Peles Castle Visit in Sinaia | Your Complete Guide

Best time to visit Peles Castle

Weekdays are the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds, as weekends draw both Romanian tourists and international travelers. Arriving in the morning, right at opening, allows you to enjoy the interiors without long lines. For an even quieter experience, visit early in the week, as Mondays and Tuesdays tend to have fewer visitors.
Summer (June–August) is peak season, with the castle often reaching capacity. Expect large crowds, long wait times, and higher ticket prices. To avoid the heat and crowds, visit as early as 9am, right when the castle opens, or later in the afternoon after 4pm for a quieter experience. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer fewer crowds, mild weather, and clear mountain views. These seasons are best visited between 10am and 2pm, when crowds are lighter and you can enjoy the weather without the midday rush. Winter has its own charm, especially when the castle is dusted in snow, though opening hours are shorter. Arrive by 10am to make the most of daylight and the limited open hours.

Getting to Peles Castle

Train

Nearest station: Sinaia railway station

From Bucharest City Center: Take a direct train (IR or RE) from Gara de Nord to Sinaia. The journey takes about 1h 30m. From Sinaia station, it’s a 25–30 minute uphill walk or a 10-minute taxi ride to the castle entrance.
From Brașov: Frequent trains connect Brașov to Sinaia in about 1 hour. From Sinaia station, continue as above.
From Henri Coandă International Airport (Bucharest): Take the train to Gara de Nord (45 minutes), then connect to a train heading to Sinaia (1h 30m). Total journey: around 2.5 hours.

Bus

Nearest stop: Sinaia bus station

From Bucharest: Several buses run daily from Bucharest to Sinaia (approx. 2 hours). The bus stop is near the train station, from where you can walk or take a taxi to the castle.
From Brașov: Buses connect Brașov and Sinaia in about 1h 15m. From the bus station, the castle is about 2.5 km uphill.

Taxi/Rideshare

Local taxis from Sinaia station or bus stop to Peles Castle cost around 15–20 RON (≈ €3–4).
Rideshare apps (Bolt, Uber) also operate in Sinaia and can be a convenient choice, especially if traveling in a group.

Car

From Bucharest (120 km): Drive via DN1/E60 highway north toward Brașov, exit at Sinaia. The journey takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic.
From Brașov (50 km): Take DN1/E60 south; the drive takes about 1 hour.
From Henri Coandă International Airport: Head toward DN1/E60 and continue directly to Sinaia. Driving time is around 2 hours 30 minutes.

Parking facilities

Peles Castle lower parking lot (Parcare Peleșului): Located 500 m from the castle, with around 100 spaces.
Sinaia central parking (Parcare Centrală Sinaia): Near the town center, about 2 km away; good option if lower lots are full.
Hotel International Sinaia parking: Guests and visitors can park here (2 km from castle).

Know before you go

Book tickets online 2 to 3 weeks in advance to avoid queues, especially in summer. Guided tours often include priority entry.
The castle has one main visitor entrance through the courtyard. Guided tours and self-guided ticket holders enter here. Groups are directed to a separate side gate for faster access.

Restrooms available in the courtyard area.
Cloakroom at the entrance for bags and coats.
Gift shop with Romanian crafts and souvenirs.
Limited wheelchair accessibility due to staircases; elevators are not available in the historic building.

Wide courtyards and gardens are stroller-friendly.
Restrooms and baby-changing facilities available near the entrance.
Children enjoy the themed rooms like the Armory

Photography allowed only with a paid permit.
No large bags inside; use cloakroom.
No eating/drinking in the castle.
Respect roped-off areas.
Flash photography is prohibited.

Arrive early in the day to avoid congestion from large tour groups and enjoy a more relaxed visit.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the path from Sinaia train station to Peles Castle is uphill.
Plan to spend about 1.5–2 hours exploring the castle’s interior, and allow extra time to stroll through the surrounding gardens.
During peak season, it’s best to buy your tickets online in advance to skip long queues.
If time permits, consider visiting nearby Pelișor Castle, a charming royal residence within the same estate.
In winter, be sure to check the opening hours before your visit, as schedules may vary with the season.

Pelisor Castle: The smaller royal residence next to Peles
Sinaia Monastery: Historic 17th-century monastery
Bucegi Natural Park: Hiking and scenic Carpathian landscapes

Frequently asked questions about planning a visit to Peles Castle

Where is Peles Castle?

Peles Castle is located in Sinaia, Romania, about 120 km north of Bucharest in the Carpathian Mountains.

Is Peles Castle open year-round for visitors?

Yes, the castle is open to the public year-round, with guided and self-guided tours available.

Why should I visit Peles Castle?

It is one of Europe’s most beautiful castles, with lavish interiors, themed rooms, and a stunning mountain backdrop.

How long does it take to visit Peles Castle?

Expect to spend 1.5–2 hours inside, plus more time exploring the gardens.

Can I visit Peles Castle for free?

No, entry requires a ticket. Grounds may be accessible without charge, but castle interior tours are ticketed.

How do I book tickets to visit Peles Castle?

You can buy tickets at the entrance or online for skip-the-line access and guided tours.

What is the best time to visit Peles Castle?

Morning on weekdays, especially in spring and autumn, is ideal to avoid crowds.

Can I visit Peles Castle with kids?

Yes, the castle is family-friendly, with spacious gardens to explore and themed rooms like the Turkish Room, Moorish Room, and Florentine Room that often capture children’s imagination.

Is Peles Castle wheelchair friendly?

Accessibility at Peles Castle is limited, so it’s best to confirm the latest facilities before your visit.

Can I buy food and drinks at Peles Castle?

No, but there are several restaurants nearby in Sinaia. Popular options include Restaurant Carol Gastro Bierhaus, Kuib Restaurant and Cabana Vanatoreasca.