Planning a trip to Transylvania and not sure where to pick up your rental car? It's one of the most common questions we get. Brașov and Cluj-Napoca are the two main gateways into the heart of Transylvania — each with distinct advantages depending on your itinerary.
Here's the full comparison to help you decide.
Cluj-Napoca Airport (CLJ)
Cluj-Napoca has the largest airport in Transylvania and the second busiest in Romania, with direct flights from across Europe. If you're flying in from abroad, there's a good chance you'll land here.
Advantages
- Excellent flight connections — direct routes from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Frankfurt, Vienna, Madrid and dozens more
- More competitive airfares — greater airline competition keeps prices lower
- Cluj is a vibrant hub — great restaurants, diverse accommodation, rich cultural life
- Easy access to northern Transylvania — Bistrița, Maramureș, Satu Mare
Disadvantages
- Further from Brașov — roughly 170 km, about 2 hours of driving
- Further from Sinaia and the Prahova Valley
What to visit driving from Cluj
- Corvin Castle (Hunedoara) — 2 hours
- Alba Iulia — 1.5 hours
- Turda Salt Mine & Gorges — 30 minutes
- Sighișoara — 1.5 hours
- Cluj-Napoca itself — right on your doorstep
Brașov — Transylvania's Tourist Capital
Brașov doesn't yet have its own international airport (the new Brașov-Ghimbav airport is in development), but it has direct train connections from Bucharest. If you're arriving from the capital or travelling by rail, Brașov is the ideal starting point.
Advantages
- Central location — just 2.5 hours from Bucharest, easy by train or bus
- Closest base for the top attractions — Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, Sinaia, Prejmer, Râșnov
- Perfect base for the Transfăgărășan — just 80 km to the northern entry of DN7C
- More affordable accommodation than Cluj in peak season
Disadvantages
- No international airport yet — you need to arrive by train, bus or rental transfer
- Further from northern Transylvania
What to visit driving from Brașov
- Bran Castle — 30 minutes
- Peleș Castle (Sinaia) — 45 minutes
- Saint Anne Lake — 1.5 hours
- Sighișoara — 1.5 hours
- Transfăgărășan — 1.5 hours to the entry point
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Cluj (CLJ) | Brașov |
|---|---|---|
| International airport | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Under construction |
| Direct train from Bucharest | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (faster) |
| Distance to Bran/Peleș | ❌ ~3 hours | ✅ ~45 min |
| Distance to Transfăgărășan | ⚠️ ~2.5 hours | ✅ ~1.5 hours |
| Distance to Sighișoara | ✅ ~1.5 hours | ⚠️ ~1.5 hours |
| Best for international visitors | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Best for a Transylvania circuit | ✅ Start | ✅ Start/End |
Our Recommendation
Flying in from abroad? → Land at Cluj, pick up a car and do a circular route: Cluj → Sighișoara → Brașov → Transfăgărășan → Sibiu → Cluj. Total distance: ~600 km, perfect for a 5–7 day trip.
Travelling from Bucharest or by train? → Start from Brașov. It's the natural entry point into Transylvania from the south and puts you closest to the most-visited attractions.
Pick Up Your Car Wherever Suits You
Transylvania Car has vehicles available in both cities and across all major centres in the region — no extra fees for different pick-up locations.
📍 Locations: Cluj-Napoca · Brașov · Sibiu · Târgu Mureș
🌐 www.transilvaniacar.com
Have questions about the best route for your trip? Message us on WhatsApp — we reply within minutes.