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Are you visiting Romania and looking for a tour of the famed Dracula’s Castle? I have taken the Bucharest to Bran Castle tour before and have some thoughts on the experience.
If you’ve come across this post while searching for guidance on whether this tour is right for you, I’m here to help.
Although I generally enjoyed the tour, I felt that trying to visit two castles and the town of Brasov in one day was a bit overly ambitious.
But don’t let that statement deter you, there was virtually no other way I could have seen what I saw had I not joined this tour!
Read on to find out what I loved and what I wish I knew ahead of joining the tour to Bran Castle!
The Best Time to Visit Bran Castle
Visiting Bran Castle in March will be an entirely different experience than visiting in July. Because this tour is so popular, I highly recommend you visit in the off-season if possible.
I visited Romania in October, and I have to say it is the best time to visit the country! Traveling anywhere in Europe in October and November is typically a great idea for a couple of reasons.
October is considered the off-season in most European destinations so you will be battling fewer crowds and getting much better prices for accommodations.
The weather in October is also pretty mild. You may get a day or two of rain, but that can happen even if you visit in the summer months.
If the only time you can take a tour from Bucharest to Bran Castle is in the spring or summer, don’t worry, you will still have a great time, but it will be mighty busy!
Bucharest to Bran Castle Tour Tickets
Tickets for the most popular tour in Romania often sell out! Reserve your spot today on one of the spookiest tours in the world!
Where is Bran Castle Located?
Bran Castle, a national monument, is located in Transylvania, Romania. It is only a few hours away from Bucharest and can be easily reached by car or organized tour.
The castle is also very close to the city of Brasov, where you can find plenty of restaurants and attractions for sightseeing.
The castle is set amidst the Carpathian mountains of beautiful landscapes and is surrounded by thick forests. It is a great place to explore if you have an interest in history, architecture, or culture.
What is Bran Castle Famous For?
Bran Castle is perhaps most famous for its connections to the legend of Dracula. It is believed that Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Count Dracula, stayed in this castle several times while on military campaigns against the Turks.
The castle also has a long and interesting history, having been built by Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. It was a fortress that saw many battles against invading Turks and other foreign enemies.
If you have ever read the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, you might have noticed the similarities of the castle in the book, and the famous Bran castle, but the Irish writer had never visited the area.
So while some speculate the novel’s castle is the Romanian castle, it is likely, not true.
Today, the castle is open to visitors who want to explore its rich Romanian history and get a glimpse of its old-world charm.
Is Bran Castle Worth Visiting?
Definitely! I had a great experience visiting the legendary vampire castle. But the visit goes very quickly, and if you have a fear of small tight spaces, you might need to reconsider.
There will be parts of the castle that could be anxiety-inducing for anyone who gets claustrophobic. If that could be the case for you, just ask the employees which part of the castle to avoid.
The tour is self-guided, and you will have an allotted amount of time to explore the interior and exterior of the castle before needing to return to the bus.
Not only does this castle provide spectacular views of the nearby countryside but it also provides insight into Romania’s rich history.
From the impressive architecture to the spooky atmosphere, Bran Castle is truly a sight to behold and a must-see destination in 2025.
Why Take a Tour to Bran Castle From Bucharest?
This tour is for someone who truly wants to see it all in a short amount of time! Ideally, you would visit one castle per day, and extend your trip to stay in the towns of Sinania (Peles Castle) and Brasov. But not everyone has enough time to make that happen.
I personally booked a tour because I wanted an easy day trip where everything was just planned out for me. I wasn’t interested in figuring out how to get there on my own and I knew having a knowledgeable guide would enhance the experience.
An organized tour is also a great way to meet other like-minded travelers. I typically travel solo, so this is a way for me to connect with people.
Finally, a good reason to take a tour to Bran Castle was it made more economic sense. The tour is very affordable!
Tickets for this tour are under $40, yes, you read that correctly!
What to Expect on the Castle Tour
If you are considering the tour to these famous castles, here are some of the things you can expect.
- It’s a long day, but from my perspective, it’s worth it! Plan on starting early and getting back to Bucharest in the late evening. In total, the tour is about 12 hours.
- Be ready for some winding roads! You will board a bus that will take you through the beautiful countryside of Romania. But those roads are crazy!
- You will get a great value for your money! This tour includes a trip to 2 beautiful castles, Bran Castle and Peles Castle, as well as a day trip to the old town of Brasov! So for the low ticket price of $37, you get to visit two castles and a new city!
Pros and Cons of this day trip from Bucharest!
Pros
- 2 Castles & a medieval Old Town tour in one day
- Comfortable transportation
- Very affordable price
- Professional guide
Cons
- It’s a long day
- Not a lot of time for free time
- In peak season it’s very crowded (same if not on a tour)
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Tour Highlights
Exploring Peles Castle and its Grounds
Your tour starts from Bucharest where you will board the bus with your knowledge guide and make your way to your first stop, the medieval town of Sinaia.
You will quickly check out Sinaia and have the opportunity to get a snack and use the restroom. After Sinaia, you will make your way to Peleș castle!
Here you will get a guided tour of the former royal residence summer palace.
Note: The entrance fee to the castle is an additional cost, and is not included in the tour ticket price. *The total for both castles was 110 lei.
We spent about an hour here, and we got to take photos of the grounds and the interiors!
Exploring Bran Castle and Taking in the Beautiful Views
The next stop was my favorite part of the tour! It was on to the incredible Bran Castle! Along the way to the medieval castle, your tour guide will fill you in about who Vlad Tepes is and why he is tied to Bran Castle.
As you make your way toward Bran Castle, you’ll be able to take in some truly stunning scenery. From lush forests and winding roads to breathtaking mountain views, this tour offers something for everyone.
Upon arriving at the castle you will have time to use the restrooms before heading up to the medieval fortress. Just like at Peles Castle, the entrance fees are not included, so be prepared to pay on arrival.
The tour of Bran castle itself is under an hour. You can take pictures inside and in a lot of the areas of the castle. After you tour the castle you can explore the grounds and vendors that surround the castle.
This is also where you will have lunch at the restaurant you choose. But you have to manage your own time, and more of it would have been preferred.
Venture to the Village in Transylvania – Brasov
The end of the tour took us to Brasov. Here you will have time to explore the old town, visit a church and take photos of the incredible city!
Create your own walking tour of Brasov and visit the variety of restaurants here that offer traditional Romanian cuisine, I highly recommend trying some of the food here!
After about 1 hour of exploring it’s time to board the bus and head back to Bucharest.
Overall, this full-day tour was an amazing experience! I would highly recommend it if you’re looking for a day trip from Bucharest in 2025! Let me know how your experience goes if you take it!
Tips for Taking the Bucharest to Bran Castle Tour
- Bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket. Keep in mind, the journey to Bran Castle is quite bumpy as you go up the mountain!
- If you are planning on taking pictures at both castles, make sure to bring extra cash for entrance fees.
- You will have limited time at each stop so make sure to plan ahead and determine which sites you want to visit first.
- Bring snacks for the bus trip, I hadn’t prepared well enough and regretted it.
A Trip to Bran Castle is Not Complete Without…
When traveling abroad to Europe don’t forget to upgrade your cell phone plan!! Or do what I do and purchase an international SIM card!
If you want to share your experience on social media in real-time, you will need an internet phone plan.
There are so many options of SIM cards or portable WIFI so you can stay connected the whole time!
Alternative Transportation Options
Should I Rent a Car in Romania to visit Bran Castle?
There are a lot of benefits to renting a car in Romania and exploring the country at your own pace. Just keep in mind that there may be language barriers and navigation could prove difficult.
Romanian roads are known for their winding routes and slow driving speeds so it may take longer than usual to get from one place to another.
Additionally, you’ll need to find a place to stay overnight if you plan on visiting multiple sites in one day.
If you are looking for a safe and easy way to get from Bucharest to Bran Castle with no hassle or confusion, then signing up for the Bucharest to Bran Castle tour is definitely your best option.
Visiting Bran Castle by Train or Bus
It is possible to take a train or bus to Bran Castle, however, this form of transportation can be long and uncomfortable.
It’s not really feasible to do in one day. The only option is to take the train from Bucharest to Brasov, and from there switch trains to go to Bran Castle.
The train station near Bran Castle is Tohanu Vechi, and from that station, you need to take a taxi to the castle. And, they have ride share apps, it’s called Bolt.
The easier way to visit Bran Castle from Bucharest without having to worry about driving or navigating, than signing up for the tour. It is without a doubt your best option.
Final Thoughts on the Bucharest to Bran Castle Tour
All in all, the Dracula Castle tour from Bucharest provides an incredible opportunity for travelers to experience some of Romania’s finest sights in a safe and unique way.
So if you’re planning your trip for 2025, this is definitely a journey you won’t want to miss.
Book your place on the tour today and start planning an adventure like no other! I hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you for your Bucharest to Bran Castle tour in 2025!
Have a great time and let me know how it goes!
