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Top 4 Best Car Rental Agencies in Romania 2026 Rankings

In Romania, driving gives you far more freedom than public transit when tackling the Carpathian mountain roads and smaller towns like Sighișoara. Still, navigating steep security deposits, the actual condition of the vehicle, and sometimes confusing road rules makes picking the right rental company a crucial part of your trip.

Reviews shared by the Avygeo community help you compare your options with confidence before booking your car.

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#1 DiscoverCars +30 recs 4.4/5

Car rental comparison covering major airports in Romania

DiscoverCars brings together rental options from dozens of agencies operating at Otopeni, Cluj, Timișoara, Sibiu, and Târgu Mureș airports, featuring desks right in the arrivals terminal. You can compare international brands and local providers on a single screen, complete with unlimited mileage and free cancellation before pickup, keeping your Romanian road trip free of surprises when you return the keys.

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#2 Sixt +26 recs 4.5/5

An international leader with seamless airport logistics.

Sixt operates counters at Bucharest Otopeni Airport with direct pickup and a dedicated terminal shuttle, alongside locations in Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj, Suceava, and Iasi. You can drop off your vehicle in a different Romanian city than your pickup point, which makes it straightforward to string together Transylvania and the Black Sea coast without backtracking.

Their late-model fleet ranges from compact hatchbacks to four-wheel-drive SUVs, built to handle city traffic just as well as the winding mountain roads of the Carpathians.

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#3 Europcar +8 recs 3/5

More than just a car rental company.

3,835 locations in over 140 countries, including an extensive network across Romania

Europcar has desks at major Romanian airports like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Sibiu, and Iasi, plus downtown spots in Brasov and Constanta. Grab your keys right after landing to head straight into the Carpathians or Transylvania. You get 24/7 roadside assistance and a fleet ranging from compact cars to SUVs built for mountain switchbacks.

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#4 Atlass 0 rec

Car rental at Otopeni airport (Bucarest) without a deposit

We offer one of the most sought-after options on the market: car rentals without a deposit. This option is ideal for: Tourists who do not want an amount blocked on the card, people who do not have a credit card, and customers who want clear costs and absolute control over the budget.

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Renting a car in Romania: what sets it apart from other European destinations

Romania is part of the European Union, but car rental comes with a few local quirks. Rates are generally lower than in Western Europe, but certain local catches deserve your attention before you book.

How much does a car rental cost in Romania?

Rental rates in Romania rank among the most budget-friendly in Europe. For a compact city car, expect to pay between 15 € and 30 € ($16 to $32) per day in the off-season, and up to 40-50 € ($43 to $54) per day in July and August around tourist hotspots like the Black Sea coast or the Brasov area.

Local agencies in Bucharest and other major cities often quote rates significantly lower than major international brands for equivalent vehicles. That price gap sometimes reflects an older vehicle fleet or fewer included perks.

Good to know: online quotes for Romania rarely include full collision damage waiver coverage. Always check the deductible amount, which can easily top 500 € ($538) with certain budget local operators.

Bucharest airport or downtown: where should you pick up your car?

Henri Coandă International Airport (Bucharest-Otopeni) hosts the majority of major international rental counters. It is the most convenient option if you are flying in, even though rates run slightly higher than downtown locations due to airport fees.

Some local agencies offer vehicle drop-off directly at your hotel or in the city center, which can trim 10 to 20 percent off the total compared to an airport counter pickup.

Common pitfalls when renting a car in Romania

Travelers who have rented cars in Romania frequently highlight several recurring trouble spots:

  • The mandatory highway vignette (rovinietă) required for national roads: some rental companies include it, others do not. Ask explicitly before you drive off.
  • Vehicle condition at smaller budget agencies can sometimes disappoint. Reviews occasionally mention older or less polished cars than the online photos suggested.
  • Cross-border travel into Bulgaria, Moldova, or Serbia is often restricted or requires advance clearance. Some contracts ban it outright.
  • Mountain roads (Transfăgărăşan, Maramureș region) may be excluded from insurance coverage in the event of an accident during off-season or bad weather.

Local Romanian agencies or international brands?

International rental brands

Your choice depends largely on your route and your tolerance for risk. International brands stationed at the Bucharest airport provide a more standardized setup, typically newer fleets, and customer service used to international travelers.

Local Romanian agencies

Independent Romanian agencies, while less known abroad, compete heavily on price. They work well for simple point-to-point itineraries without border crossings, but require a closer look at reviews regarding actual car conditions and whether the contract is clearly explained in English.

When should you book for Romania?

Romania's peak tourist season centers on July and August, especially along the Black Sea coastline (Constanța, Mamaia). Prices spike and availability shrinks fast on popular models. Book several weeks ahead to keep your options open.

For a road trip through Transylvania or the Carpathians, spring and early autumn offer better value, with clear mountain roads and lighter traffic.

Driving in Romania: practical requirements

A valid US driver's license is accepted in Romania, though carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it is strongly recommended by car rental agencies.

Vehicle registration and third-party liability insurance are mandatory for all cars on the road, and are normally built into your rental agreement.

The rovinietă highway sticker operates separately from the rental agreement in certain cases: check directly with your rental agent to confirm whether it is included or if you need to buy it yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Can you pay for a car rental in Romania with cash or in euros?
Most rental companies, both local and international, require a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the driver's name for the security deposit, even if the rental payment itself can sometimes be made in cash. Prepaid or virtual cards are generally not accepted. Prices are often listed in euros but billed in Romanian lei (RON) at the daily exchange rate, which can create a slight difference from your expected total.
What should you do in the event of an accident or breakdown with a rental car in Romania?
In the event of an accident, Romanian law requires you to contact the local police to obtain an official report, which is essential for any insurance claim, unlike in other European countries where a European accident statement sometimes suffices. Always keep the roadside assistance number provided by your rental company on hand.
If your car breaks down, smaller local agencies rarely offer 24/7 roadside assistance outside of major cities, which can become an issue in Transylvania or the Carpathians.
Is there a minimum age or specific driving experience required to rent a car in Romania?
The standard minimum age is 21 with at least one year of driving experience, but most rental companies charge a young driver fee for drivers up to 25, and sometimes up to 30 with international brands. These fees can add 5 to 15 € ($5 to $16) per day to your initial bill, which is often omitted from the advertised online price.
Are Romanian secondary roads suitable for all types of rental cars?
Away from major highways and motorways, part of the secondary road network remains in poor condition, with frequent potholes and sometimes limited signage, particularly in Maramureș or the rural areas of Romanian Moldova. A standard city car is sufficient for most trips, but a model with higher ground clearance is preferable for unpaved tracks or remote mountainous areas.
How do rental prices in Romania compare to neighbors like Hungary or Bulgaria?
Romania generally stays cheaper than Hungary for an equivalent vehicle, with differences of 10% to 20% on off-season daily rates. Compared to Bulgaria, prices are often comparable, but border-crossing restrictions between the two countries can limit the appeal of renting on the Romanian side if your itinerary includes the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.