Car Rental in Suceava

Where to drive

• Visit the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina: Drive the famous circuit including Voroneț, Humor, Moldovița, and Sucevița. Voroneț is just an approximate 40-minute drive (≈36 km) from Suceava, while Moldovița and Sucevița are further, around 1.5 to 2 hours (≈80-90 km) each way.
• Explore Suceava Fortress and Bucovina Village Museum: Both are within Suceava city limits, but a car makes it easy to combine them with other local attractions without relying on public transport.
• Day trip to the Salt Mine in Cacica: An interesting underground experience, approximately 45 minutes (≈40 km) west of Suceava.
• Discover the traditional village of Ciocănești: Known for its unique painted houses, this charming village is about a 2-hour drive (≈100 km) from Suceava, offering a glimpse into authentic Romanian rural life.
• Hike in the Rarău Mountains: For nature lovers, the Rarău Massif offers beautiful hiking trails and stunning views. The base, like the town of Câmpulung Moldovenesc, is roughly 1.5 hours (≈70 km) away, from where you can access various routes.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Romania, you will generally need a valid driving license held for at least 1-2 years (depending on the rental company), an international driving permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin script or not from an EU/EEA country, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, with surcharges often applied for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Suceava can vary significantly based on the season and vehicle class. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or more premium models can range from 50 EUR to over 80 EUR daily. Summer months and holidays typically see prices increase by 20-40% due to higher demand. The lowest prices are often found outside the peak tourist season.

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 built-up areas, 100 km/h on European roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.00%, meaning no alcohol is permitted before driving.

Parking

In Suceava, parking in the city center is often paid, usually through parking meters, SMS payment, or dedicated apps. Look for signs indicating payment methods and tariffs. Outside the very central areas, and particularly near larger supermarkets or shopping centers, free parking can often be found. Always ensure you park legally to avoid fines or towing.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is widely available throughout Suceava and the surrounding region at numerous gas stations. Most major stations accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash for smaller, more remote stations. LPG (GPL) is also available. Fuel prices are comparable to other EU countries, fluctuating but generally around 1.50-1.70 EUR per liter for petrol and diesel (as of 2026).

Which car to choose

For exploring Suceava and the Bucovina region, a compact or mid-size car with a manual transmission is often ideal. These are fuel-efficient and easy to navigate on both city streets and winding country roads leading to monasteries. If you plan to venture into more mountainous areas or during winter, a car with higher ground clearance or even an SUV might offer more comfort and confidence, though standard roads are generally well-maintained.

Frequently asked questions