Top 10 Road Trips from Sibiu – Explore Transylvania by Car

Sibiu is the perfect starting point for some of Europe’s most spectacular road trips. With your EziRent rental car, medieval castles, winding mountain passes, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are just a short drive away.

1. Transfagarasan Highway (DN7C) – 45 min to start

Distance: 90 km mountain section | Best time: July-October

Called “the best road in the world” by Top Gear, the Transfagarasan winds through the Fagaras Mountains with hairpin turns and stunning alpine views. Start from Cartisoara (45 min from Sibiu), climb to Balea Lake (2,034m), and descend to Curtea de Arges. Return the same way or loop back via DN1.

2. Marginimea Sibiului Village Circuit – 30 min from Sibiu

Distance: ~70 km loop | Best time: Year-round

This circuit through the traditional villages at the foot of the Cindrel Mountains is pure Transylvanian countryside. Drive through Rasinari (birthplace of philosopher Emil Cioran), Saliste, Sibiel, and Orlat. Each village has a fortified church, traditional architecture, and incredible views.

3. Sighisoara Citadel – 1h 15min drive

Distance: ~90 km | Best time: Year-round

A perfectly preserved medieval citadel and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). The colorful houses of the old town, the Clock Tower (14th century), and the Covered Staircase make this a must-see UNESCO site.

4. Alba Iulia & the Wine Route – 45 min on A1

Distance: ~75 km | Best time: May-October

Drive the A1 motorway to Alba Iulia, home to the largest Vauban-style fortress in Romania. After exploring the citadel, take the wine route through Jidvei and Ciumbrud vineyards. Visit a winery for a tasting of Transylvanian wines (Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Neagra).

5. Transalpina Highway (DN67C) – 1h to start

Distance: 148 km mountain section | Best time: June-October

Romania’s highest road (2,145m at Urdele Pass). Less famous than the Transfagarasan but arguably more dramatic, with sweeping alpine plateaus and panoramic views of the Parang Mountains. Start from Sebes, climb through forest to alpine meadows, and descend to Novaci in Oltenia.

6. Corvin Castle & Deva – 1h drive

Distance: ~110 km | Best time: Year-round

One of the largest medieval castles in Europe and the most impressive in Romania. Corvin Castle (Hunedoara) looks like it came straight out of a Gothic fairy tale – drawbridge, towers, knight’s hall. On the way, stop at Deva Fortress (cable car available).

7. Apuseni Mountains Explorer – 1.5h drive

Distance: Variable | Best time: May-October

Head north to the Apuseni Natural Park for dramatic karst landscapes, caves, gorges, and traditional moti villages. This is for adventurous drivers: the roads are winding and sometimes unpaved, but the scenery is unforgettable.

8. Brașov & Bran (Dracula’s Castle) – 2h drive

Distance: ~145 km | Best time: Year-round

Drive the scenic DN1/E68 past Fagaras to Brasov, one of Transylvania’s most beautiful cities. Explore the Black Church, walk the Council Square, then head 30 minutes further to Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle). Return via Rasnov Fortress.

9. Hunedoara & Dacian Fortresses UNESCO Tour – 1h 15min drive

Distance: ~120 km | Best time: April-October

Visit Sarmizegetusa Regia, the ancient capital of the Dacian Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stone sanctuaries and fortifications date back 2,000 years. Combine with the nearby Dacian fortresses of Costesti and Blidaru.

10. Cluj-Napoca & Turda Salt Mine – 1.5h drive

Distance: ~160 km | Best time: Year-round

Take the A1/A10 motorway to Cluj-Napoca, the buzzing cultural capital of Transylvania. On the way, stop at Turda Salt Mine (Salina Turda) – a futuristic underground theme park in a 2,000-year-old salt mine. Explore Cluj’s old town, then drive back through the scenic Mures Valley or extend your trip towards Maramures.

All cars include CASCO insurance, RCA, road tax, and unlimited support. Starting from 22EUR/day. No credit card required.

Start Your Road Trip

*EziRent – Car rental in Sibiu, Alba Iulia, Sebes, and Cluj-Napoca since 2015.*