day trip to transylvania from bucharest

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Transylvania Tours & Trips from Bucharest

An adventure starting in Bucharest is a great way to see Transylvania. We have 70 tours that range from 3 days up to 27 days. The most popular time for tours from Bucharest is June, which has the most tour departures.

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70 transylvania tours from bucharest with 199 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Transylvania Castles tour in 4 days from Bucharest

What an incredible four days we had. Our guide Traian was a wealth of knowledge who took us on a journey through Romania’s history with humour and amazing driving skill! The sites we visited and the unbelievable scenery were breathtaking and beyond expectations. The fact that we saw bears on our last day was the icing on the cake. We absolutely loved the tour (and Traian) and can’t recommend this enough!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Medieval Transylvania Small Group Tour - 7 days

Pack your walking shoes for this amazing insight into Romanian culture, castles and cuisiine. Lush, verdant forests surround medieval villages, fortified churchtowns with a luxurious 19th century palace of unbelievable wealth as a bteathtaking highlight.Be expertly guided Charlie with grace,humor and

• Sightseeing

Discover Transylvania from Airport Bucharest

We had wonderful experiences in this tour! The program is well designed and was excellently implemented by our guide Alex, who loves his country and made also us love it. We have learned a lot about the land and people, past and present. Many interesting places, good composition of various themes. Eight sunny days in December was a nice supplement to the tour program. Our culinary experiences were also very good. Apart from the tour program, we also thank the company for the friendliness and attentiveness to our needs. Again, special thanks to Alex for the great guiding!

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Hiking in South Transylvania

The Carpathian Mountains of Romania are stunning and we enjoyed each day of hiking this beautiful area. Kosten our hiking guide was knowledgeable and adjusted our daily hikes per our requests. His expertise and humour greatly enriched our experience. Accommodations and meals were good and mixing in some cultural sites of the area was a bonus. A great week!

5 Days Transylvania Tour from Bucharest to Budapest

Vlad was a fantastic tour guide and he made every moment of our 5 day Transylvania tour an exciting and enjoyable adventure. We three ladies were lucky to have Vlad all to ourselves on the journey and his flexibility with us was fabulous. Vlads knowledge of history was excellent. All of the hotels we stayed in were also excellent. We highly recommend a journey with tourradar through the beautiful Transylvania countryside Thank you Vlad and Tourradar. Susan. Dianna. Pauline

• Christmas & New Year

Dracula beyond the legend - 8 day private tour to Transylvania

Perfect Emil was fantastic

Discover Transylvania - small group tour, guaranteed departure

Dracula Tour in Romania from Bucharest including 'The Ritual of Killing of a Living Dead

This was my dream vacation come true. I will treasure these memories forever. However, the Tour Radar brochure shows this tour is for people 7 - 90 years old. This is very deceiving. There is no way a 90 year old could do all the walking involved. This is a very intense walking tour and there is much walking every day. This needs to be specified. There would be very little wheelchair access along this tour. Additionally, Poienari Fortress has been closed for several years with no plan to reopen anytime soon. This attraction was one of the reasons I booked this specific tour. You need to remove it from the brochure. Again, it is very misleading. Also remove the Borgo Pass, as they do not go there. This was another attraction I wanted to see but did not get to. You may want to add to the brochure that there are several hotels that do not have air conditioning. All that being said I had the most wonderful time.

Treasures of the Balkans (Small Groups, 16 Days)

Best of Romania, 2 special dinners and a show

Cities and UNESCO sites are more beautiful than I expected, tour guide Cristian of operator Transylvania life is excellent and helpful all the time.

3 Days Tour in Transylvania: Peles& Dracula's Castle, Sighisoara & Salt Mine

Excellent tour with the guide Florin that had attentions to all my requests.

Bear Watching in Transylvania - 3 days Tour from Bucharest!

3 Days Dracula Tour in Transylvania

It's a wonderful region and the itinerary is stellar, full of beautiful, unforgettable sights. Our guide was an excellent driver and very friendly, but we felt he lacked a bit in terms of in-depth knowledge of the places and things we were seeing. Nevertheless, in general it was an amazing experience and we can't wait to return to Romania!

Medieval Transylvania - Tour with half board

Discover Medieval and Wild Transylvania, Meet the Brown Bears, and Count Dracula

Florin was a great guide. He had a great depth of knowledge about the history of Romania, and his selection of events and timing was perfect. As a solo traveler, I felt very safe and well informed throughout the whole process, and he made a great travel partner for those few days. I'd highly recommend him to anyone looking to explore Romania.

What people love about Transylvania Tours from Bucharest

Our four day Transylvania castles tour was fabulous. Our guide Traian was excellent. Knowledgeable, friendly, and very respectful of our time and wishes regarding variations to the plan. Hotel accommodations were very good. Fantastic way to experience Transylvania

The tourist guide was excellent.

Die Tour war genauso, wie ich sie mir vorgestellt hatte. Alle Programmpunkte waren gut organisiert und vorbereitet. Vielen Dank an meinen Reiseleiter Adrian, der stets auf meine Wünsche einging, meine Fragen beantwortete und mir auch genügend freie Zeit gab, um selbstständig auf Entdeckungstour zu gehen. Seine Betreuung war wirklich hervorragend. Die Hotels waren ebenfalls sehr gut, wobei das Hotel in Sibiu besonders zu nennen ist. Vielen Dank für eine wunderschöne, erlebnisreiche Reise!!

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How to Get from Bucharest to Transylvania + the best stops!

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Last Updated on July 27, 2021

Romania’s landscape is a magnificent beast that deserves to be conquered and understood. Across this, open and rugged terrain are big modern cities like the capital of Bucharest, as well as the hundreds of medieval towns and villages found in Transylvania.

On the journey from Bucharest to Transylvania, you’ll leave the big city behind and pass through historic towns and cities filled with medieval architecture, lined with cobbled streets, and surrounded by endless forests, fields, and hills. But how do you get from Bucharest to Transylvania? And, when you do set out on this journey, what are the essential stops along the way – the castles and historic towns that shouldn’t be missed? Here is how to get from Bucharest to Transylvania.

Photo by  Alexandru G. STAVRICĂ  on  Unsplash

Travelling by Car

The first, and arguably the best way to get from Bucharest to Transylvania is by doing it yourself. Rent a car in Bucharest and set out on the open road, stopping at all the places mentioned below and spending as much time at each place as you want.

Renting a car can be a little scary in a new country but the best thing about renting a car in Romania is that it’s cheap. You can rent a car in Romania for just a few dollars a day, meaning it’s something you could afford to do for up to a few weeks. And, while driving in the bigger cities can be a little scary because of aggressive local drivers, driving between the towns and cities and across the Romanian landscape is chilled and blissful.

A great option is renting a car in Bucharest and heading north to Brasov. Along the way, you can stop at the towns of Ploiesti and Campina, as well as Bran Castle and Peles Castle. Once you’re in Brasov, stay for a few days and use your rental car to take a day trip or two to nearby smaller towns in Transylvania. In just one day you can reach Bran Castle and Peles Castle (in case you missed them on the way to Brasov).

Make sure you have insurance when hiring a car.  I recommend SafetyWing or World Nomads.

Photo by  Fabrizio Verrecchia  on  Unsplash

Travelling by Train

Another option is to travel by train from Bucharest to Brasov. The journey by train takes a little under three hours, is cheap and direct. This is the simplest, quickest, and most stress-free way of getting from Bucharest to Transylvania. Brasov is the southernmost city in the Transylvania area and, from there, you are free to take a day trip to whatever town or castle you feel like.

The downside is that taking day trips is so much easier with a rental car. So, while you can take a train from Bucharest to Brasov, you’ll still need to hire a car once you’re there in order to take a day trip to Bran Castle and the other great nearby towns. There is a benefit to this: hiring a car in Brasov is easy, and it has the benefit of avoiding the aggressive drivers of Bucharest completely. With that in mind, taking a direct train from Bucharest to Brasov and renting a car for day trips from there is perhaps your best option.

Now that we’ve discussed the two different ways of getting from Bucharest to Transylvania, where should you stop along the way? Or, alternatively, which day trip journeys should you take once you’re in Transylvania?

Bran Castle

Inarguably, Bran Castle is the most famous, most popular, and biggest must-see castle in all of Romania. And, luckily, it is en route from Bucharest to Transylvania. But why is Bran Castle the number one stop on the way to Transylvania? Well, Bran Castle’s fame comes from its connection to both Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the book’s original inspiration: Vlad the Impaler, medieval ruler of Wallachia.

Bram Stoker’s world-famous gothic novel took its name directly from Vlad the Impaler, whose true name was Vlad III Dracula. Beyond that, the castle that featured in the novel is said to be heavily inspired by Bran Castle itself, meaning that fans of Dracula have been flocking to Bran Castle for decades. While its unclear if this is historically accurate, the fact remains that Vlad Dracula was a Romanian ruler with a taste for brutality in war, and Bran Castle is nonetheless a dramatic and powerful medieval Romanian castle.

The 14th-century castle is now an open-air museum that houses much of the furniture and valuables of Queen Marie a 20th-century member of the British royal family who married the king of Romania and became their queen. As is clear to see here, Bran Castle has a wealth of cultural and royal history to explore, making it an unmissable day trip from either Bucharest or Brasov.

Peles Castle

Lesser known than Bran Castle but arguably more beautiful, Peles Castle is a neo-renaissance castle built in the late 19th century. While Bran Castle is dramatically medieval, Peles Castle is grand, colourful, and noble in its appearance.

Like Bran Castle, Peles Castle is also a museum which has so many untouched rooms to explore and marvel at. While it was a royal residence initially, Peles Castle is now publicly owned, and as such the museum is thriving and beautiful. It’s also beautiful all year round, changing with the seasons in a magical manner.

Photo by  Daniela Turcanu  on  Unsplash

Brasov is the final stop on your journey from Bucharest to Transylvania. Once you’ve arrived at Brasov, you’ve made it into Transylvania. Brasov, as such, is a great base from which to take frequent day trips to other historic and picturesque parts of Transylvania.

Brasov is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, and within the city is a wealth of gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture. When you first arrive in Brasov, the first three locations to visit, explore, and photograph are the Old Town Hall, the Black Church, and Council Square. These three locales together are a perfect representation of the charm and historic beauty of Brasov. The town also has defensive fortifications that have stood for more than five hundred years and were originally built to keep invaders from all sides out of the city. Brasov is, in short, one of the most historic places in Romania.

Other articles you will love:

• 26 Unique Things to do in Romania
• 10 of the Best Cities in Romania to Visit

Incredible Things to do in Sighisoara, Romania

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Author: Jessica Esa

Jessica is a full-time freelance travel writer from the UK. She splits her time between East Asia and Europe and has traveled extensively within those regions. She also manages Books and Bao, a travel and culture blog with her partner. Find her on her travel blog Books and Bao and on social media @booksandbao

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Explore Transylvania's Enchanting Castles On A Day Trip From Bucharest

This expert-led tour explores Romanian history, Transylvanian castles, Dracula's home, Gothic churches, and many more marvels all in one epic day.

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About this transylvanian castle tour, peleș castle, bran castle (dracula's castle), brasov historical center walking tour, why book this transylvania castles tour.

Transylvania’s castles have an infamous reputation of being as nefarious as they are eerily beautiful. Now, travelers can experience them in person one after the other on a specially designed tour that visits them all. On this enriching private tour led by knowledgeable local guides, visitors get the exclusive opportunity to wander through Transylvania’s historic castles, meandering mysterious corridors, sauntering up spooky stairwells, and exploring haunted rooms believed to house ghosts of the past.

From the cities of Bucharest and Sinaia to Bran, Brasov, and the captivating Carpathian Mountains, guests get to savor the stories behind these illustrious landmarks deep-rooted in Romanian and European history - up close and in person, and all in one day. They'll discover Bran Castle, where the legend of Dracula looms, Sinaia's picturesque Peleș Castle in the enchanting Carpathian Mountains, and many more macabre yet breathtaking attractions on this meticulosity thought-out day tour of Transylvania's iconic period fortresses and buildings.

• Name: Castles of Transylvania: Private Day Trip from Bucharest
• Duration: 1 day
• Access: Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation : Air-conditioned car or van
• Language: English-speaking licensed tour guide and driver
• Price: From $101.50 (2 people)

Book This Tour

• Time: 2 hours
• Attraction Admission: Ticket Not Included in the Tour Price

First, the friendly tour guide meets guests at their accommodation in Bucharest at 7:30 am before accompanying them to the first stop on the trip: Peleș Castle. Located in Sinaia, this fantasy fortress is said to be one of Europe's most beautiful castles and is the perfect place to start the tour. Set in the nature-laden backdrops of the Carpathian Mountains, this regal castle is a spectacular masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture, a neoclassical sample of the vast architectural ensemble along the valley of the Peleș River created by King Carol I throughout his reign.

The entire world knows Bran Castle - a medieval dwelling dating back to the fourteenth century and more famously known as Dracula's Castle. This darkened part of the tour takes visitors to see one of the most famous sights in Romania, a particular favorite among the global gothic and horror literary-loving community. The legend of Dracula runs rife through its walls, with Bram Stoker's original character believed to be based on the life of Vlad Tepes (known as Vlad the Impaler ) from 1431 to 1476. Vlad the Impaler was an esteemed ruler revered by Romanians for standing up to Turkey's Ottoman Empire, eventually becoming the Turks' most feared enemy. A force to be reckoned with, he dominated the nation and enforced the law mercilessly, applying the death penalty by impaling those he considered enemies - hence, the rather befitting nickname.

Related: Romanian History: 10 Things You’ll Learn About The Real Dracula In Transylvania

After exploring the home of Dracula, the tour gets even better; the next stop is Brasov - one of the most visited places in all of Romania. Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains, this city is weighted in Romanian history and is equal parts historic and stunning. Adorned by gothic, baroque, and renaissance architecture, the tour guide takes guests on an insightful walking tour of Brasov's most prominent old-world buildings, centuries-old attractions, and charming streets.

Below is a list of Brasov bucket list highlights to behold on this leisurely guide-led stroll through one of Romania's most majestic and historically significant cities:

1. Piaka Sfatului (Brasov's Central Square)

• Attraction Admission: Free

Piaka Sfatului and its array of red-roofed medieval merchant houses are reminiscent of the city's German heritage. Named after the fifteenth-century council house home to the town's history museum, the square provides access to an array of historic landmarks; there's the ancient watchtower, the imposing Black Church, and also a pillory in the middle of the square where witches and other misfits were subjected to public punishment. If feet get a little tired, a break at one of the numerous indoor or outdoor terraces or in the Renaissance Merchant's House is a welcomed treat - the latter of which now functions as a restaurant.

Related: 10 Things You Should Consider Before Visiting Romania

2. Biserica Neagră (The Black Church)

Standing for over 600 years, the Black Church of Brasov is among the biggest medieval churches in this part of Europe and the most famous monument in this old Transylvanian town. Built around 1380 and finished in 1477, this magnificent gothic-style church was first known under the name of Saint Mary's Church (Biserica Sfanta Maria); however, a great fire in 1689 burned through the roof and interiors, its blackened outer walls thus acquiring the building a new name: The Black Church (Biserica Neagră). Furthermore, the Black Church's history is a faithful image of the major events that shaped Transylvania's past throughout unstable times of peace and war. From enemy invasions to the influential role of German colonists and the impacts of societal reformation, this iconic church stood in the midst of it all.

3. Strada Sforii (Rope Street)

Not for the claustrophobic, the name of this number on tour roughly translates to "Rope Street" and is one of the narrowest streets on the planet. Built in the fifteenth century to allow firefighting brigades passage between the major thoroughfares at each end, this snug medieval lane measures a mere 80 meters (260 feet) long and varies in width from 111 135 centimeters (44 to 53 inches). It's the third-narrowest street in Europe, just after Spreuerhofstraße in Reutlingen, Germany, and Parliament Street in Exeter, England. Visitors can even touch both walls on either side at the street's thinnest point.

Related: Eastern European Spotlight: 10 Fascinating Facts About Romania

4. Yekaterina's Gate (Katherine's Gate)

For many centuries Katherine's Gate was the only access point to the Schei neighborhood of Brasov - right up until 1827, when the Schei gate was constructed to handle the traffic coming in and out of the city. Built by the Tailors’ Guild in 1559 for defense, it was the former gate into Brasov fortress, named after St. Catherine's Monastery, that was located in Brasov. Standing tall, Katherine's Gate is the only original city gate that's survived from medieval times, although this historical monument is merely a piece of what it once was. The gate's exterior tower seen today remains from what used to be a more complex system, yet it's still one of the most well-preserved fortifications in Brasov. Interestingly, the gate's four small corner turrets symbolize the town's judicial autonomy and the "ius gladii" (the right of the sword), meaning the right to decide on capital punishment. The gate's murder holes and firing can still be seen by visitors.

Related: These Scenic Romania Towns Will Take Your Breath Away

If witnessing some of Romania's most gorgeous scenery in the Carpathian Mountains, retracing the footsteps of the country's archaic historical figures, exploring Dracula's abode, and marveling at Transylvania's world-famous castles sounds like the day trip of one's dreams, this tour ticks all the right boxes. Led by highly experienced and knowledgeable guides, this carefully curated tour comprises some of Romania's top tourist attractions, conveniently packaged into one wonderful day out. Uncover the stories, shenanigans, landmarks, and beauty of this history-and-culture-rich region of Romania, intimately experiencing the centuries of events and lingering monuments of bygone eras that put this nation on Europe's celebrated tourist trails.

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A Stunning Transylvania Road Trip from Bucharest

See the best of beautiful Transylvania, Romania in one week

There is a poetic beauty to Transylvania that few places in the world can surpass. Shrouded in mystery and vampire-driven legends, yet full of fairytale-like medieval villages, Gothic castles, fortified churches and the stunning snow-capped Carpathian Mountains.

The historic region of Transylvania occupies much of central Romania. You would literally need a couple of weeks to cover all that Transylvania has to offer comprehensively – and much longer to see all of Romania, from the painted monasteries in the north to the Black Sea beach resorts.

Our road trip itinerary will take you on a circular trip from Bucharest, around many of Transylvania’s most famous landmarks in one week.

This is by far a comprehensive guide to Romania. I was only there for one week but have included in the footnotes extra itinerary items and resources that you might find helpful in planning your own more extensive Romanian adventure. 

This post is part of our European Destinations series

Things to know before visiting Transylvania, Romania

Language in romania.

The main language is Romanian – a Latin root route language used in Romania and Moldova making it relatively easy to interpret if you are familiar with other western European languages.  English is quite widely spoken or at least understood, especially in tourist establishments.

Currency in Romania

The currency is Romanian Lei – written RON.  Despite EUR often being quoted, only Lei is accepted.  You can readily find ATM’s and all but the smallest of shops, cafes or tourist sites will also accept credit card. As a rough conversion guide:

• 5 RON = 1 GBP
• 4.5 RON = 1 EUR
• 4 RON =  1USD
• 1 RON = 1AED (Note no currency exchanges in the UAE seem to readily stock it, you’ll be relying on ATMs)

It is not a commonly stocked currency in many countries so you may need to order in. Don’t pay exorbitant airport currency exchange fees, the ATMs are just after you collect your bags at the airport.

Power and adaptors in Romania

You will need European Type C 2 round-pin plugs or international adaptors .

If you are hiring a car in Bucharest, there are plentiful options only a short shuttle from OTP (but be mindful that parking in the city centre might be tight). It’s quite easy to pick up a budget car rental in Europe . Alternatively, you can pick up at a city depot such as Avis at the Intercon. Check available car hire locations here:

Note driving is on the right side of the road (steering wheel on the left). If you hold a license from outside the EU or are from a non- Vienna Convention on Road Traffic Signatory country, you might need an International Driving Permit. (On this occasion, I thankfully took my UAE driver’s license, which was allowed. However, I was informed had I taken my usual Australian driver’s license, I would not have been permitted to hire – the same applies to US and Canadian license holders. This is the first time I had ever been referred to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, so be warned, it’s applied!) 

Opening Hours

Many places are shut on Monday or have modified hours.  If your visit is planned over a long weekend, just be careful how exactly you plan out your days. (Click the links under each attraction to confirm timings, most variable by season). 

Accommodation in Romania

You can really pick your budget when it comes to accommodation.  5-star luxury is far cheaper than many other European countries, but equally, hostel and 2/3 star accommodation is cheaper too, and you’ll get what you pay for. Expect some accommodation to look a little dated, but far from the communist-era feel, I may have feared!

Public Holidays in Romania

The majority religion is Orthodox Christian, so big public holidays around Christmas and Easter are celebrated 2 weeks later than in Western Europe.

Is there a best time to visit Transylvania?

Like much of Europe, you can have a starkly contrasting trip in different seasons.  I can see why the winter months might be seen as a bit cold and bleak, but equally some of the mountainous villages are at there best during the snowy season. Spring felt perfect for the greenery and flowers before the crowds and often sweltering mid-summer temperatures. Autumn brings with it amazing colours and much cooler temperatures.

Food & Drink in Romania

I’ll say at the outset I probably chose the wrong dishes and wrong establishments to try the local cuisine! I was not a fan. But for setting expectations (it’s not all bad, I promise!) think soups, lots of meaty casserole-style dishes, sausages, a penchant for cabbage and polenta.  You will find a wide variety of international cuisines though; Italian is popular as well as Greek.

Where they do excel beyond expectation is with their wines. You will almost exclusively find Romanian wine on menus so do try and experiment. Local varietals include Feteasca Neagra and Feteasca Alba.  Most vineyards are located in the warmer climates of Wallachia but there are many in Transylvania to try too.

Distances in Transylvania

Distances can be slightly deceptive as there are a mixture of roadways and very windy hills, though we found Google Maps to be pretty accurate in its timings. Getting caught behind slow trucks is definitely a pain and there are not always handy overtaking opportunities. Here are some approximations, dependent on traffic.

• Bucharest to Peles – 142km (2hrs)
• Bucharest to Brasov – 184km (2hrs 50 mins)
• Brasov to Sighisoara – 116 km (1hr 40mins)
• Brasov to Sibiu – 144 km (2hrs 20mins)
• Sibiu to Sighisoara – 93 km (1hr 40 mins)
• Sibiu to Bucharest – 277kms 4hrs 30 mins (via the Transfăgărășan add 2 to 3 hours)
• Sibiu to Cluj-Napoca – 174kms (2hrs 30mins)

Bucharest & Transylvania with kids

There are very few places you cannot travel with your kids, and Transylvania is no exception.  The castles and fortified villages are bound to set their imaginations alight. That said, I should point out that I actually undertook this particular trip with a friend, rather than with The Globetrotters.

Due to the large amount of walking involved, and many places with steep hills or cobbled streets, there are a few things I would do differently visiting Bucharest with kids . Many places are not stroller-friendly, and you’ll want to work in plentiful play parks in amongst the sightseeing.

I’ve included several adaptions to the itinerary and points of interest I would add when travelling to Transylvania with kids .

A 7-day Transylvania Road Trip

Whilst anything less than a week, you are unlikely to do the region and the capital Bucharest much justice, if time is limited, you can certainly fit many highlights into a 7 day/6-night itinerary as we did – a Transylvanian Taster Tour!

( You can download our interactive Google Map here )

Transylvania Road Trip Day 1 & 2 – Bucharest

Most will start their journey into Transylvania in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, home to Henri Coandã International Airport – OTP (Otopeni is the small town the airport is located in, about a 30-minute drive outside of Bucharest).

It is a fairly small airport so easy to navigate yourself past passport control and bag collection to the ATMs and taxi service.  The taxi system could be a little clearer, but basically, from inside the terminal, you need to choose from a machine one of several companies offered that have differing rates per km.

Your first choice may not be available so it’s a bit hit and miss keep pressing buttons until a taxi shows up! The taxi then pulls up and waits for you in the taxi stand immediately outside.

A taxi to town should cost you no more than 50 RON. I had been advised cash only but the couple of cabs I took in Bucharest DID have credit card options.   Another alternative although we did not try it is to use Taxify – similar to Uber. 

Despite rumours of grumpy and rude drivers, my friend and I must have both struck the jackpot with extremely friendly and knowledgable drivers, well versed in English and ready to share their travel tips. After unloading the bags, get yourself into the Old Town for the evening and enjoy exploring the laneways and colourful nightlife.

Rest up as Day 2 you will be doing a considerable amount of walking between the city’s famous sites.  The good news is the city is pretty flat and easy to navigate and if you are mostly on a photo tour and happy to wander more than explore inside, can be tackled in a day.

The city was so different from my expectations. I had heard the expression “Little Paris” used to describe the city, but with a post-communist feel.  The Old Town has had considerable work put in over the last decade to make it the pleasant cobbled lined streets that we experienced (We understand this certainly hasn’t always been the case; Jokingly it is referred to as the newest old town in Europe!)

Top things to see and do in Bucharest

This list is far from exhaustive but the main sites you could see within two days include:

Palace of Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului)

It is hard to miss the world’s second largest administrative building (behind only the Pentagon in Washington DC) with its commanding position over the city.  Conceived by communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu “The House of the Parliament”  or “Ceausescu’s House” was a show of his political power during his reign. Many Romanians still detest the building, not only its symbolism but the homes that were destroyed in order to build it and what it meant to the people.  I will let you decide on its architectural beauty, but it is indeed impressive on size and scale!

Can you see inside?  Yes, tours do operate, advance bookings essential and you will need to bring with you a photo ID and passport.  However, at the time of our visit they were on a reduced program due to the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union occupying the building – tickets sold out 2 months in advance.

• Learn more about ticket pricing, tour times and availability here
• Alternatively, check availability via organised tour groups.  

If you can’t get inside, you can walk the entire block around the Palace, it takes about half an hour. At the time of our visit in 2019, much of the other buildings to see were also being renovated, you may just want to view from the front and from Parcul Izvor (plenty of playparks here is kids are getting a bit bored by this stage).

Parcul Cişmigiu

A truly stunning central city park that we were fortunate to visit coming into full bloom. You can hire small paddle boats, or enjoy the views from one of the lakeside cafes.

Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției)

Much of the country’s recent history revolves around this famous corner of the city.  This was the site of the famous Ceauşescu regime overthrow in 1989 in front of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Building. A controversial monument to the revolution Calea Victoriei (aka, the Skewered potato) can also be found here.

To really learn more about the city though, I’d recommend a walking tour.  There’s only so much our quick Googling on the spot could cover and we felt we’d glossed over far too much of this aspect of Romania’s very recent history. Some suggested walking tours of Bucharest: 

Caru’ cu Bere – Romanian Beer Hall

Hidden in amongst the Old Town laneways, Bucharest’s legendary beer house is likely to be a must on your list! Based on traditional Bavarian beer houses, it has been famous for good food and good beer since the late 19th century. Caru’cu Bere remains as popular as ever, renowned for their “mititei” (sausage-shaped, spiced ground meat grilled over charcoals). 

To say it is packed is an understatement. Advanced booking IS required, especially over weekends, or you could try popping in out of peak meal times for only a drink at the bar. It is one of the Old Towns most historic buildings so take a peek inside even if you don’t have a table, only the facade is currently being renovated. Alternatively, if you would like to discover more of the city’s characterful hidden gems without the crowds, take on a Bucharest food tour.

Romanian Atheneum

One of the city’s most beautiful buildings is the main concert hall. Classical music lovers will want to line up their trip with an evening performance, considered amongst Europes best. Details of upcoming performances here

Carturesti Carusel

I’ll admit I am a sucker for a big bookshop, and this is definitely one of the most beautiful I have seen. The lower floor is packed with handicrafts, gifts and gadgetry before ascending to multiple floors of books in multiple languages. Maybe not one of the most extensive book collections but won’t stop you getting lost there for a good hour or two! There is a cafe and refreshments for sale on the top floor with views of the Old Town. See Carturesti Carusel opening times here.

The Old Town laneways

It is honestly the perfect city to get lost in and self-explore, but make sure you stumble upon Passajul Macca – Vilacrosse . These two intertwined cafe-lined passages with a strong emphasis on shisha smoking perhaps gave off more of a Middle Eastern vibe but there is an undoubted Parissiene feel too.

Nearby you will find Pasajul Victoria – another quaint cafe alleyway lined with brightly coloured umbrellas (pictured above) and an underground bar. It looked decidedly derelict other than this pop of colour during the day but sprung to life at night – all undeniably photographable even if you don’t stop for a drink!

Pura Vida Sky Bar

Although it’s a very flat city, this is about as much as a rooftop view as you can get! If the legs still have any energy left, it’s worth the 5-floor climb above this central city hostel to enjoy the rooftop vibes and cocktails. Probably more uh, street beats than my normal taste in music (and most of the clientele looked young enough I could be their mother, an increasingly worrying trend wherever I go these days) but nonetheless, a chance to rest up and soak in those views pretending I was a rocking 19-year-old backpacker again.

Churches of Bucharest

The city has an abundance of beautiful churches to stumble upon. Some favourites include St Nicholas Orthodox Church – Strada Ion Ghica and Stravropoleos Monastery Church – Strada Stravropleos. There are so many though, all with their unique architectural styling, you will find a favourite hidden somewhere in the city!

Antiques and Handy Crafts Market

Not well signed, but on the corner of Strada Ion Ghica and Strada Doamnei is a small antique and handicraft market.  We picked up several of our souvenirs here (you may find this way more to taste than some of the touristy souvenir shops around the castles and other attractions).

Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

One we didn’t get time to hit in but came highly recommended by Mr Taxi driver is this traditional 200-year-old Romanian village – also called Muzeul Satului.   Open-air so best visited when the weather is fine and can be combined with nearby Herăstrău Park. These extensive gardens stretch as far as the Arcul de Triumf,  which you no doubt passed by taxi arriving from the airport. If there’s one thing the city of Bucharest excels in, it’s parks! There are so many to chose from so if you are travelling with kids and the notion of simply exploring the beautiful streets and laneways gets too much, you are sure to find some big open spaces.

The city also has many noteworthy museums which we didn’t have time to explore inside including The National Museum of Modern Art, Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art Collections. You can find a comprehensive Bucharest museum listing here.

Where to stay in Bucharest

We stayed at and really enjoyed the Grand Hotel Continental; Large spacious rooms, luxurious touches everywhere and a beautiful basement spa.

Nearby there are many others to choose from in this very central area include Radisson Blu, Hilton Garden Inn and Athene Palace Hilton Bucharest all very highly rated and offering pretty reasonably prized 5-star treatment.

If you are going on to hire a car, you may like to stay at the Intercontinental Hotel Bucharest as this is where we found the closest city-based car hire depot with Avis. You can find a great neighbourhood guide with more ideas on where to stay in Bucharest here.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 3 – Bucharest to Braşov

If you only have a long weekend you can base yourself just in Bucharest and visit many of the sites closer to Braşov on a day trip. Otherwise, I’d recommend hiring yourself a car and getting out to truly see the sites. 

You can join an organised tour too but self-driving you can set your own pace. If you are only day tripping I can strongly suggest setting off early before long queues form at the popular sites.

We visited over Catholic Easter weekend and these top attractions were pretty rammed. One of our guides advised us during summer peak the queues and crowds are INSANE! I wouldn’t necessarily say skip these popular castles off your itinerary as you’d really be missing out, but expect longer queues than Disney.   All good travellers know early in the day is key!

Peleş Castle & Pelişor Castle

Arguably the most beautiful of Transylvania’s castles, Peleş is found 2-hours north of Bucharest, much of the second half of the journey taking you deep into the Carpathian Mountains and through several incredibly picturesque towns.

Peleş is the former summer home to the Romanian Royal Family King Carol I and his wife Elisabeth. (The Romanian Royal family existed from 1881 until 1947, when Romania became a Republic – there is a long story as to why the Royal family is in fact, from Germany can be found here ).

Now a museum, a relatively rushed compulsory group tour runs in rotating different languages takes you through the ground floor of the Palace. An extension ticket will take you to the much less crowded upper floors and concert hall.

Neighbouring Pelişor Castle is only a few hundred metres away and can also be explored on a separate ticket. Learn more about current ticketing and opening times here.  To get into the castle grounds, there is a 15 RON parking fee, and still a steep climb to the castle (bear in mind if trekking small legs with you).

Alternatively there appeared to be street parking immediately adjacent to the main gateway for free if you don’t mind an extra few hundred meters.  After the castle tours, there are several restaurants with international menus on the castle grounds.

Fortified Churches

There are many in Transylvania but one of the most impressive with its 4.5-meter walls that can be walked around is in the small village of Prejmer.

Nearby if timing permits there is also Hãrmon with another beautiful example from the Saxons era.

Braşov Old Town

Make sure you get to Brașov before nightfall to take in the famous sites of Brașov old town .  Walk the historic city walls of Transylvania’s second largest city and enjoy dinner in the town square. There are plenty of small laneways to get lost in, but it’s easy to find your way back to the town square and history museum.

If time permits, take the cable car up to the BRASOV sign on the hill for amazing views over the city. There’s also the impressive “Black Church” (though this appeared to be closed for renovations at the time of our visit in 2019).

Where to stay in Braşov

Stay centrally in the Old Town for the best experience. We chose Hotel Aro Palace –  a bit of an ugly duckling outside looking more like an office block but delivers on the quality you need inside and beautiful park or mountain views. Includes a huge indoor underground pool and spa. Other central choices to consider include Arina Apartments or Arce Boutique Hotel .

Transylvania Road Trip Day 4 – Braşov via Bran & Raşnov to Sighişoara

Bran castle.

Arguably the country’s most famous landmark, though how much is the truth and what has been adapted from fiction over the centuries is in the eye of the beholder!  None the less this is considered vampire country. You will definitely get your fair share of 15th century “Drac” stories – not, in fact, Bram Stokers fictitious Dracula but Prince of Wallachia Vlad the Impaler.  

However, much of the story of Bran Castle in Bran is dedicated to modern times, Queen Marie of Romania and her children from the 20th century.

Normally not one to be plucked out of a line to join a tour group, we were so glad we decided spur of the moment to join an English tour run by Transylvanian Wonders (we since worked out you can advance book one of these tours here ! They work in English, Italian & Romanian).

Inside the castle is manically busy, there’s really not much can be done about it as the country’s most popular attraction.  If you just join the crowd you will drift through without having the castles stories and interesting features brought to life.

Our guide spoke amazing English and put some fabulous context and drama behind the story of the castle – I would thoroughly recommend taking their tour .

If you are travelling with young children, I am not sure they will have the patience for a guided tour as it did go nearly 2 hours. You may be able to pick up an audio guide with your tickets but expect the castle to be crowded and rushed. Definitely no strollers and no disabled access.

Open hours and on the day ticket information for Bran Castle can be found here – there is, unfortunately, no advance booking process.  You simply need to join the ticket queue down a roadway of street side sellers with your typical tourist tat, then join another queue to actually get in the castle.  Note Bran Castle is closed Monday mornings.

• Skip the line and join a detailed guided tour here

Other tour options if you are coming as a day trip from Bucarest

• Full day Bran Castle, Peles Castle and Rasnov Citadel Tour
• Dracula’s Castle and Brasov Tour

There is a very touristic lead up to the castle, but you may find better shopping opportunities further along your trip. Easy bites and pub-style meals can be found here too, as well as around the village of Bran.  Parking nearby we were suckered into the expensive but convenient paid parking for 10 RON an hour.

Râşnov Fortress (Cetatea Râşnov or Râşnov Citadel)

Nearby, another Transylvania highlight was visiting Râşnov. Perched on the hillside with a commanding view this Medieval Citadel was built by the Teutonic Knights to guard against Tartar and Turkish invasion. It is a mixture between ancient ruins and a recreated medieval village inside. A small entry fee applies.

There’s a brisk hillside walk to the top from the free car park, but you could also catch the small tractor-train up the hill for a nominal fee.  Views from the top are stunning and well worth the climb. Audio guides were apparently available but could not be seen. 

Another place you might prefer to take with a group to learn more about the history (many Bucharest day tours pair Râşnov and Bran). Those with kids may be able to make a full day or afternoon trip of Râşnov and pop into the Dino Park Rasnov too.

Allow a further 1.5-hour drive to finish your day in Sighişoara or you could spend a further night in Brașov and tackle the drive the following day, taking in further small village stops along the way.

Where to stay in Sighisoara

We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sighişoara Cavaler, a really short walk (flat!) to the many attractions of the Old Town and included a heated indoor pool. Another option to try is Hotel Central Park Sighisoara which had an excellent restaurant serving Romanian and international dishes, as well as an excellent selection of local wine and knowledgable staff.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 5 – Sighişoara to Sibiu

Sighişoara medieval town centre.

Get your walking legs on because there are lots of steep hills and steps – but most importantly just get yourself lost in the maze of laneways and beautifully restored candy-coloured buildings. 

The entire old town is UNESCO listed, which I understand has helped with much-needed funding and restoration works over the past decade to bring these glorious streets back to their former glory.

A walled Saxon era-village, the highlight at the peak of the city is St Nicolea Lutheran Church. Accessed from beneath by a very long enclosed staircase ( Scholars’ Stairway ), it was designed to protect parishioners from the elements in the winter to climb to the church at the top of the hill.

From the adjoining churchyard, you can admire the township and valleys below.  Filled with the sounds of dogs barking and chickens clucking in the otherwise fabulous, still and crisp air; it was a fabulous reminder, you are in Dracula country here! (And as one house claims, the birthplace of Dracula. You can go see his bedroom in Casa Vlad Dracul, for a small fee).

Warm yourselves up again heading back to the town square, take in coffee at one of the many small centuries-old cafes and climb the Bootmakers Tower .

There are plenty of tourist tat-purchasing opportunities too, but if you are looking for “the real thing” we found the lovely traditional art and crafts museum and shop in the basement of House on the Rock the best place to make your genuine purchases. in the absence of a live guide, if you have mobile data you can use the QR codes placed on many of the towns historic buildings to learn more.

Biertan Fortified Saxon Village

There are again many fortified churches and quaint villages on the drive between Sighisoara and Sibiu, only 1.5 hours if you drive direct.   I’d strongly suggest you do take the time to make a diversion and drive through some of the Transylvania plateau countryside.

Not so mountainous but plenty of rolling hills and small villages where you will still encounter horse and cart action and many a stray dog running along the street – some more intent to catch your car than others!

We chose Biertan to stop at as it was the easiest diversion and it did not disappoint. Biertan’s gothic-styled church is ringed by a protective wall and watchtowers, and the church itself has gained UNESCO listing status with its well-preserved Renaissance artworks as well as it’s intricately carved door.

Sibiu Old Town

Sibiu is a much larger city than Sighişoara with the Old Town making up only a small part of the current city.  It is also a slightly flatter city so perhaps a little easier to navigate (but I would argue a little less interesting!)

We visited on a very chilly day (did I mention I don’t do cold), so a lot of the outdoor street cafes and vibrancy from throngs of tourists that we were expecting was lacking. There were still plenty of wonderful restaurants in Sibiu to pop inside for a drink which helped us through the day!

Your tour on foot will most likely start with  Piața Mare (Grand Square), then under the Turnul Sfaului (Council Tower) to Piata Mica (Small Square) surrounded by colourful buildings and the city’s watchful eyes – the unique slit windows in the rooftops that mysteriously follow you wherever you go!

You can climb Council Tower for a bird’s eye view of the city, as well as the Evangelical Church Tower (we managed neither but understand the better views are from the church)>

Next head to the stunning Lutheran Cathedral in Piata Huet, one of the greatest and largest Gothic churches in Transylvania.  Again our luck was out on opening times and it appeared inaccessible at the time of our visit in 2019, I believe due to Easter preparations rather than renovations.

The best part of Sibiu, as with so much of Romania, was simply wandering the streets and discovering its laneways and staircases that divide the upper and lower town, admiring the candy-coloured facades and ornate details hidden around every corner.

Our time in Sibiu was all too short. Had we had longer then a side trip to either Tudra Salt Mine to the north or Corvin Castle to the east (see more below) would have been great additions whilst based in Sibiu.

• Take a day trip from Bucharest to Sibiu

Where to Stay in Sibiu

We stayed at the Hotel Continental Forum which although has a very grand exterior and commanding position over the city, was probably more suited to your business traveller than a cosy stay.

For something more boutique and in keeping with the atmosphere of the town you may want to try YellowBoot ApartHotel or Noblesse Boutique Resort (not parking can be tight near the Old Town, check the fine print staying in Sibiu if your parking will be included).

Transylvania Road Trip Day 6 – Sibiu to Bucharest

Transfăgărășan.

The absolute highlight of a journey through Transylvania – and the best experienced we actually had to miss out on – was driving the Transfăgărășan. The DN7C snakes its way for 90kms through the Carpathian Mountains.  Once voted by BBC’s Top Gear as the best drive in the world, it takes between 6 to 7 hours to get back to Bucharest taking the scenic route.

With its hairpin bends and dramatic views, it’s easy to imagine why.  Due to the extreme mountainous conditions, the road is subject to closures between October and May.

We missed out on this occasion and had to take the “main route” E81 back to Bucharest, still a long drive of nearly 5 hours.  It’s pretty for the first hour and a half as the road winds its way alongside the river Olt and you climb through the picturesque Cozia National Park , ending in the pretty village of Caciulata.  

After this section is over, it’s a fairly plain, and a slightly painful drive back as you work mostly with single lanes a variety of trucks and small towns until you hit the motorway about an hour away from Bucharest.

If you are lucky enough to enjoy a leisurely drive through the Transfăgărășan from Sibiu, stop on the way at Poenari Fortress , as the legend goes this is the REAL Dracula’s castle where Vlad spent most of his time (One of our guides advised, however, that access is currently not possible because of issues with wild bears!).

Check current information before planning the 1462 stair climb, only possible with a guide and the right gear due to safety.

The other popular stop is Vidraru Dam with dramatic views over Lake Vidraru and the picturesque valleys and mountains to either side.

Where to stay

As we were unable to take this route, no personal recommendations but check here for overnight accommodation options if stopping along the Transfăgărășan.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 7 – Depart Bucharest

Depending on whether you have taken the longer scenic route home – possibly even staying overnight at one of the mountain chalets (eg Hotel Posada Vidraru) , you will head back to Bucharest overnight ready for your final day departure.

What does our 7-day Transylvania itinerary miss?

As mentioned at the outset, this is really a taster-itinerary. Romania is a huge country and Transylvania is just one part of it.  Even this itinerary you will not catch all the major sites of Transylvania due to driving distances. You could expand this itinerary just within Transylvania by including further day trips or overnight stops to:

• Cluj-Napoca – the largest regional city in north-west Transylvania
• Corvin Castle in Hunedoara (east of Sibiu). Arguably Romania’s most spectacular Gothic-style castle
• Tudra Salt Mine – historic salt mine now a museum and wellness spa (parts under construction at the time of writing) – halfway between Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca
• Poiana Brașov – Romania’s favourite winter ski resort near Brașov
• Castelul de Lut Valea Zanelor – a fairytale-like village of clay houses in Porumbacu de Sus, east of Sibiu (partly under construction still to become overnight accommodation)

You can also alternatively start your journey further north in Transylvania’s largest city Cluj-Napoca by flying into CLJ and heading one-way to Bucharest.

Further resources for planning your Bucharest & Transylvania Trip

Where would we all be without the Lonely Planet, right? The Romania & Bulgaria Lonely Planet is essential reading, we found it to be really up to date and accurate (April 2019). Pssstt.. use code GLOBETROTTERS10 to get a further 10% off any purchase you make from the Lonely Planet online store.

Blogs to read

• Sophia Adventure – A blog entirely focussed on the East Balkans, great if you want to take a deep-dive into the region.
• Romanian Friend – They run small group tours but also have loads of very useful and informative local guides on their site to assist with dining and getting around.
• Romania Tourism – Official tourism website packed full of helpful guides and maps.

Flights, tickets & tours

Use Skyscanner to work out your flights:

Don’t forget your travel insurance – we recommend World Nomads

Save our Google map for a quick reference to top spots to visit and stay in Transylvania.

Check out more guided tour options on Get Your Guide , they have some excellent European partnerships and may be your preferred option if you would like to base yourself in Bucharest and take day trips instead without the hassle of self-driving.

Bookmark this page for later or Save it to Pinterest

Have you visited Romania – with or without the kids? What were your favourite highlights? Any small villages or absolute hidden gems we missed?

Disclosures: This was a fully-self funded trip, I was not paid to mention any of the businesses or services discussed but may earn a small commission on some of the recommendations we have made if you make a purchase through our links. You can read our full disclosures and terms of use here . 

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6 thoughts on “ A Stunning Transylvania Road Trip from Bucharest ”

Great article! Looking forward to come back to Transylvania.

I enjoyed reading about your experience in Romania! I got ‘stuck’ in Sibiu during the pandemic in March, and never left the country – I wound up moving to Cluj, but I waaayyyyy prefer Sibiu. Cluj is a little big for my liking! Thanks for sharing this itinerary!

Oh how interesting! Are you working or studying out there? There’s still plenty more I need to explore around Sibiu. We have direct flights into Cluj now with WizzAir so when it’s safe to travel again I look forward to exploring deeper into Romania.

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Oh, It’s too good. I like this blog very much I also bookmark this.

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If you are interested in some great Transylvania trips departing from Bucharest, you are in the right place. This part of Romania is magical, it’s a land where the time is frozen and people invite you to discover their ancient traditions. Book the Transylvania holiday you like (or more than one) and we guarantee you an amazing experience! Are you ready to travel to Transylvania and enjoy this beautiful region with Secret Romania?

Whether you want to discover the traditional villages of Transylvania, the medieval cities of this region or you want to see what the connection has with Dracula, a guided tour in Transylvania is what you need.

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Getting to Transylvania from Bucharest- The Complete Guide

For the curious traveler, experiencing Romania’s Transylvania region firsthand is an unforgettable experience. If you are arriving in Romania by air, then your journey to this enchanted region will likely begin in Bucharest, Romania’s capital city. In this guide, I will detail how to access some of the most popular destinations in the Transylvania region from Bucharest.

Generally, the fastest and most convenient way to get to Transylvania from Bucharest is by Train, leaving from Gara de Nord. In the following sections, I will detail how to get to Brasov, Sinaia (home to Peles Castle), and Sibiu by train or bus.

Where/What is Transylvania?

Transylvania is a mountainous region located in present-day central Romania and bound by the Carpathian Mountains on three sides. The region has a rich and intriguing history and has passed through periods of Roman, Bulgarian, Turkic, Hungarian, and autonomous rule. Today, the region is mostly known for its breathtaking landscapes and traditional Saxon and Romanian villages, which dot the landscape.

Each time I visit this region, I am refreshed by the virgin forests and rural lifestyles which persist in this reclusive part of the world. It is still common to spot shepherds, complete with shepherding staffs and caps, tending to their flocks on the lush hillsides. It is one of the last places in all of Europe in which “Old Europe” has yet to give way the new European model of globalization.

But, before you get to relaxing in charming Sibiu or lounging around quaint Sinaia, you’ll have to navigate your way through Bucharest’s chaotic transportation system. In this guide, I will give you all of the information you need to reach your Transylvanian destination with ease.

Bucharest to Brasov

Cost:  A one-way train ticket to Brasov costs 48 RON, or $12.

Trains leave from Bucharest to Brasov nearly every hour from Gara de Nord, Bucharest’s primary train station. To ride the train, you’ll need to purchase a ticket from the ticket counters located on the far north-east side of Gara de Nord. If the ticket lady asks you if you prefer “regio,” or “inter-regio,” be sure to specify that you would like an inter-regio ticket. The inter-regio trains make the trip in about 2.5 hours while the regio trains can take nearly 4 hours to get to Brasov (how’s that for a hot tip).

You can check time tables for your trip by looking up your itinerary on this website . Your departure point should be set to “Bucuresti Nord,” and your destination should be “Brasov.” The trains with an IR prefix are inter-regio trains, so make sure your train number starts with “IR.”

Unfortunately, the train station in Brasov is located nearly 4km from the city’s historical center, so you should plan on taking a bus into town once you arrive. There is a bus station located directly in front of the Brasov train station (it’s literally the first thing you see when you walk outside the doors). To get to the city center, you’ll need to ride Bus 4 to Livada Poștei or Bus 51 to Rat Brasov – Biserica Neagra. In either case, the ride should be around 20 minutes and cost 2 RON, or $0.50.

Bucharest to Sinaia

Cost:  A one-way train ticket to Sinaia costs 40 RON, or $10.

Getting to Sinaia from Bucharest is really simple. Starting from Gara de Nord, purchase a ticket at one of the ticket windows at the far north-east corner of the train station. If the teller asks if you would like an “inter-regio” or “regio” ticket, make sure you choose “inter-regio.” Inter-regio trains stop less frequently and so you’ll make the trip in 1.5 hours instead of the 2.5 hours it would take on a “regio” train. Your train number should begin with the prefix IR if it is inter-regio.

To look up timetables for your trip, you can use this website . Your point of departure should be set to “Bucuresti Nord” and your destination should be “Sinaia.”

Transportation to Peles Castle from Sinaia Train Station

Luckily, Peles Castle is only 2km away from the train station in Sinaia, so you can definitely walk to the castle. If you are too tired or unable to walk this distance, there are typically taxis lined up outside of the train station who will gladly take you up to the castle. Be prepared to pay about 10 RON, or $2.50 for the trip.

Bucharest to Sibiu

Cost: A train ticket or maxi-taxi fare will set you back around 50 RON, or $12.

Getting to Sibiu from Bucharest can be a bit complicated because there are only four trains per day that have a direct route to Sibiu, they are: IR1623, IR346, IR1529,  and IR472.  I actually recommend taking a maxi-taxi to Sibiu instead of a train because they run frequently and are much faster.

Getting to Sibiu by Maxi-Taxi

I spoke at length about maxi-taxi’s in my Romania transportation guide . In brief, a maxi-taxi is an independently-operated micro bus that makes trips between large Romanian cities. They are very common in Romania and also a nice way to get around if you are unable to secure a train ticket.

To take a maxi-taxi from Bucharest to Sibiu, you’ll need to begin your journey at “ Auto Gara Militari .” This is a bus station (kind of like a Greyhound station) located on the west side of Bucharest. You can get there by taking the metro’s red line to Pacii station. The bus station is essentially a large gated parking lot located on the south side of Iuliu Maniu Boulevard.

Once inside the bus station, start scanning the buses for a bus that has a “Sibiu” placard behind its windshield. Climb aboard, state your destination, and hand your fare to the driver. The trip to Sibiu on a maxi-taxi should take about five hours. You can view maxi-taxi timetables and fares here .

Getting to Sibiu by Train

To purchase a train ticket for Sibiu, visit one of the ticket counters at the far north-east corner of Gara de Nord Station. Be sure to tell the ticket lady that you would like a ticket for one of the direct trains (cursa directa). If you end up with a ticket for an indirect route, your trip may take over 8 hours, including transfers, so be certain you are purchasing a direct ticket. Keep in mind that these tickets go fast, so it’s not a bad idea to buy your tickets a day or two before your trip, if possible.

The earliest direct train leaves to Sibiu at 10:00am, so you may be tempted to try and take a route that involves a transfer at Caracal, Copsa Mica, or Brasov. Not only is this a much slower option, it can also be confusing if you don’t speak Romanian since it involves transfers at rural train stations. If you are looking for an alternative to a direct train to Sibiu, I would recommend taking a maxi-taxi.

Arriving in Sibiu

Both trains and maxi-taxi’s from Bucharest to Sibiu finish their journey at the Sibiu train station. From the train station, it is a short walk into the city center.

Transylvania is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Interestingly, though, some of my fondest and most vivid memories of this region are of riding the train from Bucharest and through the mountains, into the heart of the Carpathians. Depending on your route, your journey will take you through dense forest, old tunnels, and steep valleys. Grab a window seat and enjoy the ride!

Cheers and safe travels.

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