How to Get to Dracula Castle from Bucharest

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 organized tour or on your own by train, bus, taxi, or car, touring Dracula's Castle is one of the best things to do in Bucharest, so here are all the transportation options available in the Romanian capital.

Visiting Dracula's Castle is one of the best things to do from Bucharest, so an organized tour is the most comprehensive and comfortable option you'll find during your trip. These tours last approximately 12 hours and allow you to discover the medieval building located in Bran with the assistance of an expert local guide, maximizing 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 characterized by their medieval landscapes and also by their castles, Gothic churches, and some very unique records, such as the narrowest street in Europe, located in the historic center of Brasov next to the Watchtower.

Guided tours not only allow you to see several sites during the tour, but also to delegate the organization 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 transportation.
• 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.

Bran Castle is located about 180 kilometers 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 routes DN1 and E60. 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, keep in mind that car rental prices tend to vary based 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 maximize your trip.

Details of interest

• Price: renting a car 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 explore the 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.

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 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 offer 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.

Keep in mind that Bucharest Central Station is located in the city center, 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 see the mountainous landscape through which the train tracks run, which will give you 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 cheapest alternative and the trains run very frequently.
• Disadvantages of this option: the route is not direct and you will need to take a taxi when you arrive in Busteni.

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 kilometers, 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 those 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 trip as well as 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 plan to visit Bucharest during Christmas, when Brasov and Sinaia are at their best with Christmas markets and festive decorations.

Useful information

• Price: approximately $110 for a round 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 travel times.
• 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.

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 center, 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 each way, 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 vehicles, and although both modes of transport run frequently, you may experience delays during your journey.

The best time to visit Bran Castle will largely depend on individual preferences and the experiences desired by each traveler. However, a popular option is to visit during the fall, when the vibrant colors 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 colors. 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.

As is usually the case, the answer will depend on each traveler's circumstances and expectations for the trip. If you are looking for a pleasant and comfortable option, you can opt for an organized excursion, which is one of the best tours to take 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 organizing the trip on your own, you can choose to travel by train, which will not only save you money and keep you on budget, but also allow you to see a different route from the road and enjoy the panoramic views from the train window. In addition, 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.

The best of each option