Car Rental in Krakow

Where to drive

• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: A poignant and essential visit, approximately 70 km (45 miles) west of Krakow, about a 1-hour drive.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning underground chapels, just 15 km (9 miles) southeast of Krakow, a 30-minute drive.
• Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains: Poland's winter capital and a gateway to hiking, around 100 km (60 miles) south, a 1.5 to 2-hour scenic drive.
• Ojców National Park: Explore dramatic limestone cliffs, caves, and castles in Poland's smallest national park, approximately 25 km (15 miles) north, a 40-minute drive.
• Dunajec River Rafting (Pieniny Mountains): Experience traditional wooden raft rides through a stunning gorge, about 110 km (70 miles) southeast, a 2-hour drive.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Poland, you will generally need a valid driving 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 highly recommended, and often required, if your license is not in Latin script. The minimum age for rental is usually 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 25 for certain car categories or imposing a young driver's surcharge for those under 25. Drivers typically need to have held their license for at least one year.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Krakow vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars might start from around 20-25 EUR per day during off-peak times, while SUVs and premium models can range from 50 EUR to well over 100 EUR daily. Summer months (June-August) and major holidays typically see prices increase by 30-50% due to higher demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Poland, speed limits are generally 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas (60 km/h between 23:00-05:00), 90 km/h (56 mph) outside built-up areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on single carriageway expressways and dual carriageway roads, 120 km/h (75 mph) on dual carriageway expressways, and 140 km/h (87 mph) on motorways. The alcohol limit for drivers is very strict at 0.2 per mille (0.02%). Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, throughout the year. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 150 cm (4.9 ft) or 12 years old must use appropriate child seats or booster seats.

Parking

Parking in Krakow city center is predominantly paid. There are designated paid parking zones (Strefa Płatnego Parkowania) with varying rates, typically higher closer to the Old Town. Payment is usually made via parking meters (which often accept cards or coins) or mobile apps. Free parking spots are rare in central areas. Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts for easier access to public transport into the city, or booking accommodation with private parking.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is widely available at numerous petrol stations across Krakow and throughout Poland. Most major stations are open 24/7. Payment can be made with cash or credit/debit cards. The approximate price level for a liter of petrol (Pb95) or diesel is currently around 6.50-7.00 PLN (about 1.50-1.65 EUR), though prices fluctuate.

Which car to choose

For navigating Krakow's city streets and short excursions, an economy or compact car is ideal due to narrow roads and easier parking. If you plan to explore the mountainous regions like Zakopane, especially in winter, an SUV or a car with good ground clearance and potentially all-wheel drive would be beneficial. Manual transmission is very common in Poland, so if you prefer automatic, ensure to specify this when booking, as they might be less readily available or more expensive.

Frequently asked questions