We are travelling from Budapest to Cluj-Napoca but have to change from a comfortable sleeper train at Simeria with a 4 hour stopover onto a domestic 4 hour journey to Cluj. Has anyone done this trip? Is the local train a decent experience? And is there anything to do in Simeria during the stopover between 07:00 and 11:00?
Answer
Domestic Trains in Romania
Best answer by Eurail Community Moderator
Hey
Here’s what you can expect:
Local train from Simeria to Cluj-Napoca:
-
Train quality: It’s a domestic Romanian train, usually operated by CFR Călători. These regional or interregional trains can vary in comfort, but many on this route are older and slower than the Western European trains.
-
No air-conditioning is common (especially in 2nd class), and seats may be a bit worn, but the scenery through Transylvania is beautiful, especially in daylight.
-
Try to reserve seats in 1st class if available, it's usually quite affordable and a noticeable upgrade in comfort.
The Simeria stopover (07:00–11:00):
Simeria is a small town, more of a railway junction than a tourist destination. There’s not much to do, but here are a few ideas to pass the time:
-
Walk to the town center (~15–20 mins): You’ll find a few cafes and bakeries open early.
-
Grab breakfast: Look for a local bakery ("patiserie") for warm pastries and coffee.
-
Relax in the park: There's a small public park near the center where you can sit and stretch your legs.
-
Stay at the station: If the weather isn’t great or you’re carrying luggage, the station waiting area is basic but safe.
Some travelers prefer to take a later train from Budapest that connects more smoothly or consider breaking the journey in Deva (next major city), which offers more to do than Simeria.
Hope this helps
+7- Community Moderator
- Answer
Hey
Here’s what you can expect:
Local train from Simeria to Cluj-Napoca:
-
Train quality: It’s a domestic Romanian train, usually operated by CFR Călători. These regional or interregional trains can vary in comfort, but many on this route are older and slower than the Western European trains.
-
No air-conditioning is common (especially in 2nd class), and seats may be a bit worn, but the scenery through Transylvania is beautiful, especially in daylight.
-
Try to reserve seats in 1st class if available, it's usually quite affordable and a noticeable upgrade in comfort.
The Simeria stopover (07:00–11:00):
Simeria is a small town, more of a railway junction than a tourist destination. There’s not much to do, but here are a few ideas to pass the time:
-
Walk to the town center (~15–20 mins): You’ll find a few cafes and bakeries open early.
-
Grab breakfast: Look for a local bakery ("patiserie") for warm pastries and coffee.
-
Relax in the park: There's a small public park near the center where you can sit and stretch your legs.
-
Stay at the station: If the weather isn’t great or you’re carrying luggage, the station waiting area is basic but safe.
Some travelers prefer to take a later train from Budapest that connects more smoothly or consider breaking the journey in Deva (next major city), which offers more to do than Simeria.
Hope this helps
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