Brasov: Day Trips and Tours from Bucharest

One of the most visited cities in Romania, Brașov has something to enthrall every type of traveler, from Gothic churches to historic squares and fairytale castles. Whether you wish to learn more about the legends of Dracula, discover medieval fortifications or simply admire a wealth of architectural gems, you can do so on a Brașov day trip from Bucharest.

These excursions enable you to hop between the region’s most spectacular landmarks, gaining a deeper insight into Romanian culture through the ages.

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

How to get to Brașov from Bucharest?

Brașov is a county spanning more than 5,000 kilometers of Central Romania, containing a city of the same name. The city is just under 190 kilometers north of Romania’s capital, Bucharest, and is easy to reach via several modes of transportation.

From Bucharest to Brașov by car

The journey to Brașov by car takes just under 3 hours and begins by heading north of Bucharest along the A3. After passing through Ploiești, you’ll join the DN1, which leads you all the way into Brașov, making this a simple route to navigate.

From Bucharest to Brașov by public transport

Those without access to a car can instead make the jaunt to Brașov via public transportation instead. A direct train connects Bucharest’s North railway station with the city and the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Trains between the two destinations run several times per day, making this an easy option for travelers.

Guided tour to Brașov from Bucharest

Another option is to book a guided excursion to Brașov and let someone else take care of the transportation details for you. These tend to last around 12 hours and begin early in the morning, between 7 AM and 8 AM. On top of the logistics being taken care of, these excursions also include the services of an experienced guide for a more comprehensive experience.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Brașov day tour is unique, all excursions share similarities. After meeting your guide, either in the center of Bucharest or your hotel, you’ll board your vehicle and get acquainted with your group as you drive away from the hustle, and bustle of the city.

You’ll head to a number of destinations, the first of which is generally Peleș Castle. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the attraction and learn insider facts that you’d miss alone. Moving on, you’ll visit Bran Castle, which is steeped in myths and legends before heading into Brașov.

Once again, you’ll stretch your legs with a guided walking tour. This takes place in the Old Town and you can expect to see religious monuments, architectural wonders, and defensive mechanisms of the city as you wander through. From here, you may return to Bucharest where your Brașov day trip ends.

On 2-day tour tos Brașov, you’ll stay overnight in Sighișoara where you’ll participate in another walking tour the following day. You may also visit extra sites, such as Biertan, before returning to Romania’s buzzing capital.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Brașov?

There are a number of different options for Brașov day trips, depending on your personal travel style and the amount of time you have to spare.

Day trips to Brașov plus Bran Castle and Peleș Castle from Bucharest

The most popular Brașov day trips include several of Transylvania’s most historic sites, enabling you to experience the region’s charm. You’ll begin this type of excursion by leaving the city behind and journeying into Transylvania to your first destination — Peleș Castle. This royal residence was built over the 19th and 20th centuries for King Carol I of Romania, and is snuggled in the foothills of the lofty Carpathian Mountains.

The order of destinations varies between Brașov day tours, however, over the remainder of the excursion, you’ll visit Brașov and Bran Castle. You’ll participate in a guided walking tour of Brașov and its Old Town where you’ll stumble upon several dazzling attractions, including Black Church, the ashy hue of which is believed to be the result of a 17th-century fire that devastated much of the city.

Other notable landmarks include St. Nicholas’ Cathedral and the fortifications of Brașov, which defended the city against attacks from the Turks. Discover the fictional “Count Dracula” at Bran Castle, which, is thought to resemble the castle described in Bram Stoker’s 19th-century novel.

Private day tour to Brașov plus Sinaia from Bucharest

If you’re looking for greater personalization than a group tour provides, consider opting for a private day trip to Brașov instead. You’ll benefit from the one-on-one attention of your own personal guide who is dedicated to your enjoyment and have plenty of opportunity to ask all of your burning questions about landmarks featured on the itinerary.

You’ll first travel to Sinaia, which is home to the famed Peleș Castle, where you’ll discover its unique fusion of architectural styles and learn how King Carol I of Romania fell in love with its surroundings. Then, hop into a gondola and enjoy a thrilling ride up into the Bucegi Mountains, reaching heights of more than 2,000 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you’ll gain panoramic views across the Southern Carpathian Mountains and idyllic town.

Before heading back to Bucharest, you’ll travel to Brașov where you’ll meander through the Old Town’s maze of streets and explore its most historic monuments, including Black Church, and Rope Street.

2-Day tour to Brașov plus Bran and Sighișoara from Bucharest

If you’ve got time to spare on your vacation, why not select a 2-day tour of Brașov, which includes a trip to Sighișoara? Day 1 begins with a visit to Peleș Castle, which served as a summertime residence for the Romanian royal family until 1947. From there, you’ll journey to Bran Castle where you can compare the differences in architectural styles between the two remarkable sites.

After hearing chilling tales of the fictional “Dracula,” you’ll continue on to Brașov, where you’ll stroll leisurely while listening to an insightful commentary from your local guide. The final stop of the day is Sighișoara where you’ll check into a comfortable hotel and spend the rest of the evening however you please, whether that’s feasting on traditional Romanian cuisine or enjoying a few frosty brews at one of the city’s most beloved pubs.

After a restful night, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Sighișoara’s citadel, which is the largest inhabited fortress in Europe and is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. You’ll also see the home of the infamous Vlad the Impaler who was known for brutality and murder, as well as the town’s 64-meter-high clock tower.

Discover one of the country’s most significant fortified Lutheran churches in Biertan before moving on to your final destination, Sibiu, nestled in between the Figaras and Cindrel Mountains, where you’ll see an impressive array of medieval architecture.

How much does a day trip to Brașov from Bucharest cost?

A standard day trip to Brașov plus Bran Castle and Peleș Castle typically costs between US$30, and US$50 per adult, depending on the group size. Children under 18 offer benefit from a small discount of US$5 . While round-trip transportation and the services of a professional guide are generally included,  entrance fees to the castles is at your own expense.

A private tour of Brașov and Sinaia costs US$290 to US$300 if you travel solo. However, the price per head reduces with each member added to your party, and, with the maximum group size of 15, you’ll each pay approximately US$90. Gondola tickets and entrance fees to attractions are not included in the overall tour price.

Multi-day tours to Brașov have a minimum booking requirement of two adults and you’ll each pay US$240. You’ll travel in a small group capped at eight participants and children aged 13 to 17 entitled to a reduced rate of US$190. This includes accommodation in a three-star hotel or guest house and breakfast, as well as an English-speaking guide.

What will you see and do?

Black Church

The Black Church is a medieval construct dating back to the 14th century. It is designed in a classic Gothic style and is believed to have been heavily damaged during a fire that swept through the city in 1689, leading to its current sooty exterior.

However, there is some argument between historians about the alleged fire damage with some claiming that the coloring of the church is simply from pollution. Grand-scale restorations happened at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, and the building features a number of ancient sculptures.

Rope Street

Strada Sforii — which translates to Rope Street — is among the narrowest streets in Europe, behind Spreuerhofstraße in Reutlingen, Germany, and Parliament Street in Exter, England. It measured 80 meters long and between 111, and 135 centimeters wide, and, in some parts, visitors can touch both walls at the same time. The street was constructed in the 15th century to allow passage for emergency vehicles and today, it serves as one of Brașov’s main tourist attractions.

Bran Castle

While not technically in the city of Brașov itself, Bran Castle is just a short 30-minute drive from the destination and is one of the most significant attractions in the country. The castle is associated with the novel, “Dracula,” which was written by Bram Stoker in 1897. It is reminiscent of the vampiric dwelling described in the book, which has led to the spot being nicknamed Dracula’s Castle.

In reality, the author never visited the castle and there is no mention he was aware of its existence so any parallels between the two sites are purely coincidental.

When is the best time to visit Brașov?

The best time to visit Brașov, Romania, is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). These months offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the city's medieval landmarks and nearby Carpathian landscapes. Summer brings vibrant festivals, while September provides a quieter experience with mild temperatures. Winters are cold but magical if you're interested in Christmas markets and winter sports in the neighboring Poiana Brașov resort.

Travel tips

• To maximize your time in Brașov, begin your trip early in the morning. This will give you a full day to explore.
• The old town has cobblestone streets, so comfortable footwear is a must for walking around.
• Weather can be quite variable, so check the forecast and dress in layers to accommodate changing conditions, especially if you're planning to hike or spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Brașov offers stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes. Have your camera ready, but be respectful of private property and individuals who may not wish to be photographed.