How to get from Bucharest to Constanta
Bucharest to Constanța is one of Romania’s easiest city-to-sea journeys. Your best choices are the fast InterRegio train, direct coaches/minibuses, a self-drive along the A2 “Sun Motorway,” or a private transfer. Day tours also run in season if you prefer a guided beach-and-history day.
At A Glance (Bucharest to Constanta)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 InterRegio Train (Gara de Nord → Constanța) | ~2h10–2h40 (direct) | Speed, comfort, city-center to center |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~RON 70–120 one-way (class/date) » CFR Călători (official) | ||
| 🚌 Direct Coach/Minibus (Multiple Terminals → Constanța) | ~3–4h (traffic-dependent) | Budget, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~RON 60–120 one-way » curated intercity options | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (A2 “Autostrada Soarelui”) | ~2.5–3h (no heavy traffic) | Flexibility, beach detours |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€25–50/day rental + fuel » compare rentals | alt. suppliers | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Taxi | ~2.5–3.5h | Door-to-door comfort, groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€150–280 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | ||
| 🗺️ Guided Day Tour (Bucharest ⇄ Constanța & Mamaia) | ~10–12h round trip | Hassle-free sightseeing |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€60–120 per person (seasonal) » compare tours | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & simplest: InterRegio train—no traffic, frequent summer frequencies, arrives near the city center.
- Cheapest & frequent: Direct coach/minibus—more departure points across Bucharest.
- Most flexible: Self-drive—pause at service areas or detour to seaside resorts.
- Door-to-door comfort: Private transfer—great for families, lots of luggage, or late arrivals.
- Sightseeing first-timers: Guided day tour—includes coastal highlights without planning logistics.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Peak season (July–Aug): Trains and coaches fill early—book in advance (CFR site or reputable platforms).
- Ride-hailing: Bolt/Uber work well for station/terminal transfers in Bucharest and Constanța. For fixed intercity pricing, compare GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: Sightseeing before departure? Use Radical Storage Bucharest to drop bags near the center.
- Beach add-ons: Many trains continue to or connect for Eforie, Neptun, Mangalia—check timetables.
- Driving notes: The A2 is easy; watch for weekend traffic to/from the coast and observe speed limits.
🚆 Option #1 — InterRegio Train (Fastest City-Center to Center)
Comfort No traffic Fixed schedule
- Overview: Direct InterRegio (IR) trains link Bucharest Gara de Nord to Constanța in roughly 2–2.5 hours. Modern coaches, assigned seats, and air-con make this the most reliable option.
- How to book (with price): ~RON 70–120 one-way depending on time/class. Book on the CFR Călători official website. If you prefer aggregators for planning, browse curated picks on Trip.com.
- Pros: Fastest end-to-end, scenic Dobrogea plains near the coast. Cons: Set departure times; busy on summer weekends.
Step-by-step: InterRegio Train
- Get to Gara de Nord with Bolt/Uber or the metro (M1/M4). If early, stash bags via Radical Storage.
- Buy e-tickets on the CFR site and keep the QR handy. Arrive ~20–30 minutes before departure to find your platform.
- On board, store luggage overhead or at carriage ends; seats are numbered. Validate with conductor if asked.
- Arrive at Constanța Railway Station; continue by taxi/ride-hail to your hotel or to beaches (e.g., Mamaia).
Getting to the main embarking points (Gara de Nord & Constanța Station)
- Bucharest: Metro M1/M4 stop Gara de Nord; plentiful taxis/ride-hailing outside.
- Constanța: Station forecourt has taxis and buses toward the seafront/Mamaia.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Direct Coach/Minibus (Frequent, Budget)
Low cost Multiple terminals Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Coaches and minibuses run all day from Bucharest bus terminals (e.g., Obor, Filaret, Militari—operator-dependent) to Constanța and resorts. Expect AC, assigned seats on larger coaches, and 1–2 short stops.
- How to book (with price): ~RON 60–120 one-way. Check listings and sample options on Trip.com or buy at the terminal kiosks. Many operators accept contactless on board.
- Pros: Many daily departures, some continue to beach resorts. Cons: Slower than train; summer weekend traffic can add time.
Step-by-step: Direct Coach/Minibus
- Confirm your departure terminal on your ticket (e.g., Obor/Filaret/Militari).
- Use metro/ride-hailing to reach the terminal 20–30 minutes early; print or keep your e-ticket ready.
- Board the bus/minibus, stow large bags underneath, keep valuables with you.
- Arrive at Constanța (Autogara) or your resort stop; continue by taxi/ride-hail or local bus.
Getting to the main embarking points (Bucharest Terminals & Constanța Autogara)
- Bucharest terminals: Scattered across the city—check your booking and plan the best metro + short taxi combo.
- Constanța arrivals: Buses, taxis, and ride-hailing serve the station; many hotels are 10–20 minutes away.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive (A2 “Sun Motorway”)
Flexible Fast off-peak Summer congestion
- Overview: Drive the A2 from Bucharest straight to Constanța; add detours to Eforie or Mamaia en route. Roads are well signed; service areas have fuel/food.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~€25–50/day. Compare airport/city pickups on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Door-to-door; easy for beach-hopping. Cons: Weekend bottlenecks to the coast; city parking near the beach can be tight.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your car in Bucharest (city or OTP airport); check insurance and fuel policy.
- Set navigation to Constanța via the A2; plan fuel/rest stops every 1.5–2h.
- Approach Constanța and follow signs to your hotel or to Mamaia (north) for beaches.
Getting to the main embarking points (Pickup & A2)
- City pickup: Central agencies are convenient if you’re staying downtown; airport counters have longer hours.
- Return: Many agencies allow Bucharest pickup/Constanța return (request in advance; fees may apply).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door, Stress-Free)
Meet & greet Luggage-friendly Higher cost
- Overview: A driver picks you up at your hotel/airport apartment in Bucharest and drops you at your exact address in Constanța or Mamaia.
- How to book (with price): From ~€150–280 per vehicle depending on date/size. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. For shorter in-city rides, standard taxis or ride-hailing are economical.
- Pros: Zero transfers; ideal with kids/elderly or bulky gear. Cons: Price vs. train/coach; still traffic-dependent.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter pickup/drop addresses and time; request child seats if needed on GetTransfer.
- Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time, night surcharge) and share your live location on pickup day.
- Ride directly to your hotel in Constanța/Mamaia; pay by card or cash per your booking.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Pickup: Any hotel/airport/home in Bucharest; drivers track delays if you provide flight/train details.
- Drop-off: Hotels or apartments in Constanța, Mamaia, Eforie.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🗺️ Option #5 — Guided Day Tour (Constanța & Mamaia Highlights)
Hassle-free Coastal sights Fixed timetable
- Overview: Small-group tours include transport from Bucharest, a walking tour of Constanța’s Old Town/Casino area, and beach time in Mamaia.
- How to book (with price): ~€60–120 per person, seasonal. Compare itineraries and reviews on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: No logistics; guide context. Cons: Less free time on the beach; fixed stops.
Step-by-step: Guided Day Tour
- Choose a tour with clear inclusions (hotel pickup, Old Town walk, Mamaia stop) on GetYourGuide.
- Be ready at your pickup hotel/meeting point 10–15 minutes early; carry water, sunscreen, and a beach kit.
- After the guided portion, enjoy free time; return to Bucharest in late afternoon/evening.
Getting to the main embarking points (Central Bucharest pickups)
- Pickup area: Most tours collect from central hotels near University/Romană/Old Town; otherwise a central meeting spot is provided.
- Return: Usually the same as pickup; confirm drop points with your guide.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Bucharest to Constanta)
Train or bus—which is better?
Train is fastest and most reliable, especially on summer weekends. Buses/minibuses are cheaper and more frequent but can be slower in traffic.
How early should I book in summer?
For July–August weekends, secure train seats a few days ahead and arrive early. Coaches also fill for peak beach hours.
Is there luggage storage at either end?
Use private storage partners in Bucharest (see Radical Storage). In Constanța, check with your hotel or station facilities.
Can I continue to resorts like Mamaia or Eforie?
Yes—trains/coaches connect onward, or use taxis/ride-hailing from Constanța Station/Autogara.
Is driving easy?
Yes—A2 is straightforward. Avoid peak Friday outbound/Sunday inbound if possible, and keep to posted speeds.