In short: Three overnight trains (Ister, Muntenia, Dacia) connect Budapest and Bucharest. Journey: 14–16 hours. Couchettes from €39, private sleeper from €154. Depart Budapest Keleti evening, arrive Bucharest morning. Book at cfrcalatori.ro or mavcsoport.hu.
The three trains:
- Ister (IRN 472/473): Keleti → Deva, Sibiu, Brașov → Bucharest. Departs ~22:00–23:00, arrives late morning. Most scenic Transylvania route.
- Muntenia (IRN 78/79): Via Timișoara and Craiova.
- Dacia: Vienna–Budapest–Bucharest, boards Budapest ~23:10.
Ticket prices (advance):
- Second class seat: from €35
- 4-person couchette: from €39/person
- 2-person sleeper berth: from €84/person
- Private sleeper (1 person): from €154
Book at bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro (click EN for English). Opens 90 days ahead. Eurail/Interrail pass holders pay reservation supplements: ~€3 seat, ~€20 couchette.
Honest assessment: The Ister through Transylvania is one of Eastern Europe’s great rail journeys. The overnight saves a hotel night. Couchettes are basic but functional. If sleep quality matters, book a 2-bed sleeper minimum.
FAQ
Book in advance? Yes — especially summer. 30–60 days minimum.
Day train available? Yes — one daily at ~07:10 from Budapest, arriving Bucharest near midnight. Very long. Overnight is better.
Departure station? Budapest Keleti (main international rail hub).
Eurail valid? Yes with reservation supplement.
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