Romania · TRANSFAGARASAN ROAD TOURS

The 15 Best Transfăgărășan Tours & Drives

38 tours  ·  from $56

The high section only opens from roughly late June to October, so the season matters more than the operator. The 15 below compare small vans against private cars, what they stop for on the way up, and whether Bâlea Lake gets more than a photo break.

Small-group max 7 - Top Gear Road - Transfăgărăşan Highway - Poenari Citadel, seen from below
Bucharest Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

Small-group max 7 – Top Gear Road – Transfăgărăşan Highway

1.Small-group max 7 – Top Gear Road – Transfăgărăşan Highway

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 391 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $143Our pick

Spend about 12 hours in a group of no more than seven, traveling from Bucharest along Romania’s famous Transfăgărășan Highway. An English-speaking guide such as Sebastian, Matei, Andrei, or Rosanna drives while you visit Curtea de Argeș Monastery, Poenari Citadel, Vidraru Dam, Capra Waterfall, and Bâlea Lake, weather permitting.

“A full day of beautiful scenery and a very knowledgeable guide. More leisurely and relaxed tour, seeing some of Romanias highlights. Definitely preferable to the coach tours.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bucharest: Top Gear Road Transfagarasan Day Trip - The drive from Bucharest and the comfort question
1-Day Tours, Bucharest Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

Bucharest: Top Gear Road Transfagarasan Day Trip

2.Top Gear Road Transfagarasan Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 293 reviews · from $56Best value

Leave Bucharest at 7:30 am for a 12-hour guided drive to Vidraru Dam, Capra Waterfall, and Balea Lake on the Transfagarasan. Guides such as Pavel, Paul, Alex, Bogdan, and Sergiu share local stories while you watch for brown bears beside the road. The mountain road is spectacular, but expect a long day in the vehicle.

“It was awesome !!! Very friendly, kind and helpful tour guide. The views and atmosphere were wonderful. This tour is a must !!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small group Bears 'Safari' on Transfăgărășan -max 7 tourists - Starting at Piața 21 Decembrie 1989
Bear Sanctuary Tours, Bucharest Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

Small group Bears ‘Safari’ on Transfăgărășan -max 7 tourists

3.Small group Bears ‘Safari’ on Transfăgărășan -max 7 tourists

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 159 reviews · from $101

Travel from Bucharest into the Făgăraș Mountains in a small vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Sebastian, Roxana, or Victor. Look for wild brown bears, visit Poenari Fortress, walk across Vidraru Dam, stop at Capra Waterfall, and spend time at high-altitude Bâlea Lake. Expect a long but rewarding day, with mountain roads and no guaranteed bear sightings.

“Our guide was very informative and friendly, we loved the history and driving the transfaragasan road was a highlight. We love being in the mountains and lunch was extremely good.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Brasov Private Tour: Transfagarasan road & Poienari Fortress - Balea Waterfall and the first mountain stop
Brasov Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Brasov

Brasov Private Tour: Transfagarasan road & Poienari Fortress

4.Brasov Private Tour: Transfagarasan road & Poienari Fortress

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $223

Spend about 10 hours with a private English-speaking guide on Romania’s spectacular Transfagarasan Highway. Visit Balea Waterfall and Lake, Vidraru Dam, and, when open, climb 1,480 steps to Poienari Fortress. Guides such as Dan, Charlie, Tudor, and Mihai are praised for flexibility, local stories, and safe driving.

“It's a nice gui named Mircia, but ... we were promised professional guide and he was a driver only without historical knowledge and english below the average level. It was a complete waste of time and money. Too bad that wonderful place.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Bucharest: Top Gear Road - Transfăgărășan Highway Day Trip - Vidraru Dam and the Argeș valley
1-Day Tours, Bucharest Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

From Bucharest: Top Gear Road – Transfăgărășan Highway Day Trip

5.Top Gear Road – Transfăgărășan Highway Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 68 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $58

Set out from Bucharest at 7:30 am with an English-speaking guide such as Emanuel, Pavel, Paul, or Bogdan. Ride the famous Transfăgărășan Highway, stop at Vidraru Dam, Capra Waterfall, and Bâlea Lake, and watch for wild brown bears. It is a long day, weather-dependent, and best from late spring through early autumn.

“Worth doing, great drive, scenic views, lakes, dams, waterfalls and tbe Transfagarsan. Unfortunately no bears. That's nature.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small group max 7, Transfăgărășan the Top Gear Road - Vidraru Dam and the long blue reservoir
Bucharest Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

Small group max 7, Transfăgărășan the Top Gear Road

6.Small group max 7, Transfăgărășan the Top Gear Road

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $130

Spend about 12 hours in a group of no more than seven, driving from Bucharest into the Carpathians with an English-speaking guide. See Poenari Fortress from below, Vidraru Dam, Capra Waterfall and Bâlea Glacial Lake from June to October. In colder months, the route changes to Curtea de Argeș Monastery and the royal family’s graves. Bear sightings may add a memorable bonus.

“a very friendly guide unforgettable day we all sympathized with the group and the restaurant seen superbAuto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

Transfăgărășan Highway & Balea Lake - Private Tour from Bucharest - Vidraru Dam and Lake Vidraru
Bucharest Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

Transfăgărășan Highway & Balea Lake – Private Tour from Bucharest

7.Transfăgărășan Highway & Balea Lake – Private Tour from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $215

This 12-hour private trip from Bucharest takes you through the Carpathians to Vidraru Dam, Bâlea Lake, Capra Waterfall, and a roadside view of Poenari Castle. English-speaking guides such as Alin, Vlad, Ionela, and Sebastian provide hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, flexible stops, and local stories. Bring warm clothes and expect a long, winding mountain day.

“Comfortable ride. Great guide ☺️ The weather did not cooperate but we still see bears and were able to snap a few photos.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Brasov: Transfagarasan Highway, Balea Lake & Carta Monastery - Carta Monastery brings a quiet start
Brasov Tours, Monastery Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Brasov

Brasov: Transfagarasan Highway, Balea Lake & Carta Monastery

8.Transfagarasan Highway, Balea Lake & Carta Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 29 reviews · 8 hours · from $147

Travel from Brasov in a small group of up to seven, stopping at Carta’s Gothic Cistercian monastery before climbing the Transfagarasan Highway to Balea Lake. Your English-speaking guide handles the driving, while you enjoy waterfalls, mountain views, photo stops, and possible wildlife sightings. Seasonal road closures may require a cable car.

“Our guide Claudio was very disappointing. The minibus door broke so we were transported in 2 x 4 seater cars. Therefore one couple was split up. This was not his fault. However, he was very abrupt to the point of rudeness, did not like anyone else having an opinion and the phrase ‘ I already told you’ came up several times which is not acceptable. He is obviously not suited to this occupation. He would have missed out the monastery if we had not reminded him and his response when we mentioned that we had not been was - ok if you want to.”

Check availability →Read our full review

SB09-Transfăgărășan Wonders:Journey through Bâlea Lake,Avrig - Reaching Bâlea Lake at 2,034 meters
Sibiu Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Sibiu

SB09-Transfăgărășan Wonders:Journey through Bâlea Lake,Avrig

9.SB09-Transfăgărășan Wonders:Journey through Bâlea Lake,Avrig

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · 1 day · from $159

Leave Sibiu at 10:00 with a private English or German-speaking guide and air-conditioned car or van. Follow the Transfăgărășan Highway to Bâlea Lake, then visit Cârța Abbey and Avrig Palace. Daniel has guided some departures, with time for photo stops, local history, and a possible waterfall walk.

“Ein super Guide auf einer tollen Tour. Es hat sich wirklich gelohnt.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hike to Poenari Fortress, Vidraru Dam, Argeș Monastery - Private - Vidraru Dam and the Făgăraș Mountain views
Bucharest Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Monastery Tours, Monastery Tours in Bucharest, Private, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

Hike to Poenari Fortress, Vidraru Dam, Argeș Monastery – Private

10.Hike to Poenari Fortress, Vidraru Dam, Argeș Monastery – Private

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $167

Leave Bucharest by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Bogdan or Victor. Visit Curtea de Argeș Monastery, climb 1,480 steps to Poenari Fortress, and see Vidraru Dam and the Făgăraș Mountains. The day lasts about 10 hours and includes hotel pickup, but not lunch or the fortress entry fee.

“I really enjoyed this trip to the mountains. We saw seventeen, I repeat, seventeen European brown bears in one day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Transfagarasan Road Trip - Leaving Bucharest for the Carpathians
Bucharest Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

Transfagarasan Road Trip

11.Transfagarasan Road Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 25 reviews · 12 hours · from $152

Spend 12 hours driving from Bucharest through the Carpathians on the Transfagarasan Highway. You will stop at Poenari Castle, Vidraru Dam, and Balea Lake, with a short hike and time for mountain views. The small group has up to 14 people, an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and transport included.

“We had an excellent day with Claudia who shared interesting background information with us She took us to the best places in the countryside and mountains A big thank you 🙏”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Bucharest: Private Transfagarasan Highway Day Tour - Poenari Castle, Dracula’s real-world setting
Bucharest Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

From Bucharest: Private Transfagarasan Highway Day Tour

12.Private Transfagarasan Highway Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 23 reviews · 10 hours · from $203

Spend 10 hours with a private English-speaking guide such as Andrei, Bogdan, or Florin, traveling from Bucharest to Poenari Castle, Vidraru Dam, Balea Lake, and the Transfagarasan Highway. Expect flexible stops, mountain views, a two-hour lunch break, and a real chance of spotting bears in the wild.

“Our guide Bogdan was very good. knowledgeable and accommodating for our tailored made trip to suit our needs. would reccomend this trip to anyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bucharest: Transfagarasan Road - Small Group max 7 Tourists - Leaving University Square for the mountains
Bucharest Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Bucharest

Bucharest: Transfagarasan Road – Small Group max 7 Tourists

13.Transfagarasan Road – Small Group max 7 Tourists

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $170

Join a group of no more than seven for a full-day drive from Bucharest into the Carpathians. An English-speaking guide such as Alin or Ionela takes you to Poenari Castle, Vidraru Dam, Capra Waterfall, Bâlea Lake, and the high Transfăgărășan Road. WiFi, air-conditioning, and flexible booking are included, but lunch is not.

“Alin did an outstanding job with this tour. He took us directly to the mountain to avoid traffic which ended up being an amazing decision. We had plenty of photo stops as he knows the secret spots. Additionally, we saw plenty of Brown bears along the way. He would take his time and ensure we were able to see them up close and safely, and even got some amazing cool photos for us to take home. He made this experience extremely enjoyable. To top it off, he dropped us off at an amazing water fountain show celebrating the Olympics. The whole day from start to finish was perfect. Alin constantly…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov - Balea Lake at 2,034 meters
Brasov Tours, Monastery Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Brasov

Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov

14.Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $143

Travel from Brasov in a luxury Mercedes van or similar vehicle with a professional guide such as Claudiu, Viorel, or Trian. See waterfalls and mountain views on the Transfagarasan Highway, reach glacial Balea Lake by road or cable car depending on the season, and visit Carta Monastery.

“Our guide Claudiu is very knowledgeable and gave great information and time with options of activities at stops. He provided a prompt and safe drive up and down the mountain. He even gave a recommendation for dinner near where we stay. It was a great day and recommend those who can to see these sights. The pictures just don't do it justice.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Transfagarasan amazing road trip from Brasov - The highway itself, from hairpins to high mountain views
Brasov Tours, Tour Reviews, Transfagarasan Road Tours, Transfagarasan Road Tours in Brasov

Transfagarasan amazing road trip from Brasov

15.Transfagarasan amazing road trip from Brasov

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $144

Travel from Brașov to the Transfăgărășan Highway and Balea Lake in a small group of up to eight. Guide Alin adds local tips and conversation as you follow Romania’s spectacular mountain road. The seven-hour trip runs by car from about June 15 to November 15, includes bottled water, and leaves lunch up to you.

“Had an amazing day even though the weather was against us and we did not get the views we were hoping for. Alin was very knowledgeable and made this a lovely day. On a clear day this trip will be out of this world !”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Transfagarasan Road Tours

★ 4.5Transfagarasan, Vidraru and Poenari Fortress Tour from SibiuFrom $1735 reviews
★ 5.0Private Transfagarasan&Balea LakeFrom $1383 reviews
★ 5.0Private Transfagarasan Road Scenic Tour from BucharestFrom $2546 reviews
★ 5.0Transfagarasan Road Private Day Trip from Bucharest / The Best Road in the WorldFrom $3056 reviews
★ 5.0Transfagarasan Private Tour from Bucharest – 2 DaysFrom $6813 reviews
★ 5.0Transfagarasan Road & Balea Lake – Private Tour from BucharestFrom $2158 reviews
★ 5.0Day trip to Transfagarasan Highway from BucharestFrom $1524 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour – Top Gear Road, Transfăgărășan HighwayFrom $1607 reviews
★ 5.0Private Day Trip True Castles of Vlad Dracula and Transfagarasan RoadFrom $2604 reviews
★ 5.04-Day Inside Transylvania & Transfagarasan Tour from BucharestFrom $1,1973 reviews
★ 5.03 Days Private Tour in Romania with Transfagarasan RoadFrom $1,1566 reviews
★ 4.5Bran & Peles Castles through the Best Road in the World: Transfagarasan roadFrom $4603 reviews
★ 5.0One day tour Transfagarasan road , Balea waterfall, Balea lakeFrom $1433 reviews
★ 5.02 Day Private Tour Transfagarasan Highway and Hiking in Fagaras MountainsFrom $5553 reviews
★ 5.0SB05 – Carpathian Heights: Hiking to Bâlea Cascada & LakeFrom $1414 reviews

Keep browsing

Bear Sanctuary Tours46Carpathian Mountain Tours33Hiking & Trekking27National Parks9
Scroll to Top

Around Romania

Pick a castle, a mountain road or a cellar.

Castles

Bran CastlePeleș CastleCorvin CastleRâșnov CitadelCantacuzino Castle

The mountains

TransfăgărășanBear WatchingCarpathian DaysMountain WalksNational Parks

Bucharest

Palace of ParliamentCommunist HistoryWalking ToursFood ToursTherme Bucharest

Underground and out

Salt MinesMud VolcanoesPainted MonasteriesDanube DeltaWine Tastings