Constanta, situated on the Black Sea shore, is a key city in Romania, accessible through various modes of transportation. Depending on your departure point, the most efficient way to get to Constanta can vary. Here is an overview of the available travel options, including highways, train services, and the airport, to help you plan your trip effectively.
From Bucharest to Constanta: choosing your route
Bucharest and Constanta are well-connected by both railway and motorway. Wherever you opt for the train, bus, or personal car, you’ll see the same landscape on your way. Most of the route traverses through flatlands, with vast fields of sunflowers, corn, or rapeseed.
The landscape changes after Fetesti, where you will cross the Danube River, first over the Borcea branch and then the main stream just before reaching Cernavoda. As you pass the Danube, you’ll see the Anghel Saligny Bridge. This historic bridge, no longer in use, was completed in 1895 and was the longest in Europe at the time, spanning 4,087.95 meters (13,411.9 feet). After Cernavoda, the terrain becomes hillier, with wind turbines on its fields.
When choosing between train, car and bus, consider that trains are generally cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly. They are also slightly faster than buses, but not as fast as cars.
How to get to Constanta by train
Constanta does not receive international trains. However, regarding the general condition of the Romanian railways, I would recommend the international trains through the country only to the most adventurous ones.
Constanta is connected to the western side of the country with trains to Brasov, Arad, Oradea, Sibiu and Satu Mare and to the northeast by trains to Iasi and Suceava. Before boarding one of them, remember that the Brasov – Constanta route (via Bucharest) is the fastest in the country, reaching up to 160 km/h (100 miles/h). Outside this line, the trains can be much slower. For a complete schedule and online ticket purchases, visit this website.
The city of Constanta has a single railway station. It is the busiest train station on the Romanian seaside, handling around 50 national trains daily.
The Constanta train station is centrally located and offers easy access to public transportation, taxis, and intercity buses, making it convenient for further travel. Read more: How to get around in Constanta: buses, taxis, and more
If you want to travel further south from Constanta, take a train to Mangalia. The Constanta – Mangalia trains stop in the sea resorts Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Costinesti, and Neptun.
Bucharest – Constanta by train
The distance between Bucharest and Constanta by train is 225 kilometres. Due to the relatively slow speed of Romanian railways, the journey can take between 2 hours and 10 minutes on InterCity (IC) trains and up to 3 hours on Regio (R) trains. However, InterRegio (IR) trains, typically taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes, are the first choice for many for their balance of travel time and comfort. Regio trains offer poor travel conditions, while InterCity trains are often too expensive for what they offer. Opting for second-class tickets is advisable, as the difference in comfort between first and second class is minimal.
Ticket prices for one adult in 2nd class, 2024:
- Regio: 43,5 lei (8,8€) with CFR; 39,5 lei (8€) with Regio Calatori
- InterRegio (IR): 77 lei (15,5€) with CFR, Astra, Transferoviar; 80,5 lei (16,8€) with Softrans;
- InterCity (IC): 94 lei (19€) with CFR
When planning your departure, note that most trains to Constanta depart from Bucharest North (Gara de Nord) train station. However, some Regio trains leave from smaller stations like Bucharest Baneasa or Bucharest Obor, located in different parts of the city. Some of the private companies only operate on this route during summer.
Read more about On the Romanian railways: conditions, tickets, types of trains in Romania
From Henry Conada Airport (Otopeni) to Constanta by train
From Henry Coandă Airport in Otopeni, you can take a train to Bucharest North Railway Station and continue your journey to Constanta. As train delays are common, especially during extreme weather in summer and winter, ensure you have ample time for any stopovers to avoid inconvenience.
How to get to Constanta by bus
Constanta is well-served by numerous bus companies operating regular routes from various locations across Romania.
Buses typically arrive at Constanta’s main intercity bus station (Autogara Constanta), right next to the Constanta Railway Station. The long-distance buses have air conditioning, luggage space, and comfortable seating.
You can also reach Constanta by bus from other countries, like Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. However, due to the lengthy travel times and the less-than-ideal road conditions in Romania, it may be worth considering flights to Bucharest + a shuttle as a more efficient option.
For information on national and international buses to Constanta, visit this website.
If you plan to travel beyond Constanta, there are minibuses available at the station to take you to the nearby sea resorts. For travel to small towns and seaside resorts around Constanta, you usually don’t need to buy tickets in advance. You can pay the driver directly, so it’s best to have cash on hand. The buses to different destinations generally come and go every 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Travelling from Bucharest to Constanta by bus
The journey from Bucharest to Constanta is straightforward, 202 km (125.5 miles) of motorway going mostly through flatlands. The trip typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours without stops. If purchasing your ticket online, do so at least 12 hours before.
In Bucharest, one of the intercity bus stations for trips to Constanta is located near the North Railway Station. Another departure point is around Piata Iancului in the eastern part of the city. Confirm your departure station in advance, as different bus companies may use other locations.
A bus trip from Bucharest to Constanta costs around 100 lei (20€) for an adult. The vehicles are usually minibuses with luggage space, comfortable seating, and air conditioning.
When choosing between train and bus, note that the trains are cheaper, safer, more eco, and slightly faster.
Henry Conada Airport Bucharest to Constanta by bus
If you’re landing at Henry Coanda Airport, take one of the shuttle buses that connect directly to Constanta. These buses are operated by various companies and run even during the night. Ticket prices are around 100 – 140 lei (28€) per seat. Some companies require bookings to be made at least 12 hours in advance.
Driving to Constanta
Driving to Constanta is convenient for those who prefer flexibility and comfort.
If travelling from the western part of Romania, head to Bucharest first and then continue on the A2 motorway to Constanta.
From Nadlac Customs in Arad, the drive to Constanta takes approximately 9-10 hours. If entering Romania through Calafat, the trip to Constanta takes about 7-8 hours.
For those who prefer not to drive, ride-sharing services like BlaBlaCar offer a convenient alternative. Prices are typically lower than bus fares, and you can check driver reviews for added peace of mind.
Bucharest – Constanta by car
If you have a car or rent one, travelling to Constanta is straightforward via the A2 motorway, also named The Motorway of the Sun. Just don’t forget to pay the toll for the Fetesti Bridge.
Fetesti Bridge Toll
When you cross the Fetesti Bridge on the A2 motorway, you need to pay a toll fee. For cars under 3.5 tonnes, the toll is 13 lei (2.62€) per pass.
Paying the toll for the Fetesti Bridge on Romania’s A2 motorway can be done through several convenient methods:
- Online by credit or debit card.
- At the petrol stations, by card or cash.
- By SMS with your vehicle registration number and car category at 7577.
The toll can be paid before or after crossing the bridge, but it must be done within 24 hours. There is no need to stop at the bridge to show proof of payment.
Flights to Constanta
Constanta is served by Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport (CND), located approximately 25 kilometres north of the city. Constanta’s airport offers only a few international flights: London – Luton, Antalya and Istanbul.
Upon arrival at Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport, you can get to Constanta by minibuses and taxis.
Read more: Things to do in Constanta.
