How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bucharest
Searching for a cheap rental car in Bucharest? With prices averaging £68 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're wanting a zippy economy ride, a spacious family car, or anything in between, we compare all the best offers to get you more for your money.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Bucharest is £5.
Thinking of staying longer? Book a weekly rental from £30 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
If you like to plan with precision, book around one week ahead to grab the best price on a Bucharest car hire.
Klass Wagen, Pricecarz and Surprice are among the most trusted providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Bucharest car hire policy, whether with Klass Wagen or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Bucharest.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at £35 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around £52.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly £53 a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact rental category is a dependable choice if you can't decide what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Bucharest.
Flying to Bucharest? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Bucharest plans by booking a car hire at Bucharest Otopeni Airport. The city centre is about 16 kms (10 miles) from this airport, which is a drive of around 30 minutes.
Flying in somewhere else? You can get a car hire from Bucharest Baneasa Airport just as easily. The centre is 10 kms (6 miles) or so away and takes roughly 20 minutes to travel by car.
Compare car hire types in Bucharest
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Bucharest car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Bucharest makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Bucharest car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Bucharest.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your rental in Romania. Rules can vary, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Check if you need to add one to your Bucharest car rental booking.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Driving in Romania might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph (30mph) through urban areas and around 125kph (80mph) on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
Drinking and driving are not allowed under any circumstances in Romania. The country has a zero-tolerance approach, so hand over the keys if you'll be consuming alcohol.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
The Romanian Leu (RON) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Best hotels in Bucharest for drivers
Offering parking, Lion's Hotel gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 6 kms (4 miles) from central Bucharest and also comes with a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
Hotel Boutique Cathedral Plaza Residences Room for Rent Downtown is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features accessible parking, plus express check-out and shuttle services. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 2 kms (1 mile) from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Bucharest for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
After you've found a car hire deal in Bucharest and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Caru' cu Bere, Museum of the Palace of the Parliament and National Bank of Romania Museum give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Bucharest
Around 56 kms (35 miles) north of central Bucharest, Ploieşti should be on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Palatul Culturii and County Museum of History and Archeology.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Ploieşti include Hotel Central and PLAISIR.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Bucharest and then set out for Buzău. Around 97 kms (60 miles) northeast of Bucharest, Siriu Lake and Berca Mud Volcanoes are major attractions that are well worth the trip.
Hotel Avenue - Avenue Hotels and Corner Centre Rental are comfy places to stay in Buzău if you've got more than a quick stop in mind. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Galaţi, around 193 kms (120 miles) northeast of Bucharest. First, visit Faleza Dunării, then spend some time at "Saint Mary-Precista" Fortified Church.
Book a room at Hotel City Break or Mercure Galati Centrum. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Galaţi has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
