Car Rental in Prague

Where to drive

• Karlovy Vary: Drive west to the famous spa town of Karlovy Vary, approximately 130 km (1.5-2 hours) from Prague, known for its healing springs and elegant architecture.
• Český Krumlov: Head south to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Český Krumlov, a stunning medieval town with a large castle complex, about 170 km (2-2.5 hours) away.
• Kutná Hora: Visit Kutná Hora, another UNESCO site, just 70 km (1 hour) east of Prague, home to the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) and St. Barbara's Church.
• Bohemian Switzerland National Park: Explore the dramatic sandstone formations and Pravčická brána, Europe's largest natural sandstone arch, roughly 120 km (1.5 hours) north of Prague.
• Pilsen: Drive west to Pilsen (Plzeň), the birthplace of Pilsner Urquell beer, approximately 90 km (1 hour) from Prague, offering brewery tours and a historic city center.

What documents you need

To rent a car in the Czech Republic, you generally 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. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your license is not in a Latin alphabet. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held their license for a minimum of 1-2 years; drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Prague vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around €15-25 per day during off-peak months, while SUVs or premium vehicles could range from €40-70+ daily. Prices typically surge by 30-50% during the peak summer season and around major holidays.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In the Czech Republic, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The alcohol limit for drivers is strictly zero. Headlights must be on at all times, day or night, throughout the year. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 36 kg or 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat.

Parking

Parking in central Prague can be challenging and expensive. Blue zones are for residents with permits, purple zones allow short-term parking (up to 3-6 hours) with payment via meters or apps, and orange zones are for very short stays (up to 2 hours). It's often best to use dedicated parking garages or park-and-ride (P+R) facilities on the outskirts of the city and use public transport for central areas. Outside Prague, parking is generally easier to find and often cheaper or free.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is widely available at numerous service stations across the Czech Republic. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some Czech Koruna (CZK) cash for smaller, independent stations or emergencies. Fuel prices are comparable to Western European averages, with current costs around 35-40 CZK per liter (approximately €1.40-1.60 per liter).

Which car to choose

For city driving and day trips from Prague, a compact or economy car is often sufficient and easier to park. If you plan to explore more rural areas or travel with more luggage, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would provide more comfort and capability on varied road conditions. Manual transmission is common, but automatics are readily available, especially through platforms like RentoRika, though they might be slightly more expensive.

Frequently asked questions