When Romania first popped up on our radar throughout our Europe journey planning, our eyes instantly zeroed in on Transylvania. And instantly, we knew Brasov could be our house base. It simply made sense — it’s near a whole lot of the sights we wished to go to, it’s pretty straightforward to get to, and let’s be sincere, its Previous City is straight-up gorgeous. One look and it’s actually onerous to say no.
If you happen to’re flying into Romania, you’ll doubtless 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 whole lot of flights land right here, and many of the ones that do are seasonal.
The primary airport — and the one most vacationers use — is Henri Coandă Worldwide Airport (OTP). It’s additionally generally known as Otopeni Airport as a result of it’s situated 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 predominant methods to get there from Otopeni Airport: by bus or by prepare. Straightforward choices, relying in your journey model 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 Previous City — excellent if that’s the place you’re staying.
One of the vital fashionable choices is an organization known as Direct Aeroport. They use smaller automobiles like mini-buses or mini-vans, which makes for a extra relaxed and fewer crowded trip. We booked with them, which was fairly easy. We even managed to order seats on-line forward of time.
How one can E-book a Seat
- Head over to Direct Aeroport web site. Change 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 instances. 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 particular person — not dangerous for a snug trip straight to the guts of Brasov.
- Pay on your bus ticket. You possibly can select to both pay on your Direct Aeroport bus ticket on-line or just reserve a seat with out making a cost instantly. For our journey, we initially opted for the latter. We made a reservation first, pondering 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 particular person
Bucharest Airport to Brasov By Prepare
Getting from Bucharest Airport to Brasov by prepare is a two-part journey, but it surely’s pretty easy 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 can take you all the way in which to Brasov. A number of firms function this route, and whereas it’s attainable to purchase tickets on the station, reserving on-line prematurely is very beneficial — not solely to safe a seat, but additionally to take pleasure in discounted fares.
Right here’s a step-by-step information on tips on 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, swap the language to English from the highest menu. The interpretation isn’t excellent throughout the positioning, but it surely’s ok to information you thru the method.
- In your origin, enter Aeroport Henri Coanda, and on your vacation spot, kind in Brasov. Choose your journey date, and the positioning will present you accessible 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 particular person
From Bucharest Nord to Brasov
- Select the prepare that finest fit your funds and itinerary. For the second leg — the prepare trip from Bucharest Nord to Brasov — prepare for a protracted checklist of choices. When choosing your prepare, pay shut consideration not simply to the departure time, but additionally to the prepare kind and period. Generally paying a bit extra for a faster, extra comfy trip is completely value it. Extra about this later.
- Choose the coach and your seat. When you’ve chosen your prepare, you’ll additionally have the ability to select the particular 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 vital as a result of they do examine names on board towards the ticket.
- Proceed to the cost part. As soon as every little thing seems 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 telephone and print one out simply in case.
Reminders
Now, listed here are the issues to think about 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 predominant issues: prepare kind and sophistication. For our journey to Brasov, we rode second class, however on our means again to Bucharest, we upgraded to top quality simply to match — and we undoubtedly felt the distinction.
So, don’t simply have a look at departure instances. Be certain that to examine how lengthy the journey will take and what time you’ll really arrive in Brasov. That is particularly vital if you happen to’re making an attempt to catch daylight or if in case you have lodge check-ins to think about.
First-class is roomier, with simply three seats per row, in comparison with second class’s 4. That further little bit of area makes an enormous distinction whenever you’re sitting for a few hours. It’s not nearly consolation. It’s additionally concerning the environment. First-class 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 trip. Oh, and the bags 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 Kinds of Trains from Bucharest to Brasov
Right here’s one other factor: not all trains are priced the identical. Some fares are noticeably greater, whereas others, particularly the slower ones, are considerably cheaper. And that’s largely as a result of Romania has a number of sorts of trains, every catering to a unique sort of journey expertise.
For the Bucharest to Brasov route, you’ll almost certainly come throughout three predominant varieties:
- InterCity (IC). IC trains hyperlink Bucharest to the smaller cities and cities throughout Romania. These are the quickest, which implies shorter journey instances, however additionally they include the best fares. It took us solely two hours and 16 minutes to get to Brasov utilizing this prepare. If you happen to’re after consolation and velocity, and don’t thoughts paying a bit further, that is your finest 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 a superb stability between worth and effectivity.
- Regio (R). Previously Private, these are your native commuter trains and the slowest of the bunch. They cease at virtually 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 stable alternative if you happen to’re on a good funds 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 may skip the machines and queues. Simply head straight to the platform and wait on your prepare. However be sure to have your digital ticket and your passport prepared. A prepare inspector will come by to examine your reserving, and so they’ll scan the QR code in your ticket. They’ll additionally confirm if the title matches the one in your passport, so double examine every little thing earlier than the journey.
3. Alight at Bucharest Nord Station.
In case your prepare to Brasov is about to depart, all it’s worthwhile to do is discover the precise platform and wait. However if in case you have a bit extra time earlier than your prepare arrives, you may simply move 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 bogs within the station, however there’s additionally a free possibility contained in the McDonald’s. Simply needless to say 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 chew and handle your small business earlier than catching your prepare!
4. Switch to your Brasov Prepare.
Be certain that to permit loads of lead time earlier than your boarding time as discovering your assigned automotive is usually a bit difficult. From our expertise, prepare automobiles are numbered, however the precise quantity you’re in search of is usually written on a bit of white bond paper haphazardly caught to the window. If you happen to’re uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask a prepare employees member for assist.
When you’re on the precise automotive, discover your designated seat quantity. You probably have baggage, there are overhead racks or baggage areas close to the doorways the place you may 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. Nevertheless, we extremely advocate utilizing Uber as a substitute. Some taxi drivers within the space have been identified to benefit from unsuspecting vacationers, which is why our host advised Uber because the safer possibility. Plus, it’s fairly inexpensive in Brasov.
As an example, our residence was situated proper throughout the Previous City, and we solely paid 13.96 RON (round 2.82 EUR) for the trip. Since we had been a gaggle of three, that’s nearly 1 EUR per particular person. Undoubtedly a terrific deal for comfort and peace of thoughts!
The place to Keep in Brasov
If, like us, you determine to make Brasov your base, you’ll discover loads of lodging choices within the Previous City and the Centrul Nou. These two areas are near the favored sights and transportation stations. Listed below are a number of the top-rated resorts in keeping with person critiques on-line.
Prime Accommodations in Brasov Previous City
Prime Accommodations in Centrul Nou
Seek for extra Brasov Accommodations!
How one can Get from Brasov to Bucharest
When it’s time to move again to Bucharest or Bucharest Airport, it’s simply as vital to guide 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 on your transfers, as delays should not unusual in Romania. It’s sensible to present 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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