Romania
Transylvania, the Carpathians and medieval towns.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 10–14 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun–sep (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 2,500 km to Bucharest (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 4 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- Rovinieta (vignette) mandatory; price: see source (Details and source)
- Paying
- Romanian leu (RON)
- EU member
- yes
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
You pay with the Romanian leu (RON). Take off at an ATM and, if the screen offers to settle in euros, select the local currency: Then convert your own bank, which is usually cheaper (our tip). In cities and larger campsites, you can often pay by card; In the countryside, on small campsites and in markets, cash is practical (our experience).
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Bună ziua: good day
- Mulțumesc: thank you
- Vă rog: please
- La revedere: goodbye
Documents and border
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.
Health and safety
Take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, on the back of your health insurance card or available from your health insurer): it gives you necessary care in public healthcare under local conditions. Travel insurance is still wise, for example for repatriation. The European emergency number is 112.
Source: europa.eu (EHIC)
Traffic rules that matter
In Romania, there is an absolute ban on alcohol. You also drive during the day with low or daytime running lights. Winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions. Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, bandage box and fire extinguisher; A safety vest is only mandatory for vehicles over 3,500 kg, but recommended. Children under 135 cm are not allowed to sit in front.
Source: ANWB
Best time to travel
June to September. High mountain roads such as the Transfăgărășan are only open during the summer months (our assessment; check the current openings).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rovinieta (road vignette), passenger car | current price: see source (the price depends on the period and Euro emission standard) | Official site erovinieta.ro, petrol stations and post offices | CNAIR erovinieta.ro price checked Oct 2026 |
Buy vignettes only through the official channels: other sites often charge extra. A caravan or camper van may fall into a different class; check this with the source.
Destinations
Most beautiful places in Romania
Bran Castle
Castle near Brașov, often associated with Dracula; An excursion that children usually like.
Transfăgărășan
A spectacular mountain road through the Făgăraș Mountains, open only in the summer months.
Retezat and Piatra Craiului
National parks with mountain lakes and hiking routes.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Transylvania
The heart of the country, with medieval cities such as Brașov and Sibiu, church castles (World Heritage) and Bran Castle. Green hills and the Carpathians in the background.
Source: UNESCO: Transylvania
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
The Carpathians
Mountains with large forests, where brown bears also live. Parks like Piantra Craiului and Retezat are great for hiking. Always keep food well closed.
Source: retezat.ro
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Transfăgărășan
A spectacular mountain road (DN7C) over the Făgăraș Mountains. The high section between Bâlea Cascadă and Piscu Negru is only open in summer; in 2026 it opened on 12 June, daily from 07:00 to 21:00, and it closes temporarily in bad weather. Many hairpin bends; not recommended with a large camper van (our estimate).
Source: CNAIR (Romanian road authority)
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A route of 10 to 14 days through Transylvania; the distances from the Netherlands are long, so plan a few overnight stays on the way in Hungary (our assessment). Check the travel times in your route planner.
- Days 1-2: the Turda salt mine.
- Days 3-4: Sibiu and the fortified churches.
- Day 5: Transfăgărășan (if the road is open and your car is suitable).
- Days 6-9: Brașov, Bran Castle and the bear sanctuary near Zărnești.
Camping
Where do you camp?
Campsites in Transylvania
Around Brașov, Sibiu and Sighișoara are campsites in and near villages; search and compare them at ACSI Eurocampings. According to ACSI, most Romanian places are simpler than the European average, but mostly have electricity. Wild camping and staying on public roads are prohibited, and exchanging gas bottles is limited: Take enough gas with you.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Romania
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Camping in national parks
In parks such as Retezat, you can only camp at designated places. Cook and store food away from the tent because of the bears.
Source: retezat.ro
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Turda Salt Mine
A huge old salt mine that you can visit; Deep underground there are built-in attractions.
Source: salinaturda.eu
Libearty Bear Sanctuary
At Zărnești, the organization Millions of Friends hosts bears that used to live in cages. You visit it with a guided tour.
Source: millionsoffriends.org
Bran Castle
The castle, which is connected to Dracula, with towers, narrow stairs and secret passages. Full in the summer; go early.
Source: bran-castle.com
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
Therme București
A large indoor thermal and slide complex under a glass roof with palm trees.
Tickets/tour via Viator → Ad · affiliate link
Dino Parc Râșnov
According to its own website, the largest dinopark in Romania, below the castle Râșnov.
Libearty Bear Sanctuary
A sanctuary for bears rescued from captivity; you see them in large forest enclosures.
Tickets/tour via Viator → Ad · affiliate link
Salina Turda
Ancient salt mine deep underground, with Ferris wheel and a small lake with boats. Cold all year.
Tickets/tour via Viator → Ad · affiliate link
Cyberjump
Air-conditioned trampoline park, according to website with more than 14 fields and interactive games. Two locations in Bucharest.
FUN-O-RAMA
A family centre of 1450 m² with bowling (from 7 years according to the website), arcade games where you save tickets for a prize, and a playground for ages 2–10.
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Sarmale
Cabbage rolls filled with minced meat and rice, often with cornmeal porridge and sour cream.
Mici
Small grilled skinless sausages with mustard: real grill food.
Mămăligă
Hearty cornmeal porridge, the 'bread' of Romanian cuisine.
Papanași
Fried quark doughnuts with sour cream and jam: a favourite dessert.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (4)
Painted monasteries of Moldavia
In the northeast of Romania (Bukowina), churches painted entirely with Bible stories on the outside are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A beautiful quiet route through green hills.
Source: UNESCO: Churches of Moldavia
Sighișoara
A medieval fortress town with hour tower, UNESCO World Heritage site. Children like the covered student stairs to the upper city and the towers (our experience).
Source: UNESCO: Sighișoara
Avoid: feeding bears
On the Transfăgărășan and in the Carpathians there are regular bears on the road. Stay in the car, don't stop for photos and don't feed them; the CNAIR road administration also warns them.
Avoid: forgetting the rovinieta
For many main roads you need a Rovinieta, tied to your plate; It is controlled by camera. At some Danube bridges you pay extra toll.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Romania
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Camping in national parks
In Retezat National Park, you are only allowed to camp on the park’s designated tent sites, and open fire is forbidden; take a gas stove. Piatra Craiului also allows camping only in designated places. Source: retezat.ro and pcrai.ro (park management)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- retezat.ro and pcrai.ro (park management)
- UNESCO: Transylvania
- salinaturda.eu
- millionsoffriends.org
- bran-castle.com
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- CNAIR (Romanian road authority)
- ACSI Eurocampings: Romania
- UNESCO: Churches of Moldavia
- UNESCO: Sighișoara
- gandul.ro (CNAIR report, June 2026)
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Romania?
Rovinieta (vignette) duty; Price: see Source. Prices, points of sale and the official source are in the block 'Toll and Vignette' on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Romania?
Prohibited; staying overnight along the public road is also not allowed. (source: ACSI Eurocampings)
What is the best time to travel to Romania?
June to September. High mountain roads such as the Transfăgărășan are only open during the summer months (our assessment; check the current openings).
How far is Romania from London?
From London to Bucharest it is about 2,500 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 4 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Romania?
Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, bandage box and fire extinguisher; A high-visibility vest is only mandatory for vehicles over 3,500 kg, but is recommended. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our page Traffic rules & equipment. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Romania?
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.