What to know about driving in Romania

From must-see destinations including Bucharest and Transylvania to the natural wonders of its mountains and waterfalls, there’s a lot to see in Romania. The easiest way to get the most from your trip is with a hire car to get you around quickly and independently.

Here’s what to know about renting a car in Romania.

Q: How old do you have to be to hire a car in Romania?

A: You must be at least 21 years old and have held your license for one year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. The maximum rental age for rentals is 70 years.

Q: What licence is required?

A: An International Drivers Licence is required for anyone visiting from countries with non-Roman languages or where the steering wheel is on the righthand side of the car. Other travellers should be able to use their standard driving licence.

Q: What will I need to secure the booking?

A: Identification and a credit card are required to secure a booking and an amount taken as a security hold for the duration of the booking.

Q: What are the rules on children travelling in cars?

A: Child seats are required for children under three. Boosters or other suitable restraints are required for passengers aged 12 or under. If you want to rent one along with your hire car it is best to discuss this with the company before your arrival.

Q: Can I return my hire car at any time?

A: Returning a hire car outside scheduled office hours will usually incur a supplement. Check details with your rental company when you collect your car.

Q: Can I take a rental car outside Romania?

A: Most cars hired in Romania can be driven anywhere in Western Europe without restriction. However, there are certain countries where it is not permitted to drive a Romanian rental car. These include Albania, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia.

Q: Is it possible to arrange one-way car rentals?

A: It’s usually fine to book a one-way rental within Romania – note that you will usually pay extra for this - but most hire companies do not permit international one-way rentals.