How To Get From Brasov To Bucharest (& Bucharest To Brasov)

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Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Here is your guide on how to get from Brasov to Bucharest. Of course, the information tips on traveling from Bucharest to Brasov also. 

Romania Travel Blog_How To Travel From Brasov To Bucharest

Romania is a charming place and has been for a very long time. However, it seems that more people are noticing this historical, cultural, and downright beautiful country and need to know how to travel between Romanian cities.

Of course, you need to know a little more about it, especially how to get around. Bucharest is the capital city, and it’s surprisingly energetic and vibrant! It is packed with historical buildings to check out, including the Palatul Parlamentului and Curtea Veche Palace, a famous spot where Vlad The Impaler ruled.

Visiting somewhere for the first time is the ideal excuse to get out and explore. If you’re heading to Bucharest and probably flying into the international airport, you should try to visit some nearby sights. One town that is definitely worth a visit is beautiful Brasov.

Set in the imposing Carpathian Mountains, you’ll find that everyone talks about Brasov, and for a good reason! It’s a real tourism hotspot, growing in popularity even more. The Old Town is beautiful, and nature is breathtaking. It might even be that you’re starting your journey at Brasov and want to head to Bucharest for a few days.

Whichever way you’re doing it, how do you get back from Brasov to Bucharest, and of course, back again?

The Distance To Get From Bucharest To Brasov

There is a 170km distance between the two locations, and no matter how you attempt to get there and back, the one-way journey will take around 2.5 hours, possibly more depending upon traffic. As you travel, you’ll see some of the most stunning scenery, which makes up for the time spent in transit!

1. Travel From Brașov To Bucharest By Train 

How to get from Brasov to Bucharest - Brasov, Romania with an old Christmas tree

There are regular trains between Brasov and Bucharest daily, so you must head to the train station and inquire about the next train. You can check online if you want to be a little more organized about things. The official site is https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/, and it’s straightforward to use.

Romanian trains are comfortable, and if you make sure that you get a window seat, you’ll be able to see the passing countryside between Brasov and Bucharest and back again on your return journey.

When ready to return, you head to Bucharest’s central railway station and repeat the process. The station in the capital is quite large, so you should head there early to ensure you find the right platform. Plenty of eateries are inside, so you can easily pass a little time.

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2. Brasov To Bucharest By Bus

Bucharest Itinerary: Calea Victoriei Bucharest Sunset

Traveling by bus is possible, but not particularly easy. The mountain roads in and out of Brasov are single-carriageways and very winding.

There are regular services daily between Brasov and Bucharest, and the driving time is around 2.5 hours. However, if you travel on weekends or during a public holiday, you can expect traveling time to extend by at least an hour or two due to traffic.

You will probably need to ask a local to help you book a bus ticket, although it is possible to go to the bus station and use your broken Romanian! This is perhaps easier when traveling from Bucharest and Brasov rather than the other way around.

However, buses are very comfortable, and you get to see the scenery as you travel. However, remember that the roads are pretty winding, as we’ve already mentioned, so if you’re someone who gets travel sick, you’ll need to cover those needs before you get on the bus!

3. Bucharest To Brasov By Car

Things to do in Brasov - Carpathian Mountains
Carpathian Mountains

The easiest and most rewarding way to travel between Brasov and Bucharest and back again is by car. By doing this, you can move at your speed and check out some of the wondrous stop-off points along the way.

If you need to rent a car, you’ll find all the major car rental spots in both Brasov and Bucharest. Driving is on the right-hand side, and you must be cautious when driving, especially as you move into mountainous areas.

When hiring a car, ensure your driving license (card and paper), International Driving Licence, and passport are at hand. Always take out insurance on your car and carry all documents with you.

Private transfer, Taxi Or Car

If you do not wish to drive, you can take a private transfer or taxi (though it will cost you a lot more). I won’t give you the costs, as when I tried to get quotes the prices varied widely. So, know that this is an option for the following section when I talk about driving.

The driving time between the two destinations is around 2.5 hours, but you can extend that by stopping off a few times and making the journey worthwhile. Make sure you avoid driving at the weekend if possible; otherwise, you will spend your day in a traffic jam.

Brasov To Bucharest Road Trip

From Brasov to Bran Castle - Europe, Transylvania, Romania, 13th century Castle Bran
Romania

Embarking on a road trip from Brasov to Bucharest offers a wonderful opportunity to delve into the heart of Romania beyond the confines of a single-day drive.

By breaking the journey with stops, travelers can explore the stunning landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains and visit iconic landmarks such as Bran Castle, often associated with the legend of Dracula, and the beautiful Sinaia with its Peles Castle, a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture.

Stopping in towns like Sibiu or Brasov itself allows for a deeper appreciation of Romania’s medieval history, vibrant squares, and the blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture.

This approach not only eases the drive but enriches the travel experience with the diverse beauty and historical depth of Romania.

What To See Between Bucharest And Brasov

Castles in Romania - Romanian Castles - Rasnov Citadel, Located in Brasov County, Romania

A few renowned stop-off points between Bucharest and Brasov that you should think about stopping at along the way are:

  1. Sinaia – Right in the center of the stunning Carpathians, this is a Romanian city and a ski resort. It’s gorgeous to look at and a great place to spend a few hours (or a couple of nights if your trip allows). You can also take a winding drive up to Gondola Station, a fantastic lookout point with amazing mountain views
  2. Caraiman Monastery – Right at the foot of the mountains, you’ll find this serene and beautiful monastery with astonishing views. Check out the gardens and the paintings. It should only take an hour or two to explore, but it’s a must-visit.
    Busteni – This ski resort and the small town is charming and has some healing minerals springs to check out. If you enjoy rock climbing, it’s also a great spot to try your favorite pastime. Check out the 4km cable car, too, which takes you right up the mountains and back down again
  3. Timisu de Jos – Also known as the Seven Ladders Canyon, this is a place you must see between your two destinations. It is a spot for impressive waterfalls, and you can climb the ladder via ladders. You can hike in the region or check out the canyon trail. You’ll need a few hours to see it in its entirety, but it’s more than worth it
  4. Rasnov Fortress – Imagine a medieval fortress that looks like it jumped straight out of a history book, sitting on top of a hill with some pretty killer views. Rasnov Fortress is exactly that. It’s cool, old, and gives you a real feel for what life was like way back when. Plus, there’s a little museum inside to check out
  5. Prejmer Fortified Church – This spot is like a trip back in time. It’s a huge church surrounded by thick walls that were meant to keep out invaders. It’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list for a reason. It is definitely worth a visit to see how people protected their towns and themselves centuries ago
  6. Bran Castle – Yes, it’s the famous Dracula’s Castle, but hey, it’s a must-see for a reason. Forget the vampire stories for a minute; this castle is stunning on its own, with loads of history and some pretty incredible views. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, minus the dragons and damsels in distress
  7. Moieciu de Sus – If you’re looking to catch your breath and enjoy some peace and quiet, Moieciu de Sus is the place for you. It’s a small village where you can soak in the beauty of the Romanian countryside, snap some great photos, and chill
  8. Zarnesti Bear Sanctuary – For something a bit different, check out this bear sanctuary. It’s home to rescued brown bears, and it’s both heartwarming and educational to see these creatures getting a second chance. Plus, supporting a good cause always feels nice.

Of course, you reverse the instructions when traveling from Bucharest to Brasov. Both are more than worthwhile places to visit, and if you’re driving, be sure to make time for one (or all) of the sights between Bucharest and Brasov.

Comment

  1. FINALLY! We found all of the information about traveling between locations, you saved us so much time.

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