Traveling between Bucharest and Sibiu is one of the most popular routes in Romania, with train, bus, or car being viable modes of transportation. Whether you like the comfort of a train, the affordability of a bus, or the flexibility of driving, each option has something to offer.
The journey can be straightforward if you’d like it to be. Or, if your itinerary is flexible, you may want to break up your trip by spending some time seeing the beautiful cities, mountains, and castles in the area.
Regardless of what you decide on, this guide will cover everything you need to know to travel from Bucharest to Sibiu.
How Far Is Sibiu From Bucharest?
Sibiu is 286 km (177 miles) from Bucharest. It takes anywhere from four to six hours to get between Sibiu and Bucharest, with the exact time depending on your mode of transportation.
- Driving from Bucharest to Sibiu takes anywhere from four to six hours. The exact time depends on whether traffic and if the Transalpina Highway, which closes during winter months due to weather conditions, is open.
- The fastest bus from Bucharest to Sibiu takes about five hours.
- Trains from Bucharest to Sibiu take just under six hours.
Given the distance and worthwhile sights between the two cities, I don’t recommend rushing. The Transalpina and Transfagarasan are two of the most beautiful drives in Europe and are routes that warrant a slow pace.
If you are driving, I recommend you first spend time in Brasov before continuing to Sibiu or Bucharest.
How to Get From Bucharest to Sibiu by Train
There are three daily trains that run directly from Bucharest to Sibiu. From Bucharest, there is a 10:00 a.m. train, a 4:47 p.m. train, and a 5:58 p.m. train to Sibiu. The morning train takes close to six hours. The 4:47 train takes a bit longer, around six and a half hours. The 5:58 train is the fastest at around five and a half hours. All trains leave from Bucharest North (Bucuresti Nord).
From Sibiu, there are also three direct trains to Bucharest, leaving at 3:35 a.m., 5:52 a.m., and 4:35 p.m. The earliest train takes around six and a half hours, while the others take less than six hours.
There are plenty of other options if you need to leave at another time of day. Other trains from Bucharest to Sibiu require a transfer in Brasov, with the round-trip journey taking close to seven hours.
Train tickets from Bucharest to Sibiu can be purchased via CFRCalatori.com, the national rail service of Romania. You can also purchase tickets on-site at the stations. Unless you’re traveling during peak season on the weekend, you can likely get tickets last-minute. A one-way ticket will cost around $15-20 USD.
How to Get From Bucharest to Sibiu by Bus
FlixBus operates multiple daily buses from Bucharest to Sibiu. From Bucharest, there is an 8:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. bus to Sibiu. The journey takes five to six hours and costs around $20 USD.
From Sibiu, you have a 2:55 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:50 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. bus that departs from the bus station Autogara Turnisor. Most bus journeys from Sibiu to Bucharest take around six hours, with tickets around $20 USD.
Plenty of other national bus companies run buses from Bucharest to Sibiu. The easiest way to find the bus schedule is to head to Autogari.ro. Once you type in your details (departing city, arriving city, date and time), you’ll see numerous options to choose from. Tickets for these local bus services might be a few dollars cheaper than Flixbus.
How to Get From Bucharest to Sibiu by Driving
Driving from Bucharest to Sibiu is the most flexible way to travel and gives you access to some of the most scenic roads in Romania. The quickest route is via the A1 and DN7, and this usually takes four to six hours depending on traffic.
If you want a more memorable journey, you can make it a road trip via the Transfagarasan or the Transalpina, both of which turn the drive into a highlight of your trip rather than just a transfer between two cities. Both roads are often closed during winter, so always check conditions before heading out. If you choose to drive through Brasov, plan extra time to explore the city before continuing on to Sibiu.
Related: Best Time of Year to Visit Transylvania
Are There Flights From Bucharest to Sibiu?
There are no direct flights from Bucharest to Sibiu. While Sibiu has a small airport with flights to a few other European cities, those do not include Bucharest.
What to See in Between Bucharest and Sibiu
There is a lot to see between Bucharest and Sibiu.
Brasov is right on the way if you take the bus, train, or drive the A1 to Sibiu. Brasov is a charming city with a medieval old town tucked right beneath a beautiful mountain.
If you have more time, Sighisoara is one of the best-preserved citadels in Europe and makes for a memorable detour.
Drivers taking the Transfagarasan can visit Balea Lake, which sits high in the Fagaras Mountains and is one of the most photographed spots in Romania.
Viscri is another rewarding stop, known for its UNESCO-listed fortified church and traditional village life. You will find several other fortified villages scattered throughout Transylvania, many of which offer a peaceful look at rural Romanian culture.
No matter which route you follow, building in a few stops can turn a simple transfer into a much richer experience.
In-Summary: Getting From Bucharest to Sibiu
Thanks to direct trains and bus services, traveling from Bucharest to Sibiu is simple. Most routes take between four and six hours, and the journey can be as fast or as scenic as you want it to be. Travelers who enjoy road trips will find the Transfagarasan and Transalpina especially rewarding. Places along the way like Brasov, Sinaia, and Peles Castle are also worth seeing depending on the route you take.
No matter which option you choose, the trip is straightforward and fits easily into most Romania itineraries.
Check out my guide on things to do in Sibiu if you’re curious about can’t-miss sights in this beautiful, historic city.
