Car Rental in Sibiu

Where to drive

• Drive the Transfagarasan Road: Experience one of the world's most spectacular roads, a winding mountain pass through the Fagaras Mountains. From Sibiu, it's about a 1.5-hour drive (≈80 km) to the northern entrance, open typically from late June to October.
• Explore Sighisoara Citadel: Visit the remarkably preserved medieval fortified town of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. It's an easy drive of about 2 hours (≈100 km) northeast of Sibiu.
• Visit Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle): Journey to the iconic Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. This trip takes approximately 2.5–3 hours (≈150 km) through picturesque landscapes.
• Discover Alba Iulia Citadel: Explore the star-shaped Alba Carolina Citadel in Alba Iulia, a magnificent example of Vauban fortification architecture. This historical site is just an hour's drive (≈75 km) west of Sibiu.
• Day trip to Balea Lake: During summer months, drive up to Balea Lake, a glacial lake nestled high in the Fagaras Mountains, accessible via the Transfagarasan Road. The drive from Sibiu is around 2 hours (≈90 km) and offers incredible scenery.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Romania, you will generally need a valid driver's license (held for at least 1-2 years), a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or often required. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Sibiu vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars might start from approximately 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium models can range from 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Summer months (June-August) typically see the highest prices due to increased demand, with winter being generally more affordable.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Romania, traffic drives on the right. 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. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, outside urban areas. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%, meaning absolutely no alcohol consumption when driving. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 3 years old or shorter than 150 cm must use appropriate child safety seats.

Parking

In Sibiu, parking in the city center is generally paid, particularly in the Old Town area. Look for parking meters or payment machines where you can pay by coin or card. Some areas may use SMS payment systems. Free parking can be found further away from the historical center, but spaces can be limited. Always check signage carefully to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is widely available throughout Sibiu and Romania. Major fuel stations are plentiful on main roads and in towns. Prices are competitive and comparable to other EU countries, currently around 1.50-1.70 EUR per liter for petrol and diesel (approximate, 2026). Most stations accept credit and debit cards, but it's always good to have some local currency (RON) for smaller, independent stations.

Which car to choose

For city driving in Sibiu and day trips to nearby towns, an economy or compact car is perfectly suitable. If you plan to tackle mountain roads like the Transfagarasan (when open) or explore more rugged rural areas, an SUV with better ground clearance and potentially 4x4 capability would be a more comfortable and safer choice. Manual transmission is more common in Romania, but automatic options are available.

Frequently asked questions