Car hire in Krakow, Poland

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There are 58 car hire providers in Krakow. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Krakow: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Krakow.
Most visitors can use their regular licence. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence isn’t in English. Rental firms also ask for matching ID and a credit card for the deposit.
Navigating city driving
Krakow has clear signs, with busy routes near the old town.
Driving is easy on wider roads, but streets close to Rynek Główny are restricted. Navigation apps help you avoid pedestrian zones and guide you around ring roads that link suburbs and nearby towns.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Some highways near Krakow have tolls.
Krakow itself has no toll roads, but longer journeys may include toll sections. There are no major emissions zones, though some central streets limit vehicle access during certain hours.
Parking your car in Krakow
Parking is easiest in car parks around the old town.
Street spaces in central areas are limited. Public car parks near Planty and the main station offer good access to major sights. Residential neighbourhoods have more spaces but may require a short walk.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Krakow are expanding.
Petrol stations sit along main avenues and ring roads. Charging points are increasing across the city. Apps like PlugShare help you check availability, especially in the suburbs.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are steady, but central routes can be busy.
Traffic slows near tram lines and attractions. Lanes near the old town are narrow, so take extra care at junctions and keep a consistent speed during peak times.
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The most popular car rental companies in Krakow

Hiring a car in Krakow: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyWheego
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price$96
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Krakow

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Krakow car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Krakow

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Krakow and start your adventure for around $96 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • $21 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Krakow.

  • For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $33 and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • We've cracked the code on when to book. One week in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Krakow car hire.

  • Grab your wheels from Flex To Go, Wheego or Viaggiare. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Krakow car hire policy, whether you go with Flex To Go or another supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Krakow.

  • Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Taking the top spot for value is this company, with average prices of $116 a day.

  • Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around $72.

  • The third option also performs well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $78 a day.

  • Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Economy rental category ranks as the top pick for travellers visiting Krakow.

Flying to Krakow? Think about an airport pick-up

Compare car hire types in Krakow

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Krakow may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Great for longer journeys, this Krakow car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Krakow that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or the whole travel crew.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Krakow car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Krakow by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Poland. Rules can vary, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Krakow car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Regulations change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to travel.

  • You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.

  • For first-time drivers in Poland, be aware that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in built-up areas and around 125kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.02% applies in Poland. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.

  • One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.

  • The Polish złoty (PLN) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a card when you can, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.

  • The language most commonly spoken in this country is Polish.

Best hotels in Krakow for drivers

  • Offering valet parking, Hotel H15 Luxury Palace - Destigo Hotels makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 0.32 kilometres from central Krakow and also comes with a steam room and a laundry.

  • Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features accessible parking, along with internet access and Wi-Fi. Check in here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the range of hotels in Krakow for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.

  • You're ready to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Krakow and your hotel. From Rynek Glowny to Historic Old Town and St. Mary's Basilica, you'll never run out of things to do here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Krakow

  • Around 72 kilometres west of central Krakow, Katowice should be on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Nikiszowiec and Cathedral of Christ the King.

  • Popular accommodation options with parking in Katowice include Q Hotel Plus Katowice and Novotel Katowice Centrum.

  • Add Sosnowiec to your travels too. Grab your cheap car hire in Krakow and drive roughly 64 kilometres northwest to take in major highlights such as Park Tysiąclecia w Sosnowcu and Park Harcerski w Sosnowcu.

  • Sosnowiec has some comfortable places to stay such as Q Hotel Plus Katowice and Novotel Katowice Centrum. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.

  • Not done driving yet? Wroclaw is a popular road trip destination that's about 241 kilometres northwest of Krakow. Consider making a few pit stops at Wrocław Market Square and Old Town.

  • Book a room at Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town or DoubleTree by Hilton Wroclaw. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Wroclaw has to offer. They also come with parking.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Krakow will set you back around $96 per day or $44 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Krakow is a compact crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Krakow are currently Green Motion and Ace Rent a Car.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Krakow is currently July.
On average, around $44. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Krakow is $33.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Krakow for a whole month is $2,038. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Krakow, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Krakow that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Krakow.
Most places – Krakow included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $23 per day. The average price per day is around $96.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Wheego, Flex To Go and Viaggiare offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Autocash as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Krakow.