Upon reaching Bucharest airport, I took the airport bus to the city. There are two airport buses, 780 and 783. Bus 780 connects to the railway station while bus 783 goes into the city centre. Tickets can be bought at the manned counter beside the bus stop at the airport.
I had wanted to get to the railway station directly, but somehow I boarded bus 783 instead. So I alighted at a city centre stop with a nearby metro station, then transferred to the metro to get to the railway station. A bit of detour, but I managed to get to my destination eventually.
I bought my train ticket to Sinaia, the closest station to Peles Castle. While waiting for the train, I had my lunch at the MacDonald's in the train station. That's where I learnt Romania is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
After a fairly long walk past a row of makeshift stalls selling souvenirs, I soon reached the Peles Castle.
I had wanted to get to the railway station directly, but somehow I boarded bus 783 instead. So I alighted at a city centre stop with a nearby metro station, then transferred to the metro to get to the railway station. A bit of detour, but I managed to get to my destination eventually.
I bought my train ticket to Sinaia, the closest station to Peles Castle. While waiting for the train, I had my lunch at the MacDonald's in the train station. That's where I learnt Romania is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The train ride itself was fairly comfortable. I was assigned a seat within a six-seat enclosed cabin, where a row of three seats faced another row. There is luggage storage on top of the seats.
There are some folding-down chairs along the aisle.
Once at the Sinaia station, I used google maps to follow the path to get to Peles Castle on foot. Along the way, I passed by the monastery.
After a fairly long walk past a row of makeshift stalls selling souvenirs, I soon reached the Peles Castle.
After spending some time admiring the castle, it is time to head back to Sinaia train station.
The train timings are available on google as well, which makes for easy planning. After reaching Bucharest train station, I transferred to the metro, then followed by a short walk to get to the bus station, to begin my long wait for my overnight bus ride to Sofia, Bulgaria.
There wasn't much facility, if any, at the bus station. The only convenience store was closed early. There was a supermarket nearby in a separate building nearby, but it closed soon as well. There wasn't an enclosed waiting room for the buses, so in winter, it makes for an unbearably cold wait. Fortunately, the flix bus arrived on time and I was soon on my way to Sofia !
In conclusion, Bucharest is definitely worth a visit, especially Peles Castle. I didn't get to visit the interior since it was past the opening hours. I had originally wanted to visit the famed Bran Castle as well, but again there wasn't enough time. Finally, the bus station in Bucharest doesn't have enclosed waiting rooms. Something to note during winter.
