Car rental in Poland

Poland, a country full of history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature, offers numerous opportunities for discovery. From historic cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk to the beautiful Tatra Mountains and the Baltic Sea coast – Poland has something for every taste. A rental car is a great option to explore this diversity flexibly and comfortably. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about car rental in Poland to plan your trip optimally.

Why renting a car in Poland is a good idea

Poland is a large country with diverse landscapes and cities to explore. While the larger cities are well connected by public transport, a rental car is the best choice to visit remote attractions like the Masurian Lake District, the Tatra Mountains, or the sand dunes of the Slowinski National Park. With a rental car, you are flexible, can create your own schedule, and make spontaneous detours to lesser-known yet equally fascinating places.

The best providers for car rentals in Poland

In Poland, there are numerous car rental providers, from international chains like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Budget to local companies like Panek and Express Rent a Car. These providers are available in all major cities as well as at key airports like Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Poznan.

Tips for choosing the right provider

Use comparison portals: Websites like Rentalcars, Kayak, or Check24 allow you to compare prices and conditions of different providers. Here you can often find discounts and special offers.
Book directly with the providers: Many providers offer special discounts or better conditions on their own websites that are not available on comparison portals.
Read reviews: Customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, TripAdvisor, or Google can help you get an impression of the reliability and service of the providers.

Important tips for booking a rental car

Insurance: Stay well protected while driving in Poland

The basic insurance offered by most car rental providers in Poland usually only covers minimal damages and often includes a deductible. Comprehensive insurance without a deductible is recommended to protect you from high costs in case of damage. It is also advisable to have liability insurance with sufficient coverage, as the legally required coverage in Poland is often lower than in other European countries.

Fuel policies: Which is the best choice?

The most common fuel policy in Poland is "full to full". This means that you pick up the car with a full tank and must return it also fully fueled. This policy is the most transparent and usually the cheapest, as you only pay for the fuel you actually consume.

Additional fees and hidden costs

Be aware of potential additional fees when booking:

Additional driver fees: If multiple people want to drive the car, there is often a fee per additional driver.
Young driver fee: Drivers under 21 or 23 years old (depending on the provider) often have to pay an additional fee.
One-way rental: If you return the car at a different location than where you picked it up, a one-way fee may apply.
Add-ons like GPS and child seats: These are usually charged extra. It may be wise to book these extras in advance to guarantee availability.

Rental conditions: Age limits, driver's license and credit card

Most car rental providers in Poland require a minimum age of 21. An additional young driver fee is often charged for drivers under 25 years old. An international driver's license is usually not required as long as you hold a driver's license from the EU or Switzerland. A credit card in the name of the main driver is almost always required to secure the deposit. The deposit is blocked on the card during the rental period and released after returning the car, provided no damages are noted.

Tips for a stress-free pickup and return

Pickup at the airport or in the city?

Many providers have their stations directly at the airports of Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw, and other major cities. Picking up at the airport is especially convenient if you want to be mobile right after arrival. However, be aware that airport fees may apply, which can increase rental costs. If you first spend a few days in a city, it may be cheaper to pick up the car in the city.

Inspection at pickup: Play it safe

Carefully inspect the vehicle at pickup for any existing damages and ensure they are noted in the rental agreement. Take photos of scratches, dents, or other damages to prevent future disputes. Also check the fuel level, tire pressure, and the functionality of the lights.

Return: How to avoid unnecessary stress

Allow enough time for vehicle return, especially if returning it at the airport. Staff will check the car for damages and the fuel level. Keep all receipts and documents until the deposit is fully refunded. Some providers offer the option for returns outside of business hours, which can be convenient if you have an early flight. However, in this case, there is a risk that damages will be noted after business hours.

Important traffic rules and tips for driving in Poland

Speed limits: Speed limits in Poland are 50 km/h in urban areas (during the day) and 60 km/h (at night), 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 140 km/h on highways. These limits are strictly enforced.
Alcohol at the wheel: The blood alcohol limit in Poland is 0.2 – one of the strictest in Europe. Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to significant penalties.
Traffic enforcement: There are many speed checks and traffic police on the roads. Speeding and driving under the influence are strictly penalized.
Winter tires: There is no legal requirement for winter tires in Poland, but they are strongly recommended during the winter months (November to March), especially if you are traveling in mountainous areas.

Conclusion: Explore Poland flexibly and safely with a rental car

A rental car is the ideal choice to explore Poland at your own pace and off the beaten path. Whether you want to visit historic cities like Warsaw and Krakow, the picturesque Baltic coast, or the majestic Tatra Mountains – a rental car gives you the freedom to travel flexibly and independently. Pay attention to the right insurance, hidden costs, and familiarize yourself with traffic rules to enjoy your trip worry-free.

With these tips, you are well-prepared to discover Poland on four wheels and make the most of your adventure!