How to get to Targu Mures

If you have decided to visit Târgu Mureș, a fascinating journey awaits you to the cultural centre of Transylvania, located in the heart of picturesque Romania. This vibrant city attracts travellers with its unique architecture and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere, while maintaining its status as an important regional hub.

We will tell you how to get to Târgu Mureș as comfortably and quickly as possible. In this section, you will find information on how to plan your route by plane, train, bus, or private car, ensuring your journey begins without any hassle.

The fastest way to reach the heart of the region is to fly to Târgu Mureș via a direct or connecting flight. The city is served by Transilvania International Airport, located in close proximity to residential areas and offering convenient transport links to the centre. Despite its relatively small size, this aviation hub ensures a comfortable arrival and quick processing of all formalities.

Alternatively, you can consider flying to neighbouring major cities in Romania, which are served by more international airlines. The nearest and most popular options are the airports in Cluj-Napoca and Sibiu. You can also utilise the airport in Brașov. The journey from these cities to Târgu Mureș by transfer, bus, or rental car will take between one and a half to two and a half hours, providing an excellent opportunity to begin your acquaintance with the country's landscapes.

Travelling by train to Târgu Mureș is an opportunity to leisurely enjoy the beauty of the Romanian landscapes. The city has a railway station located not far from the centre, making arrival quite convenient. A journey by rail through Transylvania will gift you with views of the Carpathian hills and charming villages that are impossible to see from a flight.

It is worth noting that direct routes are not available from all cities, and the itinerary often requires transfers at major transport hubs, such as Cluj-Napoca or Brașov. Trains in Romania vary in speed and class of service, so when planning your trip, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance and choose the most convenient connections with minimal waiting time.

Bus services in Romania are organised at a high level and often outperform rail transport in terms of speed and frequency of trips. One of the most convenient options is the route from neighbouring Cluj-Napoca: buses cover the distance of about 110 kilometres in just over two hours. Direct trips from Sibiu are also popular, with the journey taking approximately the same amount of time and passing through picturesque terrain.

Travellers heading from the direction of the Carpathians will find the route from Brașov suitable. The journey, spanning 170 kilometres, lasts on average three hours, allowing you to admire impressive mountain landscapes. Most intercity buses arrive at the city's main bus stations, which have convenient connections to the centre, where you can quickly reach by taxi or public transport.

Travelling by car across Romania is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Transylvanian landscapes and enjoy complete freedom of movement. If you are driving to Târgu Mureș from Cluj-Napoca, the journey of about 110 kilometres along the E60 highway will take you one and a half to two hours. This is one of the fastest and most popular routes, distinguished by good road surface quality.

An alternative route from Sibiu has a similar length (around 120 kilometres) and is usually covered in just under two hours, passing through charming settlements and hilly terrain. The drive from the direction of Brașov will take more time—about three hours for 170 kilometres—however, this route is compensated by magnificent panoramas of the Carpathians. For those who do not plan to rent a car, taxi services or private transfers from neighbouring major cities are available: such a trip ensures "door-to-door" comfort and will cost approximately 80–120 Euros.

Preparing for a trip to Târgu Mureș requires attention to detail so that your holiday proceeds as comfortably and carefree as possible. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations for you, which will help you adapt quickly and feel confident in this vibrant corner of Romania.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is temperate-continental, so your wardrobe should be selected according to the season: in summer, light breathable clothing and a head covering are useful, while in winter, warm clothes and a windproof jacket are necessary. Be sure to bring comfortable flat shoes, as the historic centre is paved with cobblestones, and long walks in heels can be tiring.
2. Transport. The city centre is compact, and it is most pleasant to explore on foot. For trips to outlying districts, you can use buses, but remember that tickets often need to be purchased in advance at kiosks and validated inside the vehicle. Taxis here are comparatively inexpensive; however, it is recommended to use official services or ride-hailing apps to avoid inflated fares.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). Although major hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants accept bank cards, you will need cash in small souvenir shops, museums, or at markets. It is best to exchange currency at banks or official exchange bureaus (Casa de Schimb), avoiding street money changers.
4. Health and Safety. Târgu Mureș is a calm and safe city, but standard precautions (watching your bags in crowded places) are advisable. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross and the word "Farmacie"; many basic medicines are available without a prescription. Drinking tap water is not recommended; it is better to purchase bottled water.
5. Communication. The main language is Romanian, but due to historical heritage, many locals speak Hungarian. Staff in the tourism sector and younger people generally speak English quite well. Learning a couple of phrases, for example, "Mulțumesc" (thank you), will certainly endear you to the locals.
6. Local Etiquette. Romanians are hospitable and polite. When entering a shop or café, it is customary to greet people ("Bună ziua"). In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of about 10% of the bill if you enjoyed the service, as it is often not automatically included in the check.
7. What to Avoid. Do not photograph people without their permission or loudly discuss political topics. Also, avoid taking taxis without the meter running—always insist on its use or agree on a fixed price in advance if you are not ordering a car via an app.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to go up to the Cornești Plateau (Platoul Cornești). This is not only the best viewing platform overlooking the city but also an excellent place for relaxation with a zoo and walking paths, where you can escape the city bustle—perfect for families.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid minor inconveniences and focus on the main thing—enjoying the architecture, culture, and hospitality of Târgu Mureș. May your journey leave only the warmest and most vivid memories!