Hire A Car In Craiova And Explore Oltenia On Your Terms
Compare competitive prices and use this practical UK-focused guide to pick the right pickup point, understand insurance and fees, and drive away with confidence in and around Craiova.






Hire a Car in Craiova and Cruise Through Oltenia
From Brâncuși sculptures in Târgu Jiu to the Iron Gates on the Danube, choose the right car for your Romanian road trip and explore more popular picks nearby.
City & Vineyards
Small

5
2
AutoCraiova's compact centre around the Art Museum, Madona Dudu Church and Romanescu Park has narrow streets and tight bays that punish anything oversized. A small hatchback slips in easily, sips fuel across the flat Oltenia plains, and keeps daily rates friendly for British holidaymakers watching the budget. It is also ideal for short hops south to the Segarcea wine estate, where country lanes reward a light, easy-to-park motor. Couples and solo travellers will find it the smartest urban choice.
Carpathian Foothills
SUV

5
3
AutoThe drive north to Horezu Monastery and the Subcarpathian valleys winds through occasional gravel sections, potholed patches and steep single-carriageway descents that catch out low-clearance cars. A compact SUV gives British drivers the extra ground clearance, higher seating position and confidence to tackle rural driveways in any season. Four-wheel drive is reassuring when snow arrives between November and March, and the boot easily swallows hiking boots and day bags. It is the safest bet for families heading into the hills.
Danube & Motorway Touring
Medium

5
2
AutoReaching the Iron Gates via Drobeta-Turnu Severin, crossing to Bulgaria at Calafat-Vidin, or running the 230 km down the A1 to Bucharest all involve long, fast stints where a medium saloon or estate truly comes into its own. Cruise control, supportive seats and a quieter cabin take the strain out of hours behind the wheel. An automatic gearbox suits British drivers unaccustomed to constant gearchanges on sweeping Trans-European routes, and the boot easily takes two large suitcases for a fortnight on the road.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Fastest Start: Pick Up At Craiova International Airport (CRA)
Airport pickup suits UK travellers who want to get on the road immediately after arrival, especially with luggage or an onward itinerary outside Craiova. Availability is usually best around flight schedules, and you can often access a wider range of cars than smaller city locations. Do confirm opening hours, the exact meeting point (desk vs meet-and-greet), and whether any airport location surcharge applies.


Renault Clio
5
1
4
Auto

Renault Clio
5
1
4
Auto

Renault Clio
5
1
4
Auto

Dacia Jogger
5
2
4
Manual

Dacia Jogger
5
2
4
Manual

Dacia Jogger
5
2
4
Manual

Ford Focus Estate
5
3
4
Auto

Ford Focus Estate
5
3
4
Auto

Ford Focus Estate
5
3
4
AutoCraiova Car Hire Ratings from Real Drivers
Browse honest reviews and star ratings from travellers who collected their rental cars in Craiova, helping you choose a trusted local hire company.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | 4.5 59 reviews | $63 | In terminal, Walk to counter | - |
| |
Best Overall | 4.2 17,400+ reviews | $67 | Shuttle bus | Low deposit |
| |
![]() | 3.7 1 review | $46 | 4.7 mi from Craiova Downtown | $2,222 |
| |
![]() | 3.2 1 review | $46 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $330 - $1,178 |
| |
![]() | 2.5 7 reviews | $43 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $585 - $1,178 |
| |
![]() | 2.5 25 reviews | $58 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $330 - $1,178 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
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Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Craiova Airport (CRA) accounts for 45% of rentals, with city centre locations growing at 12% annually. Online booking represents 75% of all reservations."
Booking Patterns
"Economy vehicles dominate with 33% share, while SUV bookings rose 18% year-on-year. Summer rentals peak at 40% above annual average, with 5-7 day average rental duration."
Customer Pain Points
"38% of renters report confusion over insurance coverage options, with 28% citing hidden fees as primary complaint during vehicle collection."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- Romania Car Rental Market Analysis
- Avis Budget Group Annual Report
- European Car Rental Market Report
- ACEA Tourism Statistics
- Euro Consumer Pain Points Survey
- Rentalcars.com Customer Feedback Report
Popular Self-Drive Routes & Trips From Craiova
Recommended Driving Routes:
Popular Day Trips & Short Breaks:
Craiova City Highlights Loop (Old Town + Nicolae Romanescu Park)
An easy city loop combining the historic centre with one of Europe’s largest urban parks. Ideal for your first day with the car if you want flexibility for museums, cafés and quick scenic stops.
Băile Govora Spa Break
A relaxed spa-style outing to a small resort town known for its calm atmosphere and easy pacing. Great for travellers who want a low-effort drive and a restorative afternoon.
Horezu & Traditional Pottery Workshops
A favourite cultural day trip from Craiova, centred on local craft studios and small-town dining. Pair it with a brief stop at nearby viewpoints or monasteries if time allows.
Calafat Danube Riverside Afternoon
A simple Danube escape for a riverside walk and sunset views. The drive is uncomplicated, making it a good option if you prefer shorter mileage but want a change of scenery.
Car Rental & Driving Tips Around Craiova
Bring the right documents: Carry your driving licence, passport/ID, and the rental agreement at all times. If your licence is not in Latin script, consider an International Driving Permit.
Plan for deposits and card requirements: Most rentals require a credit card for the security deposit. Check the deposit amount in advance and confirm whether debit cards are accepted.
Choose insurance deliberately: Compare the excess (deductible) and what’s excluded (tyres, glass, underbody). If upgrading coverage, confirm how claims are handled and whether it reduces the excess to zero.
Understand the fuel policy: The most cost-effective option is usually full-to-full. Photograph the fuel gauge at pick-up and keep fuel receipts near return time, especially for early-morning drop-offs.
Expect mixed road quality outside main routes: National roads around Craiova are generally fine, but rural stretches can have potholes and limited lighting. Avoid rushing after dark on unfamiliar country roads.
Sort out parking before you arrive: In central Craiova, parking can be limited at peak times. Use marked public parking areas and check local signage for payment methods and time limits.
Do a thorough inspection and take photos: Record existing scratches, wheel marks and windscreen chips at collection and return. A short walk-around video can help if there’s a dispute later.
Use offline maps and allow extra time for detours: Mobile coverage can dip in some rural sections. Download offline maps, and build a buffer for roadworks or slower traffic through towns.
Drive Craiova: Your Ultimate Romanian Road Trip Guide
Discover essential driving and travel information for exploring Craiova and Romania's scenic roads, from speed limits to fuel prices and car hire deals.
LANGUAGES
Romanian
CURRENCY
RON
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+40
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$35 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
7 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
50 km/h
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
130 km/h
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.00% (Zero Tolerance)
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$1.88/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$0.97/L - $2.16/L
Hiring a Car in Craiova: Essential FAQs for UK Drivers
Everything British road-trippers need to know about driving in and around Craiova, from licences and tolls to winter chains and parking
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