Exploring Romania by car is one of the best ways to truly experience the diversity and beauty of this country.
Renting a car lets you explore from the legendary Transfagarasan Highway in the mountains to serene roads passing medieval villages and lush vineyards, all at your own pace.
In this blog post, I’ll explain why renting a car in Romania can enhance your travel experience. I’ll cover everything from the ease of getting around to tips on what to look for when choosing a rental car.
Gear up for an adventure that puts you in the driver’s seat of your Romanian journey.
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5 Reasons Why You Should Rent a Car in Romania
Renting a car greatly enhances your travel experience in Romania, giving you the liberty to plan your journey as you see fit.
It allows you to escape the confines of rigid public transportation schedules and delve deeper into Romania’s picturesque countryside and hidden historic sites.
Here’s why a rental car is your best companion for a Romanian adventure:
1. Driving in Romania Gives You Freedom to Explore
Having a car allows you to explore at your own pace. Stop for coffee in a secluded mountain village, linger at a beautiful overlook, or adjust your route on the fly to include an unplanned sightseeing opportunity.
This freedom is particularly valuable in Romania, where many beautiful places are off the beaten path and inaccessible by public transportation.
🚗 Check Rates & Availability for Rental Car in Romania
2. Affordable and Convenient
Renting a car in Romania can be surprisingly affordable compared to other European countries.
This cost efficiency extends not just to the rental expense but also to the savings from not having to buy individual tickets for various segments of travel on public transport.
Furthermore, the convenience of having your personal vehicle eliminates the delays and uncertainties associated with buses and trains.
3. Save Time
When you drive yourself, you control the schedule. This can save you a significant amount of time, especially when visiting multiple sites in one day or when trying to catch the perfect sunset from a remote location.
Avoid waiting for buses or trains and spend more time enjoying the places you visit.
GPS in rental cars also means you’re less likely to get lost, helping you manage your travel time more efficiently.
4. Explore Nature and Local Sights
Romania boasts some of Europe’s most pristine and varied landscapes, from the rugged peaks of the Carpathians to the serene expanses of the Danube Delta.
A rental car allows you to access these natural wonders freely.
Many scenic spots and local sights such as traditional craft markets, secluded monasteries, and historic castles are more easily reached by car.
🚗 Check Rates & Availability for Rental Car in Romania
5. Peace of Mind
When you rent from reputable companies like Discover Cars, you benefit from comprehensive support including 24/7 customer service and roadside assistance.
This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in a foreign country. Additionally, most rental companies offer a range of insurance options to protect you against unforeseen incidents.
Driving Conditions in Romania
You also should be aware of the driving conditions in Romania before you rent a car. The roads can be quite winding at times, so be cautious when driving.
You should familiarize yourself with the local laws such as speed limits and parking, to avoid any potential fines or other penalties.
The speed limit in Romania is 50km/h in built-up areas, on rural roads 90km/h-100km/h, and on motorways 130km/h (subject to change per post sign).
Car Rental Insurance
In addition to the necessary documents to rent the car, you will be required to show car insurance coverage at the pick-up location. This is why I just rented a car with Discover Cars and got full coverage.
If you get your own insurance, make sure to check if your insurance policy covers you for road accidents and damages before beginning your journey. You need a full damage collision waiver.
Finally, when driving in rural areas be aware of wandering animals, as they can be a danger to drivers.
Parking in Brasov, Romania
Parking in Romania is cheap but can be a little bit of a challenge at times. It would be advisable to either find a hotel with parking or contact the hotel prior to arrival to see if they can help you arrange to get a day pass.
From what I experienced the parking lots that charge have hours of 8 am to 8 pm. The more annoying part is the parking meters just take bani coins of 10 and 50.
The best thing you can do before you arrive in Romania is download the Tpark app for free! Here you will be able to pay for parking via the app and save yourself time and frustration.
Qualifications for Renting a Car in Romania
To rent a car in Brasov Romania there are some important facts to keep in mind. First, you will need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, and have held that driving license for 1 year.
Some rental companies may also require a higher minimum age but this varies from company to company You should check with your rental agency prior to the vehicle.
For example, to rent some car categories you need to be 23 years old. And almost all companies charge an underage driver fee if you are under the age of 25.
But at Discover Cars you can rent a car without a young driver’s surcharge! However, you must be 22 years old to rent a car.
If you are 65 or old there is a senior driver fee of $4.38 per day with a max of $35.04 per rental.
International Drivers Permit
If your driver’s license is not written in the Latin alphabet, you will need to obtain an International driver’s Permit.
Additionally, rental agencies will require you to present a credit card or a valid passport in order to complete the rental agreement.
In some cases, you may also be asked to provide proof of insurance or additional forms of identification.
One Way Rentals
A one-way rental is when you pick up the car in one location and then leave it different rental location. Some rental companies don’t allow it, but you can do it with Discover Cars!
There is an additional cost within the rental price, so read the detailed information on your rental contract. With your Romania rental car, you can take it to other nearby countries on the approved list.
Choosing a Rental Car
If you are a solo traveler or a couple needing a car, a lot of tourists prefer small cars. They are much easier to park in these small European cities.
Search for all different types of economy-class cars:
- Station Wagon
- Modern Cars
- Vans
Find a great car at any of the car hire locations with Discover Cars.
Do you know how to drive manual transmission? I don’t. The most popular car for people visiting from the United States is automatic cars. And since there is typically a limited supply of this type of economy car, I would recommend you book well in advance!
If you are interested in renting luxury vehicles, you will need to be at least 25 years old.
Places to visit on a day trip from Brasov
If you are looking for nearby places to drive your Brasov rental car, I suggest you check out Sighisora!
There are loads of things to do in Sighisoara and it is only an hour and a half away by car! Once you arrive in Sighisoara you will have no issues with parking. The village is much smaller than Brasov.
Another great place to explore is Sibiu, only a 2-hour drive from Brasov! I visited Sibiu solo and can highly recommend you check out this incredible Romanian town!
And finally, if you are visiting Transylvania, no trip would be complete without a trip to Bran Castle. It is just a quick 30-minute drive away!
Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Brasov Romania
Overall, I think you should a car in Brasov Romania, it will give you an amazing opportunity to explore the nearby areas and get to know the people and culture.
To ensure you will find the best prices on a reliable car, visit Discover Cars today and get a quote!
Having a car allows you to travel from place to place at your own pace, giving you the freedom to investigate every corner of this historic city.
With an extensive network of roads and highways, it’s easy to access even the most remote areas. The possibilities are endless!