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📍 Sibiu: a historic Transylvanian town; Sibiu Airport (SBZ) is about 5–6 km from the centre.
Do You Need a Car in Sibiu?
Not for the old town. The Upper and Lower Town are small and walkable, and a taxi covers the rest. Parking in the historic centre is restricted.
A car is the reason to come if you want the mountain roads and the villages. Our advice: book for the days you leave town and ask the agency to deliver it to your hotel; leave it parked when you explore on foot.
Drive Times from Sibiu
Times are approximate and depend on traffic; use live navigation for the real figure.
| Destination | Approx. distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Sibiu Airport (SBZ) | ~5–6 km | about 10–20 min |
| Sighisoara | ~90 km | about 1.5–2 hours |
| Brasov | ~140 km | about 2.5–3 hours |
| Balea Lake (Transfagarasan) | ~75–80 km | about 1.5–2 hours when open |
| Alba Iulia | ~70–80 km | about 1–1.5 hours |
| Corvin Castle, Hunedoara | ~135–150 km | about 2–2.5 hours |
Old-Town Parking and Mountain Roads
Parking in and around the historic centre is limited and paid by zone, so park at your hotel or a signed car park and walk. The mountain roads start soon after leaving town, with bends, steep drops and fast weather changes.
- The Transfagarasan and Transalpina are normally closed in winter, roughly November to June; check before you go
- Bears live in the forests: do not feed or approach them and keep windows up
- Refuel before the mountains, since stations are sparse
- Fines from police and cameras are sent to the agency, which charges you after the rental
Pick-Up and Delivery
Pick-up is usually delivered to your hotel in Sibiu, or collected at Sibiu Airport (SBZ). Use the "Specify location" option in the search to choose, and check the car card for any fee. Do not rely on a named office unless it is written on the car card. If you arrive late, give the provider your flight number.
Documents and Age
- Valid driving licence, usually held for at least a year; minimum age is typically 21 (23 or 25 for larger or premium cars)
- Valid driving licence; licences issued in the EU/EEA are normally accepted, and for other licences an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required or advised depending on the issuing country and the agency — check with the agency before you travel
- Passport and the booking voucher
- A payment method that matches the offer: many agencies block the deposit on a credit card; use the No deposit or No credit card filter if you need an alternative
Insurance and Deposit Explained
With basic insurance the excess — your share of any damage — can be large and the agency blocks a deposit. Full coverage brings the excess close to zero and, with many local agencies, means no deposit. Typical exclusions are tyres, glass, the underbody, interior damage and lost keys, and the cover is not valid off-road. The road e-vignette (rovinieta), bridge or motorway tolls where they apply, fines and parking are separate matters: check what the offer includes and how the agency bills the rest. Photograph the car with the agent at pick-up and return and make sure all damage is in the acceptance document.
Driving in Sibiu: Roads and Habits
Slow lorries on the mountain climbs and horse carts in the villages make overtaking risky. Use low gears on descents and avoid night driving in the mountains.
- Traffic drives on the right; overtake on the left, and give way as the signs and markings say at roundabouts
- Speed limits are signed; typically about 50 km/h in towns, about 90 km/h on ordinary roads outside towns, and higher on expressways and motorways — follow the signs, because limits change often and cameras are common
- Headlights are required outside built-up areas, in practice all year round; many drivers simply keep dipped lights on
- Zero alcohol before driving: the rules are very strict and the penalties heavy
- A valid rovinieta (electronic road-use vignette) is mandatory on national roads; it is usually included in a rental, but confirm this with the agency
- Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone; children need a suitable child seat; no handheld phone
- Watch for horse carts, cyclists, pedestrians and animals on rural roads, often unlit at night
- Mountain passes such as the Transfagarasan and Transalpina are usually closed in winter, roughly November to June; winter tyres or chains may be required in snow
- Insurance is generally not valid off-road or on unpaved tracks, even with full coverage