Discover Oradea by Rental Car: Art Nouveau, Thermal Baths, and Escapes to the Apuseni Mountains
Oradea, one of the most elegant cities in Romania, located on the western border, awaits you to explore it at your leisure. Renting a car in Oradea gives you the freedom to discover the spectacular Art Nouveau architecture, famous spa resorts, and the natural beauty of the Apuseni Mountains — all within driving distance.
What to Visit in Oradea with a Rental Car
Start your exploration in Union Square (Piața Unirii), the heart of the city, where Art Nouveau buildings blend harmoniously with charming cafés. Don’t miss the Black Eagle Palace, an architectural symbol featuring unique stained glass and Secession-style passageways — perfect for a relaxing walk.
Just 10 km from Oradea, you can quickly reach Băile Felix by car, one of the most renowned spa resorts in Romania. Enjoy the thermal waters, pools, and modern spas available year-round.
For nature lovers, a one-hour drive takes you to the heart of the Apuseni Mountains, where you can visit Bear Cave (Peștera Urșilor), the Padiș Plateau, or traditional villages in Bihor with authentic local cuisine.
In the evening, return to Oradea and enjoy dinner by the banks of the Crișul Repede River, admiring the spectacular illumination of the old town’s buildings.
Why Rent a Car in Oradea?
Renting a car in Oradea is the ideal choice for travelers seeking freedom, comfort, and quick access to the city’s top tourist and natural attractions.
- Total freedom: Visit tourist attractions whenever you like and stop anywhere for photos or snacks.
- Quick access to spa resorts: Băile Felix and Băile 1 Mai are just a few minutes' drive away.
- Escapes to the Apuseni Mountains: Hikes, stunning scenery, and adventure just 1–2 hours away.
- Comfort for families and groups: Space for luggage, sports equipment, and privacy.
- Discover less touristy spots: Traditional villages, local wineries, and wooden churches accessible only by car.
- Save time: Combine cultural visits, relaxation, and nature in a single day without stress.
For fast and easy car rentals, EuroCars offers a variety of vehicles with pickup directly in Oradea. Check out their offer here: Car Rentals in Oradea – EuroCars.
The Best Car Rental Companies in Oradea (EuroCars Partners)
Autonom is one of the largest car rental networks in Romania, and the Oradea branch offers a diverse fleet, from economy cars to SUVs, available for pickup in the city or at the airport. The service is professional, fast, and suitable for both tourists and business travelers.
Empire Axxis provides modern, impeccably maintained cars with unlimited mileage and the option for direct pickup in Oradea. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility and comfort, whether for a city break or trips outside the city.
With a well-balanced portfolio of small cars, compacts, and sedans, Apirent stands out through efficient and transparent services. The company is an ideal choice for short- or medium-term rentals in Oradea and its surroundings, focusing on comfort and competitive prices.
These options are tested and recommended by EuroCars customers, ensuring quality, transparency, and professionalism.
Car Classes Available for Rent in Oradea
In Oradea, the car rental offer covers all mobility needs – from economy cars for city driving to SUVs for mountain getaways. Whether you're a tourist, on a business trip, or planning excursions in Bihor County and the Apuseni Mountains, you have access to a wide range of car classes suited for any type of journey.
Car Rentals Oradea – Economy Class
These compact models are perfect for urban driving, easy parking in central areas like Union Square (Piața Unirii), and low fuel costs. Ideal for city breaks or short commutes around the city.
Car Rentals Oradea – Compact / Medium Class
They offer a good balance of comfort, space, and efficiency, making them suitable for families or small groups who want to explore attractions in and around the city, such as Băile Felix or Ciuperca Hill.
Car Rentals Oradea – Full-Size Class
Cars in this category offer ample space and increased comfort, perfect for long journeys or those carrying large luggage. Ideal for routes like Oradea – Cluj or hikes in the Apuseni Mountains.
Car Rentals Oradea – Luxury Class
For exclusive experiences or special events, premium cars add elegance and refinement to any trip. Recommended for business meetings or luxury stays in the city.
Car Rentals Oradea – Wagon Class
Wagon models offer large luggage capacity, making them ideal for families or longer trips with bulky gear, such as excursions to Lake Vida or trails in the Betfia Forest.
Car Rentals Oradea – SUV and Crossover Class
SUVs are perfect for nature adventures or mountain roads, offering enhanced safety and comfort on rough terrain. Recommended for exploring the Crișul Repede Gorge or the Padiș area.
Car Rentals Oradea – Minibus and Minivan Class
Designed for large groups or extended families, these vehicles offer generous space for both passengers and luggage. They are the best solution for airport transfers, group excursions, or tours around Bihor County and the border with Hungary.
Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Oradea
- Book in advance, especially during tourist season.
- Choose a convenient pickup and drop-off location (e.g., Oradea Airport).
- Check the fuel policy (ideally full-to-full).
- Read carefully the details about included insurance.
- Take photos at pickup and return for your safety.
- Check customer reviews on Google or Rentalcars.
- Inform yourself about extra fees: additional driver, unlimited mileage, cross-border travel.
- Choose automatic or electric cars if you prefer comfort and eco-friendliness.
- Use a credit card for the security deposit.
- Get informed about parking and traffic rules in Oradea (recommended apps: TPARK, Waze).
Where to Park in Oradea? Zones and Rates
- Zone 0 (red) – civic center, rate 8 RON/hour, max duration 1 hour.
- Zone 1 (yellow) – streets adjacent to the center, rate 4 RON/hour, max duration 2 hours.
- Zone 2 (white) – residential area, rate 3 RON/hour, unlimited parking time.
Payment can be made via parking meters, SMS (number 7401), or mobile apps (TPARK, Amparcat).
Multilevel and underground parking lots offer better rates and no time restrictions.
Exploring the Surroundings of Oradea – Places to Visit by Rental Car
Discover the most beautiful tourist attractions near Oradea, perfect for a few hours or a full day getaway. All locations are within a 1-hour drive from downtown Oradea, ideal for relaxation, hiking, and photography.
1. Băile Felix & Băile 1 Mai
Just 10 km from Oradea (15 minutes by car), Băile Felix is the largest spa resort in Romania, with thermal pools, spas, and wellness treatments. Aquapark President and Lotus Therm Spa offer modern wellness facilities, and the thermal lily lakes are unique in Europe. Băile 1 Mai provides a more rustic setting but with excellent thermal waters. We recommend dining at Casa Românească or Restaurant Club President.
2. Betfia Forest & Water Pit (Groapa cu Apă)
Located 14 km from Oradea (20 minutes), it’s perfect for light hiking and picnics in nature. The trail to the “Betfia Crater” viewpoint offers spectacular scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. The limestone area features interesting karst formations. Note: the last few meters of the road are unpaved.
3. Vida Lake & Funnel Dam
Situated 35 km southeast of Oradea (50–60 minutes), the lake is ideal for photography and nature relaxation, with clear waters and unique reflections created by the funnel-shaped dam. Recommended: picnic by the lake and drone use for stunning aerial shots.
4. Crișul Repede Gorge – Vadu Crișului & Șuncuiuș
45–50 km from Oradea, this mountainous area offers hiking, caving, light climbing, and scenic rock formations and caves, such as Ungurului Cave. Ideal for an active day in nature.
5. Holy Cross Monastery (Letca Nouă)
30 km from Oradea, a peaceful place for spiritual retreat and relaxation in nature, featuring a small shop with traditional local products.
6. Brukenthal Palace in Săcueni (Little Versailles)
45 km from Oradea, perfect for history and baroque architecture enthusiasts, with landscaped gardens and an aristocratic atmosphere.
7. Cefa Lake – Natura 2000 protected area
30 km from Oradea, recommended for birdwatching and observing local wildlife, with accessible farm roads.
8. Diosig & Valea lui Mihai Vineyards
Located 35–50 km north of Oradea, perfect for wine tours and local tastings at authentic wineries.
Oradea – A Multicultural City at the Edge of the West
Oradea, a border city in western Romania, is a unique cultural mosaic where traditions, languages, and architectural styles from East and West come together. Situated near Hungary, Oradea stands out for its historical heritage and the diversity of its communities: Romanians, Hungarians, Jews, Germans, and Slovaks.
City highlights include the Black Eagle Palace with Viennese and Hungarian influences, various churches of different faiths located close to one another, and the restored interwar Jewish quarter. These elements reflect a shared history and an example of multicultural tolerance.
Oradea’s gastronomy blends traditional Romanian, Hungarian, and Jewish dishes, while the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere is felt in the multilingual conversations in the town center. Festivals such as Szent László Days, Oradea Autumn Festival, and the Street FOOD Festival reinforce this vibrant cultural diversity.
Safety Tips When Visiting Oradea
Oradea is one of the safest cities in Romania, but it’s always important to stay cautious, as with any tourist destination.
In the city:
- Avoid poorly lit areas at night, especially in the outskirts. The city center, the Fortress, and Băile Felix are safe even after dark.
- Keep your personal belongings safe in crowded places like Union Square (Piața Unirii) and local markets.
- Use authorized taxis or apps like Bolt and Uber.
When driving a rental car:
- Observe speed limits and road signs.
- Do not leave valuables visible inside the car.
- Park only in authorized areas and use the TPARK app or SMS for payment.
Useful contacts:
- Emergency services: 112
- Local Police Oradea: +40 259 969
- Ambulance Service: 112
- Roadside Assistance: +40 21 222 2222
Recommended Itinerary: 3-Day Oradea City Break by Car
Day 1 – Architecture and Old Town
Car tour, walking through Union Square, dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Criș River.
Day 2 – History and Relaxation
Visit Oradea Fortress, the Criș Country Museum, Nymphaea Aquapark, and enjoy the panoramic view from Ciuperca Hill.
Day 3 – Nature and Surroundings
Trip to Băile Felix, picnic at Lake Paleu or Săldăbagiu, and last-minute shopping in the city center.
If you truly want to explore Oradea and make the most of your experience, rent a car with EuroCars Oradea – the perfect solution for mobility, comfort, and quick access to all tourist and natural attractions in the area.