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How to Get to Sighisoara

How to Get to Sighisoara

Sighisoara Transylvania, Romania Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Sighisoara

The closest and most convenient air terminals for reaching Sighisoara are Sibiu International Airport (SBZ), Targu Mures Transilvania Airport (TGM), and Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ). Bucharest's Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is Romania's largest hub.

Airport Overview

  • SBZ (Sibiu): Approx 80 km west, flights to several European cities.
  • TGM (Targu Mures): Approx 60 north, mainly low-budget airlines, limited routes.
  • CLJ (Cluj-Napoca): Approx 120 km northwest, wider range of international connections.

Airlines & Transfers

Low-cost carriers Wizz Air and Ryanair operate from regional airports. Tarom, Romania's national airline, operates from Bucharest. Major European airlines connect Bucharest (OTP) to worldwide hubs. No direct intercontinental flights to local airports near Sighisoara.

Transfer Options

  • Taxi/Ride-Share: Most convenient from SBZ/TGM; pre-booking private transfer.
  • Bus/Train: From SBZ/TGM, local transport into the city's core, then intercity to Sighisoara.
  • From OTP (Bucharest): Shuttle/taxi to Gara de Nord, then direct train/bus to Sighisoara.

Seasonal Availability

Flight prices increase during peak summer (June-August) and near major holidays. Booking well in advance secures better rates.

Affiliate Flight Resources

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals and Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Airport Facilities

Regional airports offer basic facilities. Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) provides extensive services, including shops, restaurants, and currency exchange.

Choosing Your Flight Path

Connecting Through Europe

  • Travelers from outside Europe typically fly into a major European city.
  • Connect to Bucharest (OTP) from hubs like London, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna.
  • From OTP, continue to Sighisoara by train, bus, or rental car.
  • Booking flights well in advance for popular periods gets you better prices.

Regional Airport Access

  • Car rental desks are available at all major airports (SBZ, TGM, CLJ, OTP).
  • Pre-arranging transfers or double-checking taxi availability is wise for after-dark night arrivals.
  • Direct flights to Sibiu, Targu Mures, or Cluj-Napoca are almost exclusively from other European cities.
  • Consider flight frequency when selecting a regional airport; Cluj usually has additional choices.

Travel Flexibility

Flight Savings

Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to savings on airfare, especially during off-peak seasons.

Route Options

Discover various airline combinations for the best price and connection to Romania.

Airport Choice

Consider all major airports, balancing proximity to Sighisoara with flight availability and cost.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Sighisoara connects well with CFR Călători, the national railway company. The train station is in the Lower Town, a short distance from the Stronghold. Direct train connections are available to/from major Romanian cities, including Bucharest (Gara de Nord), Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, and Targu Mures. These routes display scenic views of the Romanian countryside.

Train Travel Types

  • InterRegio (IR): Faster trains with fewer stops, suitable for longer journeys.
  • Regio (R): Slower, local trains with more stops, good for regional trips.
  • Booking: Purchase online via CFR Călători website, at stations, or mobile app.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Several private bus companies operate intercity routes to and from Sighisoara. The main bus terminal, Autogara Transbus Codreanu, is near the train station in the Lower Town. Bus transport links are accessible to Brasov, Sibiu, Targu Mures, Bucharest, and lots of tinier communities and hamlets throughout Transylvania. Buses often reach destinations not served directly by train.

Bus Travel Specifics

  • Companies: Autogara Transbus Codreanu is a main hub; other local operators exist.
  • Booking: Tickets often purchased at the station on travel day. Online booking via Autogari.ro for popular routes.
  • Journey Length: Can be slower compared to trains due to road conditions or frequent stops.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Driving in Romania offers ultimate freedom for exploring Transylvania's hidden gems. A valid national driving license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly advised for non-EU/EEA citizens. Carry both licenses.

Driving Guidelines

  • Credit Card: A major credit card (in main driver's name) for security deposit.
  • Road Conditions: Highways are generally good; secondary roads vary.
  • Vignette (Rovinietă): Road tax sticker required for national roads (often with rental cars).

Driving Rules & Parking

Drive on the proper lane for traffic. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90-100 km/h outside, and 130 kilometers an hour on motorways. Pay attention to signs. Zero tolerance for spirits and liquors while driving.

Parking in Sighisoara

  • Parking is limited and often paid, notably by the Citadel.
  • Paid car parks are at the base of the Stronghold hill.
  • The Citadel itself is largely pedestrianized, with restricted vehicle access.

Road Safety Concerns

  • Winter: Roads become challenging owing to snowfall and ice; winter tires required.
  • Snow chains may be necessary in mountainous regions.
  • Be aware of horse-drawn carts and people on foot, particularly in the countryside.
  • Aggressive road behavior or impatient behavior can occur on two-lane roads.
  • Maintain a defensive driving approach.
  • Romania shares land borders; expect standard passport control procedures for non-EU/Schengen nationals.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland Location

Sighisoara is an inland city, situated on the Târnava Mare River. Direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching Sighisoara.

Water Transport Not Applicable

  • No direct a way to get to the sea to Sighisoara.
  • Târnava Mare River is not used for passenger transportation.
  • Romania's Black Sea ports and Danube River ports are distant from Sighisoara.

Onward Travel from Ports

If arriving in Romania via a Black Sea port (e.g., Constanta) or a Danube River port, onward land journey by train, bus, or car is required to reach Sighisoara. Plan for a significant how long it takes to get from these particular distant locations.

Connecting from Ports

  • Land travel by car offers the most direct route from coastal/river ports.
  • Train connections are available from major cities near ports.
  • Buses serve various ways from port cities to central Romania.

No Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for tourists departing from Romania by air, land, or sea. Departure taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Timing

For international flights, show UP 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic/Schengen flights, 1-2 hours. For train/bus, 20-HALF an hour before departure.

Station Facilities

Sighisoara's public transport by train and bus stations have no-frills waiting areas and kiosks. Major airports offer more extensive services like shops and restaurants.

Departure Information

Travel Planning Note

Take travel time into account from Sighisoara to your chosen airport of departure (Sibiu, Targu Mures, Cluj, or Bucharest), as journeys may take several hours.