Car rental in Krakow

Krakow is one of Poland's oldest cities. It knows how to surprise even experienced and discerning travelers. Here you'll find unique historical, architectural, and gastronomic discoveries that will make your journey unforgettable.

To see and experience everything, car rental in Krakow is essential. Beyond the city's beauty, numerous attractions and interesting places are located in the surrounding areas.

Benefits of Localrent Car Rental

Localrent is a service that works with local rental companies. This approach ensures:

1. Transparent pricing without hidden fees. Only clear and honest pricing with no additional commissions or markups.
2. Small advance payment when booking. Just 15-20%, making it genuinely affordable to rent a car abroad.
3. Wide vehicle selection for any taste and budget – from economical compact cars to luxury crossovers and SUVs.
4. Intuitive interface. Anyone can easily figure out how to book a car, arrange insurance, order a child seat, or select pickup/return locations.
5. Information and service support. Throughout your rental period, Localrent managers are ready to consult, answer questions, provide vehicle operation advice, and assist in emergency situations.

With Localrent, car rental in Krakow or any other city in Poland, Europe, and worldwide is profitable, reliable, safe, and convenient. Travel with pleasure and without unnecessary expenses.

Requirements for Renting a Car in Krakow

You'll need a minimal set of documents:

• Valid driver's license
• Passport
• Voucher – in electronic or paper form, sent to your email after advance payment during booking

A bank card is needed for the advance payment. The remaining balance can be paid by card or cash, depending on the company's terms. Check these details in the vehicle listing.

Note that age and driving experience restrictions vary between rental companies. Carefully review the conditions and requirements in each vehicle listing during booking to avoid misunderstandings when picking up your car in Krakow.

Traffic Regulations Overview

Throughout Poland, all vehicles must drive with low-beam headlights or daytime running lights constantly on. The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts. Children under 150 cm tall must be transported in a child seat or booster.

Using phones and other devices while driving is prohibited – only with hands-free speakerphone enabled.

Speed limits to observe:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h maximum
• Single-lane roads outside cities: 90 km/h maximum
• Dual-lane roads outside cities: 110 km/h maximum
• Expressways: 130 km/h maximum

Fuel Stations

The city has plenty of gas stations. Fuel stations include both Polish and European chains, all offering high service standards. Both cards and cash are accepted. Available fuel types include gasoline, diesel, and LPG gas.

Outside the city, fuel stations are less common. For longer trips, fill up your tank in advance. It's also advisable to carry cash, which comes in handy in remote areas where connectivity and internet coverage may be limited.

Parking Guidelines

Parking regulations in Poland, particularly in Krakow, are quite strict. Nearly all parking zones in the city center are paid. Violations result in high fines. You can pay for parking at parking meters or directly to parking attendants – both cash and cards are accepted. Parking fees for specific zones are always displayed on nearby signs or information boards.

Free parking in Krakow is available at large shopping centers, with a 1-2 hour time limit. You can also park for free along roadsides, in courtyards, and other areas without prohibition signs. Another way to identify free parking is the sign or pavement marking "Parking bezpłatny."

How to Book a Car in Krakow

The booking process with Localrent is straightforward:

1. Specify the city and pickup/return location. Select rental dates.
2. Use filters to determine make and model, engine and drive type, payment method, and insurance options.
3. Choose a suitable vehicle from available options. Carefully review the vehicle listing, including age, experience, and mileage restrictions.
4. Select additional options if needed, such as a child seat, booster, or additional driver.
5. If the price and rental requirements suit you, provide personal and contact information.
6. Confirm your booking and pay the 15-20% advance by card.

After completing your booking, you'll receive a voucher at the specified email address containing all vehicle and rental condition information. Present your driver's license, passport, and voucher when picking up your car in Krakow.

Have questions? Online support is always ready to help with booking and vehicle selection.

What to See with Your Rental Car in Krakow and Surroundings

Car rental in Krakow opens wide opportunities for active travelers. With a car, you're independent of tour schedules, public transportation, weather, and distances. Having a vehicle lets you personally discover truly interesting and amazing attractions located outside the city:

1. Benedictine Abbey – a medieval fortress-temple in Tyniec. Majestically positioned atop a cliff, it impresses with its combination of grand architecture, luxurious church interior, and unique atmosphere of calm and tranquility.
2. Wieliczka Salt Mines. A UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, visitors encounter incredible handcrafted sculptures and decorations made of salt, an underground church, and salt lakes that once amazed Goethe and Chopin.
3. Ojców National Park – one of Poland's most picturesque locations. Many visitors come for 2-3 days to fully enjoy nature's magnificent gifts. Beautiful hiking trails, cycling routes, and educational paths, over 1,000 caves, uniquely shaped rocks and rock sculptures, plus castles with medieval defense systems. Everyone finds something interesting, educational, and amazing here.
4. Royal Residence in Niepołomice. Just 30 km from Krakow sits a magnificent castle built in the 14th century by King Casimir the Great. The grounds house the Niepołomice Museum, an art gallery, and exhibits from the Krakow National Museum.
5. Zakopane – the best location for active recreation enthusiasts. Numerous ski resorts and slopes for professionals and beginners, thermal springs, cozy cafes and restaurants. Multiple scenic hiking routes offer recreation for every taste. Zakopane consistently attracts visitors with breathtaking views of the Tatra mountain range – the highest point of the Carpathians.

Traveling through Krakow's surroundings and southern Poland is always exciting and unforgettable. That's why knowing where to rent a car affordably and risk-free is crucial. With Localrent, you can fully enjoy all the attractions at a truly accessible price.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Krakow

The most popular and convenient pickup locations in Krakow are Krakow-Balice International Airport (KRK) and Krakow Główny Central Station. Immediately upon arrival, you can collect your car and drive to your hotel, guesthouse, or apartment.

Some rental companies provide vehicles at their offices or offer city delivery. This option isn't available for all vehicles or during all seasons. Specific information is listed in each vehicle's listing. You can select a convenient Krakow rental location during booking using filters.

Rental Tips

Local driving behavior: Krakow residents are generally careful drivers, though not always the most courteous. Visitors and tourists should strictly follow traffic regulations and avoid reacting to some locals' violations.

Police interactions: Never attempt to "resolve" issues with police officers. Even attempting to offer a bribe carries serious penalties.

Drunk driving

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.2 per mille. Even slight exceedances result in serious penalties, including license suspension and substantial fines.

Fuel policy

Before returning your rental vehicle, refill the tank. All Krakow rental companies follow a unified fuel policy – the tank should contain the same amount as when received. Compensating for the missing fuel at rental company rates will cost significantly more than refueling at a gas station.

Frequently Asked Questions