Road trips in Romania

Road trips in Romania

Medieval charm blended with breathtaking nature

Explore Romania Your Way: The Ultimate Road Trip Experience

Road trips in Romania offer some of the most memorable driving experiences in Eastern Europe, combining Carpathian mountain routes and well-preserved medieval towns. Exploring Romania by car means you can drive from lively Bucharest to the mountain ring around Brașov in just a few hours, or continue into the Transylvanian countryside, with long but scenic roads.

Hit the Road in Romania: Driving Tips and Car Rental Deals with Abbycar

Major highways efficiently connect major cities in a few hours, but as you move toward the mountains, roads become narrower and more winding, especially in Transylvania and the northern regions. Generally, driving around Romania is manageable with normal caution.

Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for visibility and temperatures, especially if you want to go on the mountains. On the other hand, summer is ideal for coastal trips around the Black Sea. Fuel stations are common in major routes, but infrequent in remote highland areas.

Renting a car in Romania is practical because many mountain villages, viewpoints and lakes cannot be reached by train or bus. A compact family car works well in flatter regions and around cities, while an SUV is more comfortable for mountain routes.

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FAQs about driving in Romania

Frequently Asked Questions

You will need a valid driver’s license, your passport or ID card and a credit card for the deposit. For non-EU travelers, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Romania drives on the right side of the road, and seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially when entering villages or tourist areas in Transylvania. Mobile phone use is prohibited unless hands-free.

Romania uses a vignette system (rovinieta) for driving on most national roads. Many rental cars already include it, but you should confirm at pickup. Traditional toll booths are rare.

Highways and main roads are generally safe and well maintained. Mountain areas around Brașov, Sibiu and the northern Carpathians include narrow curves, elevation changes and occasional fog, so extra caution is needed.

Spring and autumn are excellent for mountain visibility and comfortable temperatures. Summer is perfect for trips toward the Black Sea or countryside regions but can bring heavier traffic near major towns. Winter often brings snow in the Carpathians, requiring careful driving.