Brasov and Sighisoara are two of Romania’s most desirable and popular destinations for travelers.
With both boasting postcard-worthy settings, the two cities are a must-visit for anyone exploring Transylvania. It’s no surprise Sighisoara is one of the most popular day trips from Brasov.
It’s not difficult to get from Brasov to Sighisoara, but depending on if you’re road-tripping Romania or relying on public transport, the journey will look a bit different logistically.
Driving From Brasov to Sighisoara
The quickest way to get from Brasov to Sighisoara is by car.
The two cities are separated by about 115 km, making for a drive of roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route—almost entirely on the DN13/E60 road—is straightforward, with beautiful rolling hills through the Transylvanian countryside. The road itself is well-paved, and there’s rarely too much traffic once you get outside Brasov
If you’re taking a day trip from Brasov to Sighisoara, you’ll find plenty of rental car options in the city.
I rented a car in Timisoara and dropped it off at the company’s other branch in Brasov. I paid about $60/day (excluding the drop-off fee), but you can find one for around $40/day.
Driving in Romania was pretty stress-free from my experience. Sure, some drivers pass aggressively, but you get used to it quickly.
How to Get From Brasov to Sighisoara by Bus
A cheaper alternative for budget travelers to get from Brasov to Sighisoara is by bus.
FlixBus has two or three direct buses between the two cities per day (strangely, one of them is at 2:35 a.m.). It costs around 30 RON, or about $6 USD one way.
Flixbus isn’t your only option, though. You can find more buses from Brasov to Sighisoara, including the bus schedule with times and ticket prices, at autogari.ro.
How to Get From Brasov to Sighisoara by Train
There are a handful of direct trains between Brasov and Sighisoara.
It’s not the most efficient route, with the train journey lasting close to 3 hours and 30 minutes. Still, if you’re a slow traveler who could use the down time to rest or peer out the window at the lush rolling hills, it could be worth the added time!
You can find the train schedule from Brasov to Sighisoara, including prices and times, at CFRCalatori.ro. There are up to five direct trains, with the journey costing around $8-10 USD depending on which line you take.
How Long Do You Need in Sighisoara?
Sighisoara is worth a day trip. The Citadel is so compact that you can not only see all of the city’s main sights but even soak in the charm with only several hours.
However, if you’re a slow traveler or someone who likes to really get to know a place, staying overnight in Sighisoara can be rewarding. Mornings and evenings are wonderfully peaceful, even during peak season. Most people visit only for the day, so it’s a great way to enjoy the serenity that Sighisoara exudes.
Things to Do and See in Sighisoara
There’s actually quite a lot to see in Sighisoara despite its size. The best part is that the main sights are all within walking distance, so you can check off the highlights in just a few hours.
Here’s what to put on your list of things to see in Sighisoara:
- The Clock Tower: The city’s landmark and one of the most gorgeous structures in Romania.
- The Covered Stairway: A 175-step stairway that takes you to the summit of the city.
- Biserica din Deal (Church on the Hill): A 15th-century church overlooking Sighisoara, accessible via the Covered Stairway.
- Muzeul de Istorie Sighisoara: The city’s history museum, which offers a quick but thorough look at its historical importance.
- Teo’s Cellar: A 500-year-old, atmospheric liquor and wine cellar in the heart of the Citadel.
- Piata Cetatii: The must-see old square, surrounded by souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants in colorful, centuries-old buildings.
For those interested in Dracula Lore, you also have the Dracula Museum and even a Dracula-themed bar and restaurant.
The reviews of both the museum and the restaurant aren’t great, and I admittedly don’t care much about the Dracula stuff. So while most travelers include the Dracula House on their list of things to do in Sighisoara, it really depends on your interests.
In-Summary: Brasov to Sighisoara
It’s super convenient that these two gorgeous cities can be seen in the same day. Getting to and from Brasov and Sighisoara is a breeze, especially if you have a car.
Brasov buzzes with activity during peak season, while Sighisoara offers an equally historic but more relaxed atmosphere that makes for an uncomplicated day trip.
I’d also recommend stopping by one of Transylvania’s fortified villages on the way to or from Sighisoara. I stayed in the tiny village of Viscri for two nights and it was a really authentic, unique experience.
