Car Rental in Cluj - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Cluj-Napoca is generally not necessary for exploring the city itself, as the compact center is walkable and well-served by public transport. However, car rental becomes highly valuable for venturing into Transylvania's countryside, visiting nearby attractions like Turda Salt Mine, the Apuseni Mountains, or medieval towns such as Sighișoara and Brașov. Romania drives on the right side of the road, which is familiar for most European and North American visitors. Road quality in Cluj and major highways is generally good, though rural mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Parking in Cluj's city center can be challenging and expensive, making a car more of a burden than an asset for urban sightseeing. The best scenario for rental is planning multi-day road trips through the region, where public transport connections are limited and having your own vehicle provides essential flexibility. International driving permits may be required alongside your home license depending on your country of origin. Be aware that Romanian driving can be assertive, and rural areas may have livestock or horse-drawn carts sharing the road. For current rental rates and vehicle availability, check the booking options below.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for Cluj specifically. Generally recommended for non-EU visitors to Romania - check current requirements with rental agencies.

Minimum Age

Information not available for Cluj specifically. Typically rental agencies require drivers to be 21-25 years old - verify with your chosen provider.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. EU licenses are generally accepted; non-EU visitors should verify acceptance rules.

Credit Card for Deposit

Information not available for Cluj specifically. Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits - check requirements when booking.

Insurance Coverage

Information not available for Cluj specifically. Basic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage options are often recommended - review options during booking.

Passport or ID

Valid identification document required for rental. EU citizens can use national ID; non-EU visitors need passport.

Rent from Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ) for convenience upon arrival, as major international agencies operate there alongside local Romanian companies - compare rates through booking platforms as prices vary significantly by season and demand.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify the fuel policy (full-to-full is standard), and confirm you have the vehicle registration, insurance documents, and emergency contact numbers for the rental company.

Download offline maps for Romania in Google Maps or Waze before your trip, as GPS coverage is generally reliable in Cluj but can be spotty in rural Transylvania - most rental cars offer GPS as an optional add-on for a daily fee.

Fuel stations are readily available throughout Cluj and on major routes; parking in the city center requires payment via parking meters or mobile apps (check current apps used locally), while many hotels and attractions offer their own parking facilities.

Return your car with the agreed fuel level and allow extra time to complete the check-out process at the airport or city location - take photos of the odometer and fuel gauge as documentation, and keep your rental agreement until any deposits are fully refunded.

Cluj's historic center features narrow cobblestone streets and limited parking - plan to use peripheral parking lots and walk or use public transport in the old town to avoid traffic restrictions and fines.

Winter driving in Cluj requires serious preparation as the city experiences heavy snowfall and icy conditions from November through March - winter tires are mandatory and roads in surrounding areas can become treacherous.

Rush hour traffic (7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-7:00 PM) creates significant congestion on main arteries, particularly around the university areas - allow extra time for journeys during these periods.

Romanian traffic police conduct frequent document checks and speed enforcement - ensure you have all required documents (license, registration, insurance, vignette for highways) and be aware that on-the-spot fines are common for violations.