Car Rental in Cesky Krumlov

Where to drive

• Hluboká Castle: A fairy-tale neo-Gothic castle, approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) north of Cesky Krumlov, about a 30-minute drive. Perfect for a half-day trip.
• Holašovice UNESCO Village: A well-preserved traditional South Bohemian village, roughly 20 km (12.4 miles) north-west, about a 25-minute drive. Experience authentic rural architecture.
• Lipno Lake and Treetop Walkway: A popular recreation area offering water sports and scenic views, approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) south, a 35-minute drive. Ideal for nature lovers and families.
• České Budějovice: The regional capital, home to the Budweiser Budvar brewery and a beautiful main square, about 25 km (15.5 miles) north, a 25-minute drive. Great for an afternoon of city exploration.
• Rožmberk Castle: One of the oldest castles in Bohemia, located about 20 km (12.4 miles) south, a 25-minute drive. A historic site with impressive architecture.

What documents you need

To rent a car in the Czech Republic, you will typically need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. If your license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not include a photo, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended or may be required. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, with some companies requiring drivers under 25 to pay a young driver surcharge. You generally need at least one year of driving experience.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Cesky Krumlov typically range from around 25 EUR per day for an economy car to approximately 70 EUR for an SUV or premium model. Prices fluctuate significantly with the seasons, with summer months seeing the highest rates due to increased demand, while winter offers more budget-friendly options.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In the Czech Republic, traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) outside urban areas, and 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. Headlights must be on at all times, day or night, throughout the year. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 36 kg (79 lbs) or 150 cm (4.9 ft) must use an appropriate child restraint system. The blood alcohol limit for drivers is strictly zero (0.00%).

Parking

Parking in Cesky Krumlov's historic center is very limited and primarily reserved for residents. Visitors should use designated paid parking lots located just outside the old town, such as P1, P2, or P3. These lots are usually within a 5-10 minute walk of the main attractions. Payment is typically made at automated machines using cash or card, with hourly or daily rates. Free parking is rare and usually found further from the town center.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in Cesky Krumlov and surrounding towns. Unleaded petrol (Benzín 95 or 98) and diesel (Nafta) are standard. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some Czech Koruna (CZK) cash for smaller purchases or in case of card issues. Fuel prices are comparable to other Central European countries, approximately 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for petrol as of 2026.

Which car to choose

For exploring the Southern Bohemian countryside around Cesky Krumlov, a compact or economy car with manual transmission is often the most practical choice. These vehicles are easy to navigate on narrower country roads and more economical on fuel. While automatic transmissions are available, manual is more common and can be more cost-effective. An SUV might be considered if you plan extensive drives on less-maintained rural roads or require more space for luggage, though generally not necessary.

Frequently asked questions