A hire car is the most practical way to explore the county. The monasteries and spa towns are spread along the Olt Valley road (DN7) and the connecting roads north into the hills, and public transport between them is infrequent. The DN7 south from Râmnicu Vâlcea through the Olt gorge to Cozia and Călimănești is straightforward and well-surfaced; the road northwest to Horezu via the DN67 is slower but scenic.
Local buses run between Râmnicu Vâlcea and the main towns in the county, including Horezu, Băile Olănești, and Călimănești. The frequency drops sharply in the evenings and on Sundays, so it is worth checking times in advance. Within Râmnicu Vâlcea itself, the city is walkable in the centre; taxis are inexpensive for reaching outlying areas.
The Olt Valley railway line passes through Cozia and Călimănești, with local trains stopping at both. This is a useful and scenic option for the gorge section if you are without a car, though the timetable requires planning.