Most probably, your holidays in Romania won’t be as expensive as those in Western Europe. At the same time, the cost of visiting Romania might not be as low as you imagine.
Even if you’ve visited before, it’s worth a read. Prices increased post-COVID, particularly in food and hospitality services. In 2025, Romania is not as cheap for tourists as it used to be 5-10 years ago.
All the estimated costs below are quoted in euros for clarity. The only currency accepted in Romania is leu (RON). Multiply everything by 5 to find the costs in RON.
Is Romania cheap for tourists?
The cost of a trip to Romania can vary depending on several factors: accommodation preferences, dining habits, and chosen activities. Moreover, expenses can vary depending on your desired level of comfort and the specific region you visit.
Of course, the cost of visiting Romania can be trimmed down a little by sticking to a tighter budget. At the same time, you can spend unlimited more money if you have a taste for luxury. However, I believe two adults can have a fulfilling trip to Romania for around 1000 € per week.
Please note that this estimate excludes transportation to Romania, which can vary significantly based on your departure location. Keep reading for a breakdown of expenses.
The accommodation costs in Romania
Bucharest is relatively small, making transportation affordable even at night. While renting in the city centre might offer convenience, finding a good deal outside the centre could be worth the distance.
Guesthouses, in Romanian “pensiune”, are very popular around the country, as they are intimate and budget-friendly. If you’re travelling with a large group, consider renting an entire guesthouse exclusively for yourselves.
The most expensive locations are typically along the Black Sea coast and the Danube Delta during peak season. You may also want to book well in advance for these areas.
Accommodation prices
- Hostels: starting at 30 € / night for one single bed in a shared room.
- Guesthouses: starting at 40 € / night for one double room.
- Apartments: starting at 40 € / night for one studio with double bed and kitchen.
- Hotels: starting at 40 € / night for one double room, no breakfast. The expensive 5-star hotels might charge around 150 – 300 € for a double room.
- Camping: starting at 3 € for tents and 10 € for RVs.
Transportation
Transportation costs in Romania are generally affordable and shouldn’t heavily impact your travel budget.
Public transport is well-developed in the major cities but usually underdeveloped in smaller towns. Travelling between villages in remote areas can be challenging without access to a personal vehicle.
On long distances, the train network covers most of the country, although the travel might not happen in the utmost comfort.
Transportation prices
- Public transportation: depending on the town, the price for one trip is around 0,5 – 1 €.
- Taxis: prices may start at 0,5 € / km.
- Ride-hailing services: costs are comparable to taxi fares.
- Trains: 2 € / km for InterRegio trains.
- Internal flights: limited connections are available between a few cities, with ticket prices averaging between 100 € to 150 €.
- Hitchhiking: while practised, I don’t recommend it due to safety concerns. Consider using a car-sharing service like BlaBla Car instead. For instance, a ride from Bucharest to Vama Veche, which takes around 3 hours, may cost approximately 12 €.
- Car rentals: around 40 € per day and 1,5 € a litre of petrol.
Read more: How to travel in Romania on long distances: a story of Romanian roads, railways and flights.
Food and drinks costs for tourists in Romania
Food prices in Romanian markets are similar to those in Western European countries, even slightly higher.
Fortunately, you’ll find affordable and delicious street food options in any Romanian town. Keep an eye out for shawarma and pastry shops, and aim for the ones with long waiting lines. The locals always know which ones are the best.
Also read: Shopping tips: where to buy essentials in Romania
Food and drinks Prices
- Supermarket food: if you cook at home during your stay, you can manage approximately 10 € per day per person.
- Street Food: you can fill your belly with pretzels, doughnuts, and pastries for 2-3 €. The price for a shawarma/kebab starts at around 6 €.
- Mid-range restaurants: starting at 8-10 € for the menu of the day. If you don’t order anything too fancy, your check will be around 15 € / person, drinks included.
- Bars and coffee shops: whether you’re craving a beer, coffee, lemonade, or a glass of wine, prices typically range from 4-6 € per drink.
Sightseeing and activities
- Museums: most of the museum fees average around 6 € for an adult. However, for historical sites with guided tours like Peleș Castle, prices can go up to 20 €.
- City tours: the fee for a guided walking tour with a group starts around 10 €, food and drinks not included.
- Cultural events: you can go to the theatre or the opera for around 6 € if you don’t mind a seat in the last row. For concerts, prices typically start at 12 € per ticket.
If you’re visiting Bucharest on a budget, check out: The Best 10 Free Things to Do in Bucharest.
The cheapest time to visit Romania
Romania is cheap to visit anytime, especially when compared to Western European countries. Prices for flights and accommodation can fluctuate based on the season.
Peak season typically falls during the summer, with shoulder seasons in April-May and September-October, and low season in winter. For a lower cost to visit Romania, consider outside peak season. Spring and fall offer slightly lower prices for flights and accommodation, along with a good chance of sunny weather.
While flights and accommodation are cheapest in winter (except for mountain destinations), the cost savings may not outweigh the downsides. This includes colder weather, fewer daylight hours, and potentially limited availability of some activities.
Read also: Best time to visit Romania: short and long answer + extra details.
Sometimes, prices can rise even outside of peak season, particularly during bank holidays, leading to long weekends. Some key dates to be aware of include 24 December – 7 January, 24th January, Orthodox Easter (which varies), Labour Day, and 30th November – 1st December.