Car Rental in Bucharest: What You Should Know Before You Drive

Whether you're visiting Bucharest for a few days, planning a weekend getaway, or need a short-term replacement car, renting a car in the Romanian capital is simple and convenient. However, like in any big city, there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the road.

1. Who Should Rent a Car in Bucharest?

Renting a car in Bucharest makes sense if:

• You’re planning day trips to places outside the city (e.g., Brașov, Sinaia, Transfăgărășan).
• You need a car temporarily for business or family reasons.
• You’re traveling with children, elderly people, or lots of luggage.

🚫 However, if you only need to move around the city, consider using public transport, taxis or ride-sharing apps instead. Bucharest traffic can be heavy, and parking can be a challenge.

2. Where to Rent a Car

There are two main types of car rental providers in Bucharest:

International Rental Companies

• Hertz
• Avis
• Enterprise
• Sixt
• Budget These are available at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) and in central Bucharest.

Local Rental Agencies

• Usually cheaper and sometimes more flexible in terms of pick-up and drop-off locations.
• Examples: Autonom, Promotor Rent a Car, Kamo Auto, and many others.

💡 Tip: Always compare prices on rental platforms like Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or DiscoverCars before booking.

3. Requirements & Documents

To rent a car in Bucharest, you typically need:

• A valid driver’s license (EU or International Driving Permit if you're from outside the EU).
• A passport or national ID.
• A credit card (sometimes debit cards are accepted for local companies).
• Age requirement: Usually 21+, with 1–2 years of driving experience. Some providers charge extra for drivers under 25.

4. Prices & Insurance

Average Prices:

• Economy cars: €25–€40/day
• SUVs or automatics: €50–€100/day
• Discounts apply for longer rentals (weekly or monthly rates)

Insurance:

• Basic insurance (mandatory) is included.
• You can add:
  • CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
  • TP (Theft Protection)
  • Super Cover to reduce the deductible to zero

🔍 Always check the deductible amount. Some companies block a deposit on your card—ranging from €300 to €1,000.

5. Driving in Bucharest: What to Expect

• Traffic: Often congested, especially during rush hours (8–10 AM & 4–7 PM).
• Parking: Limited in the city center; most parking spots are now paid via SMS or parking apps (TPARK, Parking București).
• Roads: Well-maintained in central areas, but you may find potholes in some districts.

⚠️ Be cautious with:

• Aggressive driving styles
• Confusing road signs (especially in construction zones)
• Roundabouts and tram priority rules

6. Useful Tips

• Book early, especially in summer or during holidays.
• Check the fuel policy: Most rentals use a “full-to-full” rule.
• Take photos of the car at pick-up and drop-off.
• Keep the rental company’s number handy in case of emergencies or breakdowns.
• If you're planning to leave the country with the rental car, you’ll need special permission.

7. Final Thoughts

Renting a car in Bucharest gives you freedom and flexibility, especially for exploring beyond the city limits. With a bit of preparation, clear expectations, and a reliable provider, it can be a smooth and comfortable experience.