Mangalia is at the southern end of Romania's Black Sea coast, about 44km south of Constanța. In summer, direct trains run from Bucharest to Mangalia (about 3.5 hours on the fast train); year-round services require changing at Constanța. The journey from Bucharest by car via the A2 motorway takes about 2.5 hours to Constanța plus another 45 minutes along the coast road.
From Constanța, minibuses and RATC buses run frequently along the coast road, stopping at all the resort towns. The coastal road in summer is heavily congested; the train is often the more sensible option. From the Bulgarian border at Vama Veche, 6km south, Mangalia is the first Romanian town.