I’ll admit it — I love exploring new destinations, but, like most of us, I don’t love travel days. The packing, the hauling luggage, the waiting around… It’s usually the least exciting part of any trip.
So that’s why I was excited to book my first transfer with Daytrip, a company that turns what would normally be just transportation into an actual experience.
On my journey from Brașov to Bucharest, I decided to make the most of the day with a stop at the stunning Peleș Castle. Yes, you can add stops along the way!
And you know me — I always have to report back when I try something new. So, let’s take a closer look at what it was actually like traveling through Romania with Daytrip.
Article overview
What is Daytrip?
Daytrip, founded in 2015, is a travel service that connects you with local drivers for transfers between cities and across borders — with the option to add sightseeing stops along the way. It’s a super convenient alternative to trains, buses, or rental cars.
Quick overview
🚙 Private door-to-door car transfers in 120+ countries. Some shared options.
🏰 You can add curated sightseeing stops (14,560+) during the booking process.
✅ Drivers are hand-picked, English-speaking, knowledgeable and vehicles are safe and clean with strict standards.
💯 Free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure for private trips.
💬 24/7 customer support.
The booking process
One of the things I appreciate about Daytrip is how easy it is to use. Everything is booked online or through their app — no awkward back-and-forth messages or complicated arrangements with drivers.
You simply enter your starting point and destination, and then the fun part: you can choose stops along the way from their list of sights. How much time you need at each stop is suggested, but ultimately you can choose.
It’s like building your own mini road trip, without having to worry about logistics. I also love that all prices are clearly stated and that everything is paid in advance.
Once you’ve chosen your route, you’ll receive a confirmation right away, and then a second message once your driver is assigned. A few days before departure, you’ll receive all the driver details — name, photo, car model, phone number and a tracking link.
My first time booking with Daytrip, I wanted a private transfer for a group of us who had celebrated Halloween at Bran Castle. I knew we would be tired, but I also wanted to make the most of our time in Romania. So this was the perfect option. Brasov to Bucharest with a stop at the beautiful Peleș Castle.
My experience: Brașov to Bucharest
I have to say, I was impressed right from the start. Our driver, Sorin, sent me a message in the morning with an update on the weather along our route. He arrived a good ten minutes early (something this punctual Norwegian always appreciates), and was waiting for us outside the car.
The car itself was spotless and smelled fresh, and he even had bottles of water and snacks ready for us. Before leaving, he confirmed the route and asked if we’d purchased our tickets for Peleș Castle online.
That’s when I realized I had made a mistake — Peleș Castle was closed for maintenance in November!
It hadn’t been clear when I checked the opening hours before booking. Luckily, our driver didn’t miss a beat and suggested stopping at Cantacuzino Castle as well — the filming location for Nevermore Academy in Wednesday.
It was also closed at the time we arrived, but honestly, I was thrilled just to see it from the outside. You know me — I never pass up a good castle view!
After a quick stop, we continued towards Peleș Castle, which was an experience in its own right.
The Romanian countryside is breathtaking — rolling hills covered with trees in shades of yellow, red, and orange, and mountain peaks dusted with snow. Fog curled over the treetops, giving everything a mystical look.
Most of the road was single-lane, so traffic wasn’t exactly fast, but I didn’t mind at all. We felt completely safe the whole way, and it gave me time to just stare out the window and soak up the views.
Our driver told us about the history of the area and answered any questions we had.
The stop in Sinaia
Once we arrived in Sinaia, our driver explained where everything was. He even stopped at the bottom of the castle road to make sure we knew exactly where to meet him afterward — a small gesture that made a big difference.
Sinaia itself is absolutely gorgeous. It’s often called the Pearl of the Carpathians, and for good reason. Nestled in the Bucegi Mountains, this little town has long been a favorite getaway for Romanian royalty.
Peleș Castle, of course, is the star — a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. You might even recognize it from a few Hallmark holiday movies, such as Aldovia’s castle in A Christmas Prince.
Even though the interior was closed, we spent 1.5 hours wandering the grounds and surrounding area, taking a ridiculous number of photos, and admiring the castle from every angle.
If you’re planning your own Daytrip stop here. I’d recommend booking at least two hours if you want to explore inside as well.
When it was time to head out, we texted our driver (a few minutes late because we got a little lost — oops!) and he arrived within two minutes.
The final stretch to Bucharest
The last leg of the drive to Bucharest took about two and a half hours. Traffic into the city was very slow, but we were comfortable, chatting a bit and taking in the views of gorgeous buildings. Yes, the architecture in Bucharest is insane.
Before we knew it, we were being dropped off right outside our apartment door — no navigating metro stations, no dragging suitcases over cobblestones. Let’s just say… the bar for travel days has officially been raised.
So was it worth it?
Absolutely. I would 100% book through Daytrip again.
The ride was comfortable, the scenery spectacular, and our driver went above and beyond to make sure we had the best possible experience — even when my castle plans fell through.
🚙 Click here to see routes and prices – start planning your Daytrip adventure!
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