Transportation in Brașov: How to Get Around the City and its Surroundings?
Brasov, a beautiful Romanian city, offers various transportation options for visitors to explore its attractions and surroundings. Public transportation is available through buses and trolleybuses, while taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt provide private transport. Electric scooters offer an eco-friendly solution for short distances, and car rentals enable personalized itineraries. Trains provide an affordable way to explore nearby cities and enjoy the Carpathian Mountains' scenic views. BlaBlaCar, a ride-sharing platform, connects travelers and drivers to share travel costs and enjoy a comfortable journey together.
Brașov is a city built for exploration. Its compact historic core, efficient public services, and modern apps make getting around a breeze. Whether you're sticking to the Old Town or venturing out to the surrounding mountains, here’s everything you need to know to navigate Brașov like a local.
Our Top Pick: Your Own Two Feet
Honestly? For exploring the historic center, **walking is your best bet**. The Old Town is a charming labyrinth of cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and vibrant squares that are best discovered at a leisurely pace. Almost all the main attractions—from the Black Church to Rope Street—are within a 15-minute walk of each other.
Option 1: On Foot
Brașov's heart is made for walking. It's flat, mostly pedestrianized, and packed with sights.
- Cost: Free!
- Pros: The best way to soak in the atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and get some exercise.
- Cons: Not practical for reaching neighborhoods outside the center or for those with mobility issues.
- Pro Tip: Grab a coffee from a local cafe like Tipografia and just wander. You'll be surprised at what you find. Check out our guide to walking the historic center for a perfect route.
Option 2: Public Transport (Bus)
When you need to venture beyond the Old Town, Brașov's public transport system (RATBV) is modern, efficient, and cheap. The fleet is mostly comprised of new, air-conditioned buses and trolleybuses.
- Cost: A ticket costs 4 RON and is valid for 60 minutes, during which you can change lines.
- Pros: Affordable, extensive network covering the whole city, environmentally friendly (many buses are electric).
- Cons: Can be crowded during peak hours. Understanding the routes can take a little practice.
- How to Pay: You have several easy options:
- Contactless: Tap your credit/debit card directly on the orange validators inside the bus.
- 24pay App: Download the 24pay app to buy tickets on your phone.
- Ticket Kiosks: Look for the RATBV kiosks at major bus stops.
Option 3: Taxis & Ride-Hailing (Uber/Bolt)
For speed and convenience, taxis and ride-hailing services are your best friend. Both Uber and Bolt operate extensively in Brașov.
- Cost: Varies, but generally affordable. A trip from the train station to the Old Town is typically 15-25 RON.
- Pros: Door-to-door service, available 24/7, great for late nights or when you have luggage.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than public transport, subject to surge pricing during high demand.
- Pro Tip: We recommend using Uber or Bolt over traditional taxis. The apps provide upfront pricing and a clear digital trail, which helps avoid any misunderstandings about the fare.
Option 4: Electric Scooters
For short, fun trips across the city center, electric scooters from operators like Bolt are a great option. You'll see them dotted around the city, ready to be unlocked with an app.
- Cost: Pay-per-minute, usually a small unlocking fee plus a per-minute rate.
- Pros: Fun, fast for short distances, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Can be expensive for longer journeys, requires a smartphone and app, not ideal in bad weather or on cobblestones.
Option 5: Car Rental
Renting a car is generally unnecessary if you're only staying within Brașov itself. However, it becomes a great option if you plan to explore the wider Transylvania region.
- Cost: Varies by company and season, but expect to pay from €30-€50 per day for a basic model.
- Pros: The ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace.
- Cons: Parking in Brașov is a major headache. The Old Town is largely pedestrianized, and finding a spot can be a challenge. Not needed for in-city travel.
- Recommendation: Only rent a car for the days you plan to take day trips. For exploring the city, stick to walking and the other options on this list.
Getting Outside Brașov
Many of the options above are perfect for day trips.
- To Poiana Brașov: Take bus line 20 from Livada Poștei.
- To Bran Castle: Buses depart from Autogara 2. Our guide to reaching Bran Castle has all the details.
- To other cities (Sighișoara, Sibiu): The train is your best bet. Check out our guide on traveling from Brașov to Sibiu.