Jonathan Harker travels by train from Munich through Vienna and Budapest toward Transylvania, noting the shift from Western comforts into a wilder eastern landscape steeped in local traditions and superstitions. Along the way, he records his observations of the varied nationalities, including Saxons, Magyars, Szekelys, and Slovaks, while tasting national dishes like paprika hendl and mamaliga. After arriving at Bistritz and staying at the Golden Krone Hotel, he receives a welcoming letter from Count Dracula containing detailed instructions for his final journey.
Despite the warnings and mounting dread of the innkeeper and his wife on the eve of Saint George's Day, Harker presses on with his mission aboard a mountain coach. As the vehicle traverses the rugged landscape of the Borgo Pass amidst falling snow and deepening twilight, fearful passengers offer him protective charms and cross themselves against evil. The public anxiety culminates when they are met by a swift, mysterious calèche driven by a tall, striking stranger with glowing red eyes.
Harker transfers to the stranger's carriage and is driven rapidly through the dark, winding mountain passes while wolves howl menacingly in the surrounding gloom. During the journey, the silent driver periodically investigates mysterious blue flames while the terrified horses are encircled by a pack of hungry wolves. When the driver finally commands the beasts to retreat with an imperious sweep of his arms, the tension remains high as the carriage approaches its destination.