There are numerous ways of flying from the UK and Continental Europe to Romania. Nearly all the major cities of Europe run regular flights to Bucharest all year round (shop around with companies such as Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways and Tarom [the Romanian carrier] for the cheapest flights).

The neareast regional airport to the National Park is at Timisoara, some 150 km away. Many carriers offer direct flights to this airport.

TAROM (The Romanian National Airlines) has direct flights from the USA twice weekly departing New York, although travelers can find cheaper tickets through TAROM affiliates or on other airlines.

Romania's rail system is extensive and affordable; a number of trains arrive in the Jiu Valley each day. Rail travel is usually the preferred method to get to the Jiu Valley as it provides flexible and affordable options for arrival and departure.

There are four types of trains in Romania: Inter-City (IC), Rapid (R), Accelerat (A), and Personal (P) - (ordered from fastest to slowest). The IC train connects major cities in Romania with Bucharest. IC and R trains are generally newer, better kept, and make fewer stops than the
P trains. The A train is not as nice as the IC and R trains, but also makes fewer stops than the P trains. If possible, avoid the P trains as they are not well kept, travel slow, and stop at most stations along the route. First class express is approximately twice the price of 2nd Class. There are six seats per cabin in First Class and eight seats per cabin in 2nd Class.

The following train schedules are listed for major points of entry into Romania and are valid through 14 December 2002. For schedules from other cities or to confirm the schedules listed below, please check the CFR website at www.cfr.ro The letter in front of each train number (R, A, P, or IC) signifies one of the four types of trains in the system.

Bus Service to the Jiu Valley There is a daily bus service from both Timisoara and Bucharest to Petrosani. The bus drops you off at Victories Square in Petrosani, convenient to the taxi, and maxi taxi stops across the street. Contact 0250.861.151 or 0744.393.723 for further information.

For both small and large groups coming to the Jiu Valley, chartering a bus or a mini-van may offer a practical alternative to rail travel, depending on your travel needs. Note: a generous safe practice consists of paying drivers half at destination. We have included a sample list of companies may be of service in securing a charter vehicle:

For the most flexibility in transportation, renting a car may be the most practical, though expensive, option to travel to the Jiu Valley. By car, the Jiu Valley is a 5-½ hour trip from Bucharest. Several car rental agencies in Bucharest may be of service in renting a car: