Brașov to Sibiu Transport Playbook: Trains to Taxis
Fresh 2025 intel on every way to connect Brașov with Sibiu—train, bus, rental car, private driver, or rideshare—plus the can't-skip spots once you arrive.
Why You Should Day Trip from Brașov to Sibiu
Thinking of escaping Brașov for a day? Sibiu is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take. Just 149 kilometers away, these two cities feel like siblings with their own unique personalities—both sharing a rich Saxon heritage and incredibly walkable historic centers.
Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of Piața Mare, eager to hunt for artisan treasures in the Lower Town, or ready to be amazed by the ASTRA National Museum, planning your transport is the key. Getting it right means less time stressing and more time exploring. This guide has the latest 2025 info for every option, helping you match the journey to your budget, timeline, and travel style.
And if you haven't sorted out your local Brașov travel yet, be sure to check out our complete guide to getting around Brașov.
The Trip in a Nutshell: Key Facts
- Distance & Time
It's roughly 149 km by rail and 142 km by car. Expect a drive of about 2 hours 15 minutes, a bus ride of 2 hours 15 minutes on the fastest route, and a train journey of about 2 hours 56 minutes on the quickest service.
- Daily Departures
You're spoiled for choice. CFR (the national rail company) runs hourly local trains plus a faster InterRegio. For buses, Autogari.ro shows around 26 daily coaches and minibuses running from midnight to 9 PM.
- Price Check
A last-minute BlaBlaCar seat can be as cheap as 29-46 lei. Bus tickets start around 40 lei. A private driver booked through a service like Daytrip will be closer to €28 per person for a shared ride.
Our Top Pick: What We Recommend
For the best balance of cost, comfort, and scenery, we recommend taking the train. Specifically, the morning InterRegio (IRN 473) is your best bet. It’s faster, more comfortable, and the views through the Olt River valley are fantastic. You'll arrive in Sibiu feeling relaxed and ready to explore. While it's slightly more expensive than the bus or a carpool, the stress-free experience is well worth the few extra lei.
Option 1: By Train
Taking the train is a classic Romanian experience. CFR Călători keeps the Brașov-Sibiu line well-serviced. Here's the breakdown:
- The Scenic Local (Regio trains): These are the slow-and-steady trains (like the R 2101) that stop at every charming village along the way. The journey takes about 4 hours, but it's perfect if you're not in a hurry and want the flexibility to hop off and explore places like Făgăraș or Avrig.
- The Fast Track (InterRegio trains): The IRN 473 (westbound) and IRN 472 (eastbound) are your best friends for a day trip. They connect Budapest to Bucharest via Sibiu and Brașov. You'll get a comfier seat, air conditioning, and power sockets, all while cutting the journey time down to under 3 hours.
A quick tip: grab a snack before you board, as on-train catering can be hit-or-miss. And make sure to have a screenshot of your ticket's QR code handy for the conductor!
Option 2: By Bus or Minibus
If you're on a tighter budget or just prefer the road, the bus network is a solid choice. Autogari.RO is your go-to site, listing about 26 daily departures from a variety of operators like Trans Olteanu Tour and JetCab.
Minibuses are great for getting to smaller towns between Brașov and Sibiu, but be warned: they fill up fast, especially on Friday afternoons. For a bit more legroom and space for luggage, a larger coach from a company like FlixBus is a more comfortable option. The journey time can be as quick as 1 hour 35 minutes, but can stretch to 3 hours depending on stops.
Option 3: By Car
Fancy a road trip? The drive is straightforward. You'll follow the DN1/E68 road for 142 km, passing through Codlea and Făgăraș and winding through the beautiful Olt River gorge. Without heavy traffic, you can make it in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to stop wherever you like. You could visit the impressive Rupea Citadel, explore the fortified churches of Transylvania, or pull over for fresh produce at a roadside stand in Șercaia. Just remember to fuel up before you leave Brașov and be prepared for paid parking when you arrive in Sibiu's historic center. For more on local driving, see our Bran transport guide.
Option 4: By Private Transfer
For ultimate convenience and a stress-free journey, a private transfer is the way to go. This is a perfect option for families with kids, travelers with lots of luggage, or anyone with an early-morning flight to catch.
A service like Daytrip or a local tour operator can pick you up from your accommodation in Brașov and drop you right in the heart of Sibiu. It's the most expensive option, but for door-to-door service, it's unbeatable. Some will even let you add sightseeing stops along the way, like a visit to Bran Castle.
Option 5: By Rideshare (BlaBlaCar)
Savvy travelers and locals alike love BlaBlaCar. It's a fantastic way to save money and meet new people. You can often find a ride for as little as 29-46 lei, making it one of the cheapest ways to get to Sibiu. The journey time is similar to driving yourself, around 2.5 hours.
A few tips for a smooth BlaBlaCar experience: check the driver's rating and reviews, confirm the pickup and drop-off locations, and message the driver beforehand to confirm luggage space. It's a great backup option if train or bus tickets are sold out.
Your Sibiu Hit-List: What to See and Do
You've made it! Sibiu is a gem, and even with just a day, you can see some incredible sights. Here are our top three must-sees to get you started:
- Piața Mare (The Great Square): This is the heart of Sibiu, a vast, stunning square surrounded by colorful baroque buildings. It's where you'll find the Brukenthal National Museum, Romania's oldest art museum. Grab a coffee, find a bench, and just soak in the atmosphere.
- The Bridge of Lies & Huet Square: Take a short walk from Piața Mare to the iconic Bridge of Lies (don't worry, it won't collapse if you tell a fib!). It leads you into the charming Huet Square, home to the imposing Evangelical Cathedral. From there, wander down the Passage of Steps into the Lower Town, where you'll find cozy cafes and the famous "houses with eyes" looking down on you.
- ASTRA National Museum Complex: If you have a bit more time and love the outdoors, ASTRA is a must-see. It's one of the largest open-air museums in Europe, a sprawling park filled with traditional houses, windmills, and workshops that showcase Romania's rural heritage. It's a truly unique and memorable experience.
