Car Rental in Romania

Why rent a car 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.

Top ways to enter Romania

• 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 12.5 million travelers in 2022 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 2.26 million travelers in 2022. 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. It handled 1.5 million travelers in 2022.
• Craiova Airport: Still quite small but with passenger traffic growing at a fast rate, Craiova Airport serves the city of the same name, providing access to the southwestern corner of the country. The airport is a base for the Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air and provides connections with such varied destinations as London, Milan, Brussels, and Birmingham.
• Constanța Airport: Although perhaps not quite matching the touristic appeal of its city, this is one of the smallest international airports in the country, but it still provides a direct route to the Romanian Black Sea beaches for those who do not want to the two-and-a-half hour drive from Bucharest. The airport has year-round direct flights to and from London and Istanbul, as well as seasonal connections with Antalya and Tel Aviv.
• By car: 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.
• By train: International train travel from various European cities to major Romanian towns. In Hungary, Budapest Keleti Railway Station in Budapest provides direct trains to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara. Sofia Central Railway Station in Bulgaria has connections to Bucharest. Serbia's Belgrade Central Railway Station offers train services to Bucharest and other destinations in Romania. Chișinău Railway Station in Moldova also provides train connections to several Romanian cities, including Iași and Bucharest. You can enjoy comfortable seats and a scenic journey.
• By bus: Several bus companies, like Eurolines and FlixBus, provide service to Romania with routes starting from European cities such as Budapest, Hungary; Vienna, Austria; Chisinau, Moldova; Prague, Czechia; Sofia, Bulgaria; and Belgrade, Serbia to several Romanian destinations such as Cluj-Napoca, Oradea, and Timisoara.

Top cities and places to visit

• 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.
• Transylvanian Alps. You can enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and wildlife spotting in Retezat National Park which has pristine forests, lakes, and rare plants. With picturesque valleys, majestic peaks, and rich flora and fauna, the Transylvanian Alps are a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers.
• Cluj-Napoca. You can explore historical landmarks, savor local cuisine, and immerse yourself in lively cultural events, theaters, galleries, and festivals. Cluj-Napoca is also home to prestigious universities like the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, creating a youthful and energetic atmosphere. 
• Armenian Quarter. Once the heart of Bucharest's Armenian community, the quarter is a great place to appreciate well-preserved Armenian houses, churches, and cultural institutions while strolling through its narrow streets. The Armenian Church, built in the 17th century, showcases the community's heritage. Today, the Quarter is a vibrant district with charming cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. Exploring this area offers a glimpse into Bucharest's multicultural past and thriving contemporary art scene. 
• Libearty Bear Sanctuary. Located in Zarnesti, Brasov County, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary was founded by Cristina Lapis, a Romanian woman driven by a commitment to rescue bears from cruelty. Over 100 bears, previously held in restaurant cages, circuses, and pseudo-zoos around the world, have found refuge here. The sanctuary also cares for other animals on a 160-acre donated woodland, including wolves. Visitors can meet Cristina herself, hear stories of rescued bears, and witness their rehabilitation. The sanctuary provides a semblance of natural bear life with large enclosures, trees to climb, and pools to play in. Support can be extended through visits, adoptions, or volunteering opportunities.

Most popular rental car

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.

Driver's license requirements

• 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 for insurance reasons. The amount of the surcharge can differ, but it is usually higher for drivers under 25.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car provider and car category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

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 Help Center. 

Most popular types of rental car

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

Top driving routes

• 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.
• Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. These monasteries are adorned with vibrant frescoes, showcasing religious artistry and history. Driving through the picturesque countryside of Bucovina allows visitors to explore these unique architectural gems while immersing themselves in the region's rich cultural heritage. 
• Danube Delta. The Danube Delta driving route is a captivating journey that unveils the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can drive along winding roads to witness the delta's breathtaking landscapes, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. The route allows for exploring charming fishing villages, birdwatching opportunities, and boat trips along the winding waterways. 

Car rental prices in Romania

• Large cars - from $1 per day
• SUVs - from $1 per day
• Station wagons - from $1 per day
• Vans - from $3 per day
• Premium cars - from $11 per day
• Small cars - from $1 per day
• Medium cars - from $1 per day
• Convertibles - from $204 per day

Money-saving and other tips

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.