Car Hire in Sibiu, Romania

So you’re heading to Sibiu – excellent choice! This Transylvanian gem is hands down one of Romania’s most charming cities, with its colourful houses, cobbled streets, and those famous “eyes” peering down from the rooftops. But here’s the thing: while Sibiu’s old town is wonderfully walkable, the real magic of Transylvania lies beyond the city limits. That’s where having your own set of wheels becomes an absolute game-changer.

Sibiu sits right in the heart of Romania, making it the perfect base for exploring the Carpathian Mountains, medieval fortresses, and those storybook villages that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairy tale. Whether you’re landing at Sibiu International Airport or picking up a car in the city centre, you’ll have the freedom to chase mountain sunrises, discover hidden fortified churches, and take on the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway – widely considered one of the most spectacular drives on the planet. Trust me, you don’t want to experience this region crammed into a crowded tour bus.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

If you’re flying in, you’ll find the rental counters right inside Sibiu International Airport – it’s a small, hassle-free terminal, so you won’t be wandering around lost for hours. The main providers have desks in the arrivals hall, and the pickup lot is just a short walk across the street. For those picking up in the city, most agencies have offices near the train station or along Calea Dumbrăvii, which is easily accessible from the old town.

Documentation-wise, you’ll need your full driving licence (an International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence isn’t in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet), your passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Romanian rental companies can be a bit strict about scratches and dents, so do yourself a favour: photograph the car from every angle before you drive off, and make sure any existing damage is noted on the contract. It takes five minutes and saves headaches later.

One more thing – if you’re planning to cross borders into Hungary, Bulgaria, or Serbia, mention this when booking. Not all cars have the necessary paperwork for international travel, and you don’t want to be turned away at the border.

Where to Go

The Transfăgărășan Highway – About 45 minutes to the base, then as long as you want to spend winding up. This is the big one. The road climbs through the Făgăraș Mountains with hairpin turns, glacial lakes, and views that’ll make you pull over every five minutes. Best done between July and October when the pass is fully open. Take your time – this isn’t a road to rush.

Brașov – Roughly 2.5 hours via DN1/E68. This medieval Saxon city deserves at least a full day. Wander through the narrowest street in Romania, visit the Black Church, and take the cable car up Mount Tâmpa for sweeping views. The drive takes you through lovely countryside and past smaller Saxon villages worth a quick detour.

Sighișoara – About 2 hours east on DN14. Birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (the real Dracula), this UNESCO World Heritage site has one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe. Park outside the walls and wander up the clock tower for sunset – you won’t regret it.

Alba Iulia – Just 1.5 hours west via DN1. The massive star-shaped citadel is impressive, and the city has a relaxed, authentic vibe that’s less touristy than Brașov. Great for a half-day trip, especially if you’re interested in Romanian history.

Păltiniș Ski Resort – Only 40 minutes up into the Cindrel Mountains. In winter, it’s Romania’s oldest ski resort with decent slopes for beginners and intermediates. In summer, it’s a peaceful mountain retreat with hiking trails and fresh air. The road up is scenic and well-maintained.

Tips for Driving in Romania

First things first: Romanians drive on the right, and speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways – though you won’t find many of those around Sibiu. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. It’s the law, and you will get pulled over if you forget.

You’ll need a vignette (rovinieta) for driving on national roads – you can buy this online before you arrive or at petrol stations. It’s inexpensive but essential, and cameras are everywhere checking for compliance. Speaking of petrol, it’s widely available, but fill up before heading into remote mountain areas where stations can be sparse.

Here’s something guidebooks often miss: watch out for horse-drawn carts, especially in rural areas and around dusk. They’re common, they don’t have lights, and they share the main roads. Also keep an eye out for shepherds moving flocks – it’s charming, but you’ll need patience. In winter, snow chains are mandatory on certain mountain passes, and winter tyres are required by law from November to March. The Transfăgărășan closes entirely from November to June due to snow – don’t even try it outside the season.

Romanian drivers can be… spirited. Expect some creative overtaking and occasional disregard for lane markings. Stay calm, keep right unless overtaking, and don’t engage with aggressive drivers. The roads themselves range from excellent to potholed, sometimes within the same stretch, so stay alert.

Ready to explore Transylvania on your own terms? Book your Sibiu car hire today and discover why this region captures hearts faster than you can say “Dracula.” The open road is calling – and it’s absolutely spectacular.