Car Rental in Romania

Romania is a great destination to travel around by car. Both its nature and its regional cultures are incredibly diverse for the country’s size. Romania is easily accessible and constantly developing, but still retains an historical and untamed feeling that you won’t find in many other places in Europe.

• From Romania to Spain - 32 offers from US$ 131.23 per day
• From Romania to Greece - 32 offers from US$ 75.79 per day
• From Romania to Bulgaria - 42 offers from US$ 65.18 per day
• From Romania to Switzerland - 26 offers from US$ 119.86 per day

• Bucharest Otopeni Airport: Also known as Bucharest-Henri Coandă after a Romanian inventor, the main airport of the capital city is the busiest in the country. Otopeni Airport handled nearly 14 million travelers in 2018 and is served by around 20 different airlines, including the national carrier TAROM, as well as a number of low-cost companies.
• Cluj Avram Iancu Airport: Serving the city of Cluj-Napoca in the northwestern part of the country, Avram Iancu Airport handled 2.7 million travelers in 2018. The airport is a large hub for the low-cost company Wizz Air and also has flights by more than ten other airlines.
• Timișoara Airport: Serving the city of Timișoara near the borders with Hungary and Serbia, this airport handled 1.5 million travelers in 2018. It has flights by ten different airlines (although some are only active seasonally) and offers flights to and from France, Spain, Germany, and many other European countries.
• Iasi Airport: Largest in the northeastern part of the country, Iasi Airport is on the border with Moldova and near Ukraine. The airport has flights by eight different airlines, serving domestic routes, as well as flights to foreign destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
• By land: It’s possible to rent a car in a neighboring country and then drive to Romania, although you should ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. Depending on your citizenship, you may or may not need a visa to enter Romania or any of its neighboring countries. Some large international airports near Romania are Sofia Airport in Bulgaria, Belgrade Airport in Serbia, and Budapest Airport in Hungary.

• Bucharest. Home to much more than just Europe’s largest parliament building, Bucharest is a very fun city to explore. The capital’s somewhat hectic atmosphere might not immediately be your cup of tea, but give it a chance and you’ll discover that the real Bucharest lives in interesting museums, large green areas, and fascinating cultural heritage.
• Brasov. Located in the Eastern Transylvanian mountains, Brasov is one of the best places in Romania for sightseeing. Parts of the city seem to be stuck in time and have a slow-paced, medieval atmosphere — this applies to not just the well-preserved Old Town, but also areas like Șcheii. 
• Black Sea Coast. Some 245 km (150 miles) long, Romania’s coastline is the most popular holiday destination in the country. A part of the historical Dobrogea region, its beach life is centered around resorts like Mamaia and Vama Veche, but the area is also known for its Ancient Greek and Roman heritage and as the location of the Danube Delta.

The most popular rental car in Romania is the Dacia Logan, but the Skodia Fabia and the Opel Astra are also in high demand among travelers.

• Romania recognizes foreign driver’s licenses from around the world if they are valid and if you’re visiting on a trip that’s shorter than three months. If you have been in Romania for longer than that period or reside there permanently, you need to acquire a local driver’s license instead.
• If your driver’s license is printed in a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP.
• Even if you have an IDP, you need to also carry your original driver’s license as you might be asked to show both.
• You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times. 
• You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
• Some rental car providers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car provider and car category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.

Romania shares a border with Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Serbia. While a member of European Union (EU), Romania is not a Schengen Area member state. Of Romania’s neighbors, only Hungary is a Schengen Area member.

Bulgaria, Serbia, Moldova, and Ukraine each have their own visa policy and you may or may not need a visa to visit them, depending on your citizenship. If you plan to enter one of these countries from Romania during your rental period, we strongly advise you to get in touch with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to find out about any potential visa requirements.

Some car rental providers allow you to cross national borders and even drop off your car in a different country, while others don’t. If you’d like to cross a national border during your rental period, make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking a car. Learn more about cross-border rentals in our FAQ section. 

The most popular rental car in Romania is an economy, but compact and fullsize are also often picked. 

• Sibiu. Another Transylvanian gem, Sibiu is one of the most interesting cities in the country. Known across Romania for the notable German component in its heritage and in Europe as its Capital of Culture back in 2007, it has a beautiful historical center (divided into the Upper and Lower Town), many churches, and the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization.
• Moldavia. A large region not to be confused with the Republic of Moldova, the sovereign country that it borders, Moldavia is an interesting, if underrated, place to explore. With just a few large cities, but many well-preserved, historic towns and plenty of farmland and wineries, it has a more relaxed, historic feel to it. 
• Retezat National Park. Located in the Western part of the country, Retezat is one of the most scenic places in this part of Europe. Characterized by its snow-capped peaks, primeval forests, and glacial lakes, it is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The Retezat is relatively remote — the nearest big city, Sibiu, is more than two hours away — but the long trip is worth it. 

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Romania:

• Compare rates
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Romania is the cheapest in March - prices start from € 21.80 for an economy vehicle per day which is 39% cheaper than the yearly average.