Overview
Tucked among rolling hills in the heart of Transylvania, Târgu Mureș is one of Romania's most rewarding under-the-radar city breaks. Known for its Secessionist architecture, tiled-roof landmarks and lively student-town atmosphere, it makes a brilliant alternative to the more crowded Transylvanian trail, while still sitting close to Sighișoara and the Sovata spa region. Flights to Târgu Mureș from the UK are limited but affordable when booked well, and this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip.
Best time to fly to Târgu Mureș
Târgu Mureș has a continental climate, with warm, often hot summers (June to August) and cold, snowy winters. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer the best balance of mild weather, fewer crowds and lower fares, making them ideal for sightseeing. Winter suits travellers heading on to the nearby Harghita ski areas, while summer is best for exploring the Old Town and day trips to Sighișoara's UNESCO-listed citadel. Check the price charts on this page to see how fares shift across the year before you book.
Airlines and routes
Wizz Air operates seasonal direct flights between London Luton and Târgu Mureș (TGM), with a flight time of around three hours and twenty minutes. Frequencies vary through the year, so it is worth checking exact dates when planning. If a direct flight does not suit your dates, connecting itineraries via Bucharest with TAROM or Wizz Air, or via European hubs such as Vienna or Munich, are a reliable back-up and can sometimes work out cheaper.
Things to do in Târgu Mureș
Compact and walkable, Târgu Mureș rewards a couple of unhurried days on foot. Highlights include:
- Palace of Culture: a Secessionist masterpiece with a mosaic-tiled roof and the dazzling stained-glass Hall of Mirrors.
- Piața Trandafirilor: the city's grand main square, lined with pastel-coloured Art Nouveau facades and cafés.
- Târgu Mureș Fortress: a 17th-century citadel enclosing several historic churches within its walls.
- Teleki-Bolyai Library: a beautifully preserved 18th-century collection housed in an elegant reading room.
- Sighișoara day trip: the fortified medieval citadel, roughly an hour away, is one of Transylvania's best-preserved old towns.
At Transilvania Târgu Mureș Airport (TGM)
Transilvania Târgu Mureș International Airport lies around 15km east of the city centre, near the village of Vidrasău. There is no rail link, so most travellers rely on pre-booked taxis or private transfers, which take roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Car hire desks are available for those wanting to explore further afield, including Sighișoara and the Sovata lakes, and this is a popular option given the airport's modest size and limited public bus service.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Târgu Mureș
- Book several weeks to a couple of months ahead where possible — refer to the When to book chart above for the best window based on current fares.
- Fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) rather than at weekends, when leisure demand pushes prices up.
- Keep your travel dates flexible and compare a few days either side of your preferred dates.
- Compare the direct Wizz Air option against connecting itineraries via Bucharest or other European hubs, as routing can affect price significantly.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Romania for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, though your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. Romania's currency is the Romanian Leu (RON) rather than the euro, so it is worth carrying some cash or a card with low foreign transaction fees. No special vaccinations are required for entry, and standard UK travel insurance and EHIC/GHIC cover is recommended as usual.