Vatra Dornei is in the north of Romania, in Suceava county. By train, it lies on the line between Cluj-Napoca and Suceava — journey times are around 3.5 hours from Cluj and 2 hours from Suceava. The scenic mountain railway through the Carpathians makes the train journey worthwhile in its own right.
By car from Suceava, the drive takes about 90 minutes via the Câmpulung Moldovenesc road. From Cluj-Napoca, allow 3–4 hours. The town is served by long-distance buses from Bucharest, Suceava, and Cluj, though rail is generally more comfortable for the mountain sections.