Car Rental in Brasov

Where to drive

• Explore Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) and Peles Castle in Sinaia: A classic day trip, approximately 30 km (45 minutes) to Bran and 50 km (1 hour 15 minutes) to Sinaia.
• Hike or ski in Poiana Brasov: Just 15 km (25 minutes) from the city center, offering year-round outdoor activities.
• Discover the fortified churches of Transylvania: Drive to Viscri (UNESCO World Heritage site), approximately 80 km (1 hour 45 minutes) for a glimpse into Saxon heritage.
• Visit Sighisoara Citadel: A well-preserved medieval town, about 120 km (2 hours) north of Brasov, perfect for a longer day trip.
• Drive the Transfagarasan Road (seasonal): One of the world's most spectacular roads, accessible from Cartisoara (around 100 km, 1 hour 30 minutes) – typically open June to October.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Romania, you will generally need a valid driver's license from your home country, held for at least 1-2 years. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your license is not in English or a Latin alphabet. You'll also need your passport and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, though some companies may have a higher age requirement or charge a young driver fee for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Brasov vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars typically start from around 20-25 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Expect prices to increase by approximately 30-50% during peak summer and winter holiday periods.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

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

Parking

In Brasov, parking in the city center is mostly paid. Look for blue signs indicating 'Parcare cu plata' (paid parking) and use the parking meters or mobile apps (like TPark or AmParcat) to pay. Rates vary but are typically a few RON per hour. Free parking can be found further from the center, especially near larger supermarkets or residential areas, but spaces can be limited. Always check signs carefully to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available in and around Brasov, offering unleaded petrol (benzina) and diesel (motorina). Prices are comparable to other EU countries, currently around 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for both types. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some local currency (RON) for smaller, independent stations or emergencies.

Which car to choose

For city driving and most popular tourist routes around Brasov, an economy or compact car is perfectly adequate and easier to park. If you plan to venture into mountainous regions, especially during winter, or explore less-maintained roads, an SUV with higher ground clearance is highly recommended. Manual transmission is more common, but automatics are available, often at a slightly higher price. For winter driving, ensure your rental comes with winter tires (mandatory during cold months) or snow chains if heading to high altitudes.

Frequently asked questions