Driving in Romania – A road trip through Transylvania.
I couldn’t wait to visit Transylvania… And it turned out even better than I expected.
Driving in Romania gave me complete freedom to explore castles, villages, and mountain roads at my own pace.
I visited Bran Castle, stopped in Sibiu for lunch, and cruised the famous Transfăgărășan Highway, often called one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Before I arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was it safe to drive in Romania? How were the roads? Would renting a car be worth it?
After one incredible week on the road, I can say this: driving is absolutely the best way to see Transylvania.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about driving in Romania.
The pros and cons, car rental tips, suggested routes, and practical advice to help you plan your own road trip with confidence.
The Transfagarasan Highway.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Why consider driving in Romania?
As much as I loved my time in Bucharest, Romania’s true charm lies beyond its capital…
While Bucharest has plenty to offer, the magic of Transylvania started to reveal itself once I left the city behind. Driving gave me complete freedom to explore at my own pace.
Here are some of the perks I enjoyed through choosing to drive:
I could visit famous castles like Bran (Dracula’s Castle) and Peles in Sinaia.
I explored medieval towns such as Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara, all in a few days.
I drove on scenic mountain roads including the world-renowned Transfagarasan Highway, described by Top Gear as ‘the most beautiful road in the world’.
I experienced life in traditional villages, full of horse-drawn carts, and colourful houses.
I ventured off the beaten track to monasteries, fortified churches, and local wineries.
If you’re planning to rent a car for your trip, Discover Cars makes it simple to compare trusted providers, check insurance coverage, and pick up your vehicle directly in Bucharest, Sibiu, or Cluj before setting off.
I found it really easy to pick my car up when I landed in Bucharest.
Their platform is ideal for travellers who want flexibility and transparent pricing when driving through Romania’s mountains and medieval towns.
Public transport does exist, but it’s slower and less convenient for rural or mountainous regions. Renting a car means you can create your own Romania itinerary and adapt it on the go.
The historic Bran Castle.
Pros of driving in Romania.
There are always pros and cons of every decision you make when travelling, and driving in this Balkans country is no different, however, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to renting a car in Romania”
Flexibility:
My number one piece of advice for you if you are heading to Romania, and in particular, Transylvania, as a first time visitor, is to leave days without concrete plans in place.
Exploring the off-the-beaten-path villages was such an unexpected part of my Romania itinerary, yet it was a true highlight!
I had seen the famous castles before I headed to Transylvania, but had never seen the ‘hobbit houses’, so it was an absolute pleasure to randomly find them!
Porumbacu de Jos instantly became one of my favourite Balkans destinations!
There are some quirky houses in Porumbacu.
Unique scenery.
When I was visiting cities in Montenegro, I discovered amazing scenery, however, Transylvania is on another level!
The scenery in Romania changes constantly as you drive: rolling green hills give way to pine-covered mountains, and winding roads framed by towering peaks.
The Carpathian Mountains dominate the horizon, and the routes between castles like Bran and Peleș are genuinely breathtaking.
Having your own car means you can stop wherever you like… To take photos, enjoy a picnic beside a lake, or simply pull over and admire the view.. I know I did many times!
Every hour on the road felt like I was uncovering a new postcard scene, and that sense of freedom is what made driving in Romania such a rewarding experience.
And then there’s the Transfăgărășan Highway…
A world-famous stretch of tarmac that twists through the Carpathians with amazing views at every turn.
The scenic Carpathian Mountains.
Convenience:
One of the biggest advantages of driving in Romania is simply how convenient it is.
Many of Transylvania’s most famous attractions are scattered across the countryside, with no easy public transport links. Driving to Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, and Brasov at my own pace was a game changer.
Relying on infrequent bus or train schedules is not ideal if you are wanting to visit many popular places in Romania during your trip.
What would have taken a full day by public transport, we managed to do in just a few hours by car, giving us more freedom to explore, and less time waiting around.
Plenty of spare time to enjoy Peles Castle.
Authenticity:
Driving in Romania also gives you the chance to experience the country’s authentic side, whch many visitors miss. Away from the main tourist routes, you’ll find tiny rural villages where life hasn’t changed much in generations.
This felt more like the Romania I had heard about…
It’s a side of the country you simply don’t get if you stick to train routes or group tours, and it’s one of the main reasons why driving in Romania is such a rewarding way to travel.
We managed to visit Bran Castle before it was too crowded.
Cons & challenges of driving in Romania.
While driving in Romania was incredibly rewarding, it’s worth being aware of a few challenges before setting off:
Road conditions.
I found the major highways and routes between popular cities to be generally good, but smaller country roads had potholes, uneven surfaces, or limited lighting. You should take your time on rural stretches, especially in wet or snowy weather.
City traffic.
In larger cities like Bucharest I found the traffic to be heavy and chaotic, especially at rush hour. I recommend you collect your rental car at Bucharest airport and head straight to Transylvania.
Parking.
I found parking to be tricky everywhere, with packed car parks in the castles, and in Brasov town centre.
If you plan in advance you can find recommended car parks online to avoid the worst of it.
The iconic Braasov sign.
Renting a car in Romania – what you need to know.
Renting a car in Romania is straightforward, but there are a few things to know before hitting the road:
Age matters - As with many European countries, most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to hold a valid driving licence for at least one year.
You need an extra license - Non-EU visitors may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), so it’s worth checking before you travel
Plan your journey correctly - Fuel stations are frequent on main highways but can be sparse in rural areas, so it’s best to fill up before long drives.
Select correct insurance - Always choose full insurance coverage for peace of mind, as minor scrapes and stone chips can happen, especially on rural roads.
Prepare in advance - If you’re comparing options, platforms like Discover Cars make it easy to check prices, coverage, and pickup points across Bucharest, Sibiu, and Cluj.
A colourful autumn in Transylvania.
The perfect road trip route through Transylvania.
Planning a Transylvania road trip is easier than you think. With a week (or more), you can drive through some of Romania’s most historic towns, scenic mountain passes, and fairytale castles, all at your own pace!
Start in Bucharest.
Pick up your rental car and get used to the roads. Spend a night in the capital or head straight north toward the Carpathians.
Sinaia – Peles Castle.
Your first stop is the royal town of Sinaia, home to Peles Castle, one of Europe’s most beautiful palaces. The alpine backdrop is stunning, and the gardens make for a very picturesque walking route.
Bran – Dracula’s Castle.
Continue to Bran, where the famous “Dracula’s Castle” awaits. It’s a must-see for its legends, history, and dramatic hilltop views. Autumn time was fantastic at the castles.
Brasov – Medieval Charm.
Base yourself in Brasov for cobbled streets, the Black Church, and a lively old town square surrounded by mountains. This feels much more authentic than Bucharest.
Sibiu – Germanic Influence.
Next, drive to Sibiu, known for its pastel-coloured houses and distinct Saxon architecture. Try the local food scene here, as I found it to be one of Romania’s best.
Sighisoara – UNESCO Citadel.
Head to Sighisoara, a beautifully preserved hilltop citadel and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Wander the clock tower and narrow streets.
Transfăgărășan Highway – The Scenic Finale.
Save a day to drive the Transfăgărășan Highway, a spectacular alpine road of hairpin turns and panoramic views. My favourite, and one of the world’s best drives.
Beautiful nature in Cârțișoara.
Tips for driving in Romania safely.
Driving in Romania is straightforward once you know what to expect, but a few precautions will make your trip much smoother.
Always obey speed limits, as fines can be steep and there are plenty of speed cameras (much more than we expected), even in the rural areas.
I wouldn’t recommend driving at night, especially on country roads, as we found the lighting to be poor and animals are known to wander onto the road.
A lesson we learned is to use official car parks in towns, rather than side streets to avoid fines or damage. We witnessed cars bumping over cars several times in tight spots, which you don’t want with your rental car!
The unique market at Bran Castle.
Always carry your documents, which includes your passport, rental agreement, driving licence, and insurance papers.
It also helps to learn a few Romanian road signs before you go…
We noticed words like Drum Bun (safe journey), and Centru (town centre) popping up everywhere.
With a bit of preparation, you’ll find that driving in Romania feels safe, enjoyable, and far less intimidating than you might expect.
Snowy winters in Transylvania.
Alternative transport options in Romania.
Romania does have trains and buses, but they’re generally slower and less reliable than driving.
While they connect the main cities, smaller towns and rural villages, especially in Transylvania, can be difficult to reach without a car.
For example, getting from Brasov to Sighisoara or Sibiu by train can take much longer than driving, with limited departure times. Buses are more flexible but often slower and less comfortable for long distances.
There are also domestic flights between major cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, though they’re not practical for exploring Transylvania’s castles or countryside.
If your goal is to see Romania’s famous landscapes, hidden villages, and mountain roads, driving remains the most flexible and rewarding way to travel.
A tram in Bucharest.
Is driving in Romania worth it?
Absolutely… Driving in Romania is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the country.
From medieval castles and colourful villages, to vast mountain scenery, having your own car gives you the flexibility to see so much more than the main tourist routes.
Yes, I found the roads to be a little rough in places, and parking in historic towns can take patience, but the trade-off was total freedom!
We decided when to stop, where to go, and how long to stay, and that independence is what made our Transylvanian road trip so special.
If you want to see Romania beyond Bucharest, experience local life, and travel at your own pace, then renting a car is absolutely worth it.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.