Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca.
InterRegio (IR) trains are faster and more comfortable.
Tickets at stations, online via CFR Călători, or apps.

Long-Distance Buses

Numerous private bus companies operate routes connecting Sibiu to cities across Romania and some international destinations.

Schedules & Stations

Autogări.RO is useful for routes and schedules.
Frequent services to Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca.
Sibiu has multiple smaller bus terminals. Confirm departure station.

Driving Requirements

To drive in Romania, a valid national driver's license. Non-EU citizens require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license. Carry vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Rules

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
Headlights on at all times, day or night.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major roads and highways, specifically the A1 motorway, generally well-maintained. Rural roads vary in surface quality. Mountain roads, like the Transfăgărășan, offer scenic drives but pose challenges.

Local Driving Tips

Driving habits can be aggressive in some areas. Drive defensively.
Awareness of horse-drawn carts and pedestrians, especially in villages.
Winter driving conditions (snow, ice) from November to March.

Mandatory Road Tax

A road tax sticker or electronic vignette ("rovinietă") is mandatory.
For driving on national roads outside urban areas.
Purchase at border crossings, gas stations, or online.

Failure to have one results in fines.
Speed limits are: 50 km/h in urban areas.
90 km/h on national roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways.

Departure Info

Airport Departures SBZ

No specific exit fees are charged for departing passengers at Sibiu International Airport (SBZ). These types of taxes are typically included in your flight ticket price.

Timing

For European flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, security.
Procedures generally quick at Sibiu's smaller airport.

Train/Bus Departures

Arrive at the train or bus station 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Boarding Ease

Allows you to locate your platform or bus.
Board without rush.
Check station departure screens for updates.

Airport Facilities

SBZ has a small duty-free shop. A few cafes for last-minute snacks or drinks.

Train Station Amenities

Gara Sibiu provides basic waiting areas. Ticket counters available for purchases.

Basic Services

Small kiosks for snacks, drinks, or newspapers. Functional for departing travelers.

Border Information

Land Borders

Romania shares land borders with Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary.

Border Crossings

For EU and Schengen area citizens, crossings with Hungary and Bulgaria are generally smooth.
Minimal passport checks due to Romania's pending full Schengen integration.
For non-Schengen citizens, standard passport control procedures apply.

Sea & River Arrivals

Sibiu is a landlocked city. Therefore, sea or river arrivals are not applicable for direct travel to Sibiu.

Coastal & Inland Waterways

Romania has Black Sea ports (e.g., Constanța).
Danube River ports also exist.
These are far from Sibiu and require onward land travel.

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Hotel Booking

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Travel Insights

Romania offers diverse land travel experiences. From modern highways to scenic mountain passes, journeys vary.

Getting There & Away