Car Rental in Bucharest – Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Capital by Car

Planning a trip to Bucharest? Whether you’re in town for a quick business trip, a romantic getaway, or a family holiday, having a rental car can turn your experience from “pretty good” to “absolutely fantastic.” While the Romanian capital offers taxis and public transport, nothing beats the convenience of having your own vehicle.

In this https://getmancar.com/bucharest/rent guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car rental in Bucharest — including where to rent, what type of car to choose, local driving tips, and the best places to visit with your rental car.

Why Rent a Car in Bucharest?

Let’s be honest — Bucharest is a big city. While trams, buses, and the metro system work fine, they don’t give you the freedom to explore on your schedule. Renting a car puts you in control.

Here’s why travelers prefer car rentals in Bucharest:

• No waiting for taxis or crowded buses
• Great for day trips beyond the city
• Perfect if you’re traveling with kids or luggage
• Affordable and flexible pricing
• Comfortable for business professionals on tight schedules

Plus, you can drive straight from the airport to your hotel without relying on anyone else.

Airport vs. City Pickup – What’s Better?

Most visitors arriving by air choose to rent their car at Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni). This saves time and gives you instant mobility.

But if you’re already in the city center or staying at a hotel, picking up your rental from a downtown location can be just as convenient. Many rental agencies offer hotel delivery or pickup services at no extra cost.

Pro tip:

If your flight lands late at night or you’re arriving during a weekend, confirm after-hours pickup with your rental provider.

What Types of Cars Can You Rent?

Whether you’re looking for a small city car, a fuel-efficient sedan, or a spacious SUV, car rental agencies in Bucharest offer a wide variety of vehicles to suit your travel style and budget.

Here’s a quick overview of popular rental car categories:

• Compact Cars (e.g. Toyota Aygo, VW Polo): Easy to park, great for solo travelers or couples.
• Economy Sedans (e.g. Dacia Logan, Renault Megane): Perfect for city and highway driving.
• Family Vehicles (e.g. Dacia Jogger, Kia Ceed): More space for kids and luggage.
• Automatic Hatchbacks (e.g. VW Golf, Skoda Scala): Smooth driving in traffic.
• SUVs & Crossovers (e.g. VW Taigo): Ideal for road trips outside Bucharest or rugged routes.

Most cars are from 2019 to 2024 models, regularly serviced, and come with insurance included.

How Much Does Car Rental in Bucharest Cost?

Renting a car in Bucharest is surprisingly affordable compared to other major European capitals.

Estimated daily prices:

• Compact car: €25–€35
• Economy sedan: €35–€45
• SUV or crossover: €50–€70
• Luxury or automatic cars: €80+

Many providers offer:

• Unlimited mileage
• Third-party liability (RCA)
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• 24/7 customer support
• Flexible cancellation options

Booking online or via a mobile app often gets you better rates and a wider choice of cars.

What You’ll Need to Rent a Car

Before you drive off, make sure you have these documents:

1. Valid driver’s license – Romanian, EU, or international license (with at least 1 year of driving experience)
2. Passport or national ID
3. Credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for security deposit
4. Minimum age – Usually 21, but some vehicles require the driver to be 23 or older

Some agencies allow debit card payments, but they may ask for a higher deposit.

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Driving in Bucharest: Tips for Visitors

Driving in Bucharest is manageable — if you know what to expect. Like any major capital, it has traffic, occasional congestion, and aggressive drivers during peak hours.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Drive on the right-hand side
• Speed limits:
  • City: 50 km/h
  • Outside city: 90 km/h
  • Highways: 130 km/h
• GPS or phone navigation is highly recommended
• Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to avoid traffic
• Keep documents in the car — license, rental agreement, and ID
• Locals may drive fast — stay alert and drive defensively

Where to Park Your Car

Finding a parking spot in downtown Bucharest can be tricky but not impossible. The city operates a paid parking system with “blue zones.”

Parking tips:

• Most street parking costs 5–10 RON/hour (~€1–€2)
• Pay via meter or apps like AmParcat or Parking București
• Look for underground garages in busy areas
• Avoid parking in unauthorized spots — towing is enforced

Some hotels and Airbnb rentals offer private parking — it’s worth checking in advance.

Places You Can Visit with a Rental Car

Having a car opens up the opportunity for memorable day trips just outside the city. Here are some top picks:

1. Palace of Parliament

One of the largest buildings in the world. You can drive there easily and park nearby.

2. Therme Bucharest

A luxury wellness spa just 20 minutes north of the city — perfect for relaxation.

3. Snagov Monastery

A tranquil island monastery rumored to be the resting place of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula).

4. Peleș Castle (Sinaia)

Just a 2-hour drive into the Carpathian Mountains — this fairytale castle is a must-see.

5. Bran Castle

If you’re up for a longer road trip (3 hours), visit the legendary Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania.

With a rental car, you’re not limited to city attractions — Romania’s charm lies in its countryside and historical sites.

How to Book Your Rental Car

Renting a car is easy and takes only a few minutes online or via app.

Steps to book:

1. Choose pickup location (city or airport)
2. Select rental dates and car type
3. Add extras like GPS or baby seat
4. Confirm your reservation
5. Pay online or at pickup

This https://getmancar.com/bucharest/rent  company offer instant confirmation and flexible changes.

Final Thoughts – Should You Rent a Car in Bucharest?

Absolutely — especially if you value comfort, flexibility, and freedom while exploring. Whether you’re cruising the streets of Bucharest or heading toward a scenic castle in the mountains, a rental car gives you full control of your journey.