3 Best Ways To Get From Bucharest To Brasov

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Real talk, some of the infrastructure, roads, and public transportation in Romania is still hanging on by a rusted screw from the Communist age. So when I had to travel from Bucharest to Brasov and back to Bucharest to catch a flight without a car, I had options—but none were great.

This is my complete guide on how to get from Bucharest to Brasov and vice versa by all the necessary means, with advice and booking links (and translations) to help you plan your itinerary and not make the same mistakes I did.

MY BEST RECOMMENDATIONS

✔️ Best for Convenience: Take the train, especially an InterRegio (IR). You can see the schedules and book tickets here: CFR Train Itineraries (in English).

✔️ Best for Flexibility: Rent a car and drive if you want to explore little highlights along the way, like Sinaia or Bran Castle (Dracula Castle).

✔️ Best for Budget Travelers: Opt for the bus if you’re looking to save money. You can see the schedules and book your tickets: Autogari.RO.

To put things in perspective, I’m Romanian, and while I was traveling around this summer, and my cousins in Brasov were helping me, I still had a tough time sorting the public transport out in Romania.

While trains are the most convenient means of transportation, they’re also old in Romania. The best way is to book your ticket online at CFR Train Itineraries as soon as possible and book the fastest first-class ticket option.

Be careful which train you take because I accidentally took the cheap steam roller built in 1902 that my grandpa used to use in the middle of summer, with no AC or working bathroom. It was a very long, toasty 4 hours.

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How to get from Bucharest to Brasov

I’ve traveled around Romania for years, and I’ve personally done this route by train, taking an Uber (expensive but a useful option!), and driving myself.

The most convenient option would be to take the train, which you can book online here: CFR Train Itineraries.

I personally recommend renting a car to get from Bucharest to Brasov. I do this most of the time I visit because the road trip between the cities is scenic, renting is cheap, and driving in Romania is pretty chill.

DON’T FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR ROMANIA

➡️ I use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance Complete. ⬅️

Travel medical insurance is a must when planning a trip to Eastern Europe because we’re adults, and it’s called being responsible. Insurance is important not just because of the financial side when something goes wrong but also because you’ll be glad to have someone to call and help you sort out medicine abroad – in a foreign language.

✔️ The Essential Plan is best for mid- to short-term travelers covering travel risks and unexpected medical issues, starting at around $56 for 4 weeks. If you’re going hiking in the Carpathians like I did, you will want to add on the Adventure Sport option. (BEST FOR SHORT TERM TRAVEL)

✔️ The Complete Plan is a lot more comprehensive and is best for the longer-term traveler (like more than a month). The key to this one is that it includes the Adventure Sports add-on, plus routine healthcare stuff, maternity, cancer screenings, chiropractic, etc. if you need it. This is actually the best bang for your buck if you’re a digital nomad like me. (BEST FOR DIGITAL NOMADS)

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🚂 Bucharest to Brasov by Train (Convenient)

If you’re not renting a car, taking the train from Bucharest to Brasov is the most convenient way to travel between the two cities.

There are quite a few trains every day, and the journey, with a few delays (which will happen), will take about 3 hours.

BEST ADVICE: Instead of going to the station, I recommend booking online here: CFR Train Itineraries. Make sure to get the fastest train, and if possible, in first class (because it’s slightly better).

Now, when you buy a seat on the train in Romania, even online, you can show the digital version (no need to print the tickets). There are reserved seats for the cabin and seat you have, so pay attention to this part, as people do check.

🙈 PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: One of the mistakes I made when catching the train is buying the ticket at the train station. I guess they gave me the “best available,” but I ended up on a 2nd class car on a train that my mom said used to be the same one my grandpa would take back in the early 1900s!

I would normally laugh at this, but it was a bit of a hassle, as the train had no AC, some of the windows would not open, and it was the middle of the summer. The bathroom was also very sparse. Not all bathrooms worked, and my train car was full of babies. 🙈

How to get to the train station in Bucharest

Bucharest has several train stations, but Gara de Nord (Bucharest North Railway Station) is the main hub for train travel.

If you’re in the old city of Bucharest, you can take an Uber to the train station or the metro M1 (Yellow Line) or M3 (Red Line) to Gara de Nord. The metro is fast, with a travel time of under 10 minutes.

PRO TIP: For real-time schedules, use apps like CFR Train Itineraries and Google Maps to plan your route. And don’t be afraid to use Uber or Bolt because they’re really reliable.

If you are at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), you can take the Henri Coandă Express train to Gara de Nord or take an Uber.

I took an Uber to the train station and it took about 35 minutes, costing me about 50-70 RON (which is about $10-15).

For the adventurous, there is a free shuttle bus from the airport terminal to the “P.O. Aeroport” train station. Trains run roughly every 40 minutes. Travel time from the airport to the Gara de Nord (Bucharest North Railway Station) is about 20-25 minutes, and tickets cost 4-5 RON (this is the equivalent of $1).

How to get to the train station in Brasov

Brașov’s main train station, Gara Brașov, is pretty easy to get to.

Depending on where you are, you can walk to the train station. The road is safe (even at night), well-lit, and mostly flat. While I was in Brasov, I made a trip to nearby Zǎrnesti for an early morning hike, and was at the train station before dawn to catch the first train. I walked 20 minutes to the station from my flat and it was fine.

You can also take Bus 4 or Bus 51 from Livada Poștei, the main bus hub in the Old Town. Both buses go directly to Gara Brașov and cost about $1.

Then there’s the trusted Uber or Bolt option, which is especially useful if you have tons of luggage.

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🚗 Bucharest to Brasov by Car (Flexible)

The fastest way to get around from Bucharest to Brasov and back is to rent a car and drive yourself up—make it a road trip!

Driving will take about 2.5 hours, and it’s about 170 km from the Otopeni Airport (where I usually rent a car) to Brasov city center.

➡️ I personally recommend renting a car to get from Bucharest to Brasov. The road trip between the cities is scenic, renting is cheap, and driving in Romania is pretty simple. ⬅️

The roads between Bucharest and Brasov are pretty new and in good condition, and the most challenging part of driving this route will likely be the traffic leaving Otopeni Airport and maybe around the mountain roads near Sinaia.

There are a few cute places to stop along the way from Bucharest to Brasov if you’re going on a road trip. My favorite is Sinaia, where you can visit Peleș Castle and the little old town, which usually has a farmer’s market on the weekends.

Other towns nearby that are great (especially for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter) are Preseal and Busteni.

UBER & PRIVATE TRANSPORT: You can take an Uber from Bucharest to Brasov, which will cost you about $250. Just make sure to book ahead so that you reserve a driver. A private transfer will be the better option at a similar price. Check it out: private transport.

🚌 Bucharest to Brasov by Bus (Cheap)

As a last resort, you can take the bus from Bucharest to Brasov. It’s the cheapest route but also the slowest and most inconvenient as the buses are less frequent and less reliable than trains.

Also, who the heck has time to navigate bus stops in ROMANIAN!!

My two cents aside, busses usually take about 4 hours to go between the cities, and if you’re keen on this, here’s where you can see the schedules and book your tickets: Autogari.RO.

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Best Things To See Between Bucharest and Brasov

The road from Bucharest to Brasov starts out as a boring highway through small towns and fields and then gets super scenic as you have to cross a section of the Carpathian Mountains halfway through to Brasov.

👉 PRO TIP: Take the DN1 (National Road 1) for the most straightforward and scenic route, but avoid peak hours (especially on weekends) to skip traffic jams. And if you want to visit all these stops, I recommend breaking the trip into two days and staying overnight in Sinaia.

Here are my favorite stops along the way from Bucharest to Brasov:

✅ Snagov Monastery

About 40 km (25 miles) from Bucharest, this monastery is believed to be the burial site of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula). It’s in the middle of a peaceful lake, but you can get to it via a short boat ride.

✅ Peles Castle (Sinaia)

About 120 km (75 miles) from Bucharest is the mountain town of Sinaia, the mid-way point to Brasov, and an amazing place to stop for a few days! My grandma lives nearby, and so I’ve spent a few summers exploring the town and Peles Castle.

Walking the grounds at Peles is free when I went, but it cost about $15 to do the tour of the castle itself. You can get tickets at the door, and I do recommend the guided tour because it’s quite full of well-preserved rooms, art and furniture.

PRO TIP: Nearby, visit Pelisor Castle, a smaller but equally pretty royal residence.

✅ Sinaia Monastery: This historic monastery, founded in the 17th century, is about a 10-minute walk from Peles Castle. I like it for its beautiful frescoes and a peaceful courtyard full of roses blooming in the summer.

✅ Bucegi Mountains Cable Car (Busteni)

About 10 km (15 minutes) further is the mountain town of Busteni, where you can take this cable car from Bușteni to the Bucegi Plateau for amazing views of the Carpathian Mountains.

PRICING ADVICE: It does cost about $40 roundtrip, which I think is a bit pricey, but if you have a bit of time, it’s worth it to stretch the legs. Make sure to check the weather and cable car schedule in advance to avoid long waits.

✅ Rasnov Fortress

Right next to Brasov is Rasnov Fortress, you can’t miss it because it has a huge sign out front. When I visited this year, it was under construction and not open to the public, but when that’s complete, it’s a super cool spot to visit.

✅ Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

About 20 minutes away from Rasnov is Bran Castle. Known as Dracula’s Castle, this is Romania’s most famous attraction. It’s a blend of history and myth, set in a dramatic mountain landscape. I would arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Bucharest to Brasov Day Trip

➡️ To maximize your time, this is the best bang for your buck Bucharest to Brasov Day Trip because it includes all the best highlights – Bran Castle, Sinaia, and the Bear Sanctuary. ⬅️

That said, I don’t recommend a day trip from Brasov to Bucharest because the one-way drive is about 3 hours long. I think it’s too long to go there, do a quick tour, and then come back.

Plus, both cities are full of things to do, and there are tons of amazing spots to stop along the way, like Sinaia and Peles Castle.

Then again, if you really wanted to maximize, this is the Bucharest to Brasov Day Trip I would recommend.

Is It Worth Visiting Brasov?

Brasov is one of my favorite cities in Romania for a few reasons – I have cousins who live there, and they’ve shown me some of the cutest restaurants and spots in the city.

Some of my favorite hiking trips have happened super close to Brasov in the Bucegi Mountains, and some of the most iconic historical and cultural monuments are around Brasov – like Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and tons of monasteries.

Did I mention Brasov is near the mountains, and I love the mountains?!

How Long Should I Spend In Brasov?

I would spend at least a weekend in Brașov. Here’s a breakdown of what to do in Brașov if you have one or three days so you can make the most of your visit.

👉 PRO TIP: The Old Town of Brasov is compact and walkable, but for trips to Bran, Poiana Brașov, or further, you’ll need a car or organized tour.

✅ If You Have 1 Day in Brașov

I would spend the morning exploring the Historic Old Town. Stroll through Piața Sfatului (Council Square), the heart of Brașov, with colorful baroque buildings and lively cafes. Then visit the Black Church (Biserica Neagră), a stunning Gothic church with a fascinating history and an impressive organ. Before lunch, walk along Strada Sforii (Rope Street), one of the narrowest streets in Europe.

In the afternoon, I would head up to Tampa Mountain for the views and sunset. You can take the Tâmpa Cable Car or hike up Mount Tâmpa for panoramic views of Brașov and the surrounding Carpathian Mountains. (The hike takes about an hour if you’re up for it!)

Have lunch at a local restaurant—try La Ceaun for authentic Romanian food.

The evening is for leisurely strolling. Walk along the old city walls and visit the White Tower or Black Tower for more views. And end your day with dinner in a cozy Old Town restaurant or pub.

✅ If You Have 3 Days in Brașov

On the first day, I would explore Brasov similar to the itinerary above, enjoying the highlights of Brașov’s Old Town and Mount Tâmpa.

On the second day, I would take a Day Trip to Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress. In the morning, drive (or take a tour) to Bran Castle (30 minutes away), famously linked to the Dracula legend. In the afternoon, heading back to Brasov, visit Rasnov Fortress, a medieval hilltop citadel offering amazing views and history. Finally in the evening, return to Brașov for a relaxed dinner.

On the third day, I would visit the Zărnești Bear Sanctuary, a wildlife rescue center (book in advance). In the afternoon, I would head to Poiana Brașov, a picturesque mountain resort, where I would walk around, do a little hike, or rent a bike and explore.

Brașov is beautiful year-round. Summer and fall are ideal for hiking, while winter transforms Poiana Brașov into a ski destination.

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Conclusion: How To Get From Bucharest to Brasov

Getting from Bucharest to Brașov is straightforward, with several options depending on your budget, time, and preferences. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

🚂 By Train

This is probably the most convenient way to travel between Bucharest and Brasove, and there are some pretty scenic views of the Carpathians along the way. Plus, you can avoid the traffic of crossing the mountains.

Travel Time: ~2.5 to 3.5 hours

• Intercity/IR (InterRegio) Trains: ~50-80 RON ($10-18), depending on class and train type.
• RE (Regio) Trains: Cheaper, ~25-40 RON ($5-9), but slower and less comfortable. Think communist-era steam trains.
• Trains leave from Bucharest Gara de Nord (North Station) and arrive at Gara Brașov.
• InterRegio trains are faster and more comfortable, with amenities like air conditioning and reserved seats.
• Buy tickets online via the CFR website or at the station.
• Trains run frequently, especially during the day, with departures every 1-2 hours.

🚗 By Car

This is the way I recommend, and probably the most flexible way to get from Bucharest to Brasov.

Travel Time: ~2.5 to 3.5 hours (longer during peak times).

• Rental Car: ~150-250 RON/day ($30-50), plus fuel.
• Fuel costs: ~100 RON ($20) for a round trip (based on ~7 liters/100 km fuel efficiency).
• Take DN1 from Bucharest to Brașov, passing through scenic towns like Sinaia and Predeal.
• This route is popular but can get congested, especially on weekends or holidays.
• Parking in Brașov is available near the Old Town (paid parking zones).
• Flexibility to stop at attractions like Peleș Castle, Bran Castle, or Râșnov Fortress along the way.
• Comfortable for groups or families.

🚌 By Bus

While I don’t prefer this way or recommend it, it’s an option if you’re really on a budget. The busses are also new-ish, so the seats are comfy.

Travel Time: ~3 to 4 hours

• Cost: ~50-60 RON ($10-12) per ticket.
• Buses depart from stations like Autogara Militari or Autogara Filaret in Bucharest and arrive at Autogara Brașov (near the train station).
• Several private operators run this route, with modern coaches offering Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
• Tickets can often be purchased online via platforms like Autogari.ro or at the bus station.
• Affordable and frequent.
• Travel time is longer than the train.
• You might need to take a taxi or public transport to/from the bus stations in both cities.

So that’s it. These are all of the best ways to get from Bucharest to Brasov. Now start booking your trip!