Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Satu Mare
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Satu Mare
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Satu Mare
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Satu Mare
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.
Satu Mare, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a wealth of attractions both within its limits and in the surrounding region. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unmatched flexibility and convenience for exploring at your own pace.
Explore Transylvania's Hidden Gems: Satu Mare serves as an excellent base for discovering the picturesque landscapes and charming villages of Transylvania. A rental car allows you to venture beyond the city and uncover hidden gems at your own speed.
Visit the Vineyards of the Satu Mare Region: The surrounding area is known for its vineyards and wine production. With a rental car, you can easily visit local wineries, sample regional wines, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the countryside.
Discover Historical Landmarks: From medieval castles to traditional churches, the region surrounding Satu Mare is rich in historical landmarks. A rental car provides the freedom to explore these sites without being constrained by public transport schedules.
Before renting a car in Satu Mare, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, licensing, insurance, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 172.7 square kilometres (66.7 square miles)
Population
Around 102,400 residents
Time Zone
Eastern European Time (EET), GMT+2
Ideal for
Exploring Transylvania's regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic between 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Satu Mare require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for drivers whose licences are not in Romanian or a widely recognised language.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit will be held on your credit card and refunded upon the car's return, provided there is no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others having restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with the same amount of fuel as when picked up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
Automatic:
from £19 / $24 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come 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 Satu Mare, compare prices, select the appropriate vehicle, and carefully review the rental terms to avoid any unexpected issues. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel periods.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals based on your travel dates and preferred car type.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that meets your specific needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully examine the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance to secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability, particularly during high season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your rental car, make sure to bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport or ID.
Satu Mare offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Exploring the city and surrounding areas is made easier with a car, but understanding local traffic and parking regulations is essential.
Satu Mare, located in northwestern Romania, is a city known for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage. Renting a car offers the freedom to explore nearby attractions, although driving within the city requires awareness of local rules and traffic patterns.
Top Attractions to Discover
Satu Mare Central Park
A green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for relaxation and leisurely strolls.
Roman Catholic Cathedral
An impressive architectural landmark showcasing stunning stained glass windows.
Satu Mare County Museum
A great spot to delve into the local history and cultural heritage.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure options available throughout the city centre for convenient parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are present but might have limited availability, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider parking on the outskirts and using public transport to avoid city traffic.
Gas Stations in Satu Mare
Availability in the City
Fuel stations are available throughout Satu Mare, including the city centre and outskirts.
Major Brands
Look for Rompetrol, OMV, and MOL stations around the city.
Navigation Apps
Use Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby fuel stations quickly.
Useful Tips for Visiting Satu Mare
Plan for Traffic Delays
Be mindful of rush hours (7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM), when traffic is heaviest.
Use Contactless Payment
Many establishments accept contactless payments for convenience.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city centre.
Follow Traffic Signs
Pay attention to local traffic signs to ensure safe driving.
Railway Stations
Satu Mare Railway Station
The main railway station connecting Satu Mare to major cities in Romania.
Airports
Satu Mare International Airport (SUJ)
Located about 13 km from Satu Mare, offering domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Satu Mare is generally straightforward, but you need to fulfil a few essential requirements.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is necessary. An International Driving Permit (IDP) might be required if your licence isn't in Romanian.
Most car rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification is usually required, especially for international visitors.
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 Satu Mare 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.
Pretty chill vibe.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Relaxing, pleasant drive
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 09.04.2025
Pretty laid-back, really
Liam O'Neil
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Quiet, pleasant enough.
Oliver King
Reviewed: 16.11.2024
Loved exploring Satu Mare! Having a car was perfect for day trips, especially to the coast for some much-needed relaxation. Beautiful scenery all around.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 24.09.2024
Satu Mare was a quick stop on our road trip, and renting a car made it seamless. The city center was nice, though the local museum was a bit underwhelming.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
Exploring Satu Mare was effortless; getting around with a car was a breeze. Charming town!
Mia Jones
Reviewed: 23.03.2025
Satu Mare surprised me! Getting around with a car was so convenient, and the local markets were fantastic.
Isabelle Wilson
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
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Satu Mare was a delight! Having a car made exploring so easy, and the countryside was stunning. Definitely recommend a visit.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 26.11.2024