Craiova

Craiova with 306,000 inhabitants (2016), is one of the five largest cities of Romania. Craiova is in the southwestern region of the country and hosts the administrative buildings of the Dolj County and of the Oltenia district.

Get in

 * Or fly into Henri Coanda Aeroport in Bucharest and then go by train to Craiova, which takes 3 hours.
 * Or fly into Henri Coanda Aeroport in Bucharest and then go by train to Craiova, which takes 3 hours.


 * Autogara Nord the bus station is next to the railway station. Maxitaxis leave from there to Bucharest (30-35 lei, every 30 minutes), Piteşti (15 lei, two daily), Calafat (10-15 lei, at least two daily). Also some rural routes from here.
 * Oz Murat travel agency outside the bus station runs a bus to Istanbul via Bucharest, departing at 10:30 daily, except Saturday (€90 return).
 * Oz Murat travel agency outside the bus station runs a bus to Istanbul via Bucharest, departing at 10:30 daily, except Saturday (€90 return).

By taxi
There are a lot of taxis in Craiova. Price is about 2.30 lei per km and a start fee which is 2.30 lei.

By bus
The tickets can be bought from special arbours (2 lei).

By tram
The same tickets as for buses can be used.

Do

 * Visit Art Palace. Visit Nicolae Romanescu Park.
 * Football: U Craiova play soccer in Liga 1, the top tier. Their Ion Oblemenco Stadium (capacity 31,000) is 1 km west of city centre.

Eat
The city has many restaurantes with decent prices and a lot of fast foods.

Stay safe
Craiova is plagued by corrupt officials and police, and overrun by lawless gangs. However, this is more related to organized crime and should not concern regular citizens. Day trips are more than OK, but it may be unsafe at night even in downtown.

In Craiova one may occasionally encounter stray dogs. Be careful, in case they are aggressive.

Connect
Craiova and its approach roads have 4G from all Romanian carriers. As of Aug 2022, there is 5G in city centre from Orange.

Go next
A day in a nearby village could be an option. Preajba de Padure is a small beautiful village 45 km away, near the border with Olt county. You can take the bus (seven daily, less in weekends) from the bus station (near the railway station) for 9 lei one way or 15 lei return. The bus has another stop on Decebal Street (exact location: 44 18' 58.30" N, 23 50' 02" E).