Transylvania: Day Trips and Tours from Bucharest

If you mention the name Transylvania outside of Romania, people may tend to nod enthusiastically while recounting tales of vampires and werewolves.

Inside the country, however, you’ll receive a much different reaction — and it’s exactly this response that makes a day trip to Transylvania from Bucharest such a valuable excursion for anyone trying to understand Romania’s history.

Far removed from grisly tales of blood drinkers and shapeshifting monsters, you’ll find an intricate collection of tales — written in the buildings, cuisine and people that make up this fascinating region. Visitors here are capable of enjoying the treasure of Transylvania during a variety of tours, each offering up a different guise of this captivating landscape.

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

How to get to Transylvania from Bucharest?

Transylvania is a region in central Romania, located north of Bucharest, surrounded on the south and east by the Carpathian mountains.

From Bucharest to Transylvania by car

You can drive to Transylvania by car from Bucharest if you don't mind the logistics and challenges of driving through the Romanian countryside.

From Bucharest, head north along Highway 1 until you reach Brasov and you’ll arrive in the southern region of Transylvania.

The entire journey is about 200 kilometers long and will take roughly 3 hours to complete.

Guided tour to Transylvania from Bucharest

There are a couple of advantages that accompany a guided tour to Transylvania from Bucharest — chief of which is the fact that you won’t need to rent a car or deal with the logistics of planning your journey.

Secondly, guided tours come in varying shapes and sizes, making it quite easy to find one to fit your needs — and you’ll have a passionate local guide to accompany you.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary of a Transylvanian tour very much depends on the type of excursion that you choose — with different tours visiting several different locations, depending on their duration. Some tours focus on certain aspects of Transylvania specifically, most notably castle tours that visit several fortifications throughout the region.

Typically, a tour from Bucharest to Transylvania will start with an air-conditioned vehicle picking you up from your hotel in Bucharest. From here, you’ll travel northwards to Brasov where you’ll visit the trio of landmarks of Peles Castle, Brasov Old Town and Dracula’s Castle.

Depending on the type of tour you choose, you might venture further into the Transylvanian countryside with a couple of multi-day tours visiting Sighisoara or Sibiu. You’ll also have ample opportunity to experience the local cuisine before boarding your transport to head back home to Bucharest.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Transylvania?

Tours to Transylvania from Bucharest are as diverse as the region they look to explore — making it easy to find one that will tick all of your boxes.

Full-day group tour to Transylvania from Bucharest

A guided group tour to Transylvania is one of the most affordable options when journeying from Bucharest, but you’ll be part of a larger group — making it the perfect choice for solo travelers or people exploring Transylvania with financial and time constraints.

During these tours you’ll visit Dracula’s Castle, Brasov’s medieval center, and Peles Castle, granting you a comprehensive insight into Transylvania and its most famous landmarks.

Transylvanian private tour from Bucharest

A private tour to Transylvania from Bucharest is perfect for people traveling as a couple, a small family or a group of friends — and your guide will be able to devote much more of their energy to you.

You’ll also be able to determine the itinerary during your 12-hour long tour, ensuring that you steer well clear of tourist traps — while discovering authentic Transylvania.

2-Day tour of Transylvania from Bucharest

A 2-day long Transylvanian tour from Bucharest allows you to discover this historical region in all its glory. Traveling in a fully equipped minivan, you’ll head out from Bucharest toward Brasov. Here you’ll see all the famous, and infamous, landmarks that Transylvania is known for.

You’ll overnight in the UNESCO-listed citadel of Sighisoara, where you’ll enjoy a tour the next day, exploring a part of Transylvania that visitors seldom see. Then it’s onwards to Dracula’s Castle, before heading back to Bucharest.

3-Day Transylvanian tour from Bucharest

A 3-day long sojourn through Transylvania presents the pinnacle of tours that are available from Bucharest. Starting off in the Romanian capital, you’ll enjoy a luxury air-conditioned journey towards Sibiu — the historical center of Transylvania.

The second day offers a collection of Saxon villages that very rarely feature on any tour itinerary for Transylvania. The next stop is Brasov, where you’ll overnight and enjoy an in-depth exploration of the countryside. On the third and final day, you’ll visit Dracula’s Castle before heading back to Bucharest.

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

Tours to Transylvania vary in price with the cheapest options starting at US$50 per person and private and multiday tours costing around US$300.

A full-day group tour to Transylvania from Bucharest will cost US$45 per person and you’ll be part of a group of up to 20 people. Lunch and entrance to most of the castles are usually not included in these tours.

A Transylvanian private tour from Bucharest costs US$300 per person, but you’ll be the only people on the excursion, and it includes lunch. You’ll also be able to have some input when it comes to determining the itinerary.

A 2-day tour of Transylvania from Bucharest will cost US$330 per person, and this includes one night's accommodation as well as your transport.

A 3-day Transylvanian tour from Bucharest will cost roughly US$500 per person, and this includes two nights stay as well as breakfast.

What will you see and do?

Transylvania

Transylvania is a historical region in central Romania that’s played a critical role throughout history. Most people will know of it because of its connection with Bram Stoker’s Dracula — but the area was important during the ancient Roman times and the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Dracula’s Castle

Dracula’s Castle, or Bran Castle as it is officially known, is an important fortification just outside of Brasov. Today, it’s best known for its association with the fictional Count Dracula, although its real history is just as intriguing.

Peles Castle

Peles Castle is everything that Bran Castle is not — it's opulent and majestic and instead of an ominous hilltop, it’s located in verdant gardens. This wondrous castle exemplifies a part of Transylvania that few people know about, and its halls are decked in centuries of splendor and riches.

Brasov

Brasov is a stunningly beautiful Romanian city at the foot of the Carpathian mountains. The city is famous for its mesmerizing Medieval center and the Saxon and Gothic buildings that adorn its streets. Visitors here should also not forego the opportunity to try some of the local dishes that exemplify Romanian cuisine.

When is the best time to visit Transylvania?

The best time to visit Transylvania is in the spring (May to June) and early autumn (September) for good weather and few tourists. In spring, you'll see the countryside in full bloom, while in autumn, the browning leaves create a spectacular landscape with the castles.

Are there any tours to Transylvania from other cities in Romania?

Yes, there are tours to Transylvania from other cities in Romania:

• Transylvania day trips from Brasov
• Transylvania day trips from Cluj-Napoca

Travel tips

• Don't miss out on trying local Romanian dishes, such as sarmale , mămăligă, and ciorbă de burtă. Pair your meals with some of Romania's excellent wines.
• The weather can vary depending on the season and the region of Transylvania you're visiting. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and always have a rain jacket on hand.
• Transylvania is known for its beautiful landscapes, from the Carpathian Mountains to its numerous natural parks. Plan for some outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or even wildlife watching.