Romania – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Romania?

The standard eligibility criteria for renting a car in Romania require drivers to be at least 21 years of age and to have held a valid licence for no less than one year. Drivers who are younger than 25 are typically subject to a young driver surcharge. Individual companies may apply stricter thresholds — some local agencies, for instance, insist that both the main driver and any additional drivers be at least 23 years old with a minimum of 12 months of licensed driving. It is always worth confirming the exact age policy directly with your chosen provider before making a reservation, as conditions differ between operators.

At SIXT, for example, the minimum age for rental is 18 with a valid licence, though particular vehicle categories may carry a higher age requirement, and an underage driver fee may be charged. Across the major operators as a whole, the standard minimum age for most vehicle classes remains 21 as of 2025.

There is no universally enforced upper age ceiling, but certain rental companies retain the discretion to request a medical certificate or to approve rentals on a case-by-case basis for drivers over 70, depending on the customer’s record and the vehicle category in question.

The documents you will be required to present at the rental counter are:

• A full, valid driving licence (original only — copies will not be accepted)
• A valid passport or national identity card
• A major credit card in the driver’s name (for the security deposit)
• An International Driving Permit (IDP), if your licence was issued outside the EU or EEA — see the dedicated section below

All documentation must be submitted in its original form; photocopies and digital reproductions are not accepted under Romanian law. Payment at the rental counter must generally be made by major credit card — cash, debit cards, and prepaid cards are not accepted by most operators in Romania.

There are several Romanian traffic regulations that are essential to understand before getting behind the wheel. The legal blood alcohol limit is zero: any detectable level of alcohol in the bloodstream constitutes a criminal offence, and a reading above 0.08 is classified as a felony carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years. Driving with headlights on is compulsory around the clock. Children under 12 years old who are shorter than 135 cm must be secured in an approved child seat, and no child under 12 may travel in the front seat.

Between 1 November and 31 March, winter tyres are a legal requirement on Romanian roads. Rental vehicles should be fitted with compliant tyres as a matter of course during this period — always check with your rental company before picking up the car. For the latest and most authoritative traffic regulations, refer to the Romanian Driving and Vehicle Registration Authority (DRPCIV) or the Romanian Police.

Which major car rental companies operate in Romania, and where can I find them?

Romania’s major cities are well served by the leading international car hire brands, with rental desks situated at airports and in city centres alike. Whether you land at Bucharest’s Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Sibiu, or Iași, you will find rental counters available on arrival.

The principal international operators active in Romania include:

• Hertz — hertz.com — One of the most long-established international brands in Romania, with counters at major airports and central city locations.
• Europcar — europcar.com — Europcar maintains a presence at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and a range of other key sites throughout the country.
• SIXT — sixt.com — SIXT operates from 12 airport locations across Romania, making it one of the most widely available international chains in the market.
• Avis — avis.com — Present at Bucharest Otopeni, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and various other locations.
• Budget — budget.com — Frequently co-located with Avis branches, offering competitive rates for economy vehicles.
• Thrifty / Alamo — thrifty.com / alamo.com — Pick-up and drop-off options in Bucharest, Constanța, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Sibiu, and Târgu Mureș, among other destinations.

In addition to the global chains, there are several reputable domestic and regional operators that merit consideration:

• Autonom — autonom.com — Autonom provides rental services across more than 30 cities in Romania, Hungary, and Serbia. Founded in 2005, the company has built one of the most extensive mobility networks on the Romanian market and operates around the clock at all Romanian airports.
• Klass Wagen — klasswagen.com — A well-established local chain with branches in Bucharest (Otopeni and Băneasa), Brașov, Cluj, Craiova, Iași, Oradea, Sibiu, Suceava, and Timișoara.

Price-comparison platforms such as DiscoverCars.com and Rentalcars.com allow you to view rates from multiple providers side by side, which is especially handy during Romania’s busy tourist season when vehicle availability can become limited.

How does car rental pricing work in Romania, and what should I watch out for?

Rental rates in Romania fluctuate based on the vehicle class, the length of the rental period, the time of year, and the specific operator. As a broad indicator, a small economy car averages around €20 per day, a mid-size automatic roughly €28 per day, a luxury model around €70 per day, and a minivan approximately €50 per day (as of 2025 — always check current rates directly with your chosen provider).

Prices tend to climb between June and September, when warmer weather and the summer holiday period draw greater numbers of tourists to popular destinations such as the Black Sea coast and the Carpathian Mountains. August in particular sees a sharp spike in demand, often pushing rates considerably higher. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended for anyone travelling during this window.

A number of supplementary charges can add substantially to the headline price:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): CDW and theft protection are sometimes bundled into inclusive rates; if taken out at the counter, CDW costs approximately US$8–US$30 per day (as of the provider’s most recently published rates — confirm directly).
• Theft protection: Purchased at the counter, theft protection costs approximately $7–$36 per day. CDW and theft cover together reduce the excess — the amount you remain liable for — to roughly $405–$1,285 depending on the vehicle class.
• Super CDW: Super CDW may be available locally to bring your excess down to zero, which can be worth considering particularly when driving on mountain roads.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): PAI is offered at the rental counter for approximately $5 per day and covers medical costs and accidental death for the driver and passengers.
• One-way fees: Collecting a car in one city and returning it in another is possible but typically costs more than returning to the original pick-up point. Domestic one-way rentals are available for an additional charge.
• Cross-border fees: Driving a rental car across most borders will attract a surcharge, generally in the range of €50–€150.
• Young driver surcharge: Drivers under 25 normally pay an extra daily fee, the amount of which varies by operator and vehicle type.
• Additional driver fees: Adding a named driver to the agreement incurs a daily charge for each person beyond the primary driver.

Fuel policies among Romanian rental operators are not uniform. Always establish the policy at the point of collection — a “full-to-full” arrangement, whereby you receive the car with a full tank and return it full, is the most transparent option. Be wary of pre-purchase fuel policies requiring upfront payment for a complete tank, as these rarely offer a refund for any fuel left unused.

At collection, a deposit will be ring-fenced on your credit card but will only be charged if damage is recorded. Deposits on higher-category vehicles can be sizeable, so make sure your card has sufficient available credit before you travel.

Check that the paperwork handed to you by the rental company includes an amicable accident report form. This document is used to notify insurers of any incident and to set out the facts surrounding it. Signing it is not an admission of fault — it simply creates an accurate record to support any subsequent insurance claim.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Romania?

Holders of a valid EU or European Economic Area (EEA) driving licence do not require an IDP in Romania. Licences issued within EU member states are automatically recognised across the country, so no supplementary permit is necessary for EU or EEA drivers.

The picture is more complicated for those holding non-EU licences. Under Romanian road traffic legislation (OUG 195/2002, Article 83), an international driving permit is obligatory when the holder’s national licence was issued by a country outside the EU, by a state not party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, or by a country with which Romania has not concluded a mutual recognition agreement for driving licences.

It is worth noting that the US Embassy in Romania advises that US citizens holding a valid state driving licence may drive in Romania for up to six months without an IDP, pursuant to Government Decision No. 795 of 25 September 2025. That said, rental companies and police officers may still ask for an IDP if your licence originates from outside the EU — particularly if it is not printed in Latin characters — and carrying one is strongly advisable to prevent any delays or complications.

If you do not hold an EU or EEA licence, you must obtain an IDP in your home country and carry it alongside your regular driving licence at all times while in Romania. This arrangement covers tourists visiting Romania for fewer than 90 days. The IDP supplements — it does not replace — your original national licence, and both documents must be carried together.

Critically, an IDP must be issued in the same country where your domestic driving licence was granted; it cannot be arranged once you have already arrived in Romania. Always make these arrangements before you depart. Verify the latest requirements with DRPCIV and your rental company in advance of travel, as policies are subject to change.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Romania?

The quality of Romania’s road network is uneven. Major highways linking the country’s principal cities are generally well maintained, whereas roads in mountainous and rural areas tend to be in considerably worse condition, with upkeep lagging behind the main network. Away from the primary routes, you may find unpaved surfaces and roads that lack clearly marked lane divisions.

The main road categories and their corresponding speed limits are as follows (as of 2025 — verify current limits with the Romanian Police):

Speed cameras and other enforcement technology are deployed across a growing number of locations. Fines are collected at the roadside, and traffic officers have the authority to confiscate a driving licence or permit for a period of one to three months and to demand immediate payment of any penalty.

Drivers entering Romania from abroad by vehicle must purchase a road tax vignette — known as a rovinieta — at the border crossing. This purchase requires proof of insurance and a vehicle registration document. Rather than operating traditional toll booths on national roads, Romania relies on this vignette system; the rovinieta can be bought online, at border crossings, at petrol stations, and at post offices. Rental companies generally include or pre-arrange the rovinieta for the rental period, but you should always confirm this at collection.

Romania is home to some of the most breathtaking driving routes in the world, including the celebrated Transfăgărășan and Transalpina mountain passes in the Carpathians. These roads include stretches that are extremely narrow and demand attentive, careful driving. Numerous mountain routes are closed during winter, and appropriate equipment — including snow chains and winter tyres — is required on those that remain open. An SUV or vehicle with higher ground clearance is recommended for mountain travel, particularly outside the main summer months.

Driving behaviour can be unpredictable, especially in cities, and Romania records one of the higher road accident rates in Europe. In rural areas, you are likely to share the road with slow-moving or poorly maintained vehicles. Weekend traffic between major cities can be extremely heavy. Using a GPS navigation application and building extra time into your journeys is advisable, especially in and around Bucharest.

In more remote rural areas, smaller toll facilities, car parks, or petrol stations may operate on a cash-only basis, so it is sensible to carry some Romanian lei (RON) when venturing off the main tourist routes.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Romania?

Car insurance is a legal requirement in Romania. Before accepting a rental, confirm that RCA (Răspundere Civilă Auto — civil auto liability) is included in the rate. This is the Romanian equivalent of third-party liability insurance and must be present on every vehicle on the road. All legitimate rental operators include RCA as a standard component of their agreements.

Beyond this statutory minimum, rental companies typically offer several layers of supplementary cover:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Limits or removes your financial exposure for damage to the rental vehicle itself. Unless specifically stated, CDW does not cover tyres, the windscreen, the undercarriage, or the interior of the vehicle.
• Theft Protection (TP): Covers the cost of the vehicle in the event of theft. It is commonly offered together with CDW.
• Super CDW / Full Protection: Super CDW may be available locally to reduce your excess to zero — a worthwhile consideration for complete peace of mind, especially when driving on mountain roads.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Provides cover for medical expenses and accidental death for both the driver and passengers. This is available at the rental counter for approximately $5 per day (as of the provider’s published rates).
• Green Card / Extended Territorial Cover: Under standard insurance terms, cars rented in Romania may not be taken into certain countries, including Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia. A Green Card extension permits travel to additional countries for a supplementary fee of approximately $95–$140, with rates and availability subject to change.

Credit card travel insurance is a common consideration, but it should not be assumed to provide adequate cover without verification. The geographical scope, eligible vehicle types, and exclusion clauses vary considerably from one card issuer to another. Cover that applies in Western Europe may not automatically extend to Romania, or may not be honoured by all Romanian rental companies. Always obtain written confirmation of the precise terms from your card provider before departing, and check with the rental company that they will accept the card’s cover in place of their own CDW product.

Romanian police are obliged to administer a breathalyser test to every driver involved in an accident. Declining the test may attract criminal consequences regardless of whether alcohol was consumed. In the event of any incident, contact the police immediately, leave the vehicles in position until instructed otherwise, and complete the amicable accident report form supplied by the rental company together with the other party involved. Contact your rental company promptly and follow their emergency protocols.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Romania?

Short-term visitors — whether holidaymakers or those on a short-stay visa — are subject to the standard rental rules set out throughout this guide. If, however, you are relocating to Romania or planning an extended stay, the regulations governing driving licences change considerably.

Citizens of EU member states, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland may drive in Romania on their valid national licence without any further permit during a temporary stay. For those intending to settle in the country on a longer-term basis, the recommended course of action is to exchange your existing licence for a Romanian one — a process that does not require sitting any examinations.

This exchange is administered by the Driving and Vehicle Registration Authority (DRPCIV), and applicants must provide evidence of their grounds for residing in Romania. The DRPCIV website carries an up-to-date list of the documents required and the steps involved in the process.

If you intend to remain in Romania for more than three months and your country of origin is not a member of the EU or EEA, you will be required to convert your foreign driving licence into a Romanian one. This is done through DRPCIV and involves submitting your passport, residence permit, original driving licence accompanied by an official translation, and a medical certificate. In the majority of cases, no practical driving examination is required, although this depends on the bilateral agreement in place between Romania and your home country.

Residents seeking to exchange a foreign licence can apply at their local DRPCIV office. The resulting Romanian licence is valid for driving both within Romania and in other EU countries. The requirements for this exchange are set out in Ordinance 163 of 08/10/2011, which covers all foreign nationals holding temporary or permanent Romanian residence permits.

For long-term residents renting a car, the same rental criteria apply as for visitors. If you have already exchanged your licence for a Romanian one, you will present that at the rental counter and the IDP question no longer arises for domestic rentals. Always check the current position with DRPCIV before making arrangements, as the rules and bilateral agreements underpinning them can change.

How do I rent a car in Romania step by step?

1. Check your licence and IDP requirements: Establish whether your licence is recognised in Romania. If it was issued outside the EU or EEA, obtain an IDP from the appropriate authority in your home country before travelling — it cannot be arranged once you have arrived in Romania.
2. Book in advance: Make your reservation online via the rental company’s own website or through a comparison platform. Early booking is particularly important from June to September, when demand reaches its peak.
3. Choose the right vehicle category: For mountain routes such as the Transfăgărășan, an SUV or vehicle with greater ground clearance is advisable. For navigating Bucharest’s streets, a compact car is far easier to park.
4. Review the insurance options: Decide in advance whether you wish to add CDW, theft protection, Super CDW, or PAI. Check whether your credit card includes rental excess cover and confirm whether the rental company will accept it.
5. Prepare your documents: Assemble your original driving licence, passport or identity card, IDP (if applicable), and a major credit card in your own name with enough available credit to cover the security deposit.
6. Collect the vehicle: At the rental desk, examine the car carefully and photograph any existing marks or damage before signing the agreement. Confirm the fuel policy, the rovinieta status, and whether winter tyres are fitted if your rental falls between 1 November and 31 March.
7. Understand the cross-border rules: If you intend to drive into neighbouring countries, notify the rental company before collection and arrange any required Green Card extension or cross-border authorisation. Certain destinations may be excluded under the standard policy.
8. Return the vehicle: Bring the car back to the agreed location by the agreed time, with the fuel level consistent with the agreed policy. Carry out the final inspection alongside a member of staff and ensure you receive written confirmation that no new damage has been noted.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent a car in Romania if I am under 25?

The minimum rental age at most operators is 21, with a requirement to have held a licence for at least one year. Drivers aged between 21 and 24 are generally subject to a young driver surcharge, the level of which varies by company and vehicle class. Certain operators set a higher minimum of 23 for standard categories. Always check the age policy of your specific rental company before completing a booking.

What happens if I have an accident in a rental car in Romania?

Romanian law requires police officers to administer a breathalyser test to every driver involved in a road accident. Declining the test can result in criminal penalties, regardless of whether alcohol was consumed. You should always call the police, refrain from moving the vehicles until you are told to do so, and fill in the amicable accident report form provided by the rental company together with the other party. Contact the rental company as quickly as possible and adhere to their emergency procedures.

Can I take a rental car from Romania into other countries?

Most standard rental vehicle categories can be driven across Western Europe without restriction, but insurance-related limitations apply to certain luxury vehicle classes and specific countries. Under standard rental policies, cars hired in Romania may not be taken into Albania, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Croatia, or Slovenia. Always inform the rental company of your full travel plans before collecting the vehicle and arrange any necessary additional cross-border cover in advance.

What is a rovinieta and do I need to pay for it separately?

The rovinieta is a road tax vignette that must be purchased by anyone driving on Romanian national roads, in place of conventional tollbooths. It can be bought online, at border crossings, at petrol stations, and at post offices. The majority of rental companies include the rovinieta in the rental or arrange it on the customer’s behalf — always confirm this at the time of booking or when collecting the vehicle, to avoid incurring fines.

What if I return the car with less fuel than when I collected it?

The consequences depend on the fuel policy agreed at the time of rental. Under a full-to-full arrangement, the car must be returned with an equivalent fuel level to that at collection — usually a full tank. Returning with less fuel will result in a charge for the shortfall, often calculated at a rate above the standard pump price. Pre-purchase fuel policies, under which you pay upfront for a full tank, typically do not provide any refund for fuel remaining at return. Always clarify the policy in full before driving away.

Is my credit card’s travel insurance sufficient to cover a rental car in Romania?

Certain credit cards extend rental car excess cover as a benefit to cardholders, but the territorial scope, eligible vehicle categories, and exclusion clauses differ markedly between providers. Cover that applies in other parts of Europe may not automatically extend to Romania, or may not be accepted by all Romanian operators. Obtain written confirmation of the exact terms from your card issuer before departing, and verify that the rental company will accept this cover in lieu of their own CDW product.

How long can I drive in Romania on my foreign licence before I need to exchange it?

EU, EEA, and Swiss licence holders may drive in Romania on their national licence without restriction during temporary stays. Drivers from countries outside the EU or EEA who intend to remain in Romania for more than three months are required to exchange their licence for a Romanian one through DRPCIV. EU and EEA nationals who take up permanent residence in Romania are advised to exchange their licence when they establish residency, and no driving examination is ordinarily required. Confirm the current rules with DRPCIV.

Do I need winter tyres on a rental car in Romania?

Winter tyres are compulsory in Romania between 1 November and 31 March. Reputable rental companies are required to equip their vehicles accordingly during this period. If you are renting during the shoulder months or plan to travel on mountain routes outside of summer, ask the rental company explicitly to confirm that the vehicle is fitted with suitable tyres for the conditions you are likely to encounter.