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

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 Brașov to Bucharest, including the best ways to travel by train, bus, car, or private transfer. The same information applies when traveling from Bucharest to Brașov.

Romania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers looking to explore its historic cities, dramatic mountain landscapes, castles, and traditional villages. If you’re planning a trip around the country, knowing how to travel between its major cities is essential.

Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is a lively city filled with historic architecture, museums, restaurants, and plenty of things to see and do. It’s also the country’s main transport hub, making it a popular starting point for exploring Transylvania.

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 

There are frequent trains between Brașov and Bucharest throughout the day. You can check current timetables and book tickets online through the official CFR Călători website.

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.

Most trains between Bucharest and Brașov depart from Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord). Check your ticket for the departure information and platform before traveling. Plenty of eateries are inside, so you can easily pass a little time.

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2. Brasov To Bucharest By Bus

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

Bus journey times vary depending on traffic, so allow around 3 hours or more.

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.

Bus tickets can generally be booked online or through the relevant bus operator. 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

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.

In light traffic, the drive can take around 2½ to 3 hours, but allow considerably longer during busy periods, 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.

If you want the freedom of traveling by road without taking the wheel yourself, Daytrip is another option to consider. You can travel door-to-door with a local English-speaking driver and even add sightseeing stops along the way, making it easy to take in more of the Carpathian Mountains while traveling between Brasov and Bucharest.

Brasov To Bucharest Road Trip

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.

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

A few worthwhile stops and detours between Bucharest and Brașov include:

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. Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul Șapte Scări) – Located near Dâmbul Morii, south of Brașov, this spectacular canyon features waterfalls, forest trails, and a series of metal ladders through the gorge.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. Visitor access to Râșnov Fortress has changed during its restoration, so check current opening and access arrangements before visiting.
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.