Romania
Transylvania, the Carpathians and medieval towns.
Where do you go when you want to head off with the kids, the car and the tent? On this page we've gathered everything about Romania for you: what there is to see, where to camp and what you need to know on the way.
Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · sources are given with the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this site
Introduction
To Romania with the family
Romania is big and a decent ride, but very varied for a family with time and car. Transylvania has castles and church castles, the Carpathian forests and mountain roads, and towns like Brașov and Sibiu invite you to stroll.
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.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
More about what is compulsory in the car
Photo: Horizon206 · CC0 · all photo credits
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)
Photo: Friedrich Haag · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
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
More about tolls and vignettes
Photo: Igor123121 · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
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.
🚗 Getting there & distance from Utrecht (NL)
- Destination
- Brașov
- Distance
- ± 2,060 km (one way)
- Driving time
- ± 21.6 h (one way)
- Route via
- NL → DE → AT → HU → RO
- Fuel (estimate)
- ± € 532 (return)
Estimate for the return trip: 6.5 l/100 km Euro 95 at each country's average price (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, price date 19-10-2026). - Vignettes
- Austria: 10-day vignette: € 12.80
- Hungary: 10-day e-matrica (HUF 6,900): € 18.90
- Romania: rovinieta 10 days (RON 30): € 5.62
- Tolls
- none
Route: OSRM/OpenStreetMap, calculated 21-10-2026, without breaks or traffic. 2026 vignette prices from the official sellers, checked 21-10-2026. For an 8-day trip, 7-day vignettes count twice.
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 |
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.
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
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 Piatra 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
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
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.
Where to stay
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 → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Daniele Napolitano · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Dino Parc Râșnov
According to its own website, the largest dinopark in Romania, below the castle Râșnov.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Ken Grainger · CC BY-SA 2.0 · all photo credits
Libearty Bear Sanctuary
A sanctuary for bears rescued from captivity; you see them in large forest enclosures.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Flominator · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Salina Turda
Ancient salt mine deep underground, with Ferris wheel and a small lake with boats. Cold all year.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Rkoster · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Cyberjump
Air-conditioned trampoline park, according to website with more than 14 fields and interactive games. Two locations in Bucharest.
Website: parklake.cyberjump.ro
🎟️ Tickets & info → official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Christo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
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.
🎟️ Tickets & info → official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: RCraig09 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Tours and tickets in Romania
Bookable tours and entrance tickets in this country. Prices and availability are set by the provider; check the conditions before you book. (Ad · affiliate link)
- Skip the line at Bran Castle
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → - Full Day Tour to Transylvania from Bucharest with Bran Castle Brasov and Peles Castle
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide →
Winter
Winter sports in Romania
Romania has several ski areas in the Carpathians; Poiana Brașov is the best known.
Ski areas (checked on the official websites, October 2026)
- Poiana Brașov: Ski area just above the city of Brașov; the lifts are run by the city. Website: discoverpoiana.ro
Ski pass: Day pass adult 240 lei, child 140 lei (2025/26 season, rates set by Brașov city council). Source: Discover Poiana: cartele
Snow reliability: altitude 975–1783 m. Source (2026): discoverpoiana.ro, discoverpoiana.ro
When we checked on 20 October 2026, most 2026/27 prices had not yet been published; see the ski area's website for current rates. We only quote amounts that appear in an official price list.
Renting skis: at home or on the spot?
At the ski areas above you can rent skis, snowboards and boots from rental shops by the lifts or in the village; you can often book online in advance. We do not quote rental prices, because we found no official price lists for them.
Renting on the spot saves carrying and car space, and you can swap boots that pinch. Renting at home or bringing your own gear makes sense if you combine several ski areas, already know which boots fit, or the area is small with little choice.
Winter packing list
Pack layers (thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers), ski socks, gloves, a hat, goggles and sunscreen. A helmet is strongly recommended for children.
Insurance
Check whether your travel insurance covers winter sports; it is often a separate add-on. Also check mountain rescue and transport after an accident (for example by helicopter). Some ski passes include mountain insurance, as in Bansko.
Winter tyres and snow chains
- Winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions (snow, sleet, icy roads). Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Romania
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Romania
More rules per country: winter tyres and mountain passes.
🏨 Stay in Poiana Brașov on Booking.com*🎟️ Winter tours nearby on GetYourGuide*🚗 Rental car (ask for winter tyres) via DiscoverCars*
* Affiliate link: if you book through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Rules
Rules, fines and quiet places
Wild camping, fines, camper stops, quiet places, smoking, alcohol and nature rules in this country, only with a verifiable source.
Show all rules (17)
Wild camping and fines
- In protected natural areas camping outside specially arranged places is an offence: a fine of 3,000 to 6,000 lei for individuals (Emergency Ordinance 57/2007, Art. 53). Source: legeaz.net
- Retezat National Park: tents only at designated places; no open fires (except at sheepfolds and in sustainable development zones); at camping places you may use a primus stove. Source: retezat.ro
Alcohol
- Drivers: total alcohol ban. Source: anwb.nl
Emergency numbers and breakdown
- Emergency number: 112. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Romania
- Green card: recognised, but not mandatory. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Romania
Health, drinking water and ticks
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid here for medically necessary, state-provided care. It is not travel insurance. Source: European Commission: European Health Insurance Card
- Tap water is not safe to drink; boil it first or use bottled water. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Romania
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE): ECDC reported no cases in 2022. Still protect yourself against tick bites. Source: ECDC: annual epidemiological report on tick-borne encephalitis 2022
Money and mobile
- Currency: Romanian leu (RON). Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Romania
- Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; there are enough cash machines. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Romania
- You can pay contactless with a watch or phone. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Romania
- Within the EU you pay no extra roaming charges thanks to 'Roam like at home'. Source: Council of the EU: 'Roam like at home' and the Western Balkans
Fuel and LPG
- For LPG you need the dish (schotel) adapter, a filling nipple for your tank inlet. Source: Prins Autogassystemen: refuelling LPG
Winter tyres and mountain passes
- Winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions (snow, sleet, icy roads). Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Romania
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Romania
Children in the car
- Children under 135 cm may not ride in the front seat; they sit in the back in a suitable child car seat. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Romania
- If a child sits rear-facing in the front, the airbag must be switched off. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Romania
Rules and fines may change and confuse by municipality. Each line contains the source; see if you're in park management before you go. This isn't legal confuse.
All countries compared: rules, fines and quiet places → · Smoking and alcohol by country → · Practically by country →
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?
Yes: the rovinietă (vignette) is required; for the price, see the source. Prices, where to buy it and the official source are in the ‘Tolls and vignettes’ block on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Romania?
In protected nature areas, camping outside designated spots is an offence (fine of 3,000 to 6,000 lei for individuals); elsewhere: check locally. (source: legeaz.net)
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.