Ultimate Guide to Car Rental in Romania: Everything You Need to Know

Romania offers a captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty, having lately become a top travel destination for those seeking experiences off-the-beaten-path. With vivid cities and tranquil countryside, Romania offers something unique for every traveler.

Renting a car in Romania is necessary to explore this stunning country and its hidden gems that are accessible only by car. Breathtaking views from Carpathian Mountains, relaxing promenades in medieval towns and outdoor activities in parks and forests with lush greenery are only a few clicks away.

You can rent a car in major cities in Romania, such as Bucharest and Timisoara, as well as at the airport and surrounding areas, such as Baneasa and Otopeni, ideal rental locations if you come to Romania by airplane. 

Read further the most comprehensive guide for car rental in Romania and get yourself prepared for an amazing journey!
 

Car hire in Romania is a simple procedure. The steps for the rental process are the following:

1. Choose from Abbycar’s easy platform the car type that meets your criteria according to your needs, travel plan and budget.
2. Provide a valid driving license, passport or ID and credit card. If you are a non-EU resident, you should have an International Driving Permit.
3. A deposit amount will be blocked in your credit card, but not charged. This deposit will be charged only in case of damage.
4. You take the car after inspecting its situation and take photos to prove the existence of any pre-existing damage. You should also check the mileage and gas mileage.
5. You return the car at the drop-off point.
    

The required documents for renting a car in Romania are: 

• Driving license (International Driving Permit for non-EU residents)
• Passport or ID
• Credit card under your name (the main driver’s name).

Optional extras you can take are GPS, child seats and additional drivers.

Plus, you can rent a car in Romania without credit card, if you buy insurance with wide coverage, such as Super Collision Damage Waiver, that eliminates the deposit amount.

Read further how is that possible.
 

Renting a car in Romania is the wisest idea if you want to make road trips and explore the country. Especially for long trips and when travelling as a group (with family, friends or colleagues), car rental is the most cost-efficient way to discover the main points of interest.

The pros of renting a car in Romania are:

• Flexibility to travel at your own pace and see as many points of interest as you want.
• Convenience and avoidance of overcrowded public transportation.
• Opportunity to travel easily and conveniently with kids, pets etc.
• Exploration of off-the-track places that are not accessible by public transportation. 

The disadvantages of renting a car in Romania are:

• Heavy traffic in rush hours in major cities, such as Bucharest
• Limited parking in the historic center
• High travel cost (including car rental, fuel and insurance).

However, keep in mind that Abbycar is one of the most affordable car rentals in Romania, providing discounts and the best car rental deals to find the most suitable car according to your budget.

Other transportation options are trains that connect major cities, as well as urban transportation, such as buses and trams. However, keep in mind that schedules may be limited and things can get overcrowded during rush hours.

By car, you can do unforgettable road trips and visit many amazing points of interest that are accessible only by car, such as:

• Transfăgărășan Highway: One of the world's most scenic drives, this winding road at Carpathian Mountains offers breathtaking views, waterfalls and access to Bâlea Lake.
• Apuseni Mountains: A hidden gem for nature lovers, this mountain has impressive caves, such as Scărișoara Glacier Cave, and picturesque villages, such as Rimetea.
• Snagov Monastery: 40 km away from Bucharest, it is the resting place of Vlad the Impaler (inspiration for Dracula).
• Danube Delta: To navigate the beautiful Delta and admire the stunning nature of the river, starting points are in Murighiol and Tulcea.
• Monasteries of Bucovina: These monasteries are declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and are located in the countryside of northern Romania.
• Mogosoaia Palace: Only 15 km from Bucharest, this stunning 17th-century palace surrounded by beautiful gardens is a must.
• Comana Nature Park: 40 km south of Bucharest, it is a vast natural reserve ideal for hiking, cycling and birdwatching.

Having a car allows you to fully explore these unique destinations, experiencing the beauty of Romania at your own pace.

The infrastructure and road conditions in Romania are variable. There are major highways that connect big cities and are generally in good condition. On the other side, there are mountainous and rural roads that are in mediocre condition as their maintenance is not so well as in highways. 

The driving regulations in Romania follow the same rules as in all continent European countries:

• Drivers drive to the right side of the road.
• The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 years old must use appropriate child seats.
• Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside the cities and 130 km/h in highways.
• Driving after having drunk alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Driving in Romania requires attention and experience due to many mountainous and narrow roads. The best safety tips for navigating Romanian roads include:

• Use navigation app. If the cost to use your mobile phone for internet data may be high, you can ask for GPS from Abbycar, especially if you are a non-EU resident.
• Avoid driving during the night, especially in local roads.
• Carry your driving license, as there are frequent police checkpoints.
• Always wear seat belts and comply with speed limits and traffic signs.

The most common hazards regarding Romanian road safety are the weather conditions in winter and the winding roads in mountains. However, if you are cautious, drive slowly and choose a new, safe vehicle from the modern car fleet of Abbycar, you can enjoy the road trip in Romania and the stunning nature that surrounds you.

However, in any case, especially for inexperienced drivers, it is a better idea to travel in Romania during spring and summer to avoid dangerous weather conditions on the mountains.

In case of breakdowns or accidents with car rental in Romania, please follow these steps:

• Your safety and that of others involved in the accident should be your immediate priority. Move to a safe area away from traffic and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Check yourself and others for injuries, and if anyone is hurt, call emergency services. The EU emergency number is 112.
• Follow the local procedures and rules for reporting accidents or emergencies.
• Inform Abbycar's Station at the earliest opportunity using the provided emergency contact details, available on your rental agreement. Share the details of the situation, including the location, type of emergency and any assistance required.
   

In addition to the abovementioned tips and safety precautions, you should also be careful with parking in Romania. In major cities, such as Bucharest and Timisoara, parking inside the city center is paid in specific parking zones, but you can also park your car at private parking spaces, which is safer. 

In the countryside, parking is more available, but you should be careful where you park your car, especially at night. Ensure you are not obstructing traffic or parking on private property without permission.

The best driving routes for scenic trips are:

Transfăgărășan Highway: Connecting Transylvania and Wallachia, this 90 km route goes across the Făgăraș Mountains. Known for its sharp turns and breathtaking views, it is considered one of the world's most scenic drives. Please remember that the road is typically open from June to October due to weather conditions.

Maramureș Region: Located in northern Romania, Maramureș is known for its wooden churches, traditional villages and rolling hills. Driving through this region offers a glimpse into Romania's rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.
 

The minimum age is to rent a car in Romania 21 years (25 years for some car groups), but you can be as young as 19 years (21 years for groups with a minimum age of 25) if you pay an additional young driver fee.

The maximum age is 70 years (65 years for some car groups). If you are older than 70 years (66 years for groups with a maximum age of 65) an additional senior driver fee will apply.
 

Abbycar is one of the car rental companies in Romania that give you the opportunity to pay without credit card.  Debit card and cash are the alternative payment methods to credit card.

However, keep in mind that you should inform our rental office before your booking and arrival about your desire to pay without a credit card.

In most cases, in order to pay with debit card or cash, you are required to buy extra insurance with wide coverage, such as Super Collision Damage Waiver that eliminates the deposit amount. If you are looking for car hire with no deposit, this is the method to do so.

In other cases, you can pay with debit card, given that it has enough deposit, which will be blocked until the return of the vehicle.

Plus, remember that there are some terms and conditions for car rental without credit card in Romania. The most important are:

• Age restrictions: There are car rental age restrictions to rent a car in Romania and pay by cash or with debit card.
• Available car fleet: Not the entire car fleet is available for car rental without credit card, so it is important to be informed about the car hire options we offer.
• Geographic restrictions: Driving the rental car outside the city or country might be prohibited or require additional fees and permissions, especially with no credit card.

The biggest advantage of renting a car without credit card is that you have the option to hire a car even if you don’t own a credit card or you don’t want to charge it. However, the abovementioned limitations as well as the need to buy insurance with the widest coverage make this option something you should carefully consider according to your budget.
 

The best places to rent a car in Romania are:

Bucharest: The capital of Romania is the main touristic hub, a beautiful European city with captivating architecture and rich history. From Bucharest, you can explore southern Romania and the Carpathian Mountains. You can rent the car in Bucharest downtown or in one of its airports in Baneasa Airport and Otopeni Airport.

Cluj-Napoca: Located in Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca is a vibrant city with rich history. You can rent a car from Cluj-Napoca Airport and start an inspiring road trip to discover northern Romania and the Apuseni Mountains.

Timisoara: Known for its architectural beauty and cultural heritage, Timisoara is a captivating city in western Romania, from where you can explore the neighboring countries, such as Hungary. It has Timisoara airport, from where you can conveniently hire your car. 

Although in most rental companies, there is limited availability and higher prices at the airport, Abbycar’s rental locations at Baneasa, Otopeni, Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara airports are the best place to find the best car and take advantage of super deals all-year long.

Read our complete guides for car rental in Bucharest, Otopeni, Timisoara and Baneasa for more information.

To find the top car rental company, please remember the following tips:

• Compare the price and deals: Check the offers and discounts for the car category you want. Abbycar renews car hire deals in Romania all year long, so you can find a budget car for your needs.
• Avoid hidden charges: Read thoroughly the rental agreement to avoid hidden charges. All-inclusive packages with insurance, such the ones we offer, are the key to fully comprehend the agreement and know exactly what you will pay even before your trip.
• Modern car fleet is important: Car fleet with new and safe vehicles are the key for car rental when traveling to Romania.
• Customer service and reliability: Our worldwide reliable company with local partners is your safe option.
• Online booking: The easy and straightforward process of booking online in a user-friendly platform, such as Abbycar’s, is the best choice to perfectly organize your trip and find the best deals.

Abbycar is a high-quality and at the same time budget car rental in Romania, with worldwide reputation, offering great deals all-year-long. Plus, it has great variety in new and modern vehicles, 24/7 road assistance and excellent customer service.

Rent a car in Romania with Abbycar now and start your amazing journey in this unique country!