Car Rental in Czech Republic

Why rent a car in Czech Republic?

Located in the center of Europe, the Czech Republic, or Czechia, is a great country to travel around by car. Its capital, Prague, is often called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but it is also a joy to explore the mountains, forests, winter resorts, famous vineyards, breweries, thermal spas, and charming little towns dotted throughout the country.

Top ways to enter Czech Republic

• Prague Airport. Also known as Václav Havel International after the iconic former Czech president, this airport is by far the busiest in the country and the main gateway for foreign visitors. Located a short drive west of the city center, it is popular with many low-cost carriers such as easyJet, Eurowings, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
• Brno Airport. Serving the second city of the country, Brno Airport is a popular point of entry for those wishing to access the southeastern Moravian region. Although much less busy than its Prague counterpart, Brno Airport is served by nine different airlines that provide connections with a dozen other European countries.
• Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, Munich, and Krakow airports. Although located in neighboring countries of the Czech Republic – or, in the case of Budapest, even more than one country away – all of these large and busy European airports are no more than a few hours’ drive away from different parts of the Czech Republic. Many car rental companies permit cross-border travel, but not all of them, so make sure to check the terms and conditions of the rental you intend to book before doing so. 

Top cities and places to visit

• Prague. As famous as the country itself, Prague is one of the most visited cities in all of Europe. Rich history, incredible Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, and iconic landmarks (like the Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge!) can be found every step of the way. But Prague is also a contemporary culture and arts hub. Though Prague is a stunning destination on its own, the capital can serve as a hub for exploring the historical Bohemia region that surrounds it. Check out this 3-Day Prague Itinerary to start planning your trip!
• Brno. Located in the southeastern corner of the country, Czech Republic’s second-largest city is one of the country’s finest attractions. A lively place known for its many universities, Brno also boasts an impressive historical center, renowned modern architecture, and some fascinating must-sees, like the Capuchin Crypt, Špilberk Castle, and Tugendhat Villa. The heart of the city is also home to vast green spaces.
• Karlovy Vary. Also known by its German name, Carlsbad, this scenic northwestern town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Karlovy Vary is best known for its healing thermal mineral springs and many spas, though it’s also home to some of the nicest historical architecture in the country - especially in the old town and around the riverfront.
• Český Krumlov. Located in the beautiful South Bohemia region, Český Krumlov is the most magical town in all of the Czech Republic. A 13th-century castle, old cobblestone lanes, and amazing panoramic views of centuries-old homes and the Vltava River make this town worth visiting. The best thing to do here is to wander (back in time) and enjoy some traditional Czech food and beer.
• Terezín. To the north, you will find a town called Terezín, with a harrowing past. In World War II, the Nazi regime set up the concentration camp of Theresienstadt there. Now known as the Terezín Memorial, visiting serves as a reminder of the atrocious acts that occurred there and how important it is to preserve freedom for all.
• Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Perhaps the most naturally stunning place in the Czech Republic, this national park in the northern region boasts mystifying sandstone rock formations, frozen waterfalls, leafy forests, vast valleys, and plenty of hiking and biking trails. Everywhere you look, the views are breathtaking!

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Czech Republic is the VW Golf, but the VW Polo and the Skoda Fabia are also popular choices.

Driver's license requirements

• The Czech Republic accepts all driver licenses issued in the European Union (EU).
• If your driver license is issued by a non-EU country, for it to be considered valid you’ll need a Czech visa. Another requirement is to have been in the EU for no more than six months at the time of the rental. If you’ve been in the EU longer, you’ll need a driver license issued by an EU country.
• If your driver license is printed in a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation of your license into English or German.
• You must carry your driver’s license, not its copy, with you at all times.
• You need to have had your driver license for at least one or two years, depending on the car provider’s requirements.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car provider and car category, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

The Czech Republic is bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. It is a member of the Schengen Area, and so are all of its neighboring countries .If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need a Schengen visa to visit the Czech Republic. With a Schengen visa, you can also cross the border to any of the Czech Republic’s neighbors.

Some car rental providers allow you to cross national borders and even drop off your car in a different country, while others don’t. If you’d like to cross a national border during your rental period, make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking a car. Learn more about cross-border rentals in our Help Center.

Most popular types of rental car

The most popular car type in Czech Republic is Economy, but Compact and Mini are also chosen very often.

Top driving routes

• Vysočina. Located in the south-central part of the country, the Czech Highlands is one of the most interesting regions of the country. The region’s capital, and the oldest mining town in the Czech Republic, Jihlava is known for its long network of underground corridors, which are now a popular tourist attraction. But the real beauty of this region lies in its hilly landscapes, so enjoy the drive!
• North Moravia. Better known for its industrial capital, Ostrava, than its touristic virtues, this northeastern region is among the most underrated in the country. If you want to get off the tourist path, this is the right place to go. Start at the fairytale-like, Transylvania-esque city of Olomouc, whose main square boasts a UNESCO-protected monument (the 18th-century baroque Holy Trinity Column). Visit the mountain-top town of Štramberk for its quaint castle and rolling hills. Then, continue on though the
• Šumava Protected Landscape Area and Šumava National Park. Located in the southwest of the country, on the border with Germany and near Austria, Šumava is one of the most scenic protected areas in the country. Characterized by highland lakes, bogs, and patches of primeval forest surrounded by more recent growths, Šumava is about two and a half hours from Prague. The Šumava mountain range, and its neighbor, the Bavarian Forest, make up the largest forested area in all of Central Europe.

Car rental prices in Czech Republic

• Convertibles - from $273 per day
• Large cars - from $12 per day
• Station wagons - from $11 per day
• Vans - from $37 per day
• Small cars - from $9 per day
• Medium cars - from $10 per day
• SUVs - from $13 per day
• Premium cars - from $86 per day

Money-saving and other tips

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in the Czech Republic:

• Compare rates
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements