By train you have limited reach and frequent delays, public transport does not really exist outside the cities, and intercity private transport has its drawbacks. Therefore, the best way to visit the country on your own is by taking one of the self-drive tours in Romania detailed below (brief useful information on “driving in Romania” here).
On the other hand, if you prefer a tailor-made trip with an English-speaking guide or driver, you can choose any of our Romania Tours and Eastern Europe Tours here.
For a self-drive tour taking advantage of a local travel agency’s know-how, you should follow the next steps:
1. Find the flights
> We recommend looking for the best option on Skyscanner.com and buying your flights online, directly on the airline’s website. You will have to choose the travel dates based on your available days but also on what you want to visit. We suggest direct or short-scale flights while taking into account possible baggage supplements, mainly for low cost airlines. A good flight schedule can help you gain time on the day of arrival or return.
2. Set an itinerary
> You need to set up an itinerary to be able to book the best overnight accommodation in advance, depending on your preferences and availability. You will also want a plan for the things you want to do, even if it’s approximate. During the trip you can adapt, change, improvise, but everything will go smoother with a plan already in place.
Depending on the number of days and your preferences, it will be easy to choose and customize one of the itineraries in Romania that we have conceived and constantly improved over the years.
The most recommended itinerary takes 1 week: 8 Days Essential Romania Tour: Bucharest, Transylvania, the Painted Monasteries.
It starts and ends in Bucharest, the capital, with its must-see attractions and the largest airport in the country. Travel through Transylvania and also reach the north, the beautiful region of Bucovina.
The most complete itinerary would take 2 weeks: 15 Days Grand Tour of Romania: with Corvin Castle, Mocanita steam train and Turda salt mine.
In addition to different attractions, it includes the authentic Maramures region, with its wooden Churches and the Merry Cemetery, as well as the Danube Delta and the Black Sea Coast.
Nevertheless, two very attractive itineraries are: 12-Day UNESCO Heritage Route in Romania: Horezu, Maramures, Bucovina, and Transylvania and
6 Days Trip to Romania: Bucharest, Transylvania, and Dracula’s Route.
Two different approaches and two theme tours that allow you to fully discover the country, its jewel attractions and mysteries.
If you have less time, the trip: 5 Days Essential Romania Tour will be ideal to discover the capital city and Transylvania, with Peles and Bran castles and the iconic cities of: Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu.
We recommend you to check our complete collection of tours in Romania (11 in total).
You will also find itineraries with fewer hotel stays, special activities such as a snack in a Transylvanian village, active tourism, enjoying nature, gastronomy and rural charm.
We will help you set up the itinerary if you rent the car with us (see step 3). Also, if you want to include the accommodation (optional), you can choose between various kinds of hotels, guesthouses and charming rural houses.
3. Choose the car
> There is a myriad of offers available but it is generally difficult to choose the most suitable one (many conditions, extra costs etc.). We at Santiago Tour have thought to offer you the best value for money, reduce the risks, and include some extra benefits.
It all starts with choosing one of the 2 car classes we offer, depending on the number of people and suitcases:
A. Skoda Octavia or similar (car).
Fuel efficient, reliable, spacious |
Up to 4 people + suitcases |
Price: from € 59 / day
B. Opel Vivaro / Mercedes Vito or similar (passenger van).
Reliable, large, easy to drive |
Up to 8/9 people + suitcases |
Price: from € 89 / day
What is included?
1. rental vehicle with insurance.You will have to pay a deposit of € 350 for the car / € 450 for the van + 19% VAT, as a guarantee.
> You have 0 responsibility in case of damage caused by third parties, or in case of fire or theft. You enjoy assistance in case of an incident / accident.
The € 350/450 + VAT are refundable depending on the possible damages caused by you. If you want 0 (zero) security deposit, ask us about this option. The rest of the conditions are below. If you prefer a different type of car, please let us know.
2. airport transfers
> with a driver who helps you get started on arrival and leaves you at the departure terminal upon return; the car is received and returned just after and before the transfers, at your accommodation, with no waiting time in the airport.
3. rental tablet, travel guide, road map
> tablet with internet access for navigation and to facilitate the trip, preloaded with apps and useful information; a travel guide in English (lended); a road map
If you prefer a rental car with a driver, please let us know.
Why us?
• modern vehicles, according to your preferences and needs
• everything essential is included, avoiding the typical problems and abusive conditions
> that occur with most car rental companies, as you can see when checking their reviews.
• take advantage of personalized assistance from a local travel agency
> We offer you free assistance to set up your itinerary (max. 3 emails).
What do our customers say?
“ Highly recommended.
We contacted them online and both Cristian and Ana gave us a personalized offer, we chose the Fly & drive option, they designed a custom made tour and arranged car and hotel reservations, and everything was very good.
It is a way of getting to know Romania on our own terms but benefiting from the advice and the professionalism of this agency.”
José – Madrid, Spain.
Terms & Conditions:
> minimum 4 days, including day of arrival and day of return
> unlimited kilometers
> for tours that start and end in Bucharest, without leaving Romania
> fuel: vehicle received and returned with a full tank
> internet: maximum 500 Mb / day, data usage
> 1 or 2 drivers, with a minimum of 25 years of age
> Mandatory: ID / Passport, driver’s license, Visa or Mastercard credit card (no debit card)
> optional: child seat
> In case of any event, call us immediately at the assistance number
> cancellation policy at point IV here.
Request your rental car and assistance to set up the itinerary by filling in the following form:
