Săpânța has no train station and no direct bus service worth relying on. The practical options are:
By car — the most flexible approach. From Sighetu Marmației it is about 18km on a good road (DN19A), taking 25–30 minutes. From Baia Mare, the regional capital, it is around 90km — roughly 1.5 hours — following the Iza Valley road through some of the most scenic countryside in Maramureș. The drive through villages like Bârsana and Ieud is worth the detour.
By taxi or hired car — from Sighetu Marmației, a taxi to Săpânța for a half-day visit (cemetery, monastery, and back) costs around €15–25 depending on waiting time. Negotiate the price before leaving.
By tour — several operators in Sighetu Marmației and Baia Mare run day trips that combine Săpânța with other Maramureș highlights: the UNESCO wooden churches of the Iza Valley, the Mara Valley, and the village of Bârsana. This makes sense if you are without a car and want to cover the region efficiently.
By local bus — there are occasional minibuses from Sighetu Marmației, but schedules are unreliable and return journeys are not guaranteed. Not recommended unless you have time to spare and a backup plan.