Getting Around Craiova
Craiova is the largest city in southwestern Romania and the capital of Dolj County, and its compact historic core makes it a manageable city to explore on foot. For longer hops across town, or to reach the railway station and the airport, you have a straightforward mix of trams, buses, taxis and ride-hailing. Public transport is run by RAT (Regia Autonomă de Transport), and the good news for visitors is that the fare system is simple and shared between modes.
Trams and Buses
Craiova's public transport network combines trams and buses, and both use the same ticketing system, so a ticket bought for one is valid on the other. The network covers the city and its surrounding areas, but it does not run around the clock: services generally operate from early morning until late evening, and there are no night lines. Plan your evening accordingly, and have a taxi or ride-hailing app as a backup if you are out late.
- Single tickets: Buy from vendors or ticket machines at the main stations, or from special ticket kiosks. A single journey costs a flat fare regardless of distance. Expect to pay a little more if you buy directly from the bus driver, so it is worth having a ticket before you board.
- Passes: If you plan to use public transport more than a couple of times, weekly passes are available. A seven-day unlimited pass valid on all lines is a good-value option for a longer stay.
- Practical tip: Keep small change handy, and validate your ticket when you board.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful in Craiova and are a convenient option for short trips, late evenings, or when you are carrying luggage. Fares are metered and inexpensive by Western European standards, with a modest starting fee on top of the per-kilometre rate.
- Choose official taxis that display a visible taximeter and company logo, and confirm the fare basis before you set off.
- Ride-hailing apps are also widely used in the city and can be a good way to avoid any language barrier or uncertainty about the price.
- For airport runs or early-morning departures, it is worth booking a taxi or ride-hailing car in advance.
Walking
The historic centre of Craiova is small and concentrated, which makes it genuinely walkable. Many of the city's main sights, squares and central streets are close together, so you can cover the core comfortably on foot. For anything beyond the centre — the railway station, for example, sits a short distance out — you will want a tram, bus or taxi.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Craiova International Airport (CRA) is the city's own airport, served by low-cost carriers flying from several European cities including Birmingham, Bologna, Charleroi, London-Luton, Milan-Bergamo and Rome. There are no domestic flights, so if you are arriving from elsewhere in Romania you will most likely come by train instead.
- From the airport: The airport lies a short drive from the city centre. Taxis and ride-hailing are the most direct way in; public transport also connects the airport area with the city, but check timings on arrival since services stop in the evening.
- Alternative via Bucharest: If you fly into Henri Coandă Airport in Bucharest, you can continue to Craiova by train. The journey takes around three hours.
Arriving by Train and Bus
Craiova's railway station is the main rail gateway, with direct services from Bucharest as well as from Timișoara, Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca. The station sits a short distance from the centre, easily reached by tram, bus or taxi. Note that Accelerat services offer similar on-board conditions to Rapid and Intercity trains but at a lower price, which can make them a good choice if you are not in a hurry.
The Autogara Nord bus station is right next to the railway station, which makes onward connections easy. From there, maxitaxis (shared minibuses) run to Bucharest frequently throughout the day, as well as to Pitești and Calafat, along with some rural routes. A travel agency outside the bus station also operates a daily service to Istanbul via Bucharest.
Practical Summary
- Best for the centre: Walking.
- Best for cross-city trips: Trams and buses, using a single flat-fare ticket or a weekly pass.
- Best for convenience and late nights: Taxis or ride-hailing.
- From the airport: Taxi or ride-hailing; or fly to Bucharest and take the train.
- Watch out for: No night public transport — services generally stop in the evening.