5 Easy Day Trips From Bucharest: Places To Visit (< 1 Hour)

ByThe Travel Escape Plan
view from passenger seat side window in a car driving past some cornfields in Romania
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Are you looking for the best day trips from Bucharest, Romania?

Our two-week Romanian road trip in the Summer started in Bucharest, and we quickly learned that the capital isn’t the best place in the country for day trips to Transylvania.  Keep reading to find out why.

Google “day trips from Bucharest”, and many of the search results that appear suggest Bran Castle, Brasov, or even the Transfagarsan Highway.

Now, let me ask you a couple of questions: 

  • Do you want to spend four or more hours in transport in one day?
  • Do you like crowds?

If the answer is ‘no’, then don’t do it to yourself guys!!!

One thing we learned while driving around Romania is that these places are NOT very close to Bucharest, so you’ll be spending half the day in the car.

You’ll also most likely arrive at the same time as every other tour bus, so you won’t be able to explore at your own pace. This just takes the fun out of your day trip.  

I’m not saying you shouldn’t see these places. (FYI, Brasov in Transylvania is my favourite city in Romania, and the Transfagarsan Highway is a must-see.)

I’m saying that there are more convenient destinations in Romania than Bucharest to see these places, especially if you’re only visiting for a day.

Also, Transylvania is charming and beautiful!  I liked Bucharest, but if I had to choose between travelling to Bucharest or Transylvania,  I would choose Transylvania.  So, why would you only want to spend a day there?

Day Trips From Bucharest (Less Than An Hour Away)

Here are a few places you can get to easily from Bucharest in an hour or less by car: 

1. Mogosoaia Palace

Mogosoaia Palace near Bucharest, Romania
Photo by marugod83 (Canva)

Distance: ~ 30 minutes by car

Why visit:

Mogosoaia Palace is a stunning example of Brancovenesc architecture, unique to Romania.  It was built in 1702 and belonged to the royal Brancovneau family, who died of unfortunate circumstances.  It now houses a museum, art gallery and cafe.  Admission costs 10 RON, but walking around the beautiful palace gardens and lakeside forest is free. 

2. Buftea studios

black and white photo of 5 film cameras on a movie set
Photo by Petrovich9 from Getty Images (via Canva)

Distance: ~ 35 minutes by car

Why visit:

Buftea Studios is referred to as the “Hollywood of Romania”.  It is the largest film studio in Eastern Europe.  More recently, the popular TV show Wednesday was filmed here.  You can visit the set of Nevermore Academy on a guided tour. 

3. Snagov Monastery

Snagov Monastery on an island near Bucharest, Romania
Photo by marugod83 from Getty Images (via Canva)

Distance: ~ 45 minutes by car

Why visit: 

A beautiful medieval monastery on a secluded Lake Snagov island.  You can reach it on foot or by a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland. Legend has it that Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula) is buried in the crypt.  It’s a very peaceful place to visit.  Admission costs 20 RON.

👉🏼 Check out this combined Guided Tour to Snagov Monastery and Mogosoaia Palace.

4. Comana Natural Park

Scenic view of the lake Comana Natural Park near Bucharest, Romania
Photo by Cristi Croitoru (via Canva)

Distance: ~ 45 minutes by car

Why visit: 

A haven for nature lovers.  The park is made of a wetland and forest.  It’s a great place to camp, hike, kayak and zip-line, among other activities during the Summer.  Tickets cost 3 RON per person and 15 RON if you come with a car.  Pack a picnic.  

 👉🏼 Check out this Day Trip to Comana Nature Park and Bucharest Village Museum.

5. Ploiesti

The Palace of Culture in Ploiesti, a Romanian city located 1 hour away from Bucharest by car
Photo by tupungato from Getty Images (via Canva)

Distance: ~ 1 hour by car

Why visit: 

Ploiesti is a small city north of Bucharest.  Attractions here include the Clock Museum and the Culture Palace.  The city is also the gateway to the Dealu Mare wine region.  During Summer, combine your visit with wine tasting at the nearby wineries – there are so many to choose from!

👉🏼 Check out this Private Transfer to Casa Timis – one of the most beautiful wine cellars in Ploiesti!

Day Trip To Sinaia From Bucharest

The only day trip I recommend from Bucharest, that takes more than an hour to get to, is Sinaia.  

Sinaia isn’t in Transylvania, but you’ll be close enough to get a taste of the whimsical vibes that Transylvania is famous for. 

The main attraction here is Peles Castle, which used to be where the first King of Romania lived during the Summer holidays in the 1800s.  It looks like something out of a fairytale!

Medieval fairytale-like stone gate with turrets from Sinaia, Romania

The town is also a mountain resort with many hiking and biking trails. Between December and March, many people visit for skiing and snowboarding.

You can catch the cable car up to the Telegondola Sinaia Cota 1400 station, where there are several places you can have lunch with a view. 

We had lunch at  La Ceaunu Crapat which I recommend 😊

The fastest and cheapest way to get to Sinaia from Bucharest is by train. You can buy tickets on the CFR Calatori website. Make sure you select a direct train with a journey time of only 1 hour and a half. 

Otherwise, if you’ve rented a car and plan to drive to Brasov, we found it more convenient to stop by Sinaia on the way.

Remember, the castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can check the visiting schedule and buy tickets on the Peles Castle website.  

⚡️ TIP: Try to get there close to opening time to avoid the crowds before the tour buses trickle in mid-morning.

If you prefer to book a tour, I recommend going with one that goes only to Sinaia so that you can explore at your own pace, like this one:

👉🏼 From Bucharest: Sinaia Full-Day Tour

Day Trips From Bucharest: FAQs

red car driving on a highway through a forest in Romania

Can you do a day trip from Bucharest to Transylvania?

Technically, you could, because many tour companies are offering this.

However, I do not recommend this unless you’re prepared for a long, exhausting and frustrating day!

Transylvania was the highlight of Romania for me.  Take it from someone who’s been there. It’s magical.  You will definitely want to spend more than one day exploring the region!

Also, Bran Castle is easier to see from Brasov.

To fully experience the Transfagarsan Highway, you’re better off hiring a car and driving between Curtea de Arges and Sibiu. 

What are the best day trips from Bucharest by Bus or Train?

You can get to Mogosoaia Palace, Buftea Studios and Ploiești by public transport in one hour or less.

For the Snagov Monastery and Comana Natural Park, it’s faster to drive or catch a taxi.

What are the best half-day tours from Bucharest?

You could easily visit Mogosoaia Palace, Buftea Studios and Snagov Monastery individually in half a day.

I would set aside a whole day for the Comana Natural Park, Ploiesti and Sinaia because there are more activities in those places. 

Final Thoughts: Day Trips from Bucharest

So there you have it, 5 easy day trips from Bucharest 😊

But honestly, if you’re only in Bucharest for 3 days or less, I would just stay in the city!  

Romania’s Capital is bigger than people think.  There are so many things to do in Bucharest beyond the touristy Old Town area. 

I do not recommend a day trip from Bucharest to Transylvania, not because it’s not worth it, but because Transylvania is totally worth it!  

Check out my other Romania Travel Guides 😊