Cars & Transportation Romania

Buses: Buses are the most common form of public transportation in Romania. They serve over 100 routes in the cities and offer a great option for long-distance travel.

Trams: Trams are popular in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Oradea. They provide fast and convenient trips through urban centers.

Trolleybuses: Trolleybuses are also widespread in cities and provide an environmentally-friendly mode of transport. They run on electricity and often replicate bus and tram routes.

Metro: Bucharest is the only city in Romania with a metro. The metro system includes four main lines and 49 stations, offering quick access to various city areas.

Trains: Railway routes in Romania connect large and small cities across the country. Since 2024, high-speed trains have connected Bucharest with Brașov and Constanța; this project to increase the number of high-speed trains and routes, including international ones, will continue. Currently, most regional trains are not very fast, but they provide an opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes. Tickets can be purchased online on the CFR website, at station ticket offices, or through mobile apps.

Air Service

Romania has several airports serving both domestic and international flights. There are 16 international airports throughout the country, located in various regions, ensuring convenient air service both domestically and internationally. The main international airports are: Henri Coandă International Airport, Bucharest; Cluj-Napoca International Airport; Iași International Airport; Timișoara International Airport; Constanța International Airport.

Domestic flights connect Romania's major cities, such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Sibiu, and others.

Types of tickets and purchasing methods

Buses, trolleybuses, and trams

Where to buy: Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, machines at stops, and post offices. It is also possible to purchase tickets inside the vehicle using special terminals.

Mobile apps: You can use the "24Pay" app for buying tickets online.

Validation: Tickets must be validated upon entering the vehicle by holding them to the reader; the ticket is valid for 90 minutes.

Metro (Bucharest)

Where to buy: Tickets can be purchased at machines and ticket offices at metro stations. Machines accept both cash and bank cards.

Types of tickets: Single-ride tickets, multiple-ride passes, and combined tickets that can be used on all types of transport for a certain period (e.g., 24 hours) are available.

Validation: The ticket must be validated upon entering the station by holding it to the reader.

Intercity buses and trains

Buses: Tickets for intercity buses can be bought at bus stations, from drivers, or via the website (https://www.autogari.ro).

Trains: Train tickets can be purchased online on the CFR Călători website, from machines at stations, and from ticket clerks. Online purchases offer discounts for early booking and the option for electronic tickets. The app is very modern and convenient, highly recommended!

Features and tips

Combined tickets: Tickets valid for both the metro and ground transport are available. This is convenient for city travel, as one ticket can be used on various types of transport.

Ticket validation: It is very important to validate tickets for each trip. An unvalidated ticket may result in a fine.

Tourist passes: In Bucharest, tourist passes are available, allowing unlimited travel for a certain period (e.g., 24 or 72 hours).

Contactless payment: In Bucharest and other cities, including new buses and trams, validators supporting payment with contactless bank cards are installed. Simply hold the card to the validator. The transaction is confirmed by a sound signal and the message "APROBAT" on the validator screen.

In Bucharest and other major cities, public transport tickets can be purchased by sending an SMS to a special number. For example, to buy a ticket in Bucharest, you need to send a message with the text "C" or "AB" to the number 7458. After sending the SMS, you will receive a confirmation code, which you must keep until the end of the trip. This code confirms the ticket payment and can be checked by inspectors.

24pay: allows you to easily buy public transport tickets through a mobile application. To do this, you need to download the app, register your bank card, and select the desired ticket. The app supports the purchase of tickets for various types of transport, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Payment is made through the app, and the ticket is automatically activated on your device.

Taxis

Main taxi companies: In major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara, there are several taxi companies, including Meridian, Speed Taxi, Cristaxi, Taxi 2000, and Pelicanul.

Taxi usage features

Order: Taxis can be ordered through mobile applications such as Clever Taxi and Free Now, as well as by phone or at taxi stands.

Payment: Can be made in cash or by bank cards. Some applications allow you to pay for the ride directly through them.

Safety tips: It is recommended to use only licensed taxis and avoid illegal drivers, especially at airports and train stations.

Car-sharing services

Uber: One of the most popular platforms, available in 15 cities, including Bucharest, Timișoara, and Cluj-Napoca; also offers Uber Green service with electric cars.

Bolt: Available in 11 major cities and offers several categories of services, including Bolt Protect with partitions for passenger safety and Bolt Green with eco-friendly cars.

BlaBlaCar: A ride-sharing platform that allows drivers to offer seats in their cars to other passengers.

GetPony: This is the first and largest car-sharing service in Romania; offers over 160 cars that can be rented via a mobile app. Services are available in Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest. Cars can be picked up and dropped off in any permitted zones, making the service convenient for short-term rentals.

Hip.Car: Provides car-sharing and bike rental services; approximately 150 hybrid cars and 350 bicycles are available; operates through a mobile app, and payment is made automatically. The service is available in Bucharest and other major cities in Romania.

Scooter and bicycle rental services

Main platforms

Lime and Bolt: Both companies provide electric scooter rental services in major cities. Users can find and rent a scooter via mobile apps.

Nextbike: A bicycle rental platform available in cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. Bicycles can be rented and returned to special stations.

Usage features

Registration and rental: Registration in the app and linking of a bank card is required. Scooter and bicycle rentals are usually paid per minute.

Safety: Users must comply with traffic rules and use protective gear such as helmets.

Living in Romania without owning a car is not only possible but also convenient thanks to the variety of public transport and alternative modes of transport. You can use buses, the metro, taxis, car-sharing services, as well as rent scooters and bicycles, which will ensure you a comfortable and efficient movement around the cities and regions of the country. Also, most cities have well-developed pedestrian zones and bicycle paths, making walking and using bicycles a great option for getting around.

Obtaining a local driver's license

To enroll in a driving school in Romania, you need to:

Age: Be at least 18 years old (or 3 months before turning 18).

Romanian identity card: for example, a residence permit (temporary).

Medical certificate: A document confirming your ability to drive a car.

Psychological certificate: Examination that may be organized by the driving school.

Certificate of no criminal record: Issued at the nearest police station.

Tuition payment: Driving schools usually require a prepayment of about 20% of the total cost of training.

Driving School Training

Theoretical training: Includes 24 hours of lessons on traffic rules, safe driving, first aid, and mechanics.

Practical training: Includes 30 hours of driving with an instructor, focusing on various skills such as parking, navigating roundabouts, and highway driving.

Duration: Training at the driving school takes an average of 2-3 months, after which you need to register for exams.

Taking Exams

Theoretical exam: The exam includes 26 questions and is conducted on a computer. A minimum of 22 correct answers is required to pass.

Practical exam: Conducted by a police inspector who evaluates the candidate's driving skills. The exam lasts from 25 to 45 minutes and includes performing various maneuvers on the road. To pass, you must avoid making critical errors.

Documents for exams: Include a certificate of completion from the driving school, a copy of the identity card, medical and psychological certificates, a certificate of no criminal record, and proof of exam payment. Registration for the exam and submission of documents is done online through the DRPCIV website. After successfully passing the exams, the driver's license will be issued within a few days and sent by mail.

Useful link: (https://dgpci.mai.gov.ro/document-details/permise/5ab135f3fa4e9422012c2bb1).

Exchange of a Foreign Driver's License

Main requirements

Legal residence: Foreigners must have legal residency rights in Romania (such as a residence permit for non-EU citizens or a registration certificate for EU citizens) and reside in the country for at least 185 days a year (be a resident).

Validity of the foreign license: The driver's license must be valid and issued in a country recognized by Romanian authorities.

Documents for exchange:

- Original and copy of the foreign driver's license.

- Official translation of the driver's license into Romanian, notarized.

- Romanian resident card (residence permit) or registration certificate.

- Medical fitness certificate for driving.

- Certificate of no criminal record.

- Two passport-sized photos.

- Payment of the state fee.

Exchange process

Payment of the fee: Pay the state fee at any CEC bank branch or via online banking.

Appointment booking: Schedule an appointment through the official website of the Romanian Office for Licensing and Vehicle Registration, and choose a convenient time and place for submitting the documents.

Document submission: Visit the police station at the appointed time and submit all collected documents. The review and exchange process may take one to two weeks.

Exams: The exchange of a driver's license is possible if the original license was issued in a country that is part of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. If the exchange is not possible, a theoretical and practical exam will be required in Romania (https://dgpci.mai.gov.ro/document-details/permise/).

In Romania, there is a system of fines and penalties for traffic violations, which includes various levels of sanctions depending on the severity of the violation.

Speeding

by 10-20 km/h: fine from 250 to 375 RON.

by 21-30 km/h: fine from 500 to 625 RON and 3 penalty points.

by 31-40 km/h: fine from 750 to 1000 RON and 4 penalty points.

by 41-50 km/h: fine from 1125 to 1500 RON and 6 penalty points.

more than 50 km/h: fine from 1125 to 3000 RON, 6 penalty points, and license suspension for 90 days.

Other violations

Running a red light: fine from 725 to 1450 RON and 4 penalty points.

Improper parking: fine from 250 to 500 RON.

Using a mobile phone while driving without a headset: fine from 725 to 1450 RON and 4 penalty points.

Driving under the influence of alcohol: fine from 1305 to 2900 RON, 9 penalty points, and possible license suspension for 90 days. If the blood alcohol content exceeds 0.8‰, it is considered a criminal offense and may result in imprisonment.

Payment of fines

Payment deadline: Fines must be paid within 15 days to receive a 50% discount.

Payment methods: Payment is possible through post offices, banks, or online through government portals. Fines are not paid directly to the police officer on the spot.

Additional penalties

License suspension: Depending on the violation, driving licenses can be temporarily revoked for a period from 30 to 90 days.

Criminal penalties: Some serious violations, such as driving under heavy alcohol influence, can lead to criminal liability and imprisonment.

Vehicle registration

Obtaining a personal identification number: To start the registration process, you need a personal identification number (CNP), which is issued to Romanian citizens and residents.

Documents for registration

- Purchase and sale agreement: Signed by the seller and buyer.

- Proof of ownership: Original and a copy.

- Technical passport of the vehicle: Contains information about previous owners and registration dates.

- Certificate of no tax arrears: Obtained from the tax office at the place of residence.

- Identification document: Passport or residence permit.

- RCA insurance: Mandatory civil liability (can be arranged at any insurance agency).

- Receipt of registration fee payment: Usually about 49 RON.

- Technical inspection certificate: Confirms that the vehicle meets safety and environmental standards.

Registration process

Schedule an appointment: Schedule your appointment through the website of the General Directorate for Driver Licenses and Vehicle Registration (DRPCIV). A printed confirmation of the appointment is necessary for attendance.

Submitting Documents: Bring all the necessary documents to the DRPCIV office at the appointed time.

Obtaining License Plates and Registration Certificate: After successfully completing all checks, you will be issued vehicle registration plates and a registration certificate.

Technical Inspection

Frequency:

New cars undergo technical inspection 3 years after initial registration.

Cars from 3 to 12 years old undergo technical inspection every 2 years.

Cars older than 12 years undergo technical inspection annually.

Technical Inspection Procedure:

The technical inspection is conducted in authorized technical inspection centers (RAR).

Main safety systems, exhaust gases, and the overall technical condition of the vehicle are checked.

The cost of technical inspection varies, usually between 100 and 180 RON.

Documents for Technical Inspection:

- Vehicle registration certificate.

- RCA insurance.

- Personal identification.

Temporary Use

Foreign vehicles can be used temporarily in Romania for up to 90 days without registration. For this, you need to have valid insurance and documents proving vehicle ownership.

If needed, you can extend this period by obtaining temporary registration with red numbers, which is usually valid for 30 days. To obtain temporary registration, you need to submit an application, provide vehicle documents, and pay the fees.

Mandatory Insurance: All vehicles used in Romania must have mandatory liability insurance. Vehicles registered in other countries cannot obtain CASCO insurance from Romanian insurance companies until they are registered in Romania.

Registration of Foreign Vehicles

Car Import Procedure

You need to pay customs duties and taxes upon importing the vehicle.

Submit documents to the Romanian Automobile Register (RAR) to obtain a conformity certificate and undergo the first technical inspection.

Documents for Import:

- Customs declaration.

- Bill of loading or delivery order.

- Conformity certificate.

- Personal identification and RCA insurance.

Documents for Registration:

- Registration application.

- Owner's personal identification.

- Vehicle documents (originals and certified translations).

- Proof of payment of taxes and fees, including value-added tax (VAT) and environmental tax.

- Conformity certificate confirming compliance with European standards.

- Technical inspection certificate.

- RCA insurance.

- Registration and license plate payments.

Registration Procedure

Appointment: Make an appointment at the Romanian Automobile Register for a technical check and obtaining the conformity certificate.

Technical Check: The vehicle condition is checked, including lights, brakes, exhaust system, and other components.

Payment of Fees: Registration fees and vehicle tax need to be paid.

Final Registration: Once you have received all necessary documents, submit them to the vehicle registration office (DRPCIV) to obtain permanent license plates and a registration certificate.

Taxes and Fees

The annual road tax depends on the engine capacity of the vehicle and is paid to the local tax office. It can be paid in two stages: by March 31 and by October 1, with the possibility of obtaining a discount for a one-time payment of the full amount.

Environmental tax and VAT are levied on car imports from non-EU countries.

Charging Stations

In 2024, there were about 1,350 charging stations for electric vehicles in Romania. This includes both regular and fast charging stations. It is planned to increase this number to 6,500 charging stations in the coming years.

Types of Charging Stations

Slow charging stations: Suitable for charging electric vehicles overnight or during extended parking.

Fast charging stations: Allow charging an electric vehicle up to 80% of battery capacity in 30-60 minutes. In Romania, about 43% of the charging stations are fast, which is significantly above the global average.

Key Operators

Eldrive: A major charging station operator planning to install 4376 new charging stations in Romania over the next three years, thanks to funding from the European Investment Bank.

Enel X, EVConnect, and Renovatio: Other significant players in the Romanian charging station market actively expanding their networks.

Service Centers

Electric Vehicle Service Centers: The number of specialized service centers for electric vehicles is growing, providing necessary maintenance and repair services for EVs. In major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, these services are becoming increasingly available.