Romania

Travelling to Romania by car

Embarking on a road trip to Romania? It’s essential to be well-prepared for a smooth experience. Make sure your vehicle is insured, usually with a Green Card for international travel within Europe. If your vehicle is registered in the EU, your registration can often act as proof of insurance in many EU countries. A valid driving license is a must, and the car should be in prime condition to handle the journey. Additionally, when traveling from outside Romania, carrying a valid form of identification, such as a passport or ID card, is mandatory. These steps are crucial for a hassle-free and compliant road trip to Romania. For more travel tips and information, visit Avignette.com, where we’re dedicated to making your travel experiences seamless and enjoyable.

Navigating Toll Charges in Romania

Traveling through Romania involves toll charges on certain roads and tunnels, and it’s important to know how to pay these fees. Here’s a guide from Avignette.com:

Payment Methods for Toll Charges:

• At Toll Gates: You can pay toll charges in cash or with a credit card directly at the toll gates.

Types of Toll Roads and Pricing:

• Diverse Toll Roads: Romania features various toll roads including motorways and national roads.
• Variable Pricing: The cost of using these roads varies based on the vehicle category and the selected validity period.
• Discounts Available: Frequent users and holders of a Romanian vignette may be eligible for discounts.

Obtaining a Romanian Vignette:

• Online Purchase: For convenience, you can easily order the Romanian vignette online through our website, Avignette.com.

Understanding and preparing for toll payments in Romania is crucial for a hassle-free journey. Avignette.com offers comprehensive information and convenient services to help you navigate Romania’s toll roads with ease.

Border Checks in Romania

When traveling to Romania, it’s important to be aware of the border control procedures in place. Here’s what you need to know:

Presence of Border Checks:

• Strict Enforcement: Romania maintains strict border checks due to its status outside the Schengen area.
• Physical Inspections: As a result, physical border inspections are a standard procedure.

Being prepared for these checks, including having all necessary documentation ready, is crucial for a smooth entry into Romania.

Routes to Romania from the UK

Traveling by car from the UK to Romania involves considering various routes and the additional step of crossing from the UK to mainland Europe. Here are improved route descriptions with this in mind:

Route 1: UK – France/Belgium/Netherlands – Germany – Austria – Hungary – Romania

• Cross-Channel Travel: Start by crossing the Channel from the UK to France, using either the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais or a ferry service.
• Through Mainland Europe: Travel through France, Belgium, or the Netherlands into Germany, then proceed through Austria and Hungary into Romania.
• Distance and Accessibility: This route is predominantly motorway-based and is the most direct, but the total distance will vary depending on your starting point in the UK and the chosen crossing to mainland Europe.

Route 2: UK – France/Belgium/Netherlands – Germany – Czech Republic – Slovakia – Hungary – Romania

• Channel Crossing and Initial Journey: After crossing into France, head towards Germany, passing through Belgium or the Netherlands as an alternative.
• Scenic Path Through Central Europe: From Germany, travel through the Czech Republic and Slovakia, then into Hungary, and finally reach Romania.
• Overall Distance: Similar to Route 1, the total distance will depend on your specific starting point and chosen Channel crossing method.

Route 3: UK – France/Belgium/Netherlands – Germany – Poland – Slovakia – Hungary – Romania

• Beginning the Journey: Use the Channel crossing to enter mainland Europe, then make your way to Germany.
• Extended Scenic Route: This path takes you through Poland and Slovakia, offering a more scenic and culturally diverse journey before entering Hungary and Romania.
• Distance Consideration: This is the longest of the three routes, with the exact distance depending on your UK departure point and entry into mainland Europe.

For each of these routes, it’s important to consider vignette requirements for each country you’ll pass through. Additionally, keep in mind border check protocols, especially when entering non-Schengen countries like Romania.

Exploring Romania by Car: Popular Routes

Choosing the best route through Romania by car depends on your interests, time availability, and destinations you wish to explore. Here are some popular routes to consider:

Route 1: Hungary Border to Bucharest

• Path: This direct route primarily follows the A1 motorway.
• Destinations: Starting from the Hungarian border, it leads straight to Bucharest, Romania’s capital, which serves as a gateway to other Romanian regions.
• Highlights: Ideal for those looking for a straightforward and quick journey to the heart of Romania.

Route 2: Hungary Border to Bucharest, then Transylvania

• Journey: Begins similarly on the A1 motorway, then continues to the historic region of Transylvania via the DN1 national road.
• Transylvania: Known for its stunning castles, rich history, and picturesque mountainous landscapes.
• Experience: This route offers a blend of urban exploration in Bucharest and cultural immersion in Transylvania.

Route 3: Hungary Border to Bucharest, then the Carpathians

• Travel Path: Follows the A1 motorway and then the DN1 national road, similar to Route 2.
• Carpathian Mountains: A region famed for its breathtaking natural beauty, hiking trails, and ski resorts.
• Adventure: Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking outdoor activities in Romania’s most scenic mountainous area.

Each of these routes offers a unique perspective of Romania, from urban exploration to the rich cultural tapestry of its historical regions and natural wonders. Remember to check for any vignette requirements and stay informed about local driving regulations. For more detailed route advice and travel tips, visit Avignette.com, where we provide comprehensive guidance for your Romanian road trip.

Electric Car Travel in Romania

Traveling through Romania in an electric car requires some planning due to the current state of charging infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know:

Availability of Charging Points:

• Current Infrastructure: As of the latest data, Romania has around 1,300 charging stations for electric vehicles.
• Concentration: The majority of these charging points are located in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Sibiu.

Considerations for Electric Car Travelers:

• Limited Coverage: Compared to other European countries, the number of charging stations in Romania is relatively limited.
• Ongoing Developments: Efforts are underway to increase the number of charging points, but it’s advisable to plan your journey with the current limitations in mind.
• Route Planning: Plan your route to ensure accessibility to charging stations, especially when traveling outside major cities.

For electric car owners traveling to Romania, it’s crucial to map out charging stations along your route and have a backup plan for longer journeys. Avignette.com recommends staying updated on the locations of charging points and planning your travel itinerary accordingly.

Essential Items for Driving in Romania

When driving in Romania, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary items in your car for a safe and compliant journey. Here’s a checklist of mandatory and recommended items:

Mandatory Items:

1. Valid Driving License: Carry a valid driving license at all times while driving in Romania.
2. Identification: Have a valid form of identification, such as a passport or ID card.
3. Car Insurance: Ensure your vehicle is covered with valid insurance, typically evidenced by a Green Card.
4. Car Lighting and Safety Equipment: Equip your vehicle with necessary lighting, a first-aid kit, and reflective vests, including a safety vest for the driver.
5. Reflective Triangle: This is essential for safety, especially if your car becomes stationary on the road due to a breakdown or accident.

Recommended Items:

1. Toolbox: It’s advisable to carry a toolbox with basic tools like pliers, a flashlight, and a wheel wrench.
2. First Aid Kit: Having a first aid kit in your car can be crucial for handling unexpected situations.

Before setting off on your journey in Romania, it’s wise to check all these items are present and in good condition. For more detailed driving tips and guidance in Romania, visit Avignette.com, where we provide comprehensive advice to ensure your driving experience is both safe and enjoyable.

Refueling Tips for Driving in Romania

When driving in Romania, understanding the fueling options and payment methods is crucial for a smooth journey. Here’s what you need to know:

Availability of Petrol Stations:

• Wide Distribution: Romania has numerous petrol stations, especially concentrated in larger cities and along motorways.
• Operating Hours: Most stations operate 24/7, ensuring accessibility at any time.
• Fuel Types: Common fuel types like petrol, diesel, and LPG are readily available.

Payment Methods at Petrol Stations:

• Preferred Methods: Most stations in Romania accept cash or credit/debit cards equipped with chip and PIN technology.
• Recommendation: It’s advisable to carry enough cash or a chip and PIN card to avoid any payment issues.

Fuel Prices in Romania:

1. Petrol (Euro95): The average price ranges between approximately €1.30 and €1.50 per litre.
2. Diesel: Expect to pay around €1.20 to €1.40 per litre.
3. LPG: LPG typically costs between €0.70 and €0.90 per litre.

Factors Affecting Fuel Prices:

• Fuel prices can vary based on the region, seasons, international oil prices, and exchange rate fluctuations.

For a hassle-free driving experience in Romania, staying informed about fuel availability, payment options, and pricing is key.

Key Traffic Regulations in Romania

Driving in Romania involves adapting to local traffic laws, which may differ from those in the Netherlands or other countries. Here’s a summary of essential traffic rules to follow:

1. Speed Limits:
   • Motorways: Maximum speed is 130 km/h.
   • Normal Roads: Limit is 90 km/h.
   • Built-up Areas: Speed is restricted to 50 km/h.
2. Driving Side:
   • In Romania, like most European countries, driving is on the right side of the road.
3. Alcohol Consumption:
   • Romania enforces stringent regulations regarding drunk driving. Any blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.0 is deemed illegal. Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level over 0.08 is classified as a felony, which can result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
4. Seatbelt Usage:
   • Mandatory for both drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts.
5. Mobile Phone Usage:
   • Making phone calls while driving is forbidden unless using a hands-free system.
6. Child Safety:
   • Children under 12 years of age or shorter than 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat.
7. Use of Lights:
   • It’s compulsory to use headlights during poor visibility conditions.

Being aware of and adhering to these rules is crucial for safe and compliant driving in Romania. For more detailed information on driving regulations and tips for navigating Romanian roads, visit Avignette.com, where we provide comprehensive guides to ensure a hassle-free driving experience.