Romania is a country perfect for a road trip, with beautiful landscapes, picturesque small villages, and intriguing history throughout the country. Renting a car can take you on a trip from the Carpathian Mountains to the Black Sea coast, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and local culture. Renting a car provides great flexibility to explore the country, allowing you to travel at your own pace and visit off-the-beaten-path destinations. But to make the most of your road trip, it is important to be properly prepared, and consider unforeseen scenarios, especially when it comes to renting a car in Romania. The following automotive tips will ensure that when you opt for a car hire Bucharest, your road trip around Romania will be smooth and enjoyable.
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Choosing the right car for your trip
Depending on the nature of the trip, you have to make an informed decision about the vehicle you rent in Romania. It has to both suit the journey, the travellers, and the country’s terrain. The road infrastructure in Romania varies from region to region. The major highways are well-maintained; however some rural and mountainous areas contain winding, unpaved, and narrow roads. If you are planning to explore the cities and smaller villages on your road trip, then a compact car is ideal to navigate tight spaces and narrow streets. However, if you are going through the Carpathian Mountains or less-developed rural areas, then an SUV or car with higher ground clearance is better for the rougher terrain.
Compared to other European countries, the Romanian gas prices can be higher, which means that renting a fuel-efficient car can save you money. This is especially the case if you are going to cover long distances by car. You should also consider the transmission type, as manual cars are most common in Romania, meaning that automatic vehicles can be harder to find and more expensive to rent.
Check rental car insurance coverage
When you pick up your car, and before you head out on the road, you should review the insurance coverage provided by the rental agency. When heading out on Romanian roads, unexpected challenges can occur, including wildlife crossings, unpredictable weather conditions, and erratic driving behaviours. In most instances, basic insurance coverage is included in the rental packages, which includes coverage of damage, theft, and third-party liability. Just be very aware that these policies often have high excess fees, which is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket in case of an accident.
If you want to avoid any hefty fees if an incident happens, you can go for the full insurance coverage or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Full coverage will protect you from most damage. Furthermore, always check your personal insurance provider or credit card company, to see if they have any coverage for rental cars abroad.
Read up on the Romanian road rules
To enjoy driving around in a foreign country, understanding the local traffic laws and regulations is a must. With specific road rules and driving habits, Romania is a country that is easy to drive around if you know the road rules. One thing to read up on are the speed limits in urban and non-urban areas. As speed cameras are common, you should always opt to stay within the speed limits for your own and other people’s safety.
It is also mandatory to drive with headlights on throughout the whole day. Furthermore, seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. You will also encounter toll roads. As Romania does not have traditional toll booths, you will instead need a road tax vignette for driving on national roads and motorways. This is often included in the fees with most rental companies.
Prepare for different road conditions
When embarking on a road trip in Romania, you can expect anything from smooth highways to challenging rural routes. This means that it is key for a successful trip to prepare for various road conditions. Highways and major roads are well-maintained. These roads connect major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Constanta. For long-distance travel, these roads are ideal, as you can cover large portions of the country.
If you are heading up into the Carpathian Mountains, you should expect sharp turns, steep inclines, and narrow roads. When going on famous routes like the Transfăgărășan Highway or the Transalpina Road, you need to be careful especially in winter and rainy weather when the road condition can deteriorate. For rural roads, you can expect unpaved a poorly maintained road. In these areas, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance can be beneficial. Once you are in these regions, drive carefully, as you can encounter potholes, livestock crossing the road, and slow-mowing farm vehicles.
Respect local driving etiquette
One way to sum up drivers in Romania is assertive. This is especially the case in urban areas. Be aware that it is common for Romanian drivers to overtake frequently, also on narrow and winding roads. This means you should be patient, and always let faster drivers pass you.
In rural regions, drivers use their horns more frequently to either signal presence or express frustration. Be mindful that at pedestrian crossings, drivers are expected to stop. However, not all drivers yield, so you should always be cautious when approaching pedestrian areas.
