Peles Castle: Day Trips and Tours from Bucharest

Once used as a summer residence for the Romanian monarchs, Peleș Castle is a masterpiece, featuring a spectacular display of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Today, several of its rooms are open to visitors, allowing them a peek into the lifestyle of the country’s elite.

Peleș Castle day trips from Bucharest cover a myriad of fascinating sites in just a few hours, meaning that no matter how limited your itinerary is, you’ll leave Romania feeling as though you’ve captured the country’s essence.

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

How to get to Peleș Castle from Bucharest?

Peleș Castle is located just outside the town of Sinaia, approximately 140 kilometers north of Bucharest.

From Bucharest to Peleș Castle by car

The journey to Peleș Castle by car takes just over 2 hours and begins by heading north out of Bucharest along the A3. You’ll follow this road as far as Ploiești where you’ll merge onto the DN1, which leads you all the way to the site.

From Bucharest to Peleș Castle by public transport

Those without access to a car can instead make the jaunt to Peleș Castle via public transport. A direct train connects Bucharest’s North Station with the town of Sinaia where the castle is located. After disembarking, you can either continue your journey to the attraction on foot, which takes just over 20 minutes, or hail a local taxi.

Guided tour to Peleș Castle from Bucharest

Alternatively, book a guided excursion to Peleș Castle and let someone else take care of the transportation details for you. These last around 12 hours and begin between 7 AM, and 8 AM. You’ll either meet your guide at an easy-to-reach location in Bucharest or benefit from a convenient hotel pickup service.

Either way, you’ll be able to find out the meeting point before booking so that you can arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

How much does the entrance ticket to Peleș Castle cost?

Peleș Castle tickets includes a tour of its grounds. There are three types of guided tours, which include different areas of the castle.

Basic tour

The basic tour shows you around the ground floor only.

• Adults: RON50 (US$11)
• Seniors: RON25 (US$5)
• Children: RON12.5 (US$3)
• Students: RON12.5 (US$3)

Optional tour 1

On this tour, you’ll explore both the ground and first floor.

• Adults: RON100 (US$21)
• Seniors: RON50 (US$11)
• Children: RON25 (US$5)
• Students: RON25 (US$5)

Optional tour 2

Alternatively, select an all-encompassing Peleș Castle ticket that includes a tour of the ground, first and second floor.

• Adults: RON150 (US$32)
• Seniors: RON75 (US$16)
• Children: RON37.5 (US$8)
• Students: RON37.5 (US$8)

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Peleș Castle day trip is unique, many follow a similar itinerary. After meeting your group in the center of Bucharest or the lobby of your hotel, you’ll board your vehicle and get acquainted with your group. Peleș Castle is typically the first destination of the day and you’ll enjoy a guided tour through some of the colossal palace learning about its history as a royal residence.

You’ll then usually move on to Bran Castle, where, once again, you can gain an education on the site from a knowledgeable guide. You may have a designated lunch break factored into the itinerary, the cost of which is at your own expense. Then, you’ll head to Brașov.

If participating in a group tour, you’ll lead yourself through the city, stopping at any attractions that pique your interest. If, on the other hand, you book a private tour, you’ll be led through Brașov by your guide who will take you to the city’s most significant landmarks and fill you in on their history. From here, you’ll usually return to Bucharest where your Peleș Castle day tour ends.

However, if choosing a multi-day tour from Bucharest, you’ll find the order of the itinerary to be different, with extra destinations, such as Sighișoara added in. You’ll also spend the night in a comfortable three-star hotel in Brașov.

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

Guided tours to Peleș Castle plus Bran Castle and Brașov from Bucharest

The most popular type of day trip to Peleș Castle also visits Bran Castle and Brașov, enabling you to gain a well-rounded view of the Transylvania region. You’ll typically begin with a scenic drive to your main destination — Peleș Castle — which was constructed for King Carol I of Romania in the 19th century. Here, you can admire the castle’s Gothic spires and wander its halls, discovering its opulent interior.

Moving on, you’ll travel to both Bran Castle and Brașov. Bran Castle is located just a stone’s throw from the major city of Brașov and is nicknamed “Dracula Castle” for its resemblance to the vampiric lair in Bram Stoker’s 19th-century novel. Upon arrival in Brașov, you’ll usually enjoy free time to explore the city’s attractions at your leisure or stop for traditional refreshments.

Brașov’s main highlights include its Black Church, the ashy hue of which is thought to be the result of a 17th-century fire, and the well-preserved White Tower.

Private tour to Peleș Castle plus Bran Castle and Brașov from Bucharest

If you’re looking for greater personalization than a group excursion provides, consider choosing a private day tour to Peleș Castle. You’ll benefit from the undivided attention of a knowledgeable guide who you can converse with one-on-one and ask any questions you may have, for a more informative experience.

You’ll visit the same destinations as on other day trips, however, you’ll enjoy greater convenience with a comfortable private vehicle, and you won’t find yourself waiting around for other tourists. You’ll also stroll the streets of Brașov alongside your guide, enjoying a fascinating commentary on sites such as the Black and White Towers, and the city’s fortified walls, which were built to protect its citizens against attacks from the Ottomans.

Day trip to Peleș Castle plus wine tasting experience from Bucharest

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a different experience, you may choose to participate in a wine tasting tour from Bucharest. This type of excursion begins with a visit to Sinaia Monastery, which was founded by Prince Mihail Cantacuzino in the final years of the 17th century.

The monastery is still inhabited today by a small group of devout Christian Orthodox monks and the attraction features a Byzantine church. Alongside discovering the worship site, you can also see an impressive collection of historic artifacts, including priceless jewels and the earliest Romanian Bible in existence.

Then, explore several of the 160 exquisite rooms that form Peleș Castle before moving on to a local wine cellar. Here, you’ll try local tipples and learn more about the winemaking process in Romania.

2-Day tour to Peleș Castle plus Bran Castle, Râșnov Citadel and Sighișoara from Bucharest

If you have extra time to fill on vacation, you can instead opt for a 2-day tour to Peleș Castle, which visits a multitude of other attractions.  Alongside Peleș Castle, you’ll also pay a visit to a brown bear sanctuary where you can see the majestic mammals up close and learn about preservation efforts.

You’ll then move on to the 14th-century Bran Castle and learn about its associations with the fictional “Count Dracula.” Râșnov Citadel is the next destination on the itinerary, built by the Saxons and Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, and only conquered once since its construction.

You’ll continue to Brașov where you’ll rest overnight before exploring one of the area’s fortified churches the following day, Then, you’ll see the only inhabited fortress in Europe — Sighișoara — before returning to Bucharest.

How much does a day trip to Peleș Castle from Bucharest cost?

A day trip to Peleș Castle that includes Bran Castle and Brașov costs between US$30, and US$40 per person. Generally, this price includes roundtrip transportation and the services of a professional guide. However, entrance fees are at your own expense.

Peleș Castle day tours that involve wine tasting cost around US$170 per traveler. These excursions are private affairs and have a minimum booking requirement of two participants.

Typically, 2-day Peleș Castle tour cost US$250 per solo traveler, or, if you book in a group of between two and 15 people, you’ll each pay just under US$200. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 cost just under US$180 each. The price includes accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast.

Private Peleș Castle tours costaround US$370 per adult for a  if you choose to travel solo. However, the cost per head reduces with each additional party member, and, with the maximum group size of 15, you’ll each pay around US$100. Children between the ages of 3 and 14 cost about US$50 each while those under 3 cost US$40 each.

What will you see and do?

Peleș Castle was built in a Neo-Renaissance style and construction began in the second half of the 19th century, commissioned by the first king of Romania after it was declared an independent nation, Carol I.

The landmark was used as a royal residence until 1948 when it fell to the communists. It remained closed until the 1990s when it reopened as a museum, enabling members of the public to gain an insight into the lifestyle of the Romanian monarchs.

The castle covers 3,200 square meters and features 170 rooms, alongside 30 bathrooms, and perfectly-manicured Italian gardens, complete with ornate statues and water features. Of these 170 rooms, just 10 are open to the public. However, those on a Peleș Castle day trip won’t be disappointed by their findings, with an impressive collection of furniture, artwork, statues, armor and gold dishware to keep them occupied.

What are the opening times?

The Peleș Castle opening hours and days vary throughout the year, so check the time table before visiting.

Winter (October to April)

• Wednesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
• Thursday - Sunday: 9:15 AM - 5 PM

Summer (May to September)

• Tuesday: 9:15 AM - 5 PM
• Wednesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
• Thursday - Sunday: 9:15 AM - 5 PM

When is the best time to visit Peleș Castle?

The best time to visit Peleș Castle is from late spring to early autumn — May through September. During these months, the weather is typically mild and the castle’s gardens are in full bloom, creating a picturesque backdrop. The castle is less crowded in May and September, offering a more tranquil experience.

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

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Romania:

• Day trips to Peleș Castle from Brașov

Travel tips

• Purchase your entry tickets in advance, if possible, to minimize wait times, especially during peak tourist season.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as there's a bit of a hike up to the castle. The weather can be cooler in the mountains, so bring a jacket.
• In Sinaia, indulge in local Romanian delicacies like "sarmale" (cabbage rolls), "mămăligă" (polenta) with cheese and sour cream, "ciorbă" (sour soup), and for dessert, don't miss the sweet "papanasi" (fried doughnuts with soft cheese and jam).