As the new school year 2025–2026 approaches in Romania, students and their families have reason to breathe a little easier. On September 1, 2025, CFR Călători, the country’s national passenger railway operator, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students in accredited or authorized pre-university education by continuing the popular program of free train travel. This initiative, now a fixture in Romanian education policy, ensures that students can access their schools and educational opportunities across the country without the burden of transportation costs—a move that has been met with widespread approval from both educators and parents alike.
According to CFR Călători, all students enrolled in accredited or authorized pre-university institutions will benefit throughout the 2025–2026 academic year from free train tickets in domestic traffic. This offer covers all categories of trains—Regio (R), InterRegio (IR), and InterCity (IC)—in second class, and includes the reservation fee for trains that require a seat reservation. The benefits don’t stop there: students are also entitled to free monthly subscriptions with unlimited travel, again in second class, valid on all train categories. This means that whether a student lives in a major city or a rural area, their access to education remains unhindered by travel expenses.
For those who wish to travel in a higher class or opt for the comfort of sleeping or berth cars, there’s a catch. Students must pay the full fare difference and the reservation fee for these upgrades. As CFR Călători puts it, "For travel in higher classes or sleeping/berth cars, students pay the full fare difference and reservation fee." This policy keeps the core benefit—free basic travel—intact, while offering flexibility for those who want a little extra comfort and are willing to pay for it.
The transition between academic years brings some important administrative details. Facilities based on the 2024/2025 school year visa remain valid until September 30, 2025. However, there is a notable exception: students for whom the 2024–2025 school year was terminal (meaning they have graduated or completed their studies) will no longer benefit from these facilities starting September 8, 2025. As CFR Călători clarified in its announcement, "Facilities based on the 2024/2025 school year visa are valid until September 30, 2025, inclusive; students for whom 2024–2025 was a terminal year no longer benefit from September 8, 2025." Beginning October 1, 2025, all benefits will be granted exclusively on the basis of documents validated for the new 2025–2026 school year. This ensures that only currently enrolled students receive the support, keeping the system fair and efficient.
The process for obtaining free tickets or subscriptions is designed to be accessible and straightforward. Students can procure free tickets from ticket offices in stations staffed by CFR Călători personnel, from the company’s travel agencies, online, or from ticket machines placed in stations. There’s also a provision for those boarding at stations without ticket offices or outside of regular ticket office hours: in these cases, train staff can issue the necessary tickets upon presentation of a valid student ID. Monthly free subscriptions can be obtained in much the same way—either at ticket offices, travel agencies, or online via a downloadable mobile app that generates a dynamic QR code, as well as from ticket machines.
To obtain these travel documents, students must present a valid student ID or certificate for the current school year, which must include their name, surname, and personal identification number (CNP). Alternatively, a certificate issued by their educational institution—following the model established by Government Decision no. 810/2023—is also accepted. It’s a system that prioritizes both security and accessibility, ensuring that only eligible students benefit from the program while making the process as user-friendly as possible.
Verification doesn’t end at the ticket office. During travel, CFR Călători staff will check the legality of each student’s journey. Students are required to show their valid free ticket or subscription (either the original paper version or the digital QR code), along with an identity document. Acceptable forms of ID include a national identity card, passport, residence or driver’s permit, and for those under 14, a birth certificate (original or copy). If a student does not have an identity document, the student ID with a photo and CNP is acceptable, provided these details are included. The company is clear about the consequences for non-compliance: "Students who do not present the required documents will be considered without ticket or subscription and will be charged according to applicable legislation." Notably, the penalty fares charged on the train can be significantly higher than the standard fares at the ticket office.
Accessing information about train schedules and services has also been made easier. CFR Călători offers real-time updates through a variety of channels, including the INFO CFR phone line (0219521), phone numbers for individual stations listed on the company’s website, the TRENUL MEU mobile app, and live web cameras at major railway stations. Whether a student wants to check for delays, platform changes, or simply confirm departure times, the information is just a few taps or clicks away.
This initiative, now entering another year, reflects Romania’s broader commitment to educational equity and social inclusion. By removing transportation costs as a barrier, the program opens doors for students from all backgrounds, particularly those in rural or less affluent areas who might otherwise struggle to afford regular travel to school. For families already grappling with the costs of school supplies, uniforms, and other essentials, the savings can be substantial—potentially hundreds of lei per year per student.
Of course, the program is not without its critics or logistical challenges. Some have raised concerns about potential misuse or fraud, while others point to the need for ongoing investment in the railway infrastructure to ensure that trains remain safe, reliable, and comfortable for the growing number of student passengers. Still, the overwhelming consensus among parents, educators, and students themselves is that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
As the 2025–2026 school year begins, CFR Călători’s reaffirmation of free train travel for students stands as a testament to the value placed on education in Romania. For many, this policy is more than just a perk—it’s a lifeline, connecting young people to the opportunities and experiences that will shape their futures. With clear guidelines, robust verification, and multiple avenues for obtaining tickets, the program is set to continue making a difference in the lives of students across the country.
For further details and the most up-to-date information, families are encouraged to consult the official CFR Călători website or contact the company directly. As schools open their doors for another year, the trains of Romania will once again be filled with students—traveling freely, and perhaps a little more hopefully, toward their educational dreams.
