Bran Castle: Day Trips and Tours from Brașov

Steeped in both history and mystery, Bran Castle beckons travelers from far and wide — not only because it's a wonderful family day out, but because it's the real-world equivalent to Dracula's Castle.

Despite being off the main tourist trails of Western Europe, this Transylvania landmark remains one of the continent's most revered tourist attractions — and, justifiably, Bran Castle day trips from Brașov are becoming more popular by the minute. Once a home to royalty, now the infamous real-world Dracula Castle, Bran Castle promises a rare mix of eerieness, excitement and enchantment.

Here's all you need to know about Bran Castle, one of the most exciting day trips from Brașov.

How to get to Bran Castle?

Bran Castle is located in the eponymous town of Bran in Romania's Transylvania region, roughly 25 kilometers from Brasov.

From Brasov to Bran by car

The best way to reach Bran Castle is by car. The drive is roughly 25-35 minutes, via the DN73/E574 motorway. The journey is very scenic — you'll pass by forests and quaint villages like Cristian and Rasnov.

Taxis are also available — your trip should cost between 100 lei to 120 lei (US$22-US$27). It's recommended you negotiate the price prior to departure.

From Brasov to Bran by public transport

You can also take public transport services. There is usually an hourly bus that goes from Autogara 2 in Brasov to Bran between 9 AM and 7 PM. These bus trips usually take around 45 minutes.

From Brasov to Bran by guided tour

The most straightforward and hassle-free way to get to Bran Castle is by taking a guided tour. Several private companies provide half or full-day excursions to Brasov, with the journey usually including stops at other Transylvanian sites like Rasnov Fortress.

How much does the entrance ticket to Bran Castle cost?

Bran Castle ticket prices vary depending on age, time of year and what you are wanting to see within the castle itself.

Entrance fees (July to August)

• Adult (aged 19-64): RON 60 (US$14)
• Children (aged 7-18): RON 15 (US$4)
• Students (aged 19-30): RON 35 (US$8)
• Seniors (aged 65 and older): RON 45 (US$10.50)
• Toddlers (aged 0-6): Free
• Entrance to the Torture Chamber: RON 10 (US$2.25)
• Entrance to the Time Tunnel: RON 25 (US$5.50)

Prices do change according to season so it's recommended to check the castle website.

What is the typical itinerary?

Every tour is different, but typically a day tour to Bran Castle from Brasov usually starts with convenient pickup from your hotel.

Once you reach Bran Castle, you can expect a guided tour (approximately one hour) that takes you through the castle's grounds. Along the way, you'll learn all about this icon of Transylvania.

The visit also includes an audio-visual presentation that will explain why Bran Castle has become so iconic, giving you more insight into the Dracula association as well.

At the end of the castle walkthrough tour, you're usually free to explore the grounds at your own pace. Depending on your tour, you might also visit nearby towns or attractions like the Rasnov Fortress or Peles Castle too.

After the sightseeing comes to an end, you'll be whisked back to your hotel in Brasov.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Bran Castle?

There are a handful of different tours available for Bran Castle day trips from Brasov. Let's take a look at the most popular options.

Half-day tour of Bran Castle plus Rasnov Fortress from Brasov

A great overview of the region, this half-day tour includes visits to both the Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress. The first stop is Rasnov, where you'll explore its 13th-century fortress predominantly used during medieval warfare as a safe haven for villagers.

Next, visit the main attraction, the infamous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. For an extra US$20, this tour also includes the option of also checking out the Peles Castle and extending it to a full-day tour. The Peles Castle was used to house Romanian royalty in the 19th century.

Full-day tour to Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Cantacuzino Castle from Brasov

This tour invites you to discover three of Romania's important attractions on a full-day trip. With pickup and drop-off included, as well as a professional, knowledgeable guide, you won't have to worry about any logistics.

Peles Castle — a 19th-century Neo-Renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains — is usually the first stop. You’ll then continue to Bran Castle, before finally paying a visit to the Cantacuzino Castle, an architectural marvel that was once the summer residence of Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino.

Brown Bear Sanctuary, Rasnov Fortress and Bran Castle tour from Brasov

This full-day tour starts with convenient pickup from the meeting point in Brasov. After meeting your guide, you'll head to Liberty Bear Sanctuary. Located in the forest, the 69-hectare sanctuary boasts streams, ponds and, its main attraction, 75 brown bears.

From there, you'll tick off Bran Castle and the Rasnov Fortress, which dishes up spectacular views of the nearby towns.

How much does a day trip to Bran Castle from Brasov cost?

Prices for a day trip to Bran Castle from Brasov vary depending on the length and itinerary, however, they usually start from around US$50 per person.

Half-day tours range between roughly US$50 and US$75, while full-day tours are more expensive, costing between US$55 and US$105. Both include transportation, entrance to the attractions and your own guide.

A tour that visits the Brown Bear Sanctuary, Rasnov Fortress and Bran Castle, can cost upwards of US$140 per person.

What will you see and do?

Throughout the day, your guides will also bring the stories of Dracula and Vlad the Impaler to life.

After learning about Bran Castle's history and hearing stories of its past, you'll have time to explore its secret passageways, dungeons, towers, torture chambers and time tunnels. Bran Castle also has exhibitions filled with artifacts and art, giving you a greater insight into life in Transylvania.

Plus, from the open-air lookouts of the 4-story castle, you'll have beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. There is a restaurant located on the grounds in Queen Maria’s Tea House, and a souvenir shop if you're interested in a memento.

During Halloween, Bran Castle has costume contests, vampire walks, ghost-hunting tours and more. There are also jazz festivals during the summer months, with performances and workshops from international artists.

What are the opening times?

Bran Castle has different opening hours depending on the time of year. In the winter season, it's open from 9 AM to 4 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and from 12 PM to 4 PM on Mondays.

During summer, Bran Castle is open from 9 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and from 12 PM to 6 PM on Mondays.

When is the best time to visit Bran Castle?

The best time to visit Dracula's Castle is in the spring (May to June) and early autumn (September). During these periods, you'll enjoy mild, pleasant weather and fewer tourist crowds than the hot summer.

Halloween makes an excellent time to visit if you want to experience the full eeriness of the castle!

Are there any tours to Bran Castle from other cities in Romania?

Yes, there are tours to Bran Castle, or Dracula's Castle, from another city in Romania:

• Day trips to Dracula's Castle from Bucharest

Travel tips

• The castle has a lot of stairs and uneven surfaces. It's best to wear comfortable shoes and suitable clothing as you'll be on your feet for most of the tour.
• To avoid the largest crowds, consider arriving early in the day or later in the afternoon. This can also provide better opportunities for photos.
• Make sure to take a trip through the Time Tunnel, an ancient passage turned into a fascinating exhibition.