How to Get to Dracula Castle from Bucharest

Dracula's Castle is one of the main attractions around Bucharest and there are several options for getting there from the Romanian capital. Here's what the alternatives are and what's best about each of them.
How to Get to Dracula Castle from Bucharest

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Bran Castle, a medieval building that went down in history as the place Bram Stoker chose to house Dracula in his popular novel, is located on the outskirts of Bucharest and is one of Romania's main attractions, so you can't say you've really seen this destination until you've visited it. There are many ways to get there, and here I will tell you about each one.

Whether you plan to visit on an organised tour or on your own by train, bus, taxi or car, visiting Dracula's Castle is one of the best things to do in Bucharest, so here I will tell you about all the transport options available in the Romanian capital.

Organised excursion from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle, the most complete alternative

Dracula's Castle| ©Big Page
Dracula's Castle| ©Big Page

Visiting Dracula's Castle is one of the best activities to do from Bucharest, so an organised tour will be the most complete and comfortable option you can find during your trip. These options, which last approximately 12 hours, will allow you to discover the medieval building located in Bran with the assistance of an expert local guide, maximising your experience.

Bran Castle is a medieval building located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains that has become world famous as the site that inspired Bran Stoker to create the home of Count Dracula. Likewise, the collective imagination associated the character in the novel with Vlad the Impaler, one of the cruelest princes of Transylvania, who is believed to have lived in the castle, which increased tourist interest in the building.

However, during your tour, you will most likely not only visit Bran Castle, but also Sinaia and Brasov, two nearby cities characterised by their medieval landscapes and also by their castles, Gothic churches and some very special records, such as the narrowest street in Europe, located in the historic centre of Brasov next to the Watchtower.

Guided tours not only allow you to see several sites during the tour, but also to delegate the organisation and have the assistance of a local guide, who will allow you to travel through the mysteries of Transylvania while discovering some of the best panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains from the vantage points of the castles.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately £25 per person.
  • Duration of the trip: approximately 12 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you can visit Dracula's Castle and the surrounding medieval towns on a full-day trip without having to worry about logistics or transport.
  • Disadvantages of this option: although it is a full-day experience, you will have little time to explore the sites on your own, as it is a very intense tour with many stops.

Book an excursion to Dracula's Castle

Travel by car from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle, the most flexible option

Dracula's Castle| ©Cristi B
Dracula's Castle| ©Cristi B

Bran Castle is located about 180 kilometres from Bucharest, and if you plan to rent a car during your trip, you can use it to reach this site in approximately 2 hours via the DN1 and E60 routes. Although not as popular as full-day tours from the Romanian capital, this alternative is often chosen by tourists who decide to explore Eastern European countries by car.

On the other hand, visiting Dracula's Castle from Bucharest by car offers a flexible alternative, allowing you to include other nearby cities of equal interest to Bran in your itinerary, such as Brasov, Peles and Sinaia, which is located halfway between the two destinations and offers some of the best views of the Carpathian Mountains.

Keep in mind that although the roads are in good condition, the route between Bucharest and Bran Castle winds through mountainous terrain, so you should drive carefully and follow the recommendations of the authorities, especially if you plan to visit Bucharest in winter, when the roads may be icy or snowy.

Also, bear in mind that car rental prices tend to vary depending on the age of the driver , and if you are under 25, you may have to pay higher rates. However, visiting Bran Castle by car can be an ideal option if you plan to see Bucharest in 3 days or during a shorter stay and need to save time and maximise your itinerary.

Details of interest

  • Price: car rental in Bucharest has an approximate initial cost of £39 per day, to which you must add the cost of fuel and tolls.
  • Journey time: around 2 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you can plan your own itinerary and visit nearby towns at your own pace.
  • Disadvantages of this option: driving on the mountainous roads of the Carpathians can be difficult during snow or ice.

Book a brown bear tour with a visit to Dracula's Castle

Train journey from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle, the most economical alternative

Blue skies and castle| ©David Curry
Blue skies and castle| ©David Curry

If you are planning to visit Bucharest on a tight budget or want to save money, one of the best ways to see Dracula's Castle is to travel by train. This is the cheapest option available and will take you from Bucharest Central Station to Busteni, where you will need to continue your journey by taxi to Bran Castle.

There are many companies that provide this service, including CFR, Regio Calatori and Astra Trans Carpatic. All of them offer tickets for an approximate starting price of £4, and the taxi to Bran Castle costs around £14, so you can reach your destination for less than £20 each way. In addition, trains run frequently, and you will find options at all hours.

Also, keep in mind that Bucharest Central Station is located in the city centre, so you can combine these experiences with other activities in the city, such as the best guided tours of the Romanian capital. You will also have the opportunity to explore the mountainous landscape through which the train tracks run, offering panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains.

Useful information

  • Price: approximately £18 per person per trip, including the train ticket and taxi ride.
  • Journey time: around 2.5 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: it is the most economical alternative and the trains run very frequently.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the journey is not direct and you will need to take a taxi when you arrive in Busteni.

Book an excursion to Dracula's Castle

Travel by taxi from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle, an exclusive option

Taxi from Bucharest| ©Ana Villar
Taxi from Bucharest| ©Ana Villar

If you are looking for an exclusive and comfortable alternative by car but do not want to drive, then you can choose to use a taxi to travel from Bucharest to Bran Castle. Although the distance between the two destinations is approximately 180 kilometres, this option is widely used because the mountainous roads along the route can be difficult to navigate.

In addition, if you plan to visit Bucharest during the winter, you may encounter snow or ice on the road, which would complicate your driving experience. A taxi is therefore the perfect option for those who want to make the most of the comfort of a car without taking on the risks of driving or the costs associated with renting a car.

A taxi ride can also be ideal for tourists who plan to visit the city with their family or young children, or for people who need to transport a lot of luggage. Keep in mind, however, that a taxi may not be an economical option, as you will have to pay for the entire journey and also for the wait while you visit Bran Castle.

However, a taxi is also a good option if you want to visit some of the villages near Bran, especially if you are planning to visit Bucharest during Christmas, when Brasov and Sinaia are at their best with Christmas markets and festive decorations.

Useful information

  • Price: approximately £95 for a return trip.
  • Journey time: around 2 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: it is an exclusive alternative that allows you to plan your own itinerary and choose your own timetable.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is an expensive alternative, as you will have to pay for both legs of the journey and also for the wait during the tour of Bran Castle.

Book a brown bear tour with a visit to Dracula's Castle

Travel by train and bus from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle, the combined option

Train and bus trip from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle, the combined option

Train from Bucharest| ©Gabriel
Train from Bucharest| ©Gabriel

Although there is no direct bus service from Bucharest to Bran Castle, there is a combined option that includes a train journey from Bucharest Central Station to Brasov, followed by a bus ride to the medieval building located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains.

Due to the inconvenience of changing between the two modes of transport, this option is not usually chosen by tourists, except for those who also decide to visit Brasov, a medieval town famous for its historic centre, its Gothic church and for having the narrowest street in Europe. In addition, if you plan to visit Bucharest during Christmas, this site has one of the best Christmas markets in the region.

There are many companies offering both modes of transport, but the most flexible option in terms of timetables and prices is the CFR train service and Transbus Codreanu buses.

Useful information

  • Price: approximately £22 per person per journey, including both transfer services.
  • Journey time: around 4 hours for the entire journey.
  • Advantages of this option: this is the ideal alternative if you also want to visit Brasov and do so at an affordable price.
  • Disadvantages of this option: you will have to change transport, and although both services run frequently, you may experience delays during your journey.

Book an excursion to Dracula's Castle

When is the best time to visit Dracula's Castle?

Near the Castle| ©Pablo Goni
Near the Castle| ©Pablo Goni

The best time to visit Bran Castle will largely depend on individual preferences and the experiences desired by each traveller. However, a popular option is to visit during autumn, when the vibrant colours of the surrounding forests create the perfect backdrop for taking some of the best photographs of your trip. In addition, temperatures are usually mild and tourist numbers are moderate.

On the other hand, some choose to visit Dracula's Castle during the winter, when the region is covered in snow and takes on a magical atmosphere. The castle towers stand out against the winter landscape, providing a unique experience. Likewise, during the low season, it is possible to enjoy a quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors.

Spring also has its charm, as the gardens surrounding the castle bloom with an explosion of colours. The longer days and pleasant temperatures offer the opportunity to explore both the interior and exterior of the castle in greater comfort. Finally, summer attracts those looking to make the most of outdoor activities, although crowds can be very annoying and cause delays.

Book a tour to see brown bears with a visit to Dracula's Castle

Book a tour to see brown bears with a visit to Dracula's Castle

Which option best suits my travel plans?

Village and castle| ©Untravelled Paths
Village and castle| ©Untravelled Paths

As is usually the case, the answer will depend on each traveller's circumstances and expectations for the trip. If you are looking for a pleasant and comfortable option, you can opt for an organised excursion, which is one of the best tours to do from Bucharest. This alternative will allow you to relax and leave the logistics to the service providers.

However, if you are looking for an economical option and don't mind organising the trip yourself, you can choose to travel by train, which will not only save you money and keep to your budget, but also allow you to see a different route from the road and enjoy the panoramic views from the carriage. What's more, these alternatives are flexible and run frequently.

On the other hand, you can also opt for individual alternatives, either by renting a car or hiring a taxi tour. Neither of these are economical, but both will allow you to put together your own itinerary, set the pace of the tour and include stops along the way. A taxi is also ideal if you plan to visit Bucharest during the winter and don't want to drive on snowy mountain roads.

Book a tour of Dracula's Castle

The best of each option

  • Organised excursion
  • This is the most comprehensive option
  • Includes round-trip transportation
  • You can visit Brasov and Peles
  • You will be accompanied by a local guide
  • Travel by car
  • You can manage your own time
  • You can include stops along the way
  • Ideal option for combining visits
  • Quick alternative
  • Train travel
  • Economical option
  • You can discover an alternative route
  • Enjoy panoramic views
  • Flexible timetables
  • Travel by taxi
  • Exclusive alternative
  • Flexible schedules
  • You can choose the route
  • Ideal option for families
  • Combined trip
  • Allows you to discover Brasov
  • They run frequently
  • They are economical alternatives
  • Ideal for putting together your own itinerary

Reviews from other travellers

4.9
· 1862 Reviews
  • I
    I.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    A perfect experience for all vampire lovers, seeing Dracula's fortress was a dream come true.
  • J
    J.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    A perfect way to get to know Romania.
  • M
    M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Who would have imagined that Vlad's strength would stand a chance, it is amazing in every sense of the word.
  • T
    T.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The Poienari fortress was impressive.
  • J
    J.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Incredible experience.