Renting a Car in Bucharest: How to Avoid Overpaying — A Beginner’s Guide

Bucharest, Romania’s energetic capital, is a city where centuries-old churches stand beside communist-era architecture and hip cafes buzz with life. While the city is fairly well-connected with buses, trams, and the metro, renting a car can make your journey far more flexible — especially if you’re planning to explore Transylvania, the Carpathians, or the Black Sea coast.

But here’s the truth: renting a car in Bucharest can either be a smooth, cost-effective experience or an overpriced, frustrating one — depending on how prepared you are. Many first-time visitors fall into tourist traps, hidden fees, and poor service just because they didn’t know what to expect.

This beginner’s guide shows you how to rent a car in Bucharest without overpaying, including practical tips on where to book, which companies to trust, and how to avoid sneaky charges.

Why Rent a Car in Bucharest?

While the city itself has walkable areas and decent public transport, a rental car becomes essential when:

• You’re planning to visit castles, villages, or natural parks outside the city.
• You want flexibility for day trips to Sinaia, Brasov, or Constanța.
• You’re traveling with children or large luggage.
• You’re on a multi-city tour across Romania.

Driving in Bucharest and beyond gives you complete control over your itinerary — no waiting on schedules or relying on local taxis.

Best Way to Book: Online vs. In-Person

The best prices are almost always found online in advance, not at the airport counter or city center. Booking ahead allows you to:

• Compare prices
• Avoid language barriers
• Choose the right car type
• Review terms and fees upfront

A trusted platform for car rentals in Romania is Car Rental in Bucharest

This site allows you to:

• Book online in English
• Choose pick-up/drop-off points (including airport and downtown)
• Access transparent pricing with no hidden surprises
• Get real-time customer support

Where to Pick Up: Otopeni Airport vs. Downtown

Most international travelers arrive at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) — also known as Otopeni Airport. This is where many rental companies operate and where you’ll find the widest vehicle selection.

Pros of Airport Pick-up:

• Immediate access to your car after landing
• Longer operating hours
• Easier to start a road trip outside the city

Cons:

• Some airport rentals include an airport surcharge (check your quote carefully)

Pros of Downtown Pick-up:

• Potentially lower base price
• Convenient if you’re staying in the city for a few days before driving

Tip: Use a platform like Getmancar to compare both options — sometimes airport pick-up is cheaper overall when bundled with early booking discounts.

What Documents Are Needed?

To rent a car in Bucharest, you’ll need:

• Valid driver’s license (EU/US licenses accepted; non-Latin scripts may require an International Driving Permit)
• Passport or ID
• Credit card (for security deposit)
• Minimum age: usually 21 (some companies require 25 for certain cars)

How to Avoid Hidden Fees

Many travelers think they’ve scored a great deal—until they get hit with surprise charges. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Fuel Policy

• Always choose Full-to-Full — you get the car with a full tank and return it the same.
• Avoid Prepaid Fuel options unless you’re sure you’ll return it empty.

2. Mileage Limit

• Some cheaper rentals come with mileage caps (e.g., 200 km/day).
• If you’re planning longer drives, book unlimited mileage to avoid extra fees.

3. Extra Charges

• Out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off: Check rental desk hours.
• Cross-border travel: Requires permission and sometimes a Green Card (for Moldova, Bulgaria, etc.)
• One-way fees: If returning the car in another city.
• GPS, child seats, snow chains: Bring your own if possible.

Which Companies to Trust?

You’ll find both local and international rental brands in Bucharest. Reliable providers include:

• Local companies through Car Rental in Bucharest — often cheaper with better flexibility
• International chains like Avis, Hertz, Sixt — often more expensive but well-known

Tip: Always read recent customer reviews, not just the star rating.

What Type of Car Should You Rent?

Consider the kind of trip you’re taking:

• City-only trips: A small car (manual or automatic) is ideal for traffic and tight parking, and exploring options like used cars in Kennewick can help you find a practical and affordable choice.
• Mountain road trips (e.g., Transfăgărășan): Opt for a compact SUV or car with strong suspension.
• Family travel: Get a sedan or minivan for comfort.

Driving in Bucharest: What to Expect

Driving in Bucharest can be challenging for first-timers:

• Rush hour traffic is heavy (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM).
• Some drivers are aggressive and unpredictable.
• Street signage is mostly in Romanian but easy to interpret.

Parking Tips:

• Paid parking zones operate in central districts.
• Use the Parking București mobile app to pay by phone.
• Avoid illegal parking — fines and towing are common.

Must-Know Driving Rules in Romania

• Drive on the right-hand side
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers
• Mobile phone use is prohibited while driving (unless hands-free)
• Speed limits:
  • 50 km/h in cities
  • 90 km/h on rural roads
  • 130 km/h on highways
• Alcohol limit: 0.00% — Romania has a strict zero-tolerance policy

Where to Go by Car from Bucharest

One of the biggest advantages of renting a car is the freedom to explore nearby destinations:

🚗 Sinaia & Peles Castle (2 hours)

Nestled in the Carpathians, Sinaia offers majestic mountain views and the beautiful Peles Castle — Romania’s crown jewel.

🏰 Bran Castle & Brașov (3 hours)

Visit Dracula’s legendary home and enjoy medieval streets, citadels, and mountain views in Brașov.

🌊 Constanța & Mamaia (2.5 hours)

Escape to the Black Sea coast for sun, sand, and seafood. Mamaia is a top beach destination with plenty of summer vibes.

🍷 Dealu Mare Wine Route

Explore Romania’s best vineyards, just 1.5–2 hours from the city.

Final Thoughts: Is Renting a Car in Bucharest Worth It?

Absolutely — if you want to see more than the capital, enjoy flexibility, and skip the hassle of train schedules. With just a bit of planning, you can avoid common mistakes and hidden costs.

✅ Book online in advance
✅ Choose the right pickup location
✅ Understand all fees before paying
✅ Stick to the rules and drive with confidence

Whether you’re heading for mountain castles, seaside resorts, or wine-country roads, a rental car opens the door to Romania’s best-kept secrets.

Start your trip right — visit Car Rental In Bucharest and get the best deal on your next Romanian road adventure.