Car Hire in Timisoara

About Timisoara

Timisoara is a city in Romania, more precisely in the western part of the country. It is the capital of Timiș County and the most important economic, social, and cultural center in western Romania. Thanks to the very fertile soil, this area was inhabited already before 4000 BC. The settlements in this area had different names and served different purposes. In the past, there were several ups and downs and different events that shaped the character and spirit of this area and also of this city. In the 18th century, this was a very well-developed and important European city. Today Timisoara is considered the unofficial capital of the historical Banat. The city was founded on the beacons of the Bega River. Timișoara is a multicultural city, where 21 ethnic groups and 18 religions live. Interculturality has long been a distinctive feature of the western part of the country.

All this makes Timisoara a very popular destination for tourists and travelers from all over the world. It is also a very popular destination for people from Romania, as there are many business and job opportunities in this city, which is a mixture of modern and traditional. The people here are very nice and friendly and visiting Timisoara is always a great experience. The city is well connected with other parts of the country and also with other countries, especially with neighboring countries. If you are planning a road trip through Romania, you should put Timisoara on the list of places where you will stop and spend a few days. This could also be a perfect starting point for your road trip through this country. It's up to you what you plan to do, but one thing is for sure: you will not get bored in Timisoara. Buckle up and drive safely!

Basic info and car hire in Timisoara

• Location: Western Romania
• Population: 319,279
• Official language: Romanian
• Currency: Romanian leu
• Weather: Timisoara has a humid continental climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafes offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Road conditions in Timisoara are generally good. There will be some potholes, but it has been improving in recent years. 
• Car hire in Timisoara:  Car hire in Timisoara is a great idea to explore all of what Romania has to offer. The most common pick-up location is at Timisoara Airport. There are many different car rental companies available and they all offer competitive prices. So it's best to book a car three or eight weeks ahead of time - this will ensure you get an affordable rate! Alternatively, if your travel plans change last minute there are plenty around who can help out as well; just look no further than us here at Orbit Car Hire.

 Driving in Timisoara

If you want to properly explore Timisoara and the wider city and countryside, a rental car is undoubtedly the best option for you. The main roads are generally in good condition, the landscapes are fantastic and there is always something to see and do here. So, if you follow the traffic rules and follow the road signs, you will have no problems driving around Timisoara and Romania. If you are exploring the rural part of the country, you should be extra careful as the roads are often not so well maintained and you should reduce your speed to avoid potholes on the road.

If you want to explore Timisoara city center, it is best to park your car in a parking garage or a guarded parking lot (inquire about prices and payment methods) and then explore the city center on foot or combine walking with using public transportation. After you have explored the city center, you can get back in your car and explore further afield. Buckle up and drive safely!

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Romania is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car in Romania is 21 years old and with some suppliers for people over 75 years of age, you must also have held a driving license for a minimum of 12 months. Young driver surcharges may apply to many car rental companies for people under 25 years of age. This information is visible in the search engine with Orbit Car Hire.
• International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving License if the National Driving License you or any of the Additional Drivers hold is not clearly identifiable as a Driving License, eg, it is in a non-Latin alphabet (eg Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese). It can also depend on the country or car rental company you are renting with. If you have found a car on our website, you can press the rental terms link from the supplier for more information about driving license requirements. You will need to have identification with you such as a passport and ID cards. When you pick up your rental car you need to have your voucher with you.
• Additional papers: A credit card in the name of the main driver needs to be presented. A security deposit may be required while renting a car so the credit card must have sufficient funds. You can find details about the security deposit listed while booking the vehicle as well as on your voucher. It is important to have a valid driving license with the name of the main driver as well as additional drivers when it applies. You will need to have identification with you such as a passport and ID cards. When you pick up your rental car you need to have your voucher with you.
• Additional requirements: Reflective jackets (mandatory to carry in your vehicle and wear if walking on the road or hard shoulder in the event of emergency or breakdown), Warning triangle (compulsory in every vehicle with more than two wheels) , Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), Fire extinguisher (compulsory in all vehicles), First aid kit (compulsory in all vehicles), Crash helmets are compulsory for riders of mopeds and motorcycles, as well as trikes and quads without closed bodywork. Mopeds and motorcycles on the road must have their lights on at all times. 
• Children in the car: Children under the age of 12 years are not allowed to travel in the front passenger seat. A child up to 3 years old must use an appropriate child restraint for their size. A child under 12 years of age and shorter than 150 cm must use either an appropriate child restraint or a booster seat.
• Driving side of the road: Right Hand
• Lights:  All vehicles must drive with their headlights on, between 22:00 and 6:00
• General speed limits: Romania uses the metric system for all road signs, meaning speed limits and other road signs including distance are indicated using kilometers and meters. These are the general speed limits for private cars:. In built-up areas 50km/h (unless otherwise stated on local signs), Outside built-up areas 90km/h – 100km/h (unless otherwise stated on local signs), Motorways 130km/h. 

Popular day trips from Timisoara

Belgrade, Novi Sad, Deva, Hunedoara County, Hunedoara, Ohaba de sub Piatra, Cârnic...

What to see in Timisoara

Timisoara is a very popular city among the inhabitants of Romania and also one of the most visited destinations by tourists and travelers from all over the world. There is really a lot to see and do here. You can visit many different cultural, historical, and religious sites here. Besides, you can admire the wonderful nature outside the city area. The city is also well connected with other parts of the country and also with other countries, so you can really have a great vacation here in Timisoara and its surroundings.

One of the places you should definitely visit here in Timisoara is Piaţa Unirii (Union Square). This 18th-century square is known as the best and most beautiful square in Romania. It is surrounded by impressive Baroque and Viennese Secessionist facades. There are also two cathedrals and many other buildings that you can see in this square. The square is a popular destination among locals who gather here.

Piaţa Victoriei (Victory Square) is another square you should visit here in Timisoara. This square has a large, 90-meter-high cathedral on one side and the Romanian Opera House on the other. There are also some very interesting monuments and details throughout the square. You should really take your time and explore this interesting piece of Timisoara.

Other places to visit and things to do in Timisoara: Historic Centre, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, St George’s Cathedral, Roses Park, Muzeul de Artă (Art Museum), Casa Brück, Muzeul Revoluției, Museum of the Communist Consumer, Museum of Banat, Theresia Bastion, Romanian Opera House, Serbian Orthodox Bishop’s Palace, Botanic Park,...

Drive your rental car beyond Timisoara

Romania is a country in Europe, more precisely at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Romania has 5 neighboring countries, it borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Moldova to the east and the Black Sea to the southeast. Romania is the twelfth most populous country in Europe and the sixth most populous member state of the European Union. The capital of Romania is Bucharest and there are several major cities in the country: Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Constanța, Craiova, Brașov, and Galați.

Romania is one of the hidden gems of Europe. Tourism here has developed strongly and quickly in the last decade and this country really has a lot to offer for every kind of tourist and traveler. There is really something for everyone who comes here. The offer is really huge. You can visit some great cities that are developing and modernized, but still full of remnants from the past and strong traditions and spirit. The cities here are very rich culturally and there are many cultural events throughout the year. There are many great museums, galleries, concerts, plays, operas, etc. that you should definitely visit while exploring Romania. But besides the bigger cities, Romania also has an excellent nature with all kinds of outdoor opportunities. You can do all kinds of sports activities here: climbing, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, rafting, running, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, skating, etc. So, for those who are looking for an active holiday, this is undoubtedly the perfect destination, as you can find all kinds of activities here. Besides nature, you can also explore small towns and villages. You will meet very friendly locals here, who are very positive and always ready to help and guide you. When you come to some traditional small Romanian villages, you will get a glimpse of the traditional life of the people in Romania. The traditions are really interesting and unique and the best part is that they are very different from one part of the country to another. Romania is known as a country of many faces and as you drive through Romania, you will notice that life is very different in the north than in the south. There are differences from village to village and all this makes Romania an even richer country. The different parts of the country are well connected. The roads are generally in good condition, but there are some roads, especially in the rural areas, that are not so well maintained and can have some holes. This means that you should reduce your speed if necessary.

Places to see and things to do in Romania: Dracula's Castle in Transylvania, Romania's most beautiful castle: Peleș Castle, A Gothic masterpiece in Brasov: The Black Church, Brukenthal and Astra Museums in Sibiu, Bohemia, Hiking in the wild Carpathian Mountains, Romania's most famous natural landscape: the Danube Delta, discover how good Romanian wines are, observe brown bears in their natural habitat, admire the 500-year-old painted monasteries of Bukovina, take a slow and scenic steam train ride, travel back to the Middle Ages in the UNESCO citadel of Sighișoara, taste traditional Romanian food and tasty vegetables, ride an underground Ferris wheel in the Turda salt mine, visit the largest building in Europe: Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, drive on the famous Transfăgărășan highway, enjoy the nightlife in Bucharest Old Town, see the Romanian Sphinx in Bucegi Mountains, experience the authentic Romanian village life, visit Romania's, Haunted Forest...

Where to eat, drink, and party in Timisoara

Romania is a perfect destination to discover the flavors of Eastern European cuisine. The cuisine here is very rich and tasty. In Timisoara, you can find many different restaurants. There are restaurants with traditional Romanian cuisine or even some authentic local dishes, then there are restaurants where you can enjoy modern Romanian cuisine and of course, there are restaurants where you can enjoy menus from all over the world. So, the offer is really huge and it's up to you what kind of cuisine you prefer, but one thing is for sure: you will not go hungry in Timisoara.

WHERE TO PARTY:

Viniloteca

Cabinet

La Capite

Symphony Cafe

Fratelli Lounge & Club

Bierhaus

Cramele Recas

Best restaurant in Timisoara

Vinto

La Calul Alb

Le Monelline

Neata Omelette Bistro

Restaurant Sabres

Restaurant Merlot