As a very much up and coming travel destination in Eastern Europe, Romania is full of memorable places to visit.
From learning about deeply-rooted traditions to visiting remote castles, to driving some of Europe’s best highways! (Transfagarasan anyone?)
We spent almost a month driving through Romania, discovering the best places to visit here, and absolutely fell in love.
It truly is beautiful, but it also helps that it’s one of Europe’s cheapest countries to visit.
So not only is your rental affordable, but so is every other part of a trip here.
If you’re planning your trip and are unsure how much time is needed, then we recommend spending a minimum of 10-12 days here.
With this amount of time you can visit the bustling capital of Bucharest, wander around pretty plazas in Sibiu and Brașov, as well as relax on the beaches of Constanța.
In this comprehensive article we’ll explore what we believe to be the best car rental companies in Romania.
This includes the advantages (and disadvantages) of each one, to help you find the ideal provider for your visit!
Let’s get into it…
Once you’ve decided you’ll be renting a car in Romania, actually finding the right vehicle or even company can be quite a time-consuming process.
Nowadays there’s almost limitless options, however there’s a much easier way to browse and find the right option for you.
Discover Cars is a giant online comparison site which lists all major and local rental companies for any particular area, including what vehicles are ready for pick-up.
They cover Romania well, where you can check specific dates as well as choose between budget or premium models.
Here are some of the other advantages of using DiscoverCars:
Now let’s explore 10 of the very best car rental companies in Romania, including each of their advantages and vehicles available.
One of the biggest car rental giants on the planet, Alamo now operates in over 80 countries and is a very recognisable brand.
Not only are their rates affordable in Romania, but you can also earn points towards free partnered flights or hotels (such as Hilton Hotels) every time you rent.
There are plenty of car rental locations to choose from as well, so it's no wonder this company is so popular!
Firstly we begin with their Mini and Economy models, which are best for travelers on a budget, or who are traveling solo or in a small party (you’ll get a Toyota Aygo, Renault Clio STW or similar).
Next we have their mid-range vehicles, which include the Standard and Compact SUVs (usually a Opel Astra STW, Renault Captur or similar).
The most luxurious models include the Intermediate and Full-Size SUVs, which are much more spacious and fit bigger parties. Alamo also provides Standard Van Rentals too.
SIXT are another global giant who are present all over Romania, and are known for having a completely transparent service with no hidden fees.
They have a giant fleet available here, which serves all kinds of budgets.
One of the major benefits of using SIXT is their free “change or cancel” policy, which can be used on any pre-existing booking.
For future reference, this company is also a great option for car rentals in Spain and Italy!
SIXT has quite the range of vehicles to choose from.
They start off with their Economy and Mini options, which are great for keeping costs low (vehicles are usually a Skoda Citigo, Opel Corsa or similar).
Following on we have their Compact and Intermediate vehicles (you’ll get a Ford Mondeo, Opel Astra Automatic or similar).
Lastly we have the deluxe Full-Size and SUV models, which tend to be quite expensive but come with the extra luxury (you’ll get a Mercedes Benz C-class, Skoda Kodiaq, Ford Kuga or similar).
SIXT also provides Standard Van Rentals too for those who want the extra space and comfort.
Although they started up recently in the last decade, Klaas Wagen is now the largest domestic car rental company currently operating in Romania.
They have a large fleet which is spread throughout the country, making them ideal for travelers landing in smaller cities or towns.
You’ll also get some great local know-how when renting with them.
Klaas Wagen offers all kinds of models for a really great price.
First we have the introductory models which include the Mini and Compact (usually include vehicles such as a Skoda Rapid or Dacia Logan).
Next we have their mid-tier vehicles, which include the Intermediate and SUV models (you’ll get a Volkswagen T-Roc, Toyota Yaris or similar).
At the more luxurious end, Klass Wagen have their Full-Size Elite SUV’s, which include unlimited mileage and a free additional driver on the same vehicle (you’ll get a Volkswagen Tiguan or similar).
Klass Wagen also offer their very own Special Monospace model, which is a giant van perfect for large parties.
With over 60 years experience on the global stage, Thrifty are an American company who are well-known for their reliable and practical rentals.
Having now become part of the large Hertz rental company, you can enjoy extra benefits.
This includes being able to choose from a fleet which is both budget-friendly and also great for those looking for the more luxurious rental vehicles.
As well as being located here in Romania and the United States, Thrifty also offer car rentals in Iceland and Sweden among others!
On the more inexpensive side of things, we have Thrifty’s budget options which include the Mini and Economy models (you’ll usually get a Hyundai i20, Toyota Aygo or similar).
Then we have their mid-range Compact and Compact Crossover vehicles (you’ll get a Renault Captur, Ford Focus or similar).
Lastly we have their premium models, which are more comfortable and luxurious compared to the previous two classes. This includes the Intermediate class (you’ll get a Skoda Octavia or similar).
Thrifty also does Full-Size Van Rentals.
Another global powerhouse to make our list, Enterprise is known for being one of the most reputable car rental companies you can choose from.
If you use them regularly (or even if it’s your first time) then it’s worth signing up to their loyalty program where you can earn up to 20% bonus points which you can redeem with future car rentals.
Firstly we have their Economy and Mini models (which are usually a Renault Clio, Toyota Aygo or similar).
Next we have their mid-range Compact and Intermediate models, which are best for those who want a mix of class as well as good value (vehicles rented of this class are usually a Opel Corsa, Renault Megane or similar).
At the highest end of the scale we have their Premium and Luxury Models. Whilst they cost more, they are definitely the best for those who want to travel with style (you’ll get a Mercedes Benz C Class, E Class or similar).
Enterprise also provides Standard and Intermediate Van Rentals.
Budget is another familiar name that makes our list (which has stations located in over 120 countries worldwide), and has many great-value rentals in Romania (as well as other countries such as Ireland and France).
As well as being a highly reputable choice, Budget also has a worthwhile reward program you can join that offers discounts with partners such as the Marriott Hotel Group.
Budget starts off with their Mini and Economy models, which are best for those who want to keep things cheap (you’ll get a Volkswagen Up, Skoda Fabia or similar).
Those looking for a mid-range vehicle will love the Compact models, which are more comfortable than the introductory models (usually a Renault Megane or similar).
Budget’s luxurious models include the Standard and Compact SUVs, which are overall the best quality (you’ll get a Dacia Duster, Ford Mondeo or similar).
They also offer Standard Van Rentals too.
One of the lesser-known car rental companies on our list, OK Mobility has actually been around for two decades.
Founded in Spain, they now operate around the Mediterranean, and also offer some great rentals in Romania.
Whilst they only operate in Bucharest, the advantage of renting with them is that they offer extremely low cost rentals.
Firstly we begin with their Economy and Compact models, which are best for budget travelers and those who either travel solo or in a small group (you’ll get a Toyota Yaris, Fiat Tipo or similar).
Next we have their mid-range Standard Models (usually a Skoda Rapid or similar).
Those who want luxury can choose between their Intermediate Crossover and Premium SUVs (where you’ll get a Mercedes Benz Vito, BMW X3 or similar).
OK Mobility also offer their very own Luxury and Luxury Elite Vans too for those traveling in big groups.
Originally from Greece, AutoUnion is a leading car rental company in Europe, and has grown from strength to strength and is now a great choice for travelers of all budgets heading to Romania.
Auto Union is known for their speed of car pick-up and drop-off, and also have fleets in many cities and towns all over the country.
Travelers looking to keep things cheap can choose from their range of Mini and Economy options (you’ll get a Toyota Aygo, Opel Corsa or similar).
Next we have their mid-range Compact, Intermediate and Standard vehicles which are best for a smaller group or family (you’ll get a Skoda Octavia, Renault Megane or similar).
Finally we have their Premium models and Luxury SUVs which are best for those seeking luxury (usual rental vehicles are a BMW 5 or similar).
AutoUnion also does Standard and Luxury Van rentals.
EXER Rent A Car is another of the lesser-known rental companies, however they offer a highly professional service.
They are an extremely low-cost provider, which is great for travelers looking to keep things cheap. In fact, they offer some of the cheapest car rentals in Romania!
Given that they are only located within Bucharest, this makes them a solid choice for travelers staying around the capital (or doing a road trip around the country and leaving back out of Bucharest).
First we have their introductory Mini and Economy options (rental vehicles include a Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Aygo or similar).
Next we have their mid-range Compact class, which is more spacious and comfortable than the Mini and Economy models (you’ll get a Ford Focus or similar).
Lastly we had their luxury Compact SUV and Intermediate models, which are the most comfortable of all (you’ll get a Skoda Octavia, Dacia Duster or similar).
Another American company which operates within Romania, Flexways are known for their large fleet and are a great option for travelers on all kinds of budgets.
Not only do they provide professional 24/7 support for whatever concern or issue you may have, they are also doing their part for the environment by offsetting the CO2 emission of every rental vehicle used.
Travelers looking for a simple vehicle can choose from their Economy and Compact Crossover vehicles (you’ll get a Skoda Fabia, Renault Captur or similar).
Next we have their Intermediate and Intermediate Crossover models (usual rentals include a Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen T-Cross or similar).
Lastly we have their Premium, Luxury and Luxury Elite SUVs, which are best for those looking for a really spacious and comfortable ride (you’ll get a Mercedes Benz CLA, BMW 5, Mercedes GLE or similar).
Through our own experience and research, we’ve found that prices can really vary for car rentals (which is good for both budget travelers and those seeking more luxury).
Of course it does depend on other factors though, such as the time of year you’re booking for, whether you’re under 25 as well as if you want any additional premiums (such as unlimited mileage).
Overall we’ve found car rental costs in Romania to be between $3-$300 a day. If you can get a price towards the cheaper end of the scale, then you'll have no problems traveling cheaply around the country.
Regardless of what country you’re coming from, in Romania you’ll need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car.
Many car rental companies will add a surcharge for those under 25, so if you fit in this category then don’t be surprised with the extra costs that get added on. On the contrary, the maximum age for car rentals is 70.
Whilst road conditions are good in most parts of the country, Romania doesn’t have the best reputation for road safety. In fact, it recently ranked top for the highest rates of road traffic accidents in Europe.
However with proper planning and sensible driving, you can have a safe and memorable time here.
If heading into the countryside (especially in the north) then watch out for wild animals and tractors that seemingly appear out of nowhere!
We personally think that renting a car in Romania is a fantastic idea (in fact, it's one of our top travel tips no matter where you go).
There’s many incredible landscapes and sites to see all over the country, and having your own wheels means that you can get to each destination directly without delay.
Whilst public transportation is good in Romania, bus schedules and delays between different services can start to add up. Some won’t even take you to the site directly, so you’d also need to use a taxi which can cost more overall.
Romania is quickly growing as a tourist destination - and for good reason too.
Here you can enjoy hot beaches on the Black Sea, visit mountainous towns in Transylvania and even step inside Dracula’s Castle too!
When it comes to getting around the country, we personally think that renting a car is one of the best options. Not only do you have complete freedom to travel when you like, you can also find a variety of great rental options too (as we’ve explored in this guide).
If you’re still wondering which destinations to visit, then you can check out this guide on the best places to visit in Romania.
Honestly, this amazing country is one of the best destinations in Europe so you're sure to have a fantastic time!
Here are some other car rental guides you may find helpful:
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