How to find a cheap car rental deal in Romania
Get into the driver's seat with a cheap rental car in Romania. With prices starting from $9 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll match you with the right wheels at a price that works.
$57 is the lowest available rate for a weekly home if your travel plans run a little longer.
Browse the range of car rentals in Bucharest. This is where you'll find the cheapest wheels in Romania.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Bucharest.
When comparing companies, browse what's on offer from Klass Wagen. It's a widely recognised name in Romania.
Collect your ride from the airport if you're flying in. Bucharest Otopeni Airport, Cluj-Napoca Airport and Timisoara Airport offer car rental pickup locations either at the terminal or nearby.
You can rent some wheels easily in cities including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi and Sibiu.
Book a one-way home and potentially pay less. If a city is short on vehicles, providers often drop the price to encourage returns there. Choose 'Return car to a different location' to find those cheaper routes.
Sticking around for a while? Consider a 30-day home. Longer bookings can cost less since there is less admin and handling involved for the company.
Book a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' to avoid extra fuel charges. It comes with a full tank and goes back full, so you stay in control of what you spend.
Select 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and let the map decide how far the journey goes. Roam wherever the road takes you without added mileage charges.
Best time to book a car rental in Romania
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. One week in advance gives you better odds of securing the best price on a car rental in Romania.
January is the most affordable month to rent a car. You can expect average daily rates of $45 then.
July is typically the most expensive time of year.
Compare car rental types in Romania
Economy: Hit the road in one of these and keep your budget under control. Lower daily rates and fuel-efficient engines mean you'll spend less overall while still getting a comfortable, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: Covering mini and economy classes, small cars work well for everyday travel. If you're looking for a cheap rental car in Romania, this is where you'll bag some of the best deals. They're perfect for city streets and short trips, with easy handling, low fuel use, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Medium homes are the happy middle ground. Neatly bridging the gap between small and large, they provide extra space and comfort without sacrificing practicality. Compact and intermediate models are included in this lineup.
Large: Big journeys call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with the whole crew or heading off on a longer drive, these full-size cars bring the extra room you need. Look forward to generous seating, ample luggage capacity and comfort that holds up over distance.
SUV: These sport utility vehicles are ready for whatever your plans throw at you. Their ability to handle mixed terrain makes them a smart match for road trip plans that develop as you go. An elevated seating position enhances your view ahead, helping you stay confident behind the wheel.
Van: When there's plenty to pack in, a van is up to the task. This category of car for rent in Romania handles people and cargo with ease. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a reliable solution for group transport, moving or business use.
Luxury: Set off in total style. Combining head-turning design, advanced technology, and performance engineered for precision and power, these vehicles redefine what a home experience can be.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the excess you may have to pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Romania.
Driving in Romania: What you need to know
Home age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check what applies with each supplier before booking your car rental in Romania.
Add a car seat to your car rental reservation in Romania if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to travel.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in Romania, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph in urban areas and around 125kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
Skip driving altogether if your plans involve alcohol. Romania takes a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving, and penalties may apply.
You'll be using the Romanian Leu (RON) for all your purchases and expenses here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.
Where to road trip in Romania?
Romania is easy to explore by car, with major home hubs in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Brasov, plus airport pickup points at Henri Coanda International Airport and Cluj-Napoca International Airport. If you're planning car rental in Romania, these routes show how different pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types can shape your journey.
History and Culture: Transylvania's Medieval Towns and Fortified Churches
Pick up your car in Brasov and drive west through the heart of Transylvania, where fortified towns and Saxon villages line the valley roads. It's a strong choice if you want a history-rich drive without covering huge distances each day.
Recommended car: Compact sedan.
Suggested pickup point: Brasov city centre.
Good for: History enthusiasts, couples and first-time visitors.
Road conditions: Paved main roads, narrow village lanes, rolling rural stretches.
Best time to go: May to October for accessible roads and open sites.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: Sighisoara, Biertan.
Nature and Adventure: The Carpathian Mountains and Prahova Valley
Pick up your car in Bucharest and head north into the Carpathians, tracing a highland route through forested ridgelines and mountain resorts. The driving is rewarding but demands full attention, making it best suited to confident drivers who enjoy a slower, deliberate pace.
Recommended car: Mid-size SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Henri Coanda International Airport.
Good for: Hikers, adventure travellers and wildlife watchers.
Road conditions: Paved mountain roads, steep switchbacks, occasional gravel sections.
Best time to go: June to September for clear passes and dry roads.
Trip length: Four to six days.
Key stops: Sinaia, Busteni.
Coastal and Danube Delta: The Black Sea Coast and Eastern Wetlands
Pick up your car in Constanta and follow the coastal road north before cutting inland toward the vast river delta where the Danube meets the sea. It's a practical route for travellers who want two contrasting landscapes without a long or demanding drive between them.
Recommended car: Compact SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Mihail Kogalniceanu International Airport.
Good for: Nature lovers, couples and slow travellers.
Road conditions: Flat coastal roads, rural delta access routes, paved two-lane roads.
Best time to go: May to September for warm weather and active wildlife.
Trip length: Four to five days.
Key stops: Mamaia, Tulcea.
Weather and driving conditions in Romania
Weather
Romania has four distinct seasons: spring runs March through May with mild, often wet conditions, summer brings warm and mostly dry weather from June through August, and fall cools steadily from September through November. Winter covers December through February, with cold temperatures and regular snowfall across much of the country.
Snow is common on mountain passes through the Carpathians, so carry chains and drop your speed well before you reach higher ground. Fog rolls in thickly across the Transylvanian plateau and the Danube plain, making low-beam headlights and extra following distance essential. Summer heat builds quickly on open lowland roads, so check your coolant and tyre pressure before longer drives. Rain can arrive fast almost anywhere, and driving in Romania means staying alert to how quickly paved surfaces lose grip in a downpour.
Driving conditions
Romania's highway network is growing but still limited, so once you leave the main corridors, expect regional roads that vary from smooth to heavily potholed. Planning a road trip in Romania means budgeting extra time for rural routes, where surfaces can be uneven and unpaved tracks are common in remote areas.
Bucharest traffic is heavy and unpredictable, with congestion peaking sharply during morning and evening commutes. Parking in the city centre is limited, and one-way systems in older neighbourhoods can be disorienting for first-time visitors. {NS} Outside cities, roads narrow quickly and signage becomes sparse, especially through rural villages and mountain passes. Gas stations are less frequent in remote areas, so filling up before heading into the Carpathian highlands is a smart habit.
Wild boar and deer are a real presence on rural and forested roads across Romania, especially at dawn and dusk. In the Carpathian region, bear crossings are an occasional but genuine possibility worth keeping in mind.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
No matter where your drive leads, a comfortable place to stay can change everything after a long day on the road. Once you've booked your car rental in Romania, browse the range of hotels in Bucharest if this major stop is on your route. It's also easy to find Cluj-Napoca accommodation options or browse places to stay in Timisoara as you put together your full route.
