A Travel Price Comparison for Romania Bucharest vs. Brasov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bucharest or Brasov?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Brasov. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Bucharest or Brasov?

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.

Brasov

Brasov is a mountain resort city in the region of Transylvania in Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and best known for its medieval architecture and history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Romania, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Romania.


Which place is cheaper, Brasov or Bucharest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $137, while the average daily cost in Brasov is $60. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bucharest and Brasov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $63
    Brasov $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $126
    Brasov $46
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Brasov

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Brasov? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bucharest


Hotels in Brasov


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Brasov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Brasov $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Therme Bucharest Express Shuttle Transfer: $7.60
  • Bucharest Airport Transfer: $11
  • Bucuresti: Transfer Therme Bucuresti different hours: $12
  • Bucharest Transfer Service: $17
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tecuci: $21
  • Airport Transfer: $21
  • Private Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) Transfer: $22
  • Bucharest Private Airport Transfer from or to City Center Hotel: $22
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Barlad: $23
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Vaslui OMV: $26
  • Bucharest Otopeni Airport OTP to Bucharest City Center Hotel - private transfer: $27
  • Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brasov

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brasov:

  • Airport Transfer Bucharest: $77
  • Airport transfer, Bucharest tour, Prahova Valley tour: $21
  • Brasov to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $321
  • Bucharest Private Transfer to/from Brasov: $139
  • Bucharest to Brasov - Private Transfer: $321
  • Departure Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest Airport OTP in Business Car: $146
  • Premium Private Transfer : Bucharest Airport to/from Brasov: $248
  • Private Airport Transfers from Bucharest: $77
  • Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $250
  • Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest, 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $123
  • Private transfer from OTP Airport to Brasov or Return: $139
  • Transfer Bucuresti - Brasov: $364

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Brasov?

Prices for flights to both Brasov and Bucharest change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bucharest $58
    Brasov $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $65
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
  • Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $201
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $227

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brasov

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brasov.

  • Small-Group organic home-made dinner in a Brasov village: $92
  • Enjoy Traditional Romanian Cooking in Brasov: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Brasov $9.63

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $5.31
  • Tour Kings and Palaces of Bucharest: $11
  • A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $11
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
  • Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $13
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
  • Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
  • Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
  • Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Bucharest: $22
  • Roma Culture and History Guided Walking Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Brasov

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Brasov are as follows:

  • 1 day cycling tour in Brasov: $3.25
  • E-BIKE mtb renting (self guided tours): $16
  • Bran Castle Entry Tickets : $24
  • Brasov Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $27
  • Candlelight Tour of Medieval Architecture: $29
  • Brașov Old German Town: Private WalkingTour & PDF guide: $33
  • Outdoors experience - Paintball in Transylvania : $36
  • Small Group Walking Tour Of Brasov Old Town: $38
  • Bran Castle - Guided Tour: $42
  • Mountain Bike Day Tour around Brasov: $46
  • City Tour Brasov in english: $48
  • City Tour in Brasov in English: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.17
    Brasov $7.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $42
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $48
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tasting Tour at First Wine Bar: $85

Sample the Local Flavors in Brasov

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brasov:

  • Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress and Palinca Distillery Day Trip From Brasov: $98
  • Azuga wine tasting on a day trip from Brasov: $133


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Brasov, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Brasov much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brasov would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brasov and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Brasov.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Brasov Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Brasov?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Brasov. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Brasov, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Bucharest or Brasov?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bucharest or Brasov in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Brasov. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Brasov. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Brasov fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brasov this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brasov during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Brasov receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brasov. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Brasov receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Brasov 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Brasov in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Brasov. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Brasov in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Brasov fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brasov. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brasov receives 187 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in October than Brasov. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brasov receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Brasov 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Brasov in the Winter?

Both Brasov and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brasov in the winter. The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. In the winter, Bucharest is cooler than Brasov. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Brasov averages at about -1°C (30°F).

Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Brasov during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Brasov receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Brasov. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brasov receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Brasov -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Brasov in the Spring?

Both Brasov and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

In April, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Brasov. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Brasov fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brasov. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brasov receives 188 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in April than Brasov. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brasov receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Brasov 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Brasov and Bucharest

Bucharest Brasov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -1°C (30°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)