How to get from Bucharest to Brasov

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Romania · Urban & Cultural · Brasov · Bucharest

Bucharest to Brașov is one of Romania’s classic routes through the Carpathians. Your main choices: fast, scenic trains from Gara de Nord; frequent buses/minibuses; a private transfer; or self-drive via DN1/A3. Day tours combine Peleș & Bran castles with free time in Brașov. Pick based on budget, luggage, and schedule—details and step-by-steps below.

At A Glance (Bucharest to Brasov)

Mode Duration Best For
🚆 InterRegio/InterCity Train (Gara de Nord → Brașov) ~2h20–3h10 (direct) Comfort, views, city-center → city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~RON 35–100 one-way (class/date) » compare trains
🚌 Coach/Minibus (Multiple Autogara → Brașov) ~3–3.5h (traffic-dependent) Budget, frequent departures
🏷️ Cost: ~RON 40–70 one-way » curated options
🚐 Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door) ~2.5–3.5h Families, lots of luggage, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~€120–220 per vehicle » get quotes | Welcome Pickups
🚘 Self-Drive (DN1/E60 via Sinaia & Predeal) ~2.5–3.5h (peaks can be slower) Scenic stops, total flexibility
🏷️ Cost: Car ~RON 150–300/day + fuel/vignette » compare rentals | Trip.com car hire
🗺️ Guided Day Tour (Peleș + Bran + Brașov) ~12–13h round trip One-day highlights, no logistics
🏷️ Cost: ~€35–95 per person » compare tours | Klook picks

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest & most reliable: Train (InterRegio/InterCity) from Gara de Nord to Brașov.
  • Cheapest with frequent departures: Coach/minibus from Bucharest autogara to Brașov autogara.
  • Door-to-door comfort (groups/luggage): Private transfer.
  • Most scenic/flexible schedule: Self-drive via Sinaia (Peleș), Bucegi views, Predeal.
  • One-day sightseeing combo: Guided day tour (Peleș + Bran + Brașov Old Town).

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Buy early for weekends/holidays: Trains & tours sell out—compare rail/bus on 12Go and activities on GetYourGuide.
  • Seat selection: Pick forward-facing seats on trains; InterCity is fastest, InterRegio very good value.
  • Ride-hailing: Uber/Bolt work in both cities for station/terminal transfers. For fixed intercity rides, check GetTransfer.
  • Luggage: If you want to explore bag-free, use Radical Storage Bucharest or Radical Storage Brașov.
  • Driving tips: DN1 can clog on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons; start early. Winter: watch for snow/ice in the passes.

🚆 Option #1 — InterRegio/InterCity Train (Comfortable & Scenic)

City-center to city-center Frequent Reserved seats

  • Overview: Direct trains depart Bucharest Gara de Nord to Brașov all day. InterCity is fastest; InterRegio balances price and comfort (A/C, power on many coaches).
  • How to book (with price): ~RON 35–100 one-way by class/date. Compare and pay on 12Go (trains). Official: CFR Călători (Romanian Railways).
  • Pros: Scenic Prahova Valley, no traffic. Cons: Peak dates can sell out; keep tickets handy for checks.

Step-by-step: Train

  1. Reach Gara de Nord (metro M1/M4, taxi/Uber/Bolt). Follow signs to the ticket hall/platforms.
  2. Buy/validate your e-ticket; check the departure board for platform and train number (IC/IR to Brașov).
  3. Board your assigned coach/seat; keep ID and ticket QR ready for the conductor.
  4. Arrive at Brașov Station; take a short taxi/ride-hail or bus to the Old Town (Piata Sfatului).

Getting to the main embarking points (Gara de Nord → Brașov Station)

  • Bucharest: Metro M1/M4 stop “Gara de Nord”; plenty of taxis/ride-hailing curbside.
  • Brașov: Local buses & taxis outside the station; Old Town is ~3 km away.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Coach/Minibus (Frequent & Budget-Friendly)

Lots of departures Budget Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: Coaches/minibuses run from Bucharest terminals (e.g., Autogara Militari, Filaret) to Brașov Autogara. Most are A/C, assigned seating; luggage goes below.
  • How to book (with price): ~RON 40–70 one-way. Check curated options on Trip.com activities or purchase at autogara desks. Official schedules: Autogari.ro.
  • Pros: Cheap, frequent. Cons: Slower at peaks; legroom varies by operator.

Step-by-step: Coach/Minibus

  1. Choose your autogara (Militari/Filaret) and operator/time; buy e-ticket or at the counter.
  2. Get to the terminal by metro/taxi; arrive 20–30 minutes before departure and locate your bay.
  3. Stow large luggage underneath; keep valuables with you. Sit in your assigned seat.
  4. Arrive at Brașov Autogara; connect by taxi/ride-hail or local bus to the Old Town.

Getting to the main embarking points (Autogara Militari → Brașov Autogara)

  • Bucharest: Autogara Militari sits west of center; reach by metro/bus or taxi/Uber/Bolt.
  • Brașov: Autogara has taxis and buses to Piata Sfatului; many hotels offer transfer on request.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door Comfort)

No transfers Great for groups Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver picks you up anywhere in Bucharest (hotel/OTP airport) and drops you at your Brașov accommodation—ideal with kids, skis, or heavy bags.
  • How to book (with price): ~€120–220 per vehicle depending on size/time. Get live quotes on GetTransfer or arrange meet-and-greet via Welcome Pickups.
  • Pros: Fast, flexible, hotel-to-hotel. Cons: Price vs. train/bus; still traffic-dependent on DN1.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Request a quote with pickup/drop addresses and luggage count (child seats if needed).
  2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time) and driver contact; share your live location at pickup.
  3. Ride via DN1/E60 to Brașov (breaks in Sinaia/Predeal optional); drop at your hotel’s door.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

  • Bucharest: Pickup at hotel, apartment, or OTP airport.
  • Brașov: Drop at hotel/guesthouse or Old Town; ask for direct access if your street is pedestrianized.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive via DN1/A3 (Scenic & Flexible)

Freedom to stop Great views Peak traffic on DN1

  • Overview: Leave Bucharest for A3/DN1 toward Ploiești → Sinaia → Predeal → Brașov. Add stops at Peleș Castle or Bușteni for mountain vistas.
  • How to book (with price): From ~RON 150–300/day (compact). Compare suppliers and one-way options on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Total flexibility, trunk space. Cons: DN1 congestion at weekend peaks; winter tires required in season.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car (city or OTP airport); ensure vignette/insurance & winter kit (seasonal).
  2. Set route via Ploiești → Sinaia → Predeal; consider a stop at Peleș Castle.
  3. Continue to Brașov; park at your hotel or use paid lots near the Old Town.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots → Brașov)

  • Bucharest: Many rental counters downtown and at OTP; check Sunday/holiday hours.
  • Brașov: Central car parks near Livada Poștei; Old Town streets can be restricted.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🗺️ Option #5 — Guided Day Tour (Peleș + Bran + Brașov Highlights)

All-in-one No driving Fixed schedule

  • Overview: Small-group or private tours from Bucharest visit Peleș Castle (Sinaia), Bran Castle, and end with free time in Brașov Old Town, returning in the evening.
  • How to book (with price): ~€35–95 pp depending on inclusions (castle tickets, lunch). Compare itineraries on GetYourGuide or Klook.
  • Pros: Zero logistics, great storytelling. Cons: Less free time in Brașov; popular sights can be busy.

Step-by-step: Guided Day Tour

  1. Select a tour with hotel pickup or a central meeting point; check inclusions (tickets, skip-the-line).
  2. Be ready 10–15 minutes early with water and a light layer (mountain weather changes).
  3. Enjoy guided visits to Peleș and Bran, then stroll Brașov Old Town before returning to Bucharest.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bucharest pickups & central meet)

  • Bucharest: Most tours include hotel pickup in central areas; otherwise meet near University/Old Town.
  • Route: Typical loop: Bucharest → Sinaia (Peleș) → Bran → Brașov → Bucharest.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Bucharest to Brasov)

Train or bus—what’s better?
Train for comfort, scenery, and reliability; bus for budget and frequency if train times don’t suit.

Which station in Bucharest?
Gara de Nord (Bucharest North) is the main rail hub for Brașov trains.

How far is Brașov station from the Old Town?
About 3 km; taxis, Bolt/Uber, or buses reach Piata Sfatului in ~10–15 minutes.

Is winter driving safe?
Yes with winter tires and caution; check forecasts and allow extra time for DN1.

Can I store luggage?
Yes—use Radical Storage partners in Bucharest or Brașov.

Where to stay in Brașov?
Near Council Square/Old Town for atmosphere; compare on Booking.com.

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