Car Rental in Bacau

Where to drive

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage painted monasteries of Bucovina (e.g., Voronet, Humor), a scenic drive of approximately 3-4 hours (around 150-200 km) north of Bacau.
• Visit the historic city of Iasi, the former capital of Moldova, with its impressive Palace of Culture and numerous churches. This is about a 2-hour drive (around 130 km) east of Bacau.
• Discover the Targu Ocna Salt Mine and its therapeutic underground climate, located just an hour's drive (around 50 km) southwest of Bacau.
• Take a trip to the scenic Cheile Bicazului-Hasmas National Park, offering breathtaking gorges and hiking opportunities. This journey is approximately 2.5-3 hours (around 120-150 km) west of Bacau.
• Experience the traditional villages and landscapes of the Carpathian foothills, easily accessible within a 1-hour drive in various directions from Bacau.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Romania, you will generally need a valid passport or national ID card, a valid driver's license from your home country, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. If your license is not in a Latin alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic, Arabic, Japanese), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum age for renting is typically 21 years, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, and often an additional 'young driver' fee applies for those under 25. A minimum of 1 year of driving experience is commonly required.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Bacau typically start from around 20-25 EUR per day for an economy car in the off-season. Mid-range vehicles might cost around 35-50 EUR, while SUVs or premium cars can range from 60 EUR upwards. Prices generally fluctuate with demand, peaking in summer months and during major holidays, where they can be 30-50% higher than the lowest rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Romania, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on national roads outside urban areas, 100 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways. Always watch for local signage as limits can vary. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.00%, meaning no alcohol is permitted. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day, when driving outside urban areas. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat or booster.

Parking

In Bacau, parking in the city center is generally paid, often through parking meters or SMS payment systems. Look for signs indicating 'Parcare cu plata' (paid parking). Outside the immediate city center, you can often find free street parking, but always check for local restrictions. Many hotels offer private parking for guests. When visiting attractions outside the city, parking is usually readily available and often free or for a small fee.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol/gasoline and diesel) is widely available at numerous petrol stations across Bacau and throughout Romania. Major brands like OMV Petrom, Rompetrol, Lukoil, and Mol are common. Prices are comparable to other EU countries, typically around 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for petrol and diesel (as of 2026, approximate). Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some local currency (RON) for smaller purchases or in case of card reader issues.

Which car to choose

For driving in Bacau and surrounding areas, an economy or compact car is perfectly suitable for city driving and trips on well-maintained national roads. If you plan to venture into more rural or mountainous regions, especially during winter, a car with higher ground clearance or even an SUV with all-season or winter tires would be more comfortable and safer. Manual transmission cars are very common in Romania, but automatics are increasingly available; specify your preference when booking. Roads are generally good, but some secondary roads can be uneven.

Frequently asked questions