Bucharest Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bucharest

Renting a car in Bucharest provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the metropolis and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an ideal option for families or those seeking romantic experiences. Key attractions such as the Palace of the Parliament, University Square, and Piata Romana are all within reach, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's rich culture and history.

Additionally, a car makes it convenient to visit popular destinations like Bucharest City-Centre and Bucharest Old Town, where you can enjoy vibrant neighbourhoods and significant sites like the National History Museum of Romania. Exploring the nearby city of Otopeni, which features Herastrau Park and the Arcul de Triumf, is also made simpler with a rental car. Overall, having your own vehicle enhances your travel experience in and around Bucharest, offering comfort and ease as you navigate this dynamic city and its captivating surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in Bucharest

• Compact: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 medium suitcases. It's an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a vehicle that balances space and efficiency. The Compact is perfect for navigating Bucharest's bustling streets while providing the freedom to explore attractions at your own pace.
• Economy: Also catering for 5 travellers, the Economy car option allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. This makes it a practical selection for solo adventurers, couples, or families seeking a budget-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicle. The Economy car is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flexibility of car rental without compromising on comfort.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, this car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides room for up to 3 large suitcases. The Midsize SUV offers extra space and a higher driving position, making it a great option for those who prefer more comfort and versatility during their travels. It’s well-suited for longer journeys or when extra luggage capacity is needed.

Top rated car suppliers in Bucharest

• Alamo Rent A Car: With a reliable presence in Bucharest, Alamo Rent A Car features one rental location that provides convenience for travellers. Known for its popular Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options, Alamo ensures that you can comfortably explore the city and its surroundings. Their customer-friendly service adds to the overall positive experience, making your journey through Romania enjoyable and hassle-free.
• Routes: Another excellent choice in Bucharest, Routes operates from a single rental location, making it easy for visitors to access their vehicles. This supplier is particularly favoured for their Standard SUV and Compact SUV offerings, perfect for navigating both urban roads and scenic routes. Routes is committed to providing a smooth rental experience, allowing you to focus on discovering the beauty of Romania.
• Avis: With two rental locations in Bucharest, Avis stands out for its accessibility and extensive selection. Travellers often opt for their Midsize and Economy vehicles, which are ideal for navigating the city while offering comfort and efficiency. Avis’s reputation for quality service ensures that you can rely on them for a seamless car rental experience during your stay in Romania.

Where to stay in Bucharest

• Bucharest City-Centre: The heart of Bucharest, this neighbourhood offers a vibrant atmosphere ideal for city-themed, family, and romantic experiences. With close proximity to attractions like University Square, Piata Romana, and Piata Unirii, visitors can enjoy cultural outings, theatres, and lovely urban parks. Dining options abound, making it a convenient base for exploring the city's rich history and modern charm.
• Sector 1: Known for its family-friendly and romantic vibes, Sector 1 is a district rich in culture and leisure activities. Highlights include Herastrau Park for outdoor enjoyment and the historic Arcul de Triumf. The area's dining scene features numerous restaurants and cafes, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a mix of culture and relaxation while still being close to the city centre.
• Otopeni: Located near Bucharest, Otopeni offers a mix of family, city-themed, and romantic experiences. The area is known for its attractions, such as a water park and natural history museum, ideal for family outings. Nearby landmarks, including Herastrau Park and Arcul de Triumf, provide further leisure opportunities. With a selection of restaurants and cafes, Otopeni is perfect for those seeking both adventure and a comfortable stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Bucharest

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly options, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best choice for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking early often allows you to obtain lower rates and better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a satisfactory balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid incurring extra charges. This is generally the best option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Bucharest

The best value period to rent a car in and around Bucharest is October, when both prices and demand are low. This month is followed closely by February and April, which also offer slightly lower prices and manageable demand. However, August stands out as the most expensive month, characterised by high demand and elevated prices. June and September also see slightly higher prices and demand, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	31.8°F (-0.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	36.1°F (2.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	44.6°F (7.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
April	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
May	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly Low
June	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	77.5°F (25.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	68.5°F (20.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
November	46.8°F (8.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	36.5°F (2.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High