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There is no bridge between Silistra and Calarasi. You cross the land border on the edge of Silistra, then a car ferry takes vehicles over the Danube to Calarasi, about 125 km from Bucharest. Including the ferry, Silistra to Bucharest usually takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on sailings. A private transfer from Silistra to Bucharest costs 120 € per car.
How the crossing works
- Drive to the border with Romania on the edge of Silistra. Both countries are in Schengen, so as of autumn 2026 there is no routine passport check.
- Continue a short distance on the Romanian side to the ferry landing on the Danube.
- Board the car ferry across the river to the Calarasi side. Vehicles queue in order of arrival.
- From Calarasi, roads lead north-west to Bucharest, about 125 km.
The ferry runs on a timetable that changes by season and can be suspended in fog, high winds, ice or very low water. There is no single official online timetable we can point to with confidence, so check the current sailing times locally or with the operator before you rely on a specific crossing.
Ferry or bridge?
| Starting point | Better crossing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Silistra | Ferry | The Ruse bridge is about 120 km to the west |
| Dobrich and Balchik | Ferry, or the Dobrudzha crossings via Constanta | Shorter than going via Ruse |
| Varna | Ruse bridge or Constanta route, usually | The ferry adds uncertainty for a small saving |
| Shumen and Razgrad | Ruse bridge | Ruse is on the way |
| Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo | Ruse bridge | The ferry is a large detour |
The ferry is a local solution. It shines for travellers starting in Silistra or the north-eastern corner of Bulgaria. From anywhere further west, the Danube Bridge at Ruse is the direct line; see Ruse to Bucharest. From Varna, compare all three options in Varna to Bucharest.
Border rules as of autumn 2026
Bulgaria and Romania have been full Schengen members on land since 1 January 2025. Temporary checks remained for six months and ended on 1 July 2025. Since then there has been no routine passport control at Silistra or any other crossing between the two countries. Police can still check identity, so each traveller should carry a valid passport or national ID card.
What can go wrong
- Weather: fog on the Danube, strong winds and winter ice can stop the ferry for hours.
- Water level: in dry summers, low water can affect the landings.
- Queues: on busy days you may not fit on the next sailing.
- Timing: late evening and night sailings may be limited.
If you are travelling to Otopeni for a flight, these risks matter. We would not recommend relying on the ferry for a tight flight connection; the Ruse bridge or the Constanta motorway route gives more predictable timing.
If you choose the ferry, leave a buffer of at least an hour and a half on top of the normal drive time, and keep the Ruse bridge in mind as a fall-back if the ferry is not running when you arrive.
Silistra as a destination
The route also works in reverse. Visitors to Silistra, the Srebarna nature reserve nearby or the wider Dobrudzha region can land at Bucharest, cross by ferry, and reach Silistra in around three hours. Book the transfer for a time when sailings are frequent, usually during the day.
Travelling from Sofia? See Sofia to Bucharest for the main route.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a bridge between Silistra and Calarasi?
No. You cross the land border near Silistra and then take a car ferry across the Danube to Calarasi.
How long does it take from Silistra to Bucharest?
Usually 2.5 to 3.5 hours including the ferry, depending on sailing times and waiting.
Does the ferry run at night?
Night sailings may be limited, and the ferry can be suspended in fog, wind or ice. Check the current timetable locally before you travel.
Is there a passport check at Silistra?
No routine check since 1 July 2025, but you must carry a passport or national ID card.