We were going to rent a car from Bucharest to Timisoara (the taking a train to Budapest), but discovered one-way car rentals have high drop fees in Romania. So now we're thinking of taking a sleeper train from Bucharest to Budapest. Has anyone done this? We are wondering about the cost and if we can wait and buy the tickets in Romania.
We are also curious about taking a boat, but the only information we've found shows the cost to be quite expensive. Does anyone know if less fancy boats make this trip?
Posted by
Global
11 posts
Don't do it. My wife is Romanian and we spent a lot of time in that country. The rental companies there will try to rip you (and Romanians) off if possible (e.g., phony damage claims, etc., etc.). Your best bet is by train.
Posted by
12 posts
I agree; take the train. I say this only because I used to work on cruise ships and what they never tell you is, any time you cross borders in a ship/boat, you have to go through customs, onboard (which takes forever), do little safety courses, like--all this extra stuff that you avoid on trains or can at least do while you're moving. Unless it's a two night excursion (which, while a little bit of a time-kill, could be cool), I wouldn't think it's worth it. There will be more hassle than fun.
You two can get a sleeper car on that train route for ~$100 total, if memory serves, and wake up in beautiful Budapest!
Plus, night cars are kind of an experience in their own right. If you've never done one, they make you feel like Harry Potter. Or like you're in a heist movie. (That might just be me.)
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7052 posts
I'm pretty sure there are budget airlines (Wizz Air, etc) that you could use - have you check out that possibility?
Posted by
San Francisco
14765 posts
Hi,
Not every one is negatively affected by taking a night train. If you are sure you aren't, then I suggest taking the night train, (I would), a direct connection between capitals.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Yes, you can buy the night train tickets in Romania, for instance when you first arrive there, and that may be the most practical way to do it, or see an online option through an agent. The border crossing point for the night train is at Curtici at 5:30 a.m. (could be worse) and I'd expect a personal passport check, rather than the conductor just holding passports for you.
Posted by
226 posts
I've taken several night trains in Romania: I'd definitely catch a cheap Whizzair flight and get a good night's sleep.
Or, if you have time, train to Budapest from Timisoara (or Oradea), but with stops along the way to Timisoara in Brasov, Sibiu, and Alba Iulia or Hunedoara....(or to Oradea, in Brasov, Sighisoara, and Cluj-Napoca...)