Craiova International Airport (CRA) - Located approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) east of the city center. The airport offers limited international connections with flights primarily to/from Italy (Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna) via Wizz Air and other budget carriers, plus seasonal routes. Airport to City: Taxi (15-20 lei, approximately €3-4), private transfer, or car rental available at terminal. Travel time: 15-20 minutes.
Alternative: Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) - Romania's main international hub, located 230 km (143 miles) from Craiova. Direct trains (3-3.5 hours) and buses connect Bucharest to Craiova. Many visitors fly to Bucharest and continue by ground transportation.
Craiova Railway Station (Gara Craiova) offers connections throughout Romania. From Bucharest: Direct trains (Intercity and Regio) take 3-3.5 hours with tickets costing 40-80 lei (€8-16) depending on class and train type. Modern Intercity trains are most comfortable. Booking: Purchase tickets at the station or online via CFR (Romanian Railways) website. International connections available via Bucharest.
Multiple bus companies connect Craiova with major Romanian cities and international destinations. Buses typically depart from the central bus station. From Bucharest: Buses take 3.5-4.5 hours, cost 30-50 lei (€6-10). Companies include FlixBus and Romanian operators. Generally less comfortable than trains but sometimes cheaper.
Craiova is accessible via DN6/E70 (European route). From Bucharest: Approximately 230 km (143 miles) via A1 motorway and DN6, taking 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic. Roads are generally good condition. Paid highway sections require vignette (rovinieta). GPS recommended for navigation. Parking available in city center (paid zones) and at hotels.
The best way to explore central Craiova. Old Town, major museums, squares, and monuments are within walking distance. Pedestrian-friendly streets make exploring pleasant. Comfortable shoes essential for cobblestone streets.
Buses and Trams: Extensive network covers the entire city. Single tickets cost approximately 2-3 lei, available from kiosks or onboard (slightly more expensive). Day passes available. Useful for reaching Nicolae Romanescu Park (15-20 minutes from center). Service from early morning to late evening. Routes and schedules displayed at stops. Limited English information; ask locals or hotel staff for assistance.
Taxis: Affordable and widely available. Official taxis have meters and company markings. Expect to pay 1.5-3 lei per kilometer. Use reputable companies or ask hotels to call taxis. Uber and Bolt: Available in Craiova, often cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis. Apps work in English.
Recommended for day trips to monasteries and natural attractions. International companies (Europecar, Budget, Sixt) have offices at the airport and in the city. Romanian driver's license or International Driving Permit required. Daily rates: €25-50 depending on vehicle class. Fuel prices reasonable. Parking in center can be challenging during business hours.
Bike rentals available at Nicolae Romanescu Park. City center has limited dedicated bike lanes but traffic is manageable. Parks are ideal for cycling. Consider bikes for exploring extensive park pathways (35 km within Romanescu Park alone).