Bucharest, Romania

So you’re heading to Bucharest – excellent choice. Romania’s capital is one of those cities that genuinely surprises first-time visitors. It’s got this fascinating mix of gritty communist-era blocks, elegant French-inspired architecture (they used to call it “Little Paris”), and a modern energy that’s hard not to get caught up in. The Old Center alone is worth the trip, with its winding streets, lively cafes, and buildings that have seen more history than most European capitals.

Here’s the thing though: while Bucharest itself is walkable and has decent public transport, the real magic of Romania happens outside the city limits. Having a rental car opens up the Carpathian Mountains, medieval towns like Brașov and Sighișoara, and the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway – quite possibly one of the most spectacular drives in Europe. If you’re planning to explore beyond Bucharest (and you absolutely should), picking up a car here makes perfect sense. It’s your gateway to some seriously underrated corners of Eastern Europe.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

Most visitors fly into Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), which is about 18 kilometers north of the city center. That’s where you’ll find the bulk of rental counters – they’re located in the arrivals hall of the main terminal. The usual suspects are all here: Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, plus some local operators that often offer better rates. I’d recommend booking ahead through 365carhire.com, especially during summer months when inventory can get tight.

Documentation-wise, you’ll need your passport, a valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is recommended if your license isn’t in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet), and the credit card used for booking. Romania doesn’t mess around with paperwork, so make sure everything matches exactly. If you’re picking up in the city center instead, several agencies have offices near Piața Unirii and the main train station (Gara de Nord), though airport pickup is generally more straightforward for first-time visitors.

One practical note: the airport has a dedicated parking area for rental car returns, and it’s reasonably well-signposted. Give yourself extra time for the return process, especially if you’re catching an early morning flight. Traffic around Bucharest can be unpredictable, and the airport road (DN1) gets congested during rush hours.

Where to Go

Brașov (2.5 hours, 180 km via DN1/E60): This medieval Saxon town is the jewel of Transylvania and should be on everyone’s Romania itinerary. The drive takes you through the stunning Prahova Valley, past mountain resorts like Sinaia. Once in Brașov, wander the perfectly preserved Old Town, see the Black Church, and take the cable car up Mount Tâmpa for panoramic views. The driving is straightforward on well-maintained national roads.

Sinaia (1.5 hours, 120 km via DN1): Known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians,” this mountain resort town is famous for Peleș Castle – one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, and that’s saying something. The former royal residence looks like something out of a fairytale. Sinaia makes an excellent first stop on your way to Brașov, and the drive through the mountains is gorgeous year-round.

Bran Castle and Rucăr-Bran Pass (2.5 hours, 170 km): Yes, this is “Dracula’s Castle” – though the historical Vlad Țepeș never actually lived here. Marketing aside, it’s a dramatic hilltop fortress with genuine history and stunning mountain scenery. The drive through the Rucăr-Bran Pass is spectacular, with traditional villages and dramatic landscapes. Stop in Rucăr for some local cheese – the area is famous for it.

Constanța and the Black Sea Coast (2.5 hours, 225 km via A2): Romania’s oldest continuously inhabited city offers ancient Roman ruins, a charming Old Town, and access to Black Sea beaches. The A2 highway (“The Sun Motorway”) is one of Romania’s best roads – a smooth, fast drive that’s a pleasant change from some of the more challenging mountain routes. Perfect for a summer beach day or exploring the historic port city.

The Transfăgărășan Highway (3.5-4 hours to the start, 150 km to the pass): This is the big one. Jeremy Clarkson called it “the best road in the world,” and while that’s debatable, it’s undeniably spectacular. The road climbs through the Făgăraș Mountains, reaching over 2,000 meters with hairpin turns, tunnels, and views that will leave you speechless. Note: it’s only open July through October due to snow. Plan accordingly, and don’t attempt it if you’re nervous about mountain driving.

Tips for Driving

Let’s talk about the realities of Romanian roads. First, you’ll need a rovinietă – that’s the road toll sticker required on all national roads. Most rental cars will have this sorted, but double-check at pickup. If you’re caught without one, the fines are steep. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities (often 30 km/h near schools and hospitals), 90 km/h on national roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Romanian police are fond of speed cameras, especially on the DN1 heading north from Bucharest.

Driving in Bucharest itself can be intense. The traffic is chaotic, drivers are aggressive, and parking in the center is a nightmare. Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts and taking the metro into the city center. Once you’re out of Bucharest, driving becomes much more relaxed – though rural roads can be narrow and occasionally potholed. Watch out for horse-drawn carts in rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk – they’re still common and not always well-lit.

Winter driving (November through March) requires extra preparation. Snow tires are mandatory during winter months, and in mountain regions, chains might be necessary. The Transfăgărășan and other high mountain passes close completely in winter. If you’re visiting during these months, stick to main roads and check conditions before heading into the mountains. Romanian winters can be harsh, and some secondary roads aren’t cleared regularly.

One final tip: fuel up in larger towns and cities. Gas stations can be sparse in rural mountain areas, and you don’t want to be caught empty in the middle of the Carpathians. Most stations accept credit cards, but having some Romanian lei cash is always wise in remote areas.

Ready to explore Romania? Book your Bucharest rental car through 365carhire.com and hit the road – those Carpathian mountain roads aren’t going to drive themselves.