Romania often shows up on “hidden gems” and “cheapest countries to visit” lists — but what does it actually cost to travel here?
As someone who lives here and has explored the country on a budget, I can confirm: yes, Romania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to travel, especially if you know a few tricks.
Here’s a full breakdown of what you’ll spend on food, accommodation, transport, and more — plus how to keep your daily costs low and your experience rich.
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Is Romania Cheap to Travel?
Short answer: Yes — very.
Most backpackers spend between €25–€45 per day without sacrificing too much comfort.
Here’s why:
Accommodation is affordable, even in tourist cities like Brasov or Sibiu
Local food is cheap and portions are big
Trains and buses are slow but cost almost nothing
Entry fees are low — even for castles and famous landmarks
Romania is not flooded with tourism yet, so prices remain fair
Let’s break it down in detail.
Accommodation in Romania
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | €10–€18/night |
| Budget hotel or guesthouse | €25–€40/night |
| Private Airbnb | €30–€50/night |
In Bucharest and Cluj, prices are slightly higher, but you’ll still find central hostels for under €20 and even decent hotels under €40.
Tip: Use Booking.com — most budget properties here list only there, not on Hostelworld.
Food & Drink
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Street snack / pastry | €1–€2 |
| Sit-down meal (local restaurant) | €5–€8 |
| Big lunch at market or food court | €4–€6 |
| Coffee / Beer | €1.50–€3 |
| Grocery shop for 1 day | €5–€8 |
You can eat well in Romania for €10–€15/day — or even less if you mix groceries with cheap eats.
Transportation
| Method | Price |
|---|---|
| Train (2–4 hour route) | €3–€8 |
| Intercity bus | €5–€10 |
| Metro ride (Bucharest) | €0.60 |
| BlaBlaCar (shared ride) | €5–€15 (longer distances) |
Romania’s public transport is slow but extremely affordable. For intercity travel, check routes on Rome2Rio and compare BlaBlaCar prices to trains.
Attractions & Tours
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) | ~€10 |
| Peles Castle | ~€9 |
| Museum entry (most cities) | €2–€5 |
| Day tour (Transfagarasan, villages, etc.) | €25–€40 (on GetYourGuide) |
You don’t need to spend much on sightseeing — most nature and old town exploring is free. Guided tours are affordable and a good way to meet others.
Money, Cards & SIMs
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON) — not the Euro
Wise Multi-Currency Card works great here: pay in RON, avoid ATM fees, and get fair exchange rates
→ Check out Wise hereATMs are everywhere (avoid Euronet), and most places take card
SIM card for data: €5–€7 for 30 days (Orange, Vodafone)
Sample Daily Budgets
| Style | Total / Day | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | €25 | Hostel dorm, groceries, walking tours |
| Backpacker | €35–€45 | Dorm or budget guesthouse, restaurant meals, transit |
| Comfortable | €60–€80 | Private Airbnb, 3 meals out, occasional day trips |
You could spend even less by traveling slow, cooking your meals, and sticking to free activities.
Tips to Save Even More
Book accommodation early in summer (hostels fill up fast)
Use Wise instead of exchanging cash at kiosks
Walk or take public transport — taxis are cheap, but not always necessary
Visit outside peak season (May–June or September–October)
Final Thoughts
Is Romania cheap to travel? Absolutely — especially when compared to Western Europe. Whether you’re backpacking across the Balkans or looking for a scenic, cultural trip on a budget, Romania offers incredible value.
You’ll eat well, see real castles, and still stay under budget.
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