In short
- Drive via the A1 and DN7C in 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Join a 10-to-12-hour guided tour starting from €80.
- Take a bus to Curtea de Argeș, then hire a local taxi.
In this article
Reaching Poenari Citadel requires traveling into the Carpathian Mountains. The site sits along the DN7C highway, known as the Transfăgărășan. Because public transit does not go all the way to the fortress, you need to plan your transport carefully.
How to get to Poenari Castle from Bucharest by car?
Driving takes 2.5 to 3 hours via the A1 highway and the DN7C.
Head west from Bucharest on the A1 highway toward Pitești. From there, take the DN7C north through Curtea de Argeș to Arefu. This route offers the most flexibility. Be prepared for steep, winding sections on the mountain road. Watch out for wild brown bears along the roadside.
Can I visit Poenari without a car?
Yes, guided day trips from Bucharest are the best option if you do not want to drive.
Tours typically last 10 to 12 hours. Prices start from €80 to €150 per person. Most excursions combine the citadel with stops at the Vidraru Dam and the Curtea de Argeș Monastery. This removes the stress of navigating mountain roads or securing local taxis.
Is there a bus to Poenari Citadel?
No direct buses go to the citadel; you must combine a minibus and a taxi.
You can take a minibus from Bucharest to the city of Curtea de Argeș. Public transport essentially stops there. To cover the remaining 25 kilometers to the trailhead, you must hire a local taxi. The taxi segment costs between 50 and 100 RON. The total journey takes 3 to 4 hours.
Are there bears on the road to Poenari?
Yes, wild brown bears heavily populate the forest around the DN7C highway.
It is common to see bears near the entrance to the citadel. Feeding or approaching them is illegal and highly dangerous. Stay in your vehicle if you spot wildlife while driving. Read more about Bear Safety Guide before your trip.
What else is on the route to Poenari?
The route passes Curtea de Argeș Monastery and leads directly to the Vidraru Dam.
The 16th-century Curtea de Argeș Monastery is located right on the driving route from Bucharest. Just 4 kilometers north of the fortress, you will find the massive Vidraru Dam. Both locations make excellent additions to a full day trip.
Is the road to Poenari Castle always open?
The fortress and the road to it are affected by seasonal weather.
The site operates from late April to late October. Heavy snow and safety hazards often close the citadel in late autumn and winter. Be sure to check the season before booking a rental car or tour.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Poenari Castle from Brasov?
You can book guided day trips from Brașov to Poenari Citadel. These tours typically take 10 to 12 hours for a full day trip.
How much is the entrance fee for Poenari Citadel?
The entrance fee is 30 RON for adults and 20 RON for students and seniors. You must pay in cash at the ticket kiosk at the base of the stairs.
How many steps to Poenari Castle?
You must climb exactly 1,480 concrete steps to access the mountaintop ruins. The steep ascent takes 30 to 45 minutes.
