Train-sylvania! My Family Rail Adventure Through the Heart of Romania

There’s something magical about seeing a country by train—especially when that country is Romania, where medieval towns rise from misty valleys and mountains roll endlessly beyond the horizon. When my family decided to explore Transylvania by rail, we didn’t just plan a vacation. We planned an adventure. And what unfolded was a slow-travel experience filled with castles, cobblestone streets, and the gentle rhythm of steel wheels on tracks.

Welcome to our Train-sylvania journey—through the heart of Romania.

Why Choose Rail Travel in Romania?

Romania’s railway system, operated by Căile Ferate Române (CFR), offers an affordable and scenic way to traverse the country. While not always the fastest option, trains provide something better: immersion.

Instead of rushing from airport to hotel, we watched villages drift by. We shared compartments with locals. We snacked on pastries bought from station kiosks. For families, the train becomes part of the destination—not just transportation.

Our route took us from the bustling capital of Bucharest deep into Transylvania, a region wrapped in legend and framed by the Carpathian Mountains.

First Stop: Brașov – Gateway to Transylvania

After a two-and-a-half-hour journey north from Bucharest, we arrived in Brașov—a fairytale city surrounded by forested peaks.

The train ride itself was stunning. As we entered the Carpathians, cliffs rose dramatically on either side, and tunnels punctuated the route. My kids pressed their faces to the window, counting sheep in distant pastures.

Brașov’s old town feels like stepping into a medieval painting. The centerpiece is Council Square, lined with pastel-colored buildings and outdoor cafés. We climbed Tampa Mountain for panoramic views and explored the Gothic Black Church, one of the largest churches in Eastern Europe.

Traveling by train meant our hotel was a short walk from the station—no car rentals, no parking stress. Just freedom.

A Castle in the Mist: Bran

No family trip to Transylvania is complete without a visit to Bran Castle.

Often linked to the Dracula legend, the castle’s dramatic turrets perch atop a rocky hill. While the connection to Dracula is more literary than historical, that didn’t stop my children from scanning dark corners for vampires.

We reached Bran via a short regional train ride and bus connection from Brașov—proof that even rural adventures are accessible without a car. The journey itself wound through charming villages where haystacks dotted golden fields.

Inside the castle, narrow staircases and secret passages turned the visit into a real-life treasure hunt.

Sighișoara: A Living Medieval Citadel

From Brașov, we boarded another train toward Sighișoara, one of Europe’s best-preserved inhabited citadels.

The three-hour ride gave us time to relax. Romanian trains may not be luxury liners, but they’re comfortable enough for families. We played card games, read books, and shared stories while the countryside unfolded outside.

Sighișoara’s cobbled streets and colorful houses felt untouched by time. The Clock Tower dominates the skyline, and climbing it rewarded us with sweeping views over terracotta rooftops.

This town is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure often associated with the Dracula myth. History blended seamlessly with folklore, making it educational and exciting for the kids.

Sibiu: Culture and Charm

Our final major stop was Sibiu, a city known for its grand squares and distinctive “eye” windows that seem to watch from the rooftops.

The train journey between Sighișoara and Sibiu passed rolling farmland and distant mountains, offering some of the most tranquil scenery of our trip.

Sibiu felt more cosmopolitan than our previous stops. We wandered through Piata Mare, visited museums, and sampled traditional Romanian dishes—hearty soups, grilled meats, and sweet papanasi donuts.

For families, Sibiu is wonderfully walkable. And arriving by train drops you close to the historic center, keeping logistics simple and stress-free.

The Joy of Slow Travel with Kids

What surprised me most about our Romanian rail adventure was how much the train itself became a highlight for our children.

There’s a romance to train travel that flying simply can’t match. Compartments create intimate spaces. Windows frame ever-changing landscapes. Stations bring brief encounters with new places and people.

Without screens dominating the journey, we talked more. We laughed more. We shared snacks and pointed out castles in the distance. The rhythm of the rails created a calm, almost meditative pace.

In a world obsessed with speed, Romania by train invites you to slow down.

Practical Tips for a Family Rail Trip in Romania

If you’re considering your own Train-sylvania adventure, here are a few helpful insights:

Book tickets in advance during peak summer months.

Choose InterRegio trains for faster and more comfortable service.

Pack snacks and water, especially for longer routes.

Download offline maps—Wi-Fi can be inconsistent.

Travel light, as some stations have stairs and limited elevators.

Romania remains one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, and rail tickets are budget-friendly—making it ideal for families.

Beyond the Tracks: The Heart of Romania

What makes a journey memorable isn’t just the landmarks—it’s the moments in between. Watching the sun set over the Carpathians from a train window. Sharing a compartment with a grandmother carrying homemade pastries. Hearing church bells echo through medieval squares.

Transylvania is far more than vampire lore. It’s a region of layered history, resilient culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

By choosing rail travel through Romania, our family discovered more than castles and cities. We discovered connection—both with the landscape and with each other.

As our final train rolled back toward Bucharest, the kids were already asking when we could do it again.

And honestly? I was wondering the same thing.

Sometimes the best way to explore the heart of a country is to follow its rails.

All aboard for Train-sylvania.