Car Rental in Szczecin

Where to drive

• Baltic Sea Coast (e.g., Międzyzdroje, Świnoujście): Drive approximately 1.5-2 hours (≈100-120 km) to enjoy Poland's beautiful sandy beaches and resorts.
• Wolin National Park: A short drive of about 1.5 hours (≈80 km) to witness stunning cliffs, bison reserves, and dense forests.
• Berlin, Germany: For a cross-border adventure, Berlin is roughly a 2-hour drive (≈150 km) from Szczecin, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
• Kolobrzeg: A popular spa town and port, about a 2-hour drive (≈140 km) north-east, offering therapeutic waters and a historic lighthouse.
• Drawa National Park: For nature lovers, this park is about a 2-hour drive (≈100 km) east, known for kayaking routes and pristine wilderness.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Poland, you generally need a valid driving license held for at least 1-2 years, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your driving license is not in a Roman alphabet or does not include a photo, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or may be required. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, though some companies may charge a young driver fee for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Szczecin vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles might range from 50-80 EUR or more. Expect prices to increase by 30-50% during the peak summer months (July-August) and around major holidays. The lowest daily price can occasionally drop to around 0 EUR with specific promotions or long-term rentals.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Poland, driving is on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas (60 km/h between 23:00 and 05:00), 90 km/h outside urban areas, 100 km/h on single carriageway expressways, 120 km/h on dual carriageway expressways, and 140 km/h on motorways. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, year-round. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat or booster. The legal blood alcohol limit is very strict at 0.02%.

Parking

In Szczecin's city center, parking is mostly paid, especially within the designated paid parking zones (Strefa Płatnego Parkowania). You can usually pay at parking meters using coins or card, or via mobile apps. Free parking spots are rare in the immediate city center but can be found further out or in some shopping mall car parks for a limited time. Always check signs for specific regulations and hours.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol/gasoline, diesel, and LPG) is widely available across Szczecin and Poland. Major brands like Orlen, BP, and Shell are common. Fuel prices are comparable to other EU countries, with petrol and diesel typically costing around 1.50-1.70 EUR per liter. Most stations accept credit/debit cards, and many are open 24/7.

Which car to choose

For city driving in Szczecin and short trips to nearby attractions, an economy or compact car with manual transmission is usually sufficient and easier to park. If you plan to venture further, especially towards the coast or into more rural areas, a comfortable sedan or an SUV might be preferable, offering more space and better handling on varying road conditions. Automatic transmission cars are available but often come at a higher rental cost.

Frequently asked questions