How to get from Brasov to Bran Castle

Last Updated on July 27, 2021

One of the most inspiring Romanian day trips that you can take is undoubtedly a trip to the famous Bran Castle. Built-in the 13th century as a fortress to protect the border between Wallachia and Transylvania, the castle towers over this border, perched almost precariously atop a slender and tall outcrop of rock. Looking almost as though it grew out of the stone itself, Bran Castle is one of the most delightfully and beautifully gothic buildings in all of Eastern Europe.

Long associated with the Dracula legend, it is often the first place people want to go when they’re ready to take a day trip from Brasov. While the infamous Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), who inspired the Dracula myth, is thought to have never set foot in the castle, this particular structure best matches the description Bram Stoker gives of Dracula’s castle in the novel meaning you will find no end to the fun Dracula souvenirs and themed events there.

Inside the castle, you can enjoy stunning views over Bran and see some of Queen Marie’s most prized furniture, all in a traditional folk style. The town of Bran itself is lovely with quaint houses, shops, and plenty of places to find some traditional Romania food and drink.

Exploring Transylvania is one of the best things to do in Romania and Bran Castle is a perfect starting point! Luckily it is very easy to get Brasov to Bran Castle by public transport or even by car if you’d rather drive. Find out how

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Brasov to Bran Castle by Bus

Getting from Brasov to Bran Castle by public transport is simple, in fact, the hardest part is getting to the bus station since it’s a little outside the city centre. You can walk it in about forty minutes but the easiest way to get there is by taking an Uber (or the number five bus) from the city centre. Once you get to Auto Gara 2, you will need to buy a ticket. To avoid confusion, the bus station is also the Brasov train station but has a separate name.

There are kiosks just in front of the train station entrance, next to where the buses wait and you can buy a ticket from one of the kiosks (they have English signs). Alternatively, you can wait for the bus to Bran to show up and buy your ticket from the driver; just make sure you have cash for either method. Buses come twice an hour, on the hour and half past the hour but, of course, they are sometimes late. Luckily, we didn’t encounter this and found all of the buses in Romania to be punctual!

The tickets cost about 8 lei each way (under two euros). Once you hop off the bus, you will be able to see the imposing castle looming ahead so you won’t get lost. Getting from Brasov to Bran Castle by bus couldn’t be easier. There isn’t a train available so public transport wise, the bus is your best and cheapest option.

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Brasov to Bran Castle by Car

Hiring a car in Romania is really easy but the traffic can be quite bad so it is best to set out early if you want to avoid the traffic. Driving in Transylvania is a lot more relaxed than in and around Bucharest so it’s much more suited to people who are less confident on the road but I would still say be wary of sudden lane-changers and people trying to overtake you. Driving gets quite passionate in Romania. Make sure you have travel insurance, I highly recommend World Nomads for a comprehensive plan!

However, it is a gorgeous drive through mountains and fields and there are plenty of villages around Bran Castle if you’d like to make use of the car. I3I’d definitely recommend renting if you are able. As it is only a 30km drive, you will be there in under an hour making this a quick and easy day trip from Brasov. You essentially follow highway 73 the entire way and it is very easy to pull off to visit the stunning Rasnov Fortress on the way there or back. You will be pulling off the highway onto road E68 for the final leg. There are gas stations and services along the way if you need anything.

Once you get there, there is free parking on the streets around the castle but there are also paid carparks within five minutes’ walk of the castle. These cost less than a euro per hour and you shouldn’t have trouble getting a space.

Tip: If you don’t want to drive in Romania, you can also consider taking a taxi which will work out more cost-effective than a tour if you are travelling as a group. This will also give you a degree of flexibility. It costs about 20€ each way and you can use Uber, the Bratax Taxi App or ask your accommodation to book one for you.

Useful Information About Bran Castle

Bran Castle is open between 9:00 – 18:00 every day but they close two hours early during the colder months (October to February) so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time. You will need a couple of hours to explore the castle properly. A ticket costs 8.60 euro, and they hold plenty of extra events and festivals throughout the year (particularly at Halloween), so make sure you check their website. T

hey have a restaurant at the base of the castle which serves wonderful soups and coffee at standard prices if you want somewhere to sit down, otherwise, there are plenty of delicious street food kiosks surrounding the castle. You can even take a picnic since the ground are free to walk and sit in. The walk up and down from the castle is quite steep and a bit slippery in Winter so make sure you wear decent shoes!

Top tip: If you have time, walk over to the resting place of Queen Marie’s heart at Inima Regina Maria. You can carefully climb the hill leading from the tomb and get an amazing view over Bran Castle.

Other articles you will love:

• What to Do in Brasov, Romania
• 7 Castles in Transylvania That Will Blow your Mind
• Best Tips to Prepare for a Balkan Road Trip

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