Several trains run daily between Budapest and Bucharest. The larger part of the journey goes through Romania, crossing the country from west to south-east. When taking the Ister or the Dacia, the most interesting stops along the way are Sibiu, Sigisoara, Brașov, and Sinaia in the Transylvania region. Here you can visit Bran Castle, more commonly known as Dracula’s castle or embark on a hike in the mountains. From Brașov, you can reach Bucharest in less than 3 hours. The entire journey should take you approximately 17 hours. When waking up, you will see the scenic landscapes of Transylvania from your bed or seat. The highlight of this journey are the Carpathian mountains after Brasov.

The Dacia also has a direct carriage that takes the route via Timisoara and Craiova to Bucharest and one that ends in Cluj Napoca. The third train on this route, the Muntenia, connects Budapest and Bucharest via Timisoara and Craiova, taking the (by daylight) less scenic Southern route.

Between Budapest and Bucharest following routes are in operation:

Ister: Budapest – Bucharest (EN 472/473)

• Via Szolnok, Arad, Sibiu, Brașov, and Sinaia

Dacia: Vienna – Budapest – Bucharest (EN 346/347)

• Via Győr, Szolnok, Arad, Sighișoara, Brașov, and Sinaia
• One coach runs via Arad, Timisoara, and Craiova
• One coach runs via Oradea and Cluj Napoca

Muntenia: Budapest – Bucharest (IC 79/IC 78)

• Szolnok, Arad, Timisoara, and Craiova