Brasov and Sibiu are the two gems of Transylvania. Both cities have wonderfully maintained medieval old towns and are well-worth visiting.
With the Brasov-to-Sibiu route being so commonly traveled, it’s worth explaining in-depth how to get to-and-from the cities.
How Far Is Sibiu From Brasov?
Sibiu and Brasov, both located in Central Romania, are separated by about 150 kilometers or 93 miles.
Both cities are located just north of the Southern Carpathian Mountains, making the route fairly direct without needing to traverse challenging mountain roads.
Related: Sibiu vs. Brasov: City Comparison
How to Get From Brasov to Sibiu
There are three reasonable ways to get from Brasov to Sibiu: by car, by bus, or by train.
Brasov to Sibiu by Train
The train from Brasov to Sibiu is quite efficient. There are direct trains throughout the day between the two cities, with the journey lasting about 2 hours and 50 minutes. A one-way ticket typically costs around $10 USD.
You can view train times and purchase tickets via the CFR Calatori website here.
Taking the train is a good way to get from Brasov to Sibiu. The trains are fairly reliable, the ride is pretty scenic, and it doesn’t take much longer than driving.
Brasov to Sibiu by Car
The drive from Brasov to Sibiu takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes. Most of the journey is on the E68, a well-paved road and direct route.
While there can be some traffic along this route, it’s a pretty straightforward trek. I drove across Romania for one week and found it to be pretty easy.
Though I wouldn’t recommend getting from Brasov to Bucharest by car because of the traffic, the Brasov to Sibiu drive is much more manageable.
I’d suggest renting a car if you’re planning on exploring Transylvania in its entirety. But the most budget-friendly option is BlaBlaCar. You can think of BlaBlaCar as Uber for long distances, though you may end up sharing the ride with other passengers.
Related: My Experience Renting a Car in Romania
Brasov to Sibiu by Bus
Getting from Brasov to Sibiu by bus is very easy. Flixbus has several daily buses between the cities for a very cheap price of only $4 USD. The journey takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
While this is the cheapest option, I still think it’s worth the couple of extra dollars to take the train for more comfort and better views of the mountain range and countryside.
Brasov to Sibiu via Transfagarasan
The Transfagarasan is one of the most scenic drives in Europe. This mountain road with sweeping switchbacks slices through the mountains and is well-worth the hype.
With that in mind, travelers are often curious about the most practical way to experience it. And since the Transfagarasan is located in the middle of Brasov and Sibiu, it makes sense to sandwich it in between the two cities on your Romania itinerary.
I’d recommend spending the night somewhere along or near the Transfagarasan rather than using it as a way to get from Brasov to Sibiu. Getting from Brasov to Sibiu by way of the Transfagarasan takes more than 6 hours.
While a 6-hour drive is doable in one day, there are so many great hiking trails and worthwhile pitstops in the area. I hiked the Balea Lake to Capra Lake loop from the Transfagarasan, which took about three hours in itself.
We stayed overnight in Arpasu de Sus, a small village at the base of the Transfagarasan. This allowed us to do some hiking and take our time driving the stunning road.
Brasov to Sibiu: Day Trip or Overnight?
Sibiu is a fairly common day trip from Brasov. It’s not a large city, and most visitors choose to spend more time in Brasov. Plus, there’s a lot more to see in the region, such as the Transfagarasan Highway and quaint Transylvanian villages such as Viscri, so time can feel limited.
However, I’d recommend spending more than one day in Sibiu.
I spent two nights in Sibiu and felt like I could’ve stayed a third. The historical center is the largest in Romania, which is no surprise given Sibiu is the historical cultural capital of Transylvania.
Granted, I also like spending time outside of the old towns when I visit a city. The south side of Sibiu, particularly Sub Arini Park and the surrounding neighborhood, is quite beautiful. The park has several miles of hiking trails. Renting a scooter and riding around this area was one of my favorite things to do in Sibiu.
Muzeul ASTRA, an ethnographic museum, is a highlight of Sibiu that’s worth at least a couple of hours. The largest open-air museum in Romania, Muzeul ASTRA displays houses and workshops of the traditional Romanian folk culture.
Other things to do in Sibiu include walking up Saint Mary’s Evangelical Cathedral, climbing Council Tower, exploring Piata Mare and Piata Mica, walking across the Bridge of Lies, and getting lost in the streets of Old Town Sibiu.
In-Summary: Getting From Brasov to Sibiu
I didn’t actually drive directly from Brasov to Sibiu. For one, I was moving west to east across Romania, so I was coming to Brasov from the direction of Sibiu. And secondly, I had multiple overnight stays in between the two cities to split up the journey.
But it was quite apparent that had I done this route in one day, it would have been super easy. You can purchase bus or train tickets day-of, or you can arrange a rental car ahead of time. Either way, it’s a frequently trafficked route that requires pretty minimal effort to plan, which makes both places can’t-miss spots in Romania.
