Car Rental in Poland

Why rent a car in Poland?

It is a great idea to get a rental car in Poland. The country has a wide variety of attractions, from historic landmarks and medieval cities to impressive mountains and unique nature areas. The roads are in increasingly better shape, too. Come and explore this gorgeous European travel destination!

If you want to know more about renting a car in Poland, don't miss our complete guide to traveling around the country with a rental car.

Top ways to enter Poland

• Warsaw Chopin Airport: This is Poland’s largest international airport. Warsaw Chopin Airport serves 40 different airlines with flights to and from most countries in Europe, as well as several destinations in Asia, North America, and Africa. There are countless things to enjoy in and around Warsaw from museums and galleries to traditional Polish restaurants. 
• Krakow John Paul II International Airport: Poland’s second most busy international airport, Krakow John Paul II International Airport, is also popular with low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair. It is the primary entry point for those visiting Southern Poland to enjoy spots such as Krakow’s historic Cloth Hall.
• Gdansk Airport: Flying to Gdansk is a great way to reach the Tricity Area and Poland’s Baltic Sea Coast. From here, you can easily access three of Poland’s top cities - Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot. Popular tourist spots in the region include Neptune’s Fountain and the Museum of the Second World War.
• Copernicus Wrocław Airport: Located just southwest of Wrocław’s center, this is Poland’s fifth busiest airport, Wrocław is primarily known for its vibrant architecture and many universities. Visitors may enjoy its historic buildings and colorful Market Square.
• By land: Another option is to rent a car in a neighboring country and then drive to Poland. Some large cities with international airports near Poland are Berlin in Germany, Prague in the Czech Republic, and Vilnius in Lithuania. 

Top cities and places to visit

• Warsaw: Almost completely rebuilt after World War II, Poland’s capital city nowadays is modern, busy, and offers countless cultural activities.

  • Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Warsaw’s historic Old Town is home to several picturesque buildings including the Royal Castle. 

  • Warsaw Rising Museum - this interactive museum is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the Warsaw Uprising during World War II. It features several multimedia displays, artifacts, and personal stories to learn from. 

  • Palace of Culture and Science - one of Europe’s tallest buildings, the Palace of Culture and Science is a great place to see clear, panoramic views of Warsaw from its observation deck. It is also home to several theaters, cinemas, museums, and libraries for you to explore. 

  • Warsaw Zoo - this zoo is home to many different species of wildlife from around the world, with a strong focus on conservation and educational opportunities. It’s a great way to spend a day with the entire family!

• Krakow: Very few cities can rival Krakow in terms of history, classical architecture, and the number of impressive churches.

  • Main Market Square - this is one of the largest medieval squares existing in Europe. There are several shops to explore and lots of stunning architecture to observe in the area. 

  • Vistula River - many tourists enjoy taking a leisurely stroll alongside the Vistula River. There are also several river cruises that you can take to enjoy being out on the water. 

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum - for those interested in World War II history, this is a must-visit. It is one of the top locations in the world to pay tribute to the victims of Auschwitz and learn more about their experiences during the Holocaust.

• Białowieża: Known for its many outdoor recreational activities, Białowieża is one of the last parts of the primeval forest that was once across the majority of Europe.

  • Białowieża National Park - this great national park in the northeast of the country is home to wildlife like European bison, wolf, moose, lynx, and hundreds of other species for you to see.

  • Białowieża Forest Museum - this museum is found in the center of town, and is a great chance to learn more about the history, ecology, and many conservation efforts within the forest. It’s a nice stop to learn about wildlife in the region before you go trying to spot some yourself. 

  • European Bison Show Reserve - if you want to see bison, this is the best place to visit. They offer visitors educational guided tours to learn more about the bison’s natural habitat and current conservation efforts for this fascinating species.

• The Tatras: The highest part of the Carpathian Mountains, the Tatra range in Southeast Poland is both wild and serene.

  • Cable Car Rides - this is a fun way to see panoramic views of the Tatras. In particular, the Kasprowy Wierch cable car located in Zakopane is one of the most popular cable car rides in the region. 

  • Thermal Baths - if you’ve never tried a thermal bath before, this is your chance. Both Zakopane and Białka Tatrzańska have thermal spas that offer thermal saunas, pools, and other wellness treatments for visitors. 

  • Rock Climbing - naturally, the Tatras offer several opportunities for rock climbing. There are several routes that can be taken that cater to climbers of all levels, so don’t be afraid to reach out to an instructor and get your climb on.

• Baltic Coast: More than 500 km long, Poland’s Baltic shore is home to distinct coastal cultures and the beautiful port city of Gdansk.

  • Amber Museum - this one-of-a-kind museum is a nice detour to learn more about the properties and significance of “Baltic gold.” Visitors can see several amber artifacts up close at this location. 

  • Malbork Castle - this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest castle complexes in the world, built by the Teutonic Knights. It’s a perfect stop for history buffs and photographers alike. 

  • Hel Peninsula - the Hel Peninsula is a strip of land separating the Bay of Puck from the Baltic Sea. This peninsula is a popular place to lounge on the beach or visit some nearby fishing villages, such as Jurata.

• Wroclaw: Known for its high-quality universities, youthful student population, busy cultural life, and many architectural landmarks, Wroclaw is undoubtedly one of the most interesting cities in Poland. Individual landmarks include its instantly recognizable market square with its town hall, the Cathedral Island, and the neo-baroque Puppet Theater. The city is located in the southwestern part of the country, quite close to both Lodz and Poznan, and also just a few hours’ drive northeast of Prague and southeast of Berlin.

• Poznań: Historically known for its industrial and trading prowess, Poznan has been busy successfully reinventing itself as a cultural hub over the last few decades. Nowadays a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, it boasts eclectic architecture and high-quality museums. Located in the western part of the country, Poznan is not too far from either Warsaw to the east or Gdansk and the Polish Baltic coast to the north.

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Poland is the Fiat 500. The Opel Astra and the Ford Fiesta are second and third.

Driver's license requirements

There are some important driver’s license requirements in Poland that you should know about before renting a car there. Here is the main information you need to know:

• Poland recognizes valid foreign driver’s licenses that are issued in the EU or an EFTA member state as long as you are only in Poland for less than 185 days per year. If you plan to stay longer than that, you will need to get a Polish driving license. 

• Poland will not recognize driver’s licenses outside of the EU or EFTA, including US driver’s licenses. If you do not have a license from the EU or EFTA, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP).

• Even if you have an IDP, you also have to carry your original driver’s license as you will be required to present both. A copy of your driver’s license is insufficient — you must always carry the original. 

• Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65, along with additional requirements, so be sure to check the details in the rental conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

Poland shares a border with Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Russia (the Kaliningrad exclave), and Lithuania.

Poland is a member of the Schengen Area along with Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Germany, and Poland. If you’ll need a Schengen visa to visit Poland, you’ll also be able to visit these four other countries. 

Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia are not members of the Schengen Area. Each of these countries has its own visa policy, so you may or may not need a visa to enter them, depending on your citizenship. If you plan to visit one of these neighboring countries during your rental period, we strongly advise you to get in touch with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance to find out about the visa requirements.

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 FAQ section.

Most popular types of rental car

The most popular rental car type in Poland is an Economy, but Compact and Mini are also popular choices.

Top driving routes

• The Royal Route (Trakt Królewski)

• This historic driving route is a connection between Warsaw and Kraków. If you plan to visit both cities during your stay, this driving route is a great way to see some picturesque regions between the two. Along the way, you may see Warsaw’s Royal Castle or Kraków’s Wawel Castle. 

• The Pomeranian Route (Trasa Pomorska)

• If you want to stick by the coast, the Pomeranian Route is the way to go. This route will take you from Gdańsk along the coast of the Baltic Sea, so you can see all of the charming coastal towns Poland has to offer. From Sopot to Kołobrzeg, there are several beaches and resorts for you to explore. 

• The Lower Silesian Castle Route (Szlak Zamków Dolnośląskich)

• A large and distinct cultural region with a strong German vibe to it, Lower Silesia is one of the most interesting parts of Poland with several historical landmarks and cultural experiences. Called the “Castle Route” for a reason, this drive will take you by the impressive Książ Castle, Czocha Castle, and Świny Castle. This is a great drive to take to learn more about the area's rich architectural history.

Car rental prices in Poland

• Medium cars - from $5 per day
• Small cars - from $4 per day
• Station wagons - from $5 per day
• SUVs - from $5 per day
• Premium cars - from $36 per day
• Large cars - from $9 per day
• Vans - from $30 per day

Money-saving and other tips

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Poland:

1. Compare rates of different rental car providers
2. Book your rental car well in advance
3. Plan your route before you go
4. Know your fuel and mileage requirements
5. Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Poland is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 28% cheaper than the yearly average.