How to Book Train Travel From Serbia to Romania

While hitchhiking in Romania is still a popular way to get around, you may prefer a more traditional type of transportation to get there from Serbia. Train travel into Romania is very common since the train systems are well connected to international services.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Book Train Travel From Serbia to Romania

1. Book your ticket directly from Rail Europe by calling (888) 382-RAIL or visiting the Rail Europe Web site (see Resources).

2. Check with the embassy to see if you need a visa since you're crossing the border. You should make those arrangements in advance.

3. Arrive at the station early so that you have time to find your train. There are stations in Subatica, Novi Sad, Nis and Serbia's capital city, Belgrade.

4. Look for the posted timetables showing the departure time, arrival time and the platform number for your train listed in chronological order. Then prepare to wait, as trains in Serbian have been known to be late.

5. Have your passport and your ticket/rail pass ready after you take your seat on the train. Once it departs, the conductor will check your ticket and travel documents since you will be crossing the border into Romania.

6. Consider purchasing a rail pass like the Balkan Flex Pass. It offers unlimited travel for 5 days, 10 days or 15 days in a single month to all of the Balkan countries, including Serbia and Romania. Prices start around $200 for adults.

7. Use a travel agent or book the trip yourself online on a site like Raileurope or Europrail. Tickets or a rail passes can be purchased up to 60 days in advance for most trains.

Know Your Destination

8. Note that time change when you travel. Romania is 1 hour ahead of Serbia.

9. Determine which cities you want to visit. The capital, Bucharest, is home to several museums and the Plumbuita Monastery. International trains arrive at Gara de Nord station. North of the capital city is the region of Transylvania, which is known for Dracula's castle.

10. Think about seasonal attractions or local festivals, like Romania's Medieval Days in August, that you may want to attend when setting your dates.

Tips & Warnings

• The station in Belgrade is small but easy to find, since it's in the center of the city.
• When making reservations, keep in mind that the timetables change in June and December. Many online systems will only have information for the current timetable.
• For more information, browse the Eurail Web site or email them directly via the Web site; currently, there is no international customer service phone line.
• While there are no luggage restrictions on European trains, you are responsible for your luggage. Don't travel with more bags than you can handle by yourself.