Europe > Romania > Cluj (CLJ)
The Car or no Car advice for Cluj can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Cluj ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Cluj ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Cluj?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚶♂️ Getting around Cluj without a car
Cluj-Napoca is compact, lively, and walkable. The historic centre sits close to Unirii Square, St Michael’s Church, the Botanical Garden, and the Central Park. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap and widely available. Buses and trams run frequently, and routes are easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
Because of this, most people do not need a car for sightseeing within the city. You can hop between museums, cafés, gardens, and viewpoints with very little effort. Public transport also brings you easily to Cluj Arena and major shopping districts.
🚗 The case for renting a car
Everything changes once you look beyond Cluj’s city limits. Transylvania is one of Europe’s most atmospheric regions, but its beauty is spread across wide rural areas. A rental car opens up:
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Turda Gorge, with dramatic cliffs and hiking routes
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Turda Salt Mine, a surreal underground attraction
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Bánffy Castle in Bonțida
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Rimetea, one of Romania’s most beautiful villages
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Sibiu, Sighișoara, and Brașov on longer road trips
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The breathtaking drive along the Transfăgărășan, often called one of the world’s best roads
Public transport can take you to some of these places, but connections are slow and indirect. Therefore, if you want flexibility, a car gives you complete control over your route and timing.
🚌 When public transport is enough
For travellers sticking to major cities, trains and buses are perfectly fine. There are frequent services to Oradea, Târgu Mureș, Sibiu, and Alba Iulia. You can also reach Turda by bus and then continue by taxi to the salt mine. So, if you prefer not to drive, you still have options — just expect longer travel times.
🛬 Arriving at Cluj Airport (CLJ)
Cluj International Airport sits very close to the city, only 15–20 minutes away. Rental desks are well represented, and pick-up is straightforward. If you prefer not to drive immediately, you can take a taxi into the centre and collect a car later.
🧭 Conclusion – Should you rent a car in Cluj?
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🚗 Yes if you want to explore Transylvania’s mountains, castles, and villages. A car gives unmatched freedom.
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❔ Maybe if you are staying only in Cluj itself, where walking, taxis, and public transport work extremely well.
