Take an Enchanting Ride on the Sinaia Gondola
Swinging high above the Transylvanian countryside, all three of us are silenced by the mesmerising mountains all around. We sit in a carriage of the Sinaia Gondola and glide up above the dense, green pines.
This autumn we took another trip to beautiful Bucharest. Much as we love the city, its always amazing to get out into the countryside. This time we decided to visit the town of Sinaia. In this article we will provide detailed, practical information about how to get from Bucharest to Sinaia and how to ride the enchanting Sinaia Gondola.
How to get to Sinaia from Bucharest
It’s time to get out of the city! The easiest way to get to Sinaia from Bucharest is by train. The train station is not far from the centre of Bucharest and can be found HERE . You can walk from the city centre in around 45 mins but we decided to take an e-scooter and arrived in half the time.
There are several trains from Bucharest to Sinaia per day and it takes around 1.5 hours each way. It is possible to buy tickets at the station. However, to avoid the queues, buy your tickets online at CFR Călători. Our tickets cost around €10 each way. You can pay another couple of euros to upgrade to first class which is worth it if the train is busy!
The trains are of a certain vintage. However, they have convenient power sockets, they are comfortable and have an old world charm. The route passes through the flat, industrial area north of Bucharest before entering the mountain range. This provides some pretty nice views but these are just a warm up for what is to come.
How to get to the Sinaia Gondola
We hop off the train at Sinaia and walk through the station. The foyer is quite grand but has crumbling walls and peeling paint. There was also a tiny bat circling around high up in the ceiling. We have definitely arrived in Transylvania!
After a quick look around, we head towards the Sinaia Gondola. From the train station, it is around a 40 minute walk so we set off uphill following the signs. There is also a local bus that will take you most of the way or you can hop on the “fun train” that will take you to the Gondola station – the choice is yours.
As we continue walking, we find that the signage is pretty clear but we also have Google maps as a back up. Just be aware that there are many chairlifts in the area so make sure you follow the signs specifically for the Sinaia Gondola.
Around halfway, we stop for refreshments in a traditional looking restaurant. We are the only customers so the service is outstanding. We even got a glass of home made palinka on the house. This certainly provided fuel for the remaining walk to the gondola station.
The signs start to get a little smaller so you have to keep a close eye out for them. However, once the gravel path turns back into a road, you know you’re nearly there!
Buying a Ticket for the Sinaia Gondola
On arrival at the lower station, we made our way to the kiosk to buy our tickets. There are a few options for tickets to ride the Sinaia Gondola. One option is to stop halfway at 1,400m and hike from there or return down. Alternatively, you can take the gondola to the station at 2,000m and hike further or return to earth.
The cost of a return ticket to the 2,000m station is 70lei (around €14.50) which is what we bought. For all of the options, check the OFFICIAL WEBSITE. You can now buy your tickets online making thing even easier!
We Catch a Gondola Carriage
We slide into the next carriage that pulls up to the platform. As we accelerate away up the front of the mountain, we have spectacular views over the town. But that was nothing compared with the views from further up! The 360 views from the enclosed carriage are phenomenal and it’s pretty peaceful above the earth. The widows are quite clean but the best way to take photos is to open the side windows. Just hold on tight to your phone or camera!
As we approach the station at 1,400m, we can already smell barbequed food. As we step off the gondola, we find stalls roasting corn and cooking Kürtoskalács (chimney cake – like a spiralled donut). There is also a bar and the next gondola station.
We jump in the next cable car and continue up to 2,000m. Now the thick pine trees are replaced by a sparse, dry landscape. In the distance we spot a shepherd with his flock and wonder how many bears there really are in the area. Nearing the top, popping ears are a genuine issue! But it’s totally worth it.
The Sinaia Gondola Reaches 2,000m
As we reach the top, it really feels like a different climate. While shorts and t-shirts were sufficient on the ground, at 2,000m we had to layer up. There is another bar to buy food and drinks all the way up here! This will be a very popular place during ski season. However, we are here in September and the place is pretty quiet except for the blowing wind.
To the very summit is another 5 minute walk. As we scramble up the last few meters of rocky mountain, the wind increases further. Standing at the top of the world we can see for miles. On a clear day you can see all across the flat industrial land towards Bucharest. We sit at the top for a while and appreciate the view. It is also an obvious spot for some amazing photos.
If you want more hiking, there is a beautiful lake about 1.5 hours walk from the the top station. During the ski season, there are many more chairlifts carrying skiers all over the mountains.
After a while, we walk back to the gondola for our ride back to earth.
When to Ride the Sinaia Gondola
Unless you’re going skiing, it might be best to avoid the snow. Therefore, visiting any time from March to October will work out great. The weather in the mountains can be very changeable so try to be well prepared and plan in advance where possible.
You can also check the live webcam at 2000m to see what the weather is like before you even leave the house! Check it out HERE.
Opening Times of the Sinaia Gondola
There are some variations in opening times depending on what lift you decide to ride. However, the following schedule widely encompassed them all –
Monday 08:30-16:00
Tuesday 12:00 – 16:00
Wednesday 08:30-16:00
Thursday 08:30-16:00
Friday 08:30-16:00
Saturday 08:30-16:00
Sunday 08:30-16:00
Make sure you don’t miss the last carriage or you might have a long walk home!
What to Pack for a Trip on the Sinaia Gondola
We have put together a convenient packing list for your trip to Sinaia, the gondola ride and any hikes from the top.
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Backpack with waterproof cover
- Snacks (bars, chews, trail mix, sandwiches)
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing such as windbreaker, hiking socks, buff/hat, and fleece. Make sure to wear layers to account for the changing conditions
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
- Phone (plus power bank if required)
- Decent camera with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
- Cash
- Train tickets (if pre booked)
When is the Ski Season in Sinaia?
Fancy hitting the slopes? There are plenty of options in this part of Romania and the prices are very low compared to western Europe with a day pass costing around €30. The slopes are usually open from December to March and there are plenty of options, especially for beginners.
Our Glorious Ride on the Sinaia gondola
Gliding to the peaks of the Carpathians was certainly a highlight of our most recent trip to Romania. Escaping the city for a day, breathing in the fresh mountain air and taking in the incredible views is pretty hard to beat. And all of this without having to break a sweat.
Where to go next?
- Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, is less than 6 hours from Bucharest by car and is a great stop on your Balkan trip. Check our blog for some Sofia inspiration HERE
- Have you visited Bucharest, Sinaia or anywhere else in Romania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
- Pin the image below and read our surprising things to do in Bucharest again later
Final note: Things change often when travelling in the Balkans and there is not much information online. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Short on time? Save “How to Ride the Sinaia Gondola” for later by pinning the image below.
Your article is great. I would love to ride the gondola and go skiing in Romania.
That must be breathtaking.