Romania's Road System
Although Romania is an extremely important link between Central and Southern Europe, most of the road network still does not meet EU standards. There are weight restrictions on certain stretches of road. Potholes and cracked concrete are also a problem, for example, as are traffic jams and aggressive drivers. This leads to costly detours, especially for vehicles responsible for transporting goods, as these tend to exceed the permitted weight.
In addition to the roads, drivers also display a driving style that is not quite comparable to what we are used to and is considerably more unpredictable.
Since the condition of Romanian roads is especially important for tourists and holidaymakers who want to enjoy their holiday safely and without stress, we have summarized the most important facts for you in this article.
General overview of the road network
In Romania, a distinction is made between five different types of roads:
Motorways
National roads
Expressways
County roads
Municipal roads
Vignette requirement and special toll sections
It is important to know that you need a vignette for motorways and national roads. Like many other European countries, Romania charges tolls to finance the maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure. You can purchase the so-called "Rovinieta" from us. Now only available digitally, the vignette is managed by the state road administration CNAIR, which is responsible for motorways and national roads. Enforcement is carried out via camera as well as by police and control authorities. You can find more information on the vehicle classes subject to the vignette requirement in our vehicle classes guide.
In addition to motorways and national roads, there is also a special toll that must be paid at one location. Since October 1, 2026, this special toll applies only to the Danube crossing at Calafat:
Danube Bridge 2: Vidin (BG) – Calafat (RO): cars €6 per crossing, in both directions, motorcycles free
The Romanian bridge toll at the Danube bridges Fetești-Cernavodă, Giurgeni-Vadu Oii and Giurgiu-Ruse (direction Bulgaria) has been abolished as of October 1, 2026. In the opposite direction, from Ruse to Giurgiu, Bulgaria continues to charge a fee.
However, urgent improvements are needed in transport infrastructure so that traveling from one place to another doesn't feel like a rollercoaster ride, as Romania has one of the worst transport infrastructures in the European Union.
The Romanian motorway system
Romania's network of motorways and expressways covers around 1,475 km (as of end of August 2026) and covers the most important traffic routes in Romania. The A1 motorway is particularly important, running from Bucharest via Pitești, Sibiu, Timișoara and Arad to the Hungarian border at Nădlac. It is not yet fully passable: in the Carpathians between Curtea de Argeș and Sibiu, as well as between Deva and Lugoj, you drive on national roads for certain stretches. Unlike in Germany, motorways in Romania are marked with a green sign. Compared to many other roads in the country, the motorways are mostly well developed and feature separate carriageways as well as numerous on- and off-ramps.
Nevertheless, by European standards, Romania has one of the smallest motorway networks. Only a little more than 20 percent of the entire road network consists of motorways and national roads, which is why traffic jams are not uncommon.
Special roads
The Winding Road
The Transfăgărășan (DN7C) is one of the most famous high-mountain roads in Europe. With spectacular switchbacks, waterfalls and views of the Făgăraș Mountains, it is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
The Transalpina
With a peak elevation of 2,145 meters above sea level, the Transalpina (DN67C) is one of the highest roads in Romania. The approximately 148 km long route offers impressive views, charming villages and a unique driving experience.
The Wine Road
The Wine Road between Ploiești and Buzău runs through the well-known Dealu Mare wine region. Numerous wineries along the route invite visitors to taste wine and get to know Romanian wine culture.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
Despite its sometimes adventurous roads and reckless drivers, Romania is a fantastic choice for a road trip. The picturesque views and authentic landscapes quickly make you forget uneven roads and stressful traffic situations. If all goes according to plan, the road network will continue to be expanded through 2027 and will increasingly approach the standards known in Germany.
We wish you a pleasant trip to Romania and lots of fun on your road trip. You can find more information on tolls in Romania in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see the appropriate toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help you by email at any time.
Frequently asked questions about the road system in Romania
All the important answers about road types, the motorway network, and special routes in Romania.
What types of roads are there in Romania?
A distinction is made between motorways, national roads, expressways, county roads, and municipal roads.
How large is the Romanian motorway network?
What special roads are there in Romania?
