Car Rental in Brasov - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Brasov is highly recommended for tourists planning to explore Transylvania's countryside, medieval villages, and mountain regions. Romania drives on the right side of the road, which is familiar to most European and North American visitors. A car provides excellent flexibility for visiting nearby attractions like Bran Castle, Peles Castle, and the fortified churches of Saxon villages that are difficult to reach by public transport. However, skip the rental if you're staying primarily within Brasov's Old Town, where the historic center is compact and walkable, with pedestrian-only zones making parking challenging. The city has adequate public transport and taxis for local needs. Road conditions vary significantly – main highways and routes between major tourist sites are generally well-maintained, but rural roads and mountain passes can be narrow with occasional potholes. Winter driving requires experience with snow conditions. Parking in Brasov's center is limited and often paid. For countryside exploration and multi-day road trips through Transylvania, a car transforms your experience, but for city-focused visits, it's an unnecessary expense. Check current rental rates and requirements through booking platforms, as prices vary seasonally.

International Driving Permit

Generally recommended for non-EU visitors to Romania. Check current requirements with your rental agency as acceptance varies by provider.

Valid Driver's License

EU licenses are typically accepted. Non-EU visitors should verify current acceptance rules with their rental company before travel.

Minimum Age

Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some premium vehicles requiring age 25+. Young driver surcharges often apply.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is typically required for security deposits. Debit cards are often not accepted for the deposit hold.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is usually included, but comprehensive coverage (CDW/theft protection) is strongly recommended. Verify what's included in your rental rate.

Vignette for Highway Use

Romania requires a road tax vignette (Rovinieta) for highway driving. Check if your rental includes this or if you need to purchase separately.

Rent from Brașov city center or Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport (2.5-3 hours away) - international agencies offer more flexibility for one-way rentals, while local agencies may have competitive rates for returns to the same location.

Before driving off, thoroughly document existing damage with photos, verify the fuel level matches the contract, and confirm you have all required documents (registration, insurance, emergency equipment) as Romanian law requires specific safety items in vehicles.

GPS navigation is essential for mountain roads around Brașov - download offline maps as mobile signal can be unreliable in rural areas, and note that many historic center streets are pedestrian-only or restricted.

Fuel stations are readily available in Brașov city but sparse in mountain areas - fill up before scenic drives, and research parking options in advance as the historic center has limited parking with most requiring payment or permits.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level and allow extra time for the inspection process - take photos of the vehicle's condition and mileage reading to avoid disputes, especially if returning outside office hours.

Winter driving in Brașov requires winter tires (legally mandatory November-March) and extreme caution on mountain roads, which can become icy and treacherous even when city streets appear clear.

Narrow medieval streets in the old town center are often restricted to pedestrians and local traffic only - verify access before driving into the historic quarter to avoid fines.

Romanian police conduct frequent traffic stops and document checks; ensure you carry your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and passport at all times as officers may request all documents.

Parking enforcement is strict in central Brașov with limited street parking - use designated paid parking areas or risk wheel clamps and substantial fines, as unauthorized parking is actively monitored.