Car Rental in Targu Mures

Where to drive

• Explore Sighisoara Citadel: Drive approximately 50 km (about 1 hour) south to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sighisoara, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns.
• Visit the Bear Lake in Sovata: A scenic drive of around 60 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes) east takes you to Sovata, famous for its helio-thermal Bear Lake and unique therapeutic properties.
• Discover the Turda Salt Mine: Head approximately 80 km (about 1 hour 30 minutes) northwest to the impressive Salina Turda, an underground amusement park within an ancient salt mine.
• Day trip to Cluj-Napoca: Romania's second-largest city is about 110 km (around 1 hour 45 minutes) northwest, offering vibrant cultural attractions and historical sites.
• Journey through the Apuseni Mountains: Access the foothills and picturesque villages of the Apuseni Mountains, starting about 100 km (around 1 hour 45 minutes) west, perfect for hiking and exploring traditional Romanian life.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Romania, you will generally need a valid driver's license (held for at least one year), an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not contain a photo, your passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, with some companies requiring drivers under 25 to pay a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Targu Mures can vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars might start from around 20-25 EUR per day during off-peak times, while SUVs or premium vehicles could range from 40-70 EUR or more. Prices typically peak in summer months and during major holidays, potentially increasing by 30-50%.

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, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise indicated. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.00%. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 3 years old must use an appropriate child seat. Children between 3 and 12 years old, or shorter than 150 cm, must use a child restraint system suitable for their size and weight.

Parking

In Targu Mures, parking is usually paid in the city center and around major attractions. Look for parking meters or signs indicating payment methods, often via SMS or mobile apps. Outside the immediate city center, free parking might be available, especially in residential areas or near larger shopping centers. Always check local signage carefully.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available in and around Targu Mures and along main routes. Prices for petrol (benzina) and diesel (motorina) are comparable to Western European averages, though they can fluctuate. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some local currency (RON) for smaller purchases or older, less automated stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Targu Mures and the surrounding Transylvanian landscape, an economy or compact car with manual transmission is often sufficient and economical. If you plan to venture into more rural or mountainous areas, a car with higher ground clearance or an SUV might be more comfortable, though not strictly necessary for most main attractions. Automatic transmission vehicles are available but might be less common or slightly more expensive.

Frequently asked questions