Car Rental Bucharest

Where to drive

• Peles Castle & Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle): Drive north to Sinaia (approx. 2-hour drive, 125 km) for the exquisite Peles Castle, then continue to Bran (another 1-hour drive, 50 km) to explore the legendary Bran Castle. This makes for a full, memorable day trip.
• Transfagarasan Highway (seasonal): Experience one of the world's most spectacular roads, the Transfagarasan. Access points are about 3-4 hours drive (approx. 150-200 km) north-west of Bucharest. Note: it's usually open only from June to October.
• Constanta & Black Sea Coast: Head east to the Black Sea coast (approx. 2.5-hour drive, 220 km) to visit Constanta, a historic port city, and enjoy the beaches of Mamaia. Perfect for a weekend getaway.
• Sibiu & Transylvania: Discover the charming medieval city of Sibiu, about a 4-hour drive (approx. 270 km) north-west of Bucharest. This is a great base for exploring more of Transylvania.
• Danube Delta (Tulcea): For nature lovers, a trip to Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta, takes about 3.5-4 hours (approx. 280 km) east. From there, you can arrange boat tours into the delta.
• Therme Bucuresti: For a relaxing day, the Therme Bucuresti spa complex is just north of the city, about a 30-40 minute drive, offering pools, saunas, and botanical gardens.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Romania, you generally need a valid driving license held for at least 1-2 years, a passport or valid ID card, 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), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The minimum age for rental 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 Bucharest vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-25 EUR per day during off-peak times. Mid-range vehicles typically cost 30-50 EUR daily, while SUVs and premium cars can range from 60 EUR upwards. Prices generally surge by 30-50% during the high summer season (June-August) and around holidays.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Romania, you drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90-100 km/h on national roads, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise indicated. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00% – absolutely no alcohol is permitted if you are driving. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 3 years old or under 135 cm tall must use appropriate child safety seats.

Parking

Parking in central Bucharest can be challenging and is mostly paid. There are designated parking zones with varying hourly rates, often payable via parking machines, SMS, or mobile apps. Free parking is rare in the city center. Outside the central areas, you might find more free street parking, but always check for signs to avoid fines or towing. Many hotels offer private parking for guests.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Bucharest and on major roads across Romania. Both petrol (benzina) and diesel (motorina) are readily accessible. Most stations accept major credit and debit cards, and cash is also an option. Fuel prices are comparable to other EU countries, fluctuating but generally within a similar range.

Which car to choose

For driving within Bucharest and shorter trips on well-maintained roads, an economy or compact car is ideal due to easier parking and better maneuverability in city traffic. If you plan to venture into the Carpathian Mountains or explore more rural areas with potentially less-paved roads, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance would be more comfortable and suitable. Manual transmission is very common in Romania, but automatics are available, especially in larger rental fleets.

Frequently asked questions