Car rental in Gdansk

Gdańsk in northern Poland opens up the Baltic Sea coast to travelers. Public transport connects major attractions, but many interesting sites lie beyond the city limits. Renting a car in Gdańsk provides freedom of movement throughout the Pomeranian Voivodeship. By car, you can visit neighboring Sopot, the sandy Hel Peninsula, and the town of Malbork.

Book your vehicle affordably online through Localrent. Local rental providers offer flexible terms and quick processing.

Why Localrent Simplifies Car Rental

The service brings together rental company offerings from across Gdańsk in one place.

Benefits of renting through Localrent:

1. Diverse selection. Vehicles of different classes, makes, and models are available to suit any requirements and budget.
2. User-friendly website. You interact with a simple, intuitive interface featuring filters for deposit type, insurance, transmission, and other parameters.
3. Transparent pricing. No hidden fees, charges, or taxes. You see the full cost, which won't change after making the advance payment.
4. Support at every stage. Localrent specialists help resolve booking and rental questions. You can clarify trip details and receive consultation.
5. Small advance payment. When placing your order, you only need to pay 15–20% of the rental amount by card.

What You Need for Booking

Renting a car in Gdańsk requires a document package. Prepare:

• Valid driver's license (Category B)
• Passport or other identity document
• Bank card

The card is needed for the advance payment when booking, paying the remaining amount in Gdańsk, and blocking the deposit (if applicable). You can select cash payment for the balance if this option is available when placing your order. Use filters during your search.

In Gdańsk, you'll meet with the rental company manager and must present your order voucher with all rental details. After booking, this document can be printed or shown on your phone screen.

Minimum age and mandatory driving experience depend on the vehicle class. You'll see exact requirements for each car in its listing on the website.

Key Traffic Regulations

Road markings and traffic signs in Gdańsk follow European standards.

Speed limits: in the city — 50 km/h, general roads outside populated areas — 90 km/h, on connecting roads with 1 lane in each direction — 100 km/h and with 2 lanes — 120 km/h, on expressways — 140 km/h.

Due to heavy traffic, exercise caution when driving in the city center. Local drivers are generally courteous and follow rules, but newcomers should account for possible differences in driving style.

Essential rules:

• Low beam headlights must remain on at all times regardless of time of day
• Priority at roundabouts goes to vehicles already on the circle
• Mobile phones may only be used with hands-free systems
• All passengers in the vehicle must wear seatbelts
• Walking onto the roadway in darkness is permitted only while wearing a reflective vest

Children under 12 years old and shorter than 150 cm may only be transported in a car seat or special support device

Fuel Stations

The network of fuel stations in Gdańsk and surrounding areas is well developed. Most operate 24/7. In remote areas, hours may be reduced, with stations closing at night.

Card payment is available at stations through terminals at the pump or at the cashier. At some locations, especially smaller ones, prepayment before fueling is required. Confirm the payment procedure on-site.

Major chains offer additional services: shops, cafes, restrooms, and tire inflation points.

Parking

In Gdańsk, parking is permitted only in designated areas. Free parking is available in districts away from the center, as well as near large shopping centers and residential areas. Parking on sidewalks, lawns, and other unauthorized locations results in fines and vehicle towing.

Parking duration also depends on the zone. In central districts, it's typically limited to several hours, while in peripheral zones you can leave your car for extended periods.

Paid parking zones are marked with corresponding signs and road markings. You can pay for a space through parking meters that accept coins and bank cards.

How to Book with Localrent

Booking a rental in Gdańsk through Localrent takes just a few minutes. The service automatically matches offers from local rental companies, and the entire process happens online.

How to book:

1. Select dates and location. Specify rental dates, pickup and return locations. Choose a convenient point in Gdańsk, such as the airport or central station.
2. Use filters. Sort vehicles by transmission type and insurance, deposit size (or absence), car class, and specific manufacturer.
3. Review available offers. Each vehicle listing shows the full rental cost, terms, and exact rental company requirements.
4. Add extra options, such as a child seat or additional driver.
5. Review the final rental amount. Make an advance payment of 15–20% of the total using a bank card.
6. Receive confirmation. A voucher with order details and rental company contacts will arrive at the specified email address. This is your primary document for collecting the vehicle.

At the scheduled time, arrive at the selected location in Gdańsk. Present your voucher, passport, and valid license. Pay the remaining amount, inspect the vehicle, and sign the agreement.

Places to Visit by Car

Many interesting destinations for recreation lie beyond Gdańsk. We recommend these top 5 locations:

1. Malbork. Poland's largest brick castle and a UNESCO site. Its grounds spanning over 20 hectares contain Gothic halls, chapels, and museum exhibitions with collections of weapons, amber, and medieval artifacts. Located 60 km southeast of Gdańsk.
2. Hel. This narrow 33 km spit separates the Baltic Sea from Gdańsk Bay. Historical sites remain here: a museum of a fisherman's hut built from ship wreckage and the Museum of Hel Railways. Beaches stretch along both sides of the coast.
3. Sopot. This famous seaside resort sits 15 km from Gdańsk. It's known for Europe's longest wooden pier. The Forest Opera is also located here — a summer amphitheater hosting international music festivals. During high season, we recommend renting a compact vehicle for easier parking.
4. Elbląg. The city is known for Teutonic Order heritage, though only the Market Gate and ruin fragments remain from medieval fortifications. Elbląg's dominant feature is the 97-meter Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral.
5. Szczyno. Ruins of a 14th-century stone castle neighbor the Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Masurian Museum operates in town, dedicated to regional history and ethnography.

Regarding vehicle choice, a maneuverable model suits coastal zones with winding roads. A universal option for most routes is a mid-size hatchback or sedan.

Car Rental Locations

You select the pickup location when booking. Different rental companies have pickup points in different parts of Gdańsk. To search for a specific location, use the "Specify location" filter.

Popular rental points in Gdańsk:

• Lech Wałęsa Airport
• Railway station
• Historic city center

Some companies deliver vehicles to your hotel or specified address. Others operate only from stationary offices in Gdańsk. Delivery terms are indicated in each vehicle listing.

How to Avoid Rental Issues

Car rental has its specifics. These tips will help avoid unforeseen situations and additional expenses.

Clarify Parking Conditions

Before leaving your vehicle, determine whether the space is paid or free, the cost, and payment method. Gdańsk enforces strict parking rules, and some hotels lack their own parking facilities.

Document Vehicle Condition

When collecting the car, record all damage on video or photo: chips on the windshield, scratches on bumpers, wheel condition. Pay particular attention to the undercarriage. Include all information in the inspection report.

Keep Contact Information

Keep phone numbers for the rental company manager and Localrent support readily available. These contacts will be needed if you wish to extend the rental period or if unexpected circumstances arise during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions