As someone who tries to avoid driving in new countries, there was a bit of anxiety that came with the thought of driving in Romania as a foreigner.
I had read online that drivers were aggressive, there are no passing lanes, and many roads in Romania aren’t in good condition.
Once I got behind the wheel, I quickly learned that some of this was true, and some was exaggerated. So, if you’re getting ready to visit and you plan on renting a car to get around Romania, continue reading to learn nine tips for driving in Romania.
9 Tips for Driving in Romania
Keep the following Romania driving tips in mind before getting behind the wheel.
You Need an International Driver’s License to Rent-a-Car in Romania
Thankfully, my rental car company called me immediately after I booked the online reservation to ensure I was aware I needed an international driver’s license.
Obtaining your international driver’s license is quite easy. You can apply for $20 on the AAA website. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes to fill out the application. Note that it does take 1 to 2 weeks to receive the application by mail, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Alternatively, you can complete the process in-person at a local AAA office if you’re in a time crunch.
Roads in Romania Are Generally in Good Condition
If somebody tells you that road conditions in Romania are awful, they’re lying.
It’s true that some roads in the countryside are narrow and can be uneven or bumpy. But that’s the case for rural areas of pretty much every country.
The frequently trafficked roads were all in top condition. I’d say they were just as good, if not better than here in the U.S.
Avoid Driving in Bucharest
You don’t need a car to get around Bucharest. With that in mind, try to avoid driving in Bucharest.
Traffic is some of the worst in Europe. It can take nearly an hour to go just a few miles. Drivers are also more aggressive than the smaller Romanian cities, and roads are more congested.
Take public transport or use Uber instead. And if you’re traveling from Bucharest to Brasov or vice versa, I’d recommend taking the train instead. The traffic between the two cities can be rough, and it’s a scenic train ride.
There Is a Zero-Tolerance Policy for Alcohol
One of my tour guides brought up that the legal blood alcohol limit for driving in Romania is 0.00. That means you can’t have a trace of alcohol in your system.
I was glad he mentioned that because I didn’t even think about it when I arrived. Here in the U.S., one or two drinks over an hour or two won’t put you over the limit.
Don’t take the risk, as Romania is strict with this law. Have a designated driver if you’re traveling with a group or avoid alcohol altogether before driving.
The Transfagarasan and Transalpina Are Romania’s Most Scenic Roads
In Transylvania, you’ll find the Transfagarasan and Transalpina. These are two of Europe’s most scenic stretches of road. Both cut through the Fagaras Mountains, a subrange of the Southern Carpathians.
An episode of Top Gear was filmed on the Transfagarasan and plenty of car commercials have been filmed on both. Many motorcycle riders and enthusiasts visit Romania just to cruise these roads.
If your road trip across Romania revolves around scenery, these are can’t-miss spots. The Transalpina is close to the city of Sibiu, while the Transfagarasan is closer to halfway between Sibiu and Brasov.
Both of these beautiful roads in Romania take about two hours to drive end-to-end (one-way). But take your time. There will be plenty of scenic viewpoints, trailheads, and even bears along the way. We took two days to drive and explore the Transfagarasan, doing a couple of hikes along the way. It was well-worth the time.
Roads May Be Closed in Winter
The Transfagarasan and Transalpina are typically closed from October to May due to winter weather conditions. Other roads in mountainous regions of Romania might be closed during this time, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a trip to Romania for the winter or spring months.
Don’t Expect Road Signs to Be in English
Most people in Romania speak English well. However, don’t expect all of the road signs to be in anything other than Romanian. This is why it can be really helpful to learn some essential Romanian words and phrases.
But as long as you know where you’re going and following GPS, this shouldn’t be an issue. But this makes it even more important to stay locked in when behind the wheel!
Animals Share the Road with Vehicles
Foreigners driving in Romania might be surprised by how many animals you’ll see on the roads. We were forced to stop for a few minutes as a herd of cattle slowly crossed the road in the countryside.
In the mountains, bears frequent the side of the road looking for food. In the countryside, you’ll see cows, shepherd dogs, wild dogs, deer, and even wild boar. We saw all of the above at least once.
If you’re driving at night or on a narrow road out in the country, keep your eyes peeled!
Know How Roundabouts Work
Roundabouts are everywhere in Romania. I love them because they seem to work well in reducing traffic buildup and I know how to navigate them.
But some people don’t have as much experience navigating roundabouts.
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s to look left! If nobody is coming from your left, you’re all good to go. And when it’s your turn to exit the roundabout, use your right turn signal so the vehicles around you know where you’re headed.
In-Summary: Driving in Romania
My experience driving in Romania was pretty positive. The roads were in good condition throughout the country – especially in Transylvania.
Sure, passing lanes rarely exist and drivers are aggressive in passing. But as long as you drive patiently and stay alert, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.
