Europe > 🇷🇴 Romania
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Romania can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Romania; 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 Romania?
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 Romania?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Romania
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bucharest | OTP | |
| Cluj | CLJ | |
| Timișoara | TSR |
🚗 Should You Rent a Car in Romania?
Romania is a land of contrasts — from the medieval towns of Transylvania and the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the wild Carpathian Mountains and the peaceful Danube Delta. Whether to rent a car in Romania largely depends on the regions you plan to explore and your comfort with driving on varied terrain. Let’s break it down.
🚆 Why You Might Not Need a Car in Romania
Train & Bus Network Improving
Romania’s rail network covers most major towns and cities. For example, you can travel from Bucharest to Brașov in under 3 hours, or take an overnight train to Cluj-Napoca. Additionally, buses often reach smaller towns more efficiently than trains, especially in mountainous or rural areas.
Best for City Hopping
Cities like Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, and Timișoara are walkable and well-connected. Public transport, ridesharing apps, and trams are easy to use. Therefore, if your trip is focused on exploring urban centres, a car may cause more stress than convenience.
🚘 Why Renting a Car Does Make Sense
Explore the Carpathians & Castles 🏰
If you want to follow the Transfăgărășan Highway — often listed among the world’s best roads — or visit iconic sites like Bran Castle, Peles Castle, or the Saxon villages of Transylvania, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Venture Off the Beaten Path
Many of Romania’s natural and cultural treasures, such as the wooden churches of Maramureș or the walking trails in the Apuseni Mountains, are hard to reach on public transport. In such cases, having a car can make all the difference.
🛣️ Driving in Romania — Key Tips
- Expect a mix of smooth highways and winding rural roads
- Watch for livestock and horse-drawn carts in the countryside 🐎
- Winter conditions can be harsh — a 4×4 is wise if travelling in colder months
- Fuel is reasonably priced and petrol stations are fairly common
💡 Car Rental Notes
Renting from Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) offers the widest range of vehicles. However, automatic cars can be scarce and more expensive than manual options. Also, be sure to check what documentation is needed for cross-border trips if you plan to drive into neighbouring countries.
🧭 Conclusion
So — should you rent a car in Romania?
✅ Yes, if you’re planning to explore rural Transylvania, hike in the mountains, or visit famous castles.
🚫 No, if you’re mainly visiting cities or relying on trains and buses.