01
Getting
Here
Three ways in. By air, you're 12 kilometers and one bus ride from the city center. By rail, there's something romantic about watching the Banat plains roll past. By road, you can stop in Arad for lunch or cross into Serbia by dinner.
By Air
Timișoara International Airport sits 12 kilometers northeast of the city. It's named after Traian Vuia, the Romanian engineer who built one of Europe's first monoplane aircraft in 1906 — a fitting namesake for a city that has always leaned toward the future.
The airport handles flights from across Europe, with connections to London, Munich, Milan, and most major hubs. Once you land, the city center is a short journey away.
Code
TSR
Distance
12 km
Public Transport
| Express E4 | Airport → City Center | ~25 min |
| Express E4b | Airport → Timișoara Nord | For rail connections |
The bus stop is immediately outside the arrivals hall — follow signs to "Transport Public." Tickets are 5 lei, payable on board.
STPT schedules & routesTaxi & Rideshare
Bolt and Uber both operate in Timișoara. Taxis queue outside the terminal. Expect to pay 25–35 RON to the center, roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Download your app of choice before you land — the airport has free WiFi, but it's easier to have everything ready.
Car Rental
Major rental agencies have desks in the arrivals hall. If you're planning day trips to the Banat mountains or cross-border drives, having a car makes sense. For city-only visits, you won't need one.
"Timișoara was the first city in Europe with electric street lighting. They've been welcoming visitors in style since 1884."
By Rail
Timișoara Nord is the city's main station, with routes running across Romania and into Hungary and Serbia. It's one of those grand old European stations — a little worn, full of character, and entirely functional.
Night trains from Bucharest let you fall asleep in one city and wake up in another. There's something to be said for arriving with the morning light.
Book tickets
cfrcalatori.roBook online or at the station. Weekend trains fill up around holidays and festival season — reserve early if you're traveling Friday–Sunday.
From the station
Trams 1, 2, and 9 connect Nord to the city center. It's a 15-minute ride to Piața Victoriei. Or take a taxi — it's under 20 RON.
Journey Times
| From | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bucharest | 7–9 hours | Night train available |
| Cluj-Napoca | 5–6 hours | Scenic route |
| Budapest | ~5 hours | International |
| Arad | 45 min | Frequent |
| Belgrade | ~4 hours | International |
A note on Romanian trains
They're not the fastest in Europe, but they're reliable and affordable. Bring a book, watch the countryside roll by, and embrace the slower pace. First class is worth it for longer journeys — it's quiet and spacious.
By Road
The A1 motorway connects Timișoara to western Romania and beyond. If you're driving from Budapest or Belgrade, the approach through the Banat plains is flat, easy, and — in the right light — unexpectedly beautiful.
A car gives you freedom. Day trips to Arad take under an hour. The Banat mountains are 90 minutes east. Serbia's border is 70 km south.
Vignette required
Romania requires a highway vignette (rovinietă) for all vehicles. Buy it online before you arrive — it's checked electronically, no sticker needed.
Purchase vignetteParking
Central streets use paid parking zones. Most hotels have parking or can direct you to nearby garages.
Zones & ratesDistances
| From | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Arad | 56 km | ~45 min |
| Belgrade | ~160 km | ~2.5 hours |
| Budapest | ~300 km | ~3.5 hours |
| Vienna | ~500 km | ~5 hours |
| Bucharest | ~550 km | ~6 hours |
Border crossings
Romania joined Schengen for air and sea in 2024, but land borders still have checks. Bring your passport. Crossings into Hungary and Serbia are usually quick outside of peak holiday weekends.
Once you arrive
Timișoara's historic center is compact and flat. The three main squares — Piața Victoriei, Piața Unirii, and Piața Libertății — are all within walking distance of each other. Most of what you'll want to see is reachable on foot.
If you need help, the tourist information center is centrally located on Strada Alba Iulia nr. 2, just off the main squares. They speak English and can help with maps, recommendations, and local tips.
visit-timisoara.com — official tourism site