Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Bucharest
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bucharest
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bucharest
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bucharest
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Bucharest is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty to explore. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to discover Bucharest and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions like the Transylvanian Alps or the medieval towns of Romania, without being limited by public transport schedules.
Convenience and Comfort. Having your own car is much more convenient for families, business travelers, or anyone with luggage, saving you from navigating crowded buses or waiting for taxis.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple train or bus tickets, particularly for longer trips.
Flexibility. A rental car allows you to travel on your own schedule, stopping wherever and whenever you like. Whether it's a scenic countryside drive or a spontaneous visit to a hidden gem, you have complete control over your itinerary.
Before booking a rental car in Bucharest, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, have a valid driver's licence, and understand the rental company's insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
228 square kilometres (88 square miles)
Population
Approximately 2.1 million residents
Time Zone
EET (GMT+2)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Bucharest require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence, while others may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection. A security deposit is held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, GPS, child seats, or late returns.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Bucharest, compare prices, select the right car, and carefully read the rental terms. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. Remember to bring your driver's licence, credit card, and ID when you pick up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals for your travel dates and desired car type.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements, to avoid any surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Bucharest is a city that blends history and modern life. Exploring by car requires understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access.
As the capital of Romania, Bucharest is a city of contrasts with a mix of historical landmarks, communist-era architecture, and modern attractions. Driving within Bucharest can be challenging due to traffic congestion and narrow streets, but renting a car is a practical option for exploring the surrounding regions. Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking options for a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Palace of the Parliament
One of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a testament to Communist-era architecture.
Romanian Athenaeum
A stunning concert hall and one of Bucharest's most beautiful buildings.
Old Town
A vibrant area with narrow streets, historical buildings, restaurants, and bars.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Parking Bucuresti for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Utilise park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city and use public transport to access central Bucharest.
Gas Stations in Bucharest
Major Brands Available
Look for Rompetrol, OMV, Petrom, and Mol stations throughout the city and on the outskirts.
Fuel Availability
Fuel stations are generally well-distributed, but it's wise to plan ahead, especially if you're venturing outside the city.
Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bucharest
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for public transport and many shops and restaurants with a contactless bank card for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in crowded areas and the Old Town.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 / 17:00–19:00) when roads are heavily congested.
Major Bus Stations
Autogara Militari
One of the main bus terminals serving various destinations within Romania.
Railway Stations
Gara de Nord
The main railway station in Bucharest, providing connections to major cities in Romania and international destinations.
Airports
Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
The largest airport in Romania, located approximately 18 kilometres (11 miles) north of Bucharest.
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU)
Also known as Băneasa Airport, primarily used for charter and business flights.
Renting a car in Romania is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
EU citizens can use their national licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or national ID card is required for identification.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Bucharest as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Bucharest was a whirlwind! Efficient business trip, easy to get around with a car, and the city itself is beautiful. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
David Lee
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Such a fun, impromptu weekend! Bucharest was charming, easy to navigate, and so much to see.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 30.05.2025
Fantastic spontaneous trip! Bucharest was effortlessly explored with a car; so much to see.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 15.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, yeah.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 26.09.2024
Loved exploring Bucharest! Getting around with a car was so convenient; made the trip effortless. Beautiful city.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 16.11.2024
Pretty laid-back, tbh
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 16.12.2024
Pretty cool, overall.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 24.12.2024
Bucharest was efficient for my quick business trip. Having a car made getting around so much easier. The Old Town was lovely, although the crowds were a bit overwhelming at times.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 05.11.2024
Bucharest surprised me! So easy to explore by car.
Katherine Evans
Reviewed: 08.11.2024
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Pretty decent, really.
Alex Jones
Reviewed: 18.02.2025