Car Hire at Bucharest Airport
Touching down at Henri Coandă International Airport is your ticket to exploring one of Eastern Europe’s most underrated countries. Bucharest serves as the perfect launching pad for adventures across Romania, whether you’re planning to dive into the capital’s lively nightlife and architecture or head straight for the Carpathian Mountains. Having your own wheels here isn’t just convenient—it’s genuinely liberating. Public transport outside major cities can be patchy, and some of Romania’s most spectacular spots simply aren’t accessible without a car.
The airport sits about 16 kilometres north of Bucharest city centre, which means you can be exploring the grand boulevards and hidden bars of “Little Paris” within 30-40 minutes of picking up your keys. But the real magic happens when you venture further afield. From here, you’ve got easy access to Dracula’s castle, medieval Saxon towns, pristine mountain roads, and even the Black Sea coast. Romania is larger than many travellers realise, and a hire car lets you see it all at your own pace.
Picking Up Your Rental Car
Most car hire desks at Bucharest Airport are conveniently located in the arrivals hall of the main terminal. You’ll spot them easily after collecting your luggage—just follow the signs for “Rent a Car.” The major international companies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt all have counters here, alongside local operators that often offer competitive rates. Some budget operators run shuttle services to off-site locations, so double-check your booking confirmation for exact pickup instructions.
You’ll need a few things sorted before the keys land in your hand. A valid driving licence is obviously essential—UK licence holders can use their standard photocard licence, though an International Driving Permit is worth having if your licence uses non-Latin characters. Your passport and a credit card in the main driver’s name are non-negotiable. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21, with some charging a young driver surcharge for under-25s.
The car parks are directly outside the terminal, so you won’t be lugging suitcases far. Before driving off, give the car a thorough once-over and photograph any existing scratches or dents—this small effort can save headaches later. The airport connects to Bucharest via the DN1 national road, which eventually leads to the A1 and A2 motorways. Signage is generally decent, but having offline maps downloaded is wise, particularly if you’re heading into rural areas.
Where to Go
Bucharest City Centre (30-45 minutes) — The DN1 will whisk you straight into the heart of Romania’s capital. Don’t miss the colossal Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. The Old Town (Lipscani) buzzes with restaurants, bars, and cafés, whilst Cismigiu Gardens offers a peaceful escape. Parking can be tricky in the centre, so look for secure car parks or your hotel’s facilities.
Sinaia and Peleș Castle (1 hour 45 minutes) — Heading north on DN1 through the Prahova Valley brings you to this stunning mountain resort. Peleș Castle looks plucked from a fairytale, with its Neo-Renaissance architecture and mountain backdrop. Sinaia itself offers hiking trails in summer and skiing in winter. The drive is scenic, winding through forested hills before reaching the Carpathians.
Brașov (2 hours 30 minutes) — Continue north on DN1/E60 and you’ll reach one of Romania’s most beautiful cities. Brașov’s medieval old town is picture-perfect, with the Black Church and Council Square at its heart. Mount Tampa offers panoramic views via cable car or hiking trail. This is an excellent base for exploring Transylvania properly.
Bran Castle and Rucăr-Bran Pass (3 hours) — The legendary “Dracula’s Castle” draws crowds for good reason. Perched dramatically on a rock, Bran Castle is atmospheric and fascinating. Take the scenic route through the Rucăr-Bran Pass for spectacular mountain vistas. Combine this with a visit to nearby Râșnov Fortress for a full day of Transylvanian exploration.
Constanța and the Black Sea Coast (2 hours 30 minutes) — Take the A2 motorway east to reach Romania’s coastline. Constanța mixes ancient history (the Roman mosaic and lighthouse) with modern beach resorts. Mamaia is the place for nightlife and sandy beaches in summer. The motorway makes this journey straightforward, though coastal traffic can be heavy during peak season.
Tips for Driving in Romania
Romanians drive on the right, and the rules will feel familiar to most European drivers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Be aware that some rural roads have lower limits posted, and speed cameras are increasingly common. The police conduct regular checks, so sticking to limits is sensible.
You’ll need a rovinieta (road tax vignette) for using national roads and motorways. These can be purchased online, at border crossings, or at petrol stations—and yes, they do check. Prices are reasonable, ranging from around €3 for a week to €28 for a year. Your rental company may have already arranged one, so ask at pickup.
Road quality varies enormously. Motorways and main national roads are generally good, but venture into rural areas and you’ll encounter everything from well-maintained surfaces to genuine bone-shakers. Watch for potholes, particularly after winter, and keep an eye out for horse-drawn carts, cyclists, and pedestrians on rural roads—they’re common and not always well-lit.
Winter driving (November to March) demands extra caution. Snow and ice are common, particularly in mountainous regions, and some high passes may require chains. If you’re visiting during these months, consider hiring a vehicle with winter tyres—most rental companies offer them for a small supplement. Fog can also be an issue in valleys and near rivers, so drive to the conditions.
One final tip: fuel stations are plentiful on major routes but can be scarce in remote areas. Fill up before heading into the mountains or countryside, and don’t assume smaller stations will accept foreign cards—cash is still king in parts of rural Romania.
Ready to explore Romania on your own terms? Book your Bucharest Airport car hire through 365carhire and discover a country that rewards those who venture off the beaten path. From gothic castles to untouched mountain roads, your Romanian adventure starts the moment you pick up the keys.