Craiova is the cultural capital of Oltenia — a historic city in southwestern Romania, on the banks of the Jiu River, famous for its art museum, its parks, and its position as one of the most important cultural centres in the country. It is a city of extraordinary green spaces, with the Nicolae Romanescu Park (one of the largest in Europe), a vibrant university population, and a legacy of craftsmanship that includes the famous Craiova ceramics. Craiova is also the gateway to the Danube Gorge, the Horezu Monastery, and the mountain villages of the Parâng and Retezat mountains. Hiring a car here lets you explore the city, the monasteries, the mountains, and the historic towns of Oltenia.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators in Craiova. Compact cars start around €15/day. The city is 280 kilometres west of Bucharest.

Why Hire a Car in Craiova

• The Art Museum: The Craiova Art Museum houses the largest collection of Romanian art outside Bucharest, including works by Constantin Brâncuși, the most famous Romanian sculptor. The museum is in the former palace of the Bibescu family.
• Nicolae Romanescu Park: One of the largest parks in Europe, with a lake, a zoo, a botanical garden, and a racecourse. The park is a masterpiece of landscape design.
• The Old Town: The historic centre of Craiova has a mix of architectural styles, from baroque to art nouveau, with the Madona Dudu Church, the Mihai Viteazul Street, and the Craiova University.
• The Horezu Monastery: 2 hours north. A UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of Brâncovenesc architecture, with ornate frescoes, a church, and a pottery tradition that is unique to the region.
• The Danube Gorge: 2 hours south. The Iron Gates, a spectacular gorge where the Danube passes through the Carpathian Mountains, with cliffs, ruins, and the rock sculpture of Decebalus.
• The Retezat Mountains: 3 hours north. A national park of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and the highest peaks in the Romanian Carpathians.
• The Ceramics: Craiova is famous for its pottery, with a tradition that dates back centuries. The Horezu ceramics are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• The University: The University of Craiova gives the city a youthful energy, with a student population of over 20,000 and a lively cultural scene.
• Bucharest: 4 hours east. The capital of Romania, with the Palace of the Parliament, the Old Town, and the Village Museum.
• The Food: Oltenian cuisine is hearty and traditional, with dishes like “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls), “mămăligă” (polenta), and “plachie” (fish stew).

Driving in Craiova and Romania

Romania drives on the right. The E70 and E79 connect Craiova to Bucharest and the rest of Romania. The roads are good but can be potholed in rural areas. Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in towns.

Parking in Craiova is in multi-storey car parks — expect €5–€10 per day. At the parks, parking is along the road.

Booking Tips for Craiova

• Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer.
• Book Horezu Monastery visits in advance.
• GPS is essential — the rural roads are poorly signposted.
• If combining with Bucharest, the drive is 4 hours east.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire in Craiova

Is Craiova worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the most culturally important cities in Romania, with a world-class art museum, beautiful parks, and easy access to monasteries and mountains.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for the city and main roads. For mountain roads, an SUV is recommended.

Can I use my EU driving licence? Yes — EU licences are valid in Romania.