Car Rental in Bratislava

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Bratislava, Slovakia
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Bratislava Airport
Economy
Volkswagen Polo or similar
Volkswagen Polo
  • 4
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Budget
$17.54 / per day
Bratislava Airport
Economy Elite
Skoda Fabia or similar
Skoda Fabia
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Surprice
$22.03 / per day
Bratislava Airport
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
PANEK
$25.17 / per day
Bratislava Airport
Compact
Skoda Scala or similar
Skoda Scala
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Alamo
$29.47 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Bratislava Airport
Compact Elite
Volkswagen Golf or similar
Volkswagen Golf
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Keddy
$44.57 / per day
Bratislava Airport
Intermediate SUV
Skoda Kamiq or similar
Skoda Kamiq
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
AddCar
$56.54 / per day
Downtown
Full-size SUV
Kia Sportage or similar
Kia Sportage
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
WheeGo
$65.65 / per day
Bratislava Airport
Standard
Skoda Superb or similar
Skoda Superb
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$79.64 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 02:42 on 2024-03-26. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
Slovak, Czech, German, Hungarian
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+421
Average car rental price
$43 per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
90 - 130 km/h or 56 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.00%
Rating
9.7 / 10
Average gasoline price
$1.72 per liter or $6.52 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.62 per liter or $6.15 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$1.84 per liter or $6.97 / 1 gallon

Why rent a car in Bratislava?

Bratislava is a great place to visit. Beautiful and historic, it is home to well-preserved churches and cathedrals, interesting museums, and many representations of Slovak culture. The city is located in the southwestern corner of the country, but due to the short distances, the rest of Slovakia can be easily explored from the capital. If your rental car provider permits it, you might even want to sneak over the border to visit one of equally beautiful capitals of neighboring countries, Vienna, Budapest, or Prague.

Bratislava

Top ways to enter Bratislava

  • Bratislava Airport: Also known as Bratislava - M. R. Štefánik, the busiest airport in Slovakia handled 2.2 million travelers in 2018. The airport has flights by nine different airlines including low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Located 9 km (5.5 miles) northeast of the city center, the airport can be reached in 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Kosice Airport: Serving the city of the same name, Kosice Airport is the largest in eastern Slovakia. The airport has flights by seven different airlines which provide connections with countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Spain. Located 400 km (256 miles) east of Bratislava, Kosice Airport can be reached in about 4 hours and 20 minutes.
  • Vienna Airport: Serving the capital city of Austria, Vienna Airport handled 27 million travelers in 2018. The airport is the main hub for Austrian Airlines but also has many flights by low-cost carriers like Lauda and Eurowings. Located just 63 km (39 miles) west of Bratislava, Vienna Airport can be reached in 50 minutes by car. Thanks to its size and proximity, flying to Vienna is, for many travelers, the easiest way and cheapest to reach Bratislava.
  • Budapest Airport: Also known as Ferenc Liszt Airport after the famous composer who was a native of the city, Budapest Airport handled 14.8 million travelers in 2018. The airport has flights by more than 20 airlines and offers connections with destinations not only in Europe but also the Middle East, Central and East Asia, North Africa, and North America. Located 230 km (143 miles) southeast of Bratislava, Budapest Airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
  • Prague Airport: Experiencing steady growth over the last seven years, Prague Vaclav Havel Airport handled 17 million travelers for the first time in its history in 2019. The airport has flights by more than 40 airlines offering connections with countless destinations in Europe and beyond. Located 350 km (217 miles) northwest of Bratislava, Prague Airport can be reached in 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • A note: While close to Bratislava and Slovakia, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague airports are located in the respective neighboring countries of Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Although all four countries are members of the Schengen Area which means that no border controls are in place, you should still ask your rental car provider if they permit crossing the border and or to pick up a rental car in one country and drop it off in another. If not, you can fly to one of the airports, travel to Bratislava by public transportation and pick up your rental car after your arrival. 

City facts

  • Bratislava has a moderate continental climate with hot summers, pretty cold winters, and large temperature changes between seasons. The average high temperature is 28°C  (82°F) in July, the warmest month, and 3°C  (37°F) in January, the coldest. Individual summer and winter days can get significantly warmer and colder. The precipitation is moderate and steady throughout the year with a small increase in May, August, and September. 
  • The capital and most populous city of Slovakia, Bratislava is home to around 439,000 people with another 220,000 living in its larger metropolitan area. Bratislava is sometimes also included in the Vienna-Bratislava metropolitan region together with the nearby capital of Austria; combined, this region has around three million residents. Bratislava is made up of five city districts which are further divided into boroughs. 

Top destinations and activities

  • Bratislava Castle. Arguably the most impressive in Slovakia, Bratislava Castle was first built in the 9th century (although more primitive settlements stood on the castle hill as early in 5,500 years ago). Having suffered in various wars and rebuilt multiple times, the castle gained its present look in the 18th century. The larger architectural complex consists of the castle as well as other structures like Lugiland Bastion and various gates.
  • Jewish Community Museum. For centuries, Bratislava (just as many other cities in Central Europe) had a large population of Jews. Almost all of them tragically perished or emigrated during World War II, but their heritage continues to live through this museum which has exhibits about the daily lives, religion, and culture of Bratislava’s Jewish population. The museum is located in the Heydukova Street Synagogue.
  • St. Martin’s Cathedral. Built in the 15th century, St. Martin’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Slovakia. Built in the Gothic style and with a tower that reaches 85 m (279 ft) high, the church looks especially attractive after dark. Still fulfilling its original function and open to visitors, the church has a beautiful painted ceiling and stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible. 
  • Bratislava Christmas market. During the holidays, the city is home to a large - and particularly colorful - Christmas market. Bratislava turns into one big fairytale village, with street vendors, seasonal food and much more. The popular “Christmas snack” here is a warm slice of bread, topped with caramelized onions and melted lard. It is usually served with mulled wine.
  • Danubiana Art Museum. Located on the southern outskirts of the city and best reached by rental car, the Danubiana is the right place to see contemporary Slovak art. Built to house a museum and opened in 2000, the museum has a heavy focus on digital arts and other new media, and also frequently hosts various cultural events. Visit its English-language website to learn more.
  • Bratislava City Museum. A contrast to the aforementioned Danubiana, this is the oldest museum in the city and is about to celebrate its 150th birthday this decade. Its main building is in the old town, but it is, in fact, an institution made up of nine different museums that can be found all over the city. Some of the highlights include the Museum of Arms and Fortifications, the City History Museum, and the Museum of Clocks.

Traffic and parking

  • Slovakia drives on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits in Slovakia are 130 km/h (80 mph) on highways, 90 km/h (54 mph) on all other inter-city roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) inside cities and built-up areas. 
  • The legal alcohol limit is 0.00% for both experienced and novice drivers.
  • Slovakia is a mountainous country and while most roads are in good condition, it is nevertheless important to exercise extra caution when driving in the mountains, especially during the wintertime.
  • Slovakia gets a lot of snow in winter, so using snow chains might be required when driving in some highland areas. Ask your rental car provider about the availability of snow chains in advance if you are visiting in winter.
  • Children that are 11 years old or younger need to have a special child seat. Ask your rental car provider about the availability of one if you plan to travel with a young child.
  • Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
  • When 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.
  • Bratislava’s old town is pedestrian-only. You will thus have to park in the designated areas and then explore by foot. Do not worry: you won’t have to walk too much.

Toll roads

To drive on certain highways in Slovakia, a car must be equipped with a highway vignette (or nalepka in Slovak). The highway vignette can be purchased for periods of 10 days (for 10 EUR), one month (14 EUR) and one year (50 EUR). 

Many rental cars will come with the vignette. Your rental car provider might charge an additional fee for providing service. Ask your rental car provider in advance about the highway vignette in Slovakia.

If your rental car provider doesn’t provide a highway vignette or if you’re traveling to Slovakia with a rental car that was picked up in a neighboring country, you need to purchase the vignette yourself. You can buy the vignette in gas stations, post offices, and many shops as well as online (you can switch the language to English on the top-right corner of the website). The vignette comes in the form of an electric sticker and needs to be attached to the front window of your car.

Learn more about the electronic vignette system on the Slovak official vignette website and the European toll road website

Ideas for day trips

  • Bojnice. A town with just 5,000 residents, Bojnice’s claim to fame is its impressive castle. Built in the 12th century, it looks straight out of a fairy tale and has been the filming location of many fantasy movies. There are other reasons to visit Bojnice, too - it has the Museum of Prehistory built around a cave that was once inhabited by Neanderthals, a zoo, and a natural spa. Located 190 km (118 miles) northeast of Bratislava, Bojnice can be reached in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  • Zahorie Protected Landscape Area. Eastern Slovakia is famous for its high mountains and elaborate cave systems, but there’s nature to be enjoyed in the western part of the country as well. Made up of ancient woodlands, vast marshes, and fast streams, and home to many unique species of flora and fauna, Zahorie is one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Located some 55 km (34 miles) north of Bratislava, the landscape area can be reached in just about 40 minutes.
  • Vienna. Located right on the other side of the border, the capital of Austria is one of the great old cities of Europe. Home to imperial architecture, homes of world-famous classical composers, and developed coffee culture, this metropolis is as sophisticated as they get. Vienna has more famous landmarks than its possible to list, but the Museum of Fine Arts, National History Museum, and Vienna State Opera will feature high on most visitors’ to-see lists. Located 79 km (49 miles) west of Bratislava, Vienna can be reached in one hour. Although no border controls are in place between Slovakia and Austria (both countries are members of the Schengen Area), you’d be crossing an international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
  • Devin Castle. This easy short trip from Bratislava is perfect for those who are into history and landscape photography. Devin Castle is located only about 10 km (6.2 miles) from Bratislava. Consider a 20 minute drive from the city center. This is one of Slovakia's largest extant castles, and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Does it look familiar? Probably because it is depicted on Slovak money and postage stamps.
  • Spania Dolina. This former mining village is considered one of the most instagrammable in Slovakia. Located 215 km (133 miles) from Bratislava city center, it's a leisurely drive of about 2 hours through Slovakia off the beaten path. The village is a unique set of miner houses built of logs and stone. You will see Spania Dolina from a distance, thanks to the tall tower of the Church of Conversion of the Lord, which dominates the view.
  • Budapest. The direct drive from Bratislava to Budapest is about 201 km (125 miles). Consider a bit less than 2 hours to get there, in normal conditions. Because Budapest is in Hungary, you need to make sure your rental car provider if they permit crossing the border. Once in Budapest, explore the Great Market Hall for street food and souvenirs. Stroll through Margaret Island, and take a lot of pictures at Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Nitra. Another historical city with another stunning mountaintop castle, Nitra has, in fact, been inhabited for more than 3,500 years. Watch out for its many gems of Baroque architecture that include St. Emmeram’s Cathedral, which is part of the castle complex. The drive from the capital takes only about an hour.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Bratislava is the Skoda Citigo, followed by the Skoda Fabia and the Volkswagen Polo. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.

Further destinations

  • High Tatras. Forming the natural border with Poland, the High Tatras range is perhaps the number one reason why travelers go to Slovakia. The mountains offer plenty of opportunities for climbing, hiking, wildlife watching, and winter sports. Coming with a rental car, you’ll also get to experience many very scenic (and often literally breathtaking) mountain roads. Poprad, a city at the foothills of Tatra that can serve as a base for exploring the mountains, is 335 km (208 miles) northeast of Bratislava and can be reached in about 3 hours and 50 minutes.
  • Kosice. Although much smaller than Bratislava, Slovakia’s second city and the unofficial capital of eastern Slovakia has plenty to enjoy. Some of its landmarks include St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral, the National Theater, a number of impressive palaces, and the East Slovak Museum. Kosice is also near a number of national parks. The city served as the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Located 410 km (254 miles) east of Bratislava, Kosice can be reached in 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Prague. Located in the Czech Republic, Prague is 328.5 km (204 miles) from Bratislava by car. Consider a bit more than 3 hours to get there, in normal conditions.You should also make sure your rental car provider allows you to cross the border. Once in Prague, visit Prague Castle, and take lots of pictures at Charles Bridge, as well as the Astronomical Clock. Prague's old town is super popular among the instagrammers, due to its gorgeous pastel colored houses. When you get hungry, stop by a stall selling sandwiches with Prague ham or trdlo. You can't leave Prague without having tried them!

Car Rental Prices in Bratislava

  • Station wagons - from $28 per day
  • Large cars - from $22 per day
  • Medium cars - from $19 per day
  • Vans - from $95 per day
  • Premium cars - from $82 per day
  • Small cars - from $18 per day
  • SUVs - from $30 per day

Money-saving tips

There are different things you can do to get a great rental car in Bratislava. Start with these:

  • 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 Bratislava is the cheapest in November when renting a car is about 54% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 82% cheaper than renting in June.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Danila Caputo
This article was reviewed and updated by Danila "Dany" Caputo, the founder of Travelling Dany, a travel blog she created in 2016. Dany is a bilingual English/Italian blogger based in Italy. Her experience living and working in between Italy and the USA has helped shape her travel blog. Specifically to help travelers plan their dream trip on their own. She lives in Southern Italy, between Naples and the Amalfi Coast. You can get all the latest news through her newsletter on Travelling Dany, as well as on her Youtube channel (Travellingdany) or on Facebook (Travellingdany).

Top 4 Cities near Bratislava

  1. 155.6 km / 96.7 miles away
  2. 244.2 km / 151.7 miles away
  3. 302.4 km / 187.9 miles away
  4. 352.8 km / 219.2 miles away

Top 3 Locations near Bratislava

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Bratislava?

Car rental prices in Bratislava vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Bratislava
$16.64
January
$16.91
February
$18.19
March
$32.79
April
$26.19
May
$32.47
June
$48.64
July
$42.33
August
$27.17
September
$25.17
October
$19.39
November
$22.75
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Bratislava is January (when prices average $16.64 per day). This is 39% cheaper than the yearly average and 66% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $48.64).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Bratislava?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in July, the average renter keeps their car for 10 days, and in November, they keep their car for 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Bratislava
7
January
7
February
8
March
6
April
7
May
9
June
10
July
10
August
7
September
6
October
5
November
7
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Bratislava?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Bratislava is August, and the least popular is January.
Monthly searches in Bratislava by pick-up date relative to the average
31%
January
49%
February
46%
March
75%
April
95%
May
137%
June
179%
July
211%
August
124%
September
94%
October
62%
November
96%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 2
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers WheeGo, Surprice, PANEK, Autounion, Europcar
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, Station wagons, SUVs
Lowest price $18 per day
Cheapest supplier Budget

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
WheeGo Opel Corsa 4 1 Small cars
WheeGo Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
WheeGo Skoda Scala 4 2 Medium cars
PANEK Citroën C3 5 2 Small cars
WheeGo Skoda Fabia 4 2 Small cars
Autounion Hyundai i10 5 1 Small cars
Surprice Skoda Scala 5 3 Medium cars
Autounion Ford Fiesta 5 1 Small cars
Surprice Skoda Fabia 5 2 Small cars
Surprice Skoda Fabia 5 1 Small cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Italy
Skoda Scala
January 3, 2024
overall it was very good
Malta
Kia Sportage
October 29, 2023
Zakopane, Krakow, Wroclaw and Auschwitz were amazing
Lithuania
Kia Ceed
May 23, 2023
I have visited Auschwitz concentration camp. And also visited mountai region High tatras! Amazing views
United Kingdom
Skoda Fabia
March 2, 2023
Slovakia is my home country (I live in UK) but I love the freedom of having a car there. Visiting High Tatras, Turcianske Teplice Spa and many more is a dream.
Netherlands
Skoda Fabia Combi
July 26, 2022
Good experience, also good responses additionele questions via email.
Slovakia
Renault Clio
November 18, 2020
As I'm originally from Slovakia I can only recommend travell around :)

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Surprice
9.5 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Avis
7.5 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
19
Total rental companies
21
Average daily price
$42.58
Lowest daily price
$17.54
Total cars available
313

Top 21 Suppliers in Bratislava in 2024

Surprice
Surprice
Exceptional 9.5 / 156 reviews
2 locations
$20 - $144
WheeGo
WheeGo
Exceptional 9.5 / 91 reviews
2 locations
$28 - $112
AddCar
AddCar
Exceptional 9.2 / 64 reviews
1 location
$38 - $702
Global Rent a Car
Global Rent a Car
Exceptional 9.2 / 33 reviews
1 location
Autounion
Autounion
Exceptional 9.1 / 77 reviews
1 location
$37 - $352
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Exceptional 9.1 / 20 reviews
1 location
$134 - $808
EDENcars
EDENcars
Exceptional 9 / 28 reviews
1 location
Budget
Budget
Very good 8.5 / 49 reviews
1 location
$18 - $34
Megadrive
Megadrive
Very good 8.5 / 10 reviews
1 location
PANEK
PANEK
Very good 8.4 / 29 reviews
1 location
$25 - $148
Buchbinder
Buchbinder
Very good 8.2 / 13 reviews
1 location
Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.2 / 11 reviews
1 location
$29 - $147
Keddy
Keddy
Very good 8 / 18 reviews
2 locations
$37 - $62
SIXT
SIXT
Good 7.8 / 9 reviews
1 location
$41 - $57
Enterprise
Enterprise
Good 7.8 / 2 reviews
1 location
$104 - $230
Thrifty
Thrifty
Good 7.7 / 2 reviews
1 location
$48 - $80
Airport-services
Airport-services
Good 7.7 / 1 review
1 location
$47 - $527
Hertz
Hertz
Good 7.7
1 location
$61 - $100
National
National
Good 7.7
1 location
Firefly
Firefly
Good 7.6
1 location
Avis
Avis
Good 7.5 / 1 review
1 location
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