Car Rental in Romania: The Honest Guide for Foreign Drivers (Deposit, Insurance, Airport Pickup)
In short: car rental in Romania is easy and safe if you choose a rental company with written rules. Check four things before you book: whether the security deposit is a pre-authorisation (not a charge) and how fast it is released, what the insurance excess is, whether the car's condition is documented with photos you sign, and whether the price you see is the final price. At ELEI the deposit is released within 1–3 business days, can be left on a debit card or in cash, and can be reduced or removed with higher cover. You get exactly the car you booked, delivered to Bucharest Otopeni Airport if you like.
This guide is for foreign drivers planning car rental in Romania (or car hire, if you are from the UK): tourists on a Transylvania road trip, business travellers landing in Bucharest, and anyone who has read the forum stories and wants to rent a car without surprises. It covers the documents you need, how deposits and insurance really work, airport pickup, driving rules, costs and a checklist you can use with any rental company in Romania.
Do you need a rental car in Romania?
If you are staying only in central Bucharest, probably not: traffic is heavy, parking is limited and ride-hailing apps are cheap. The moment you leave the capital, a car changes everything. Romania's best places are spread out and public transport between them is slow:
Transylvania: Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara and Cluj-Napoca are a few hours apart by car, with Bran Castle and Corvin Castle in Hunedoara within easy reach.
The Carpathian roads: the Transfăgărășan, one of the most famous driving roads in Europe, is only reachable by car. See our Transfăgărășan guide, section by section.
Day trips from Bucharest: Peleș Castle in Sinaia and Bran Castle make an easy loop. Here is our Bran and Peleș day trip.
The Black Sea coast: around 2.5 hours from Bucharest on the A2 motorway.
Not sure which route fits the days you have? Tell us your dates and what you'd like to see on WhatsApp and we'll suggest a route and the car that suits it, no obligation.
Requirements to rent a car in Romania
Rental rules vary between companies. At ELEI you need:
Age: at least 21 years old with 1 year of driving experience. For luxury cars and supercars the minimum age is 25. A young driver fee applies under 25.
Driving licence: an EU driving licence, or an International Driving Permit together with your national licence if it was issued outside the EU. Get the permit from your national automobile club before you travel; it cannot be issued in Romania.
ID: a passport or national ID card.
A card in the main driver's name for the deposit. It can be a credit card or a debit card, and the deposit can also be left in cash.
Up to 3 additional drivers can be added to the contract free of charge with any of the insurance packages listed on the website. We check your documents before confirming the booking, so there are no surprises at pickup.
Manual or automatic? At budget rental desks in Romania most cars are manual, and automatics sell out first in summer. If you only drive an automatic, check the transmission on the car's page before you book: you get exactly the car you reserve. In July and August, and around Christmas and New Year, book a few weeks ahead.
Car rental deposit in Romania: how it really works
The security deposit is the most common source of complaints about car hire in Romania. On forums you will find stories of deposits held for weeks or partly kept for damage nobody explained. Here is what you should expect from a serious rental company, and how it works at ELEI:
Pre-authorisation, not payment. The amount is blocked on your card, not charged. The money stays yours.
Released in 1–3 business days after you return the car.
Known in advance. You see the exact amount for your car when you book.
Debit card or cash accepted, so you can rent a car in Romania without a credit card.
Can be reduced or removed by choosing higher cover, including on luxury cars. We go through the options with you by phone before you book, so you know exactly what you are signing.
Car class | Indicative deposit |
|---|
Comfort | €1,500 |
Premium | €2,500 |
Luxury / Business | €3,500 |
Performance | €5,000 |
Supercar | €10,000 |
Van / Business | €2,000 |
Indicative amounts from our FAQ. The exact deposit for each car is shown on its page and at booking. Returning customers with a rental history can get a reduced deposit.
Want to know the deposit and the total price for a specific car and dates? Call us or message us on WhatsApp and we'll tell you in a few minutes.
Car rental insurance in Romania: excess, CDW and full cover
Every car in Romania must have RCA, the compulsory third-party liability insurance. It covers damage you cause to others, not damage to the rental car. What protects you as a driver is the type of cover you choose and the excess: the maximum amount you pay if the car is damaged through your fault.
Elei Start (free): includes RCA. You are responsible for damage caused through your fault, up to the excess for the car class.
Higher packages: lower the excess step by step.
Full cover: brings the excess down to zero. The price depends on the car class and model.
No rental insurance covers everything. At ELEI, as at most companies, the interior, keys, documents and filling up with the wrong fuel are not covered. You choose the insurance online when you book, so nobody pressures you into an expensive policy at the desk.
A tip if you book through a comparison site, or plan to rely on your credit card's rental cover: both usually work as reimbursement. The rental company still holds the deposit and charges you for damage first, and you claim the money back later, with paperwork. If you count on card cover, check before you travel that it applies in Romania and to the car class you want (many cards exclude luxury and high-value cars), and carry proof of it. Choosing the rental company's own cover avoids that argument at the counter.
How to avoid car rental scams in Romania: a checklist
Most problems people describe on Reddit and TripAdvisor come down to the same few gaps. Ask these questions to any rental company in Romania. Next to each one is how it works at ELEI:
Ask the rental company | At ELEI |
|---|
Is the deposit a pre-authorisation or a charge, and when is it released? | Pre-authorisation, released in 1–3 business days. |
Will I get exactly the car I book, or "a similar model"? | Exactly the car you book. Only in exceptional cases do we offer a similar model or an upgrade. |
How is the car's condition documented? | A handover report with photos, which you sign digitally via a link. |
Is there a fixed price list for common damage? | Yes, in the contract: scratch, rim, tyre, glass. |
Will I get an invoice for any damage charge? | Always, with a repair estimate from our partner workshop. |
Is normal wear and tear charged? | No. Only excessive wear counts as damage. |
Is the price on the website the final price? | Yes. You calculate it yourself and receive written confirmation with every cost itemised. |
Is the road tax (rovinieta) included? | Yes. Bridge tolls are paid separately. |
What is the admin fee for traffic fines? | €20 on top of the fine, nothing more. |
What happens if the car breaks down? | Roadside assistance and, depending on the situation, a replacement car. |
A few more habits protect you with any company: photograph the fuel gauge and mileage at pickup, return the car in daylight, take your own photos of the car at return, and ask for written confirmation that the car was returned without new damage before you leave. For the ten most common fears in detail, read renting a car in Romania: myths vs. reality.
Car rental at Bucharest Otopeni Airport
Most visitors arrive at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), better known as Otopeni, about 16 km north of Bucharest. You have two options: queue at a rental desk in the arrivals hall, or have the car brought to you.
ELEI delivers the car to the airport, your hotel or any address in Bucharest–Ilfov for €50 each way (€90 for delivery and collection). Pickup at the ELEI office is free during business hours. The paperwork takes 20 minutes at most. If your flight is delayed, we follow it using your flight number, so the car is there when you land. See car rental at Bucharest Airport for the cars available.
Landing at Otopeni? Send us your flight number and dates on WhatsApp and we'll confirm availability and the full price.
Delivery elsewhere in Romania (Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brașov) is possible on request. The price depends on the distance, so ask us for a quote.
Rather not drive? A car with a chauffeur
For business trips, events or simply not wanting to deal with Bucharest traffic and parking, a car with a driver often makes more sense than self-drive. ELEI provides an English-speaking chauffeur with a Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series for VIP airport transfers and meetings, or a Mercedes V-Class for groups and delegations, in Bucharest and across Romania. See our chauffeur service and ask for a quote.
Driving in Romania: rules every rental car driver should know
Romanian traffic rules are close to the rest of the EU, with a few local details that catch visitors out. Last checked in November 2026.
Road type | Speed limit for cars |
|---|
Towns and villages | 50 km/h (unless signs say otherwise) |
Other roads outside towns | 90 km/h |
European roads (marked E, e.g. E60) | 100 km/h |
Expressways (drum expres) | 120 km/h |
Motorways (autostradă, e.g. A1, A2, A3) | 130 km/h |
Drive on the right. If you need an automatic, choose it when booking: you get exactly the car you book.
Dipped headlights during the day are mandatory on all public roads in Romania, not only on motorways.
Zero tolerance for alcohol. Do not drink and drive at all.
Seat belts and children: everyone must wear a seat belt, and children under 135 cm need a child seat. ELEI has child seats for €6/day (maximum €30 per rental).
Phones: hands-free only. All ELEI cars have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so Waze or Google Maps runs on the car's screen.
Emergencies: call 112 for police, ambulance or fire.
Rovinieta (road vignette): required on national roads and motorways. It is included with ELEI cars.
Danube bridge toll at Fetești: on the A2 motorway to the Black Sea you pay a separate toll, 19 lei per crossing for a car in 2026. Pay online, at petrol stations along the A2, at the bridge, or by SMS: since rental cars have Romanian plates, text POD followed by the plate number (no spaces) to 7577. You have until midnight the day after the crossing; an unpaid crossing is fined 190 lei.
Parking in Bucharest: since February 2026 the city's blue-marked parking zones no longer take cash. Pay by card at the machine, in a mobile app or by SMS. In the centre, a hotel car park or a private car park is usually easier; ask us and we'll suggest one.
Winter: winter tyres are fitted on all ELEI cars in season, and snow chains are available on request. High mountain roads like the Transfăgărășan close in winter. Read more in our guide to driving in Romania in winter, or choose a 4x4 SUV for winter.
Mandatory equipment: warning triangle, safety vest, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are in every car.
Mileage: 200–300 km per day are included depending on the car, with extra kilometre packages available. Unlimited mileage is rare on premium cars, because every kilometre means real wear.
Fuel: return the car with the same level you received it (not necessarily full), or choose prepaid fuel.
Cross-border: ELEI cars stay in Romania, with the exception of the Mercedes V-Class.
What driving in Romania is actually like
Most scenic routes are national roads, not motorways. They cross villages where the limit drops to 50 km/h, so plan on 60–70 km/h on average.
Expect horse carts, tractors and animals in rural areas, especially at dusk. Avoid long drives on country roads after dark.
Local drivers are assertive and overtake often on two-lane roads. Keep right, let them pass and don't feel pushed.
Speed cameras and police checks are common on national roads. Oncoming drivers flashing their headlights usually mean a radar ahead.
Roadworks are frequent in summer, and traffic between Bucharest and Brașov is heavy at weekends. Start early.
Petrol stations are frequent on main roads and take cards; in the mountains, fill up before long climbs.
If you have an accident in a rental car
If anyone is hurt, call 112 straight away.
For a minor collision between two cars with damage only, Romanian law allows an amicable accident report (constatare amiabilă) without the police, as long as both drivers agree, both cars have RCA insurance and nobody else is affected. Once both drivers sign it, you can no longer ask the police to record the accident, so read it carefully.
If the other driver disagrees with what happened, the accident must be recorded by the police.
Call ELEI before you sign anything. You get roadside assistance and, depending on the situation, a replacement car.
Photograph both cars, the scene and the other driver's documents.
Driving times from Bucharest
From Bucharest to | Distance | Approx. driving time |
|---|
Sinaia (Peleș Castle) | about 125 km | 2 h |
Brașov | about 170 km | 2.5–3 h |
Bran Castle | about 200 km | 3–3.5 h |
Curtea de Argeș (south end of the Transfăgărășan) | about 170 km | 2.5 h |
Sibiu | about 275 km | 3.5–4 h |
Constanța (Black Sea) | about 225 km | 2.5 h |
Times are typical for good conditions. The Prahova Valley towards Sinaia and Brașov is much slower on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Romania?
Comparison sites show economy cars from a few euros a day. Those prices rarely include full insurance, often come with a high deposit and "or similar" models, and do not cover premium cars. ELEI rents premium and luxury cars, from a Mercedes A200 or BMW 3 Series to a Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Continental or Lamborghini Urus. You can see the current daily rate for every car in the fleet.
What affects the price:
Length of rental: the daily rate drops for longer rentals. The minimum rental is 2 days, and for a month or more there are long-term rates.
Insurance package: a lower excess costs more per day.
Extras: delivery, out-of-hours handover or a child seat; every fee is listed in the table below.
Paying online: booking and paying online by card gets you a discount.
Every possible extra fee, listed up front
Hidden fees are the most common complaint about car hire in Romania, so here is the complete list at ELEI. Indicative amounts from our FAQ; you see the exact total before you book.
Fee | Amount |
|---|
Delivery or collection outside the office (airport, hotel, address in Bucharest–Ilfov) | €50 each way, €90 for both |
Handover outside 9:00–17:00 | €30 at our office, €50 elsewhere |
Driver under 25 | €100 |
Additional drivers | Free (up to 3) with the insurance packages on the website |
Child seat | €6/day, maximum €30 |
Cleaning (car returned very dirty) | €30 |
Smoking in the car | €200 |
Traffic fine admin fee | €20 on top of the fine |
One-way rental (return in another city) | Depends on the distance |
Kilometres above the daily allowance | Per km, depending on the car; extra km packages available |
Rovinieta (road vignette) | Included |
Prices are shown in euros and lei; payment is made in lei, as Romanian law requires. A rental day is 24 hours, and returning more than 4 hours late counts as an extra day. For a full breakdown, see how much it costs to rent a luxury car in Romania.
How to rent a car with ELEI in 3 steps
Choose the car and dates on elei.ro, with your insurance package and extras. The total price is calculated as you go.
Receive written confirmation by email, with every cost itemised and the deposit amount.
Pick up the car at our office, or have it delivered to Otopeni Airport, your hotel or your address. Sign the handover report, and you're on the road in 20 minutes.
Prefer to talk to someone first? Call +40 750 481 850 or write to us on WhatsApp. We reply quickly, in English.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to rent a car in Romania as a tourist?
Yes, if the rental company has written rules: a pre-authorised deposit, a photo condition report you sign, a fixed damage price list and an invoice for any charge. These are standard at ELEI.
Is it safe to drive in Romania?
Yes, with normal care. Main roads and motorways are in good condition; on country roads watch for horse carts and animals, avoid long drives after dark, and expect assertive overtaking.
Can I return the rental car in another city?
Yes. A one-way rental has a fee that depends on the distance; ask for a quote when you book.
Can I rent a car in Romania without a credit card?
Yes. ELEI accepts the deposit on a debit card or in cash. The card must be in the main driver's name.
Can I rent a car in Romania with no deposit?
The deposit can be reduced or removed by choosing higher insurance cover, including on luxury cars. We explain the options by phone before you book.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Romania?
If your driving licence was not issued in the EU, bring an International Driving Permit together with your national licence.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Romania?
21 at ELEI, with at least 1 year of driving experience. For luxury cars and supercars, 25.
Is the rovinieta included in a rental car?
With ELEI, yes. The Danube bridge toll at Fetești (19 lei per crossing in 2026) is paid separately, online, at petrol stations or by SMS.
What are the speed limits in Romania?
50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns, 100 km/h on European roads, 120 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways, unless signs say otherwise.
Can I pick up a rental car at Bucharest Otopeni Airport?
Yes. We deliver to the airport for €50 each way within Bucharest–Ilfov and follow your flight if it is delayed.
Can I take a rental car from Romania to another country?
ELEI cars stay in Romania. The only exception is the Mercedes V-Class.
Is car hire in Romania worth it?
Yes, if you plan to leave Bucharest. Transylvania, the Carpathian roads and the castles are far easier to reach by car than by train or bus.
Last updated: November 2026. ELEI has been renting premium and luxury cars in Romania for over 7 years. You can read our reviews on Google and every rule in our FAQ.
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