Car Rental in Katowice

Why rent a car in Katowice?

Katowice is a great place to explore by car. Although historically a mining and industrial hub, the city has been rapidly developing over the last couple of decades and has become a cultural, art, and technological center. It’s convenient location in South Central Poland means it can also serve as a good base for exploring cities like Wroclaw and Krakow, natural landscapes like the Tatra mountains, and even neighboring countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Top ways to enter Katowice

• Katowice Airport: The fourth-busiest in Poland, Katowice Airport is also among the fastest growing in Europe. It served nearly 5 million travelers in 2018, a 24% increase over the year before. Located about 30km (19 miles) north of the city center, Katowice Airport can be reached in about 30 minutes by car.
• Krakow Airport: Serving Poland’s second city, Krakow John Paul II Airport handles more than 6 million travelers every year. Served by around 20 different airlines, the airport is a big hub for Ryanair and Wizz Air, two low-cost carriers. Krakow Airport is just 67km (45 miles) southeast of Katowice and can be reached in about 45 minutes.
• Lodz Airport: Serving the city of the same name in Central Poland, Lodz Airport has flights by only four airlines but offers connections to Germany, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the  Republic of Ireland, Greece, and Bulgaria. Located about 200km (124 miles) north of Katowice, the airport can be reached in about two hours.
• Warsaw Chopin Airport: By far the largest airport in the country, Warsaw-Chopin is served by around 40 airlines and offers flights to and from many destinations in Europe as well as North Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, and North America. Located about 285km (177 miles) northeast of Katowice, the airport can be reached in about three and a half hours.
• Vienna Airport: It might feel far away from Poland, but the distance between Vienna Airport and Katowice is just 440km (273 miles) and can be done in about four hours by car. Considering that Vienna Airport is one of the largest in Europe and offers countless connections to destinations all around the world, flying to Austria and then getting a rental car can be a good idea. Just make sure that your rental car provider permits crossing international borders and picking up the car in Vienna and dropping it off in Poland.
• By rail: If you arrive in Katowice by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Katowice Railway Station.

City facts

• Like the rest of Southern Poland, Katowice has a humid continental climate with warm, wet summers and cool winters. The average temperature is 18°C  (64°F) in July, the warmest month, and -1.5°C  (29°F) in January. Katowice is known in Poland as one of the least windy cities in the country.
• Katowice is one of the largest cities in Silesia, a historic and cultural region located in Southern Poland and neighboring Czech Republic and Germany. The Silesian Museum as well as many Silesian ethnographic and cultural centers are located in Katowice, and many city inhabitants proudly claim to be not just Poles, but also (and often primarily) Silesians. Spoken throughout the city, the Silesian language is very similar to Polish, but the two languages are not fully mutually intelligible. 

Top sights and activities

• Church of St. Michael the Archangel. A church made of wood, this ancient building is one of the oldest in Katowice and the surrounding regions. Built in 1510 in a nearby village, it was moved to the city in the 20th century and is now located in beautiful Kościuszko Park.
• Silesian Theater. The largest in the region of Silesia, the theater has been an important cultural center for decades and is also one of the most famous buildings in Katowice. As impressive from the inside as it is from the outside, the theater is located on the old market square, which itself is an interesting part of the city. Originally built as the German theater, the building is now more than 100 years old.
• Museum of the History of Katowice. Introducing different chapters of the city’s past, this museum showcases Katowice’s industrial rise and the living conditions of the early miners of the region. It also touches the turbulent 20th century in Poland and shows the works of artists from Katowice.
• Silesian Museum. One of the symbols of the city’s recent growth, the glass-walled Silesian Museum is one of the most contemporary buildings in Katowice. Inside, you’ll find carefully curated collections on a variety of topics from the history of Silesia and its relationship with German culture to its industrial heritage and sacred art. The museum’s former home, the Neo-Renaissance Grand Hotel, is also worth a look.
• St. Mary's Church. Also located in Śródmieście, or Katowice’s small but charming Old Town, the construction of St. Mary’s Church dates back to the 19th century when it was designed by Alexis Langer, a famous architect of the era who is responsible for the creation of many a famous building across Poland. An example of the neo-Gothic style, the church is instantly recognizable for its octagonal tower.

Traffic and parking

• Poland drives on the right hand side of the road.
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits in Poland 140 km/h (87 mph) on motorways, 120 km/h (75 mph) on expressways with a dual carriageway, 100 km/h (62.2 mph) on expressways with a single carriageway, 90 km/h (56 mph) on all other urban roads, 60 km/h (37.2 mph) in urban and built-up areas at night, 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban and built-up areas during the day, and 20 km/h (12.4 mph) in residential areas.
• It is illegal to use the mobile phone while driving.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.02% for both experienced and novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines and a licence ban. Exceeding the limit of 0.05% is a criminal offence and can lead to up to 2 years imprisonment. 
• While the general quality of roads in Poland has improved immensely during the last 2 decades, some rural roads, especially in the northernmost, southernmost, and easternmost parts of the country can still be in a rather bad shape. It is a good idea to set out your route in advance and look up the roads you’ll be driving. 
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When you are driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency number in Poland, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are a number of toll roads in Poland. The nearest one to Katowice is the toll road that connects Katowice to Wroclaw.

Some roads use an open toll system while others use a closed toll system. In an open toll system, the payment is made upon entering the toll road. In closed toll system, the driver will be given a printed ticket that will state the time and point of entry of the toll road; the toll fee will be calculated and paid when exiting the road.

Payment can be made either in cash or by credit card. If you choose to pay in cash, you can pay in three currencies, Euros, Polish zloty (PLN), or United States dollars (USD), but keep in mind that even if you pay in one of the two foreign currencies, you might be given the change in zloty. As of July 2019, 1 EUR = 4.25 PLN.

See the Polish toll road map here. Learn more about toll roads in Poland the toll fees for specific roads on the official Polish toll road website.

Ideas for day trips

• Krakow. One of the most famous cities in Poland and Europe, Krakow attracts visitors with its wealth of stunning religious buildings like the Wawel Cathedral, the Famous Royal Way, and the Vistula River promenade. Coming from Katowice, the city can also serve as a gateway to the nearby Tatra Mountains. Located 80km (50 miles) southeast of Katowice, Krakow can be reached by car in just one hour.
• Wieliczka. The small town of Wieliczka is famous for its salt mine that was one of the 12 original UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors who descend into the mine can see some of the old machinery and marvel at the sculptures of St. Kinga and The Last Supper carved in rock salt. Located just 17km (11 miles) from Krakow, Wieliczka is 93km (58 miles) southeast of Katowice and can be reached in about one hour.
• Wroclaw. The old capital of Silesia historically known as Breslau, Wroclaw is a lively university city. Just like elsewhere in Poland, you’ll find many beautiful cathedrals, but the city is also famous for its many gardens, parks, and high-quality museums. Upbeat, sophisticated, and affordable, it might be the next big city break destination of Europe. About 190km (118 miles) northwest of Katowice, Wroclaw can be reached in less than two hours.
• Ojcowski National Park. Although the smallest in Poland, Ojcowski National Park is a great place to visit as a day trip. Part of the Polish Jura, it is known for its stunning boulder formations like the White Hand rock and the Hercules’ Bludgeon. The area also has cliffs, caves, and castles to explore. The park is about an hour’s drive east of Katowice.
• Sosnowiec. Located just a 15-minute drive northeast of the center of Katowice and named after the pine forests that surround it, Sosnowiec is not your typical tourist hub but still has things for a curious traveler to enjoy. These include architectural landmarks such as the Oskar Schön's Palace and Museum, as well as Sielecki Castle, but also large parks and the Museum of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Katowice is the Toyota Aygo, followed by the Toyota Yaris and the Opel Astra. The most popular rental car types are economy, standard, and compact.

Further destinations

• Warsaw. Although not as historic as other Polish cities such as Krakow (it was nearly destroyed during World War II), Warsaw is a fascinating place to visit. Thanks to the enormous efforts of the city’s inhabitants, many of its famous buildings and landmarks have been restored and the Śródmieście neighborhood is one of the most hip and interesting city centers in Europe. Located 290km (180 miles) northeast of Katowice, the capital city can be reached in only three hours.
• Prague. Equal parts historic and fun, Prague is one of the most-visited (and the most-photographed) cities of Europe for a reason. Marvel at the spires of its Gothic and Baroque churches, take a walk along the beautiful Vltava River , learn about the city’s history in Josefov, its old Jewish quarter, or dive into Prague’s famous nightlife - this city truly has something for every traveler. Located 460km (285 miles) west of Katowice, Prague can be reached in a little more than 4 hours. Since you’ll have to cross an international border between Poland and Czech Republic, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
• Tatra National Park. So much more than just a natural border between Poland and Slovakia, the Tatras are the most impressive natural sites in Central Europe. Made up of stunning summits, long hiking paths, and hilltop villages, and home to wildlife like the Tatra chamois, Eurasian lynx, and marmot, these mountains are a place where you’ll want to return again and again. Zakopane, a gateway to the Tatras and a famous winter resort, is 178km (110 miles) southeast of Katowice and can be reached in just over 2 hours.
• Poznan. Scenic, dynamic, and sophisticated, Poznan has been frequently voted as the Polish city with the best reputation, and for good reason. A former trading hub and now one of the most important cities of western Poland, Poznan is notable for its many churches and monasteries, quality museums, and lively atmosphere. Just a stone’s throw from the city is Wielkopolski National Park, a lovely protected area known for its many lakes and tranquility.

Car rental prices in Katowice

• Vans - from €84 per day
• Small cars - from €19 per day
• Medium cars - from €21 per day
• SUVs - from €30 per day
• Large cars - from €36 per day
• Station wagons - from €19 per day
• Premium cars - from €51 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try these tips to get a great rental car in Katowice:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Katowice is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 47% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 68% cheaper than renting a car in November.