From Bucharest to Halkidiki

How to Get There

Bucharest is 750 km from Halkidiki (~8 hours by car). It's the most popular route for Romanian tourists, especially families combining easy driving with the stunning beaches of Halkidiki. The route runs through either Bulgaria or Serbia.

By Car

Two main routes:

• Via Bulgaria (main route): Bucharest → Giurgiu/Ruse (Danube bridge) → Veliko Tarnovo → Blagoevgrad → Kulata/Promachonas → Serres → Halkidiki. The most direct route (~750 km, 8 hours).
• Via Serbia: Bucharest → Timișoara → Belgrade → Niš → Skopje → Thessaloniki → Halkidiki. Longer (~1000 km), but avoids Bulgaria transit.

Check our car rental guide for exploring Halkidiki. Total tolls: ~€10 Romanian rovinieta + €7 Bulgarian vignette + €12 Greek tolls.

Important info for drivers

• Rovinieta: Mandatory for Romanian motorways (buy online at roviniete.ro)
• Bulgarian vignette: Mandatory in Bulgaria (bgtoll.bg)
• Fuel: Fill up in Bulgaria — cheaper than in Greece
• Green card: Verify that your insurance covers Greece and Bulgaria

By Plane

Flights Bucharest → Thessaloniki (SKG): ~1.5 hours with Aegean Airlines or Wizz Air. Prices from €30-80 one-way. From SKG airport, see our getting-here guide for the transfer to Halkidiki (KTEL bus €12-15, taxi €80-120, transfer ~€60).

By Bus

Direct buses Bucharest → Thessaloniki (~10 hours, €25-40). From Thessaloniki, KTEL Halkidiki takes you to your destination (€8-15, 1-2 hours). See transport FAQ.

When You Arrive

Find accommodation for every budget — from affordable apartments to luxury hotels. Also check our hotel guide for specific recommendations. Halkidiki has three peninsulas, each with its own personality!

Tips for Romanian visitors

• Currency: Euro (€) — exchange lei in Bulgaria for a better rate, or use ATMs in Greece
• Roaming: Free in the EU with your Romanian operator (check data cap)
• Language: English everywhere in tourist areas. Many restaurants have menus in Romanian
• Check the weather forecast before leaving
• Supermarkets: Lidl and Masoutis offer much better prices than resort shops
• European Health Insurance Card: Valid in Greece — bring it with you