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Finding a rental car in Poland is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Poland with no booking fees. Pick up at Warsaw Chopin, Kraków or Gdańsk airports or in city centers and filter for automatics, SUVs, child seats and one-way car rentals. Book early in summer for better choice and low prices.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Rentals | • Immediate access upon arrival • Longer operating hours (some 24/7) • More vehicle choices |
• Airport surcharges • Possible wait times at busy flight arrival periods • Higher rates than city locations |
| City Center Rentals | • Usually lower rates • Avoid airport surcharges • Less busy counters |
• Need transport from airport • Shorter opening hours • Navigating city traffic when leaving |
On average, car rentals in Poland cost around 249 zł per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 131 zł per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups. City centers in Poland are often cheaper and avoid airport surcharges. At busy hubs like Warsaw Chopin, a city pickup can also mean shorter lines.
Be flexible with dates. Tue-Thu pickups are often cheaper than weekends. In summer and holidays, book 2-3 months ahead. In winter or shoulder seasons, watch prices and book 2-4 weeks out.
Choose the cheaper car type. Manuals are common and usually 10-20% cheaper than automatics. Economy/compact cars save on rental and fuel. For long trips, diesel can cut fuel costs.
Avoid extras. Extra driver, GPS and child seats add up. Use your phone for navigation and bring your own child seat if practical. Check for unlimited mileage and a full-to-full fuel policy.
Mind pickup/return fees. After-hours service can cost around 150 PLN in Poland, or about €36.90 at Modlin (WMI). If possible, schedule within opening hours. Compare same-location returns vs one-way to see if the 100-500 PLN fee is worth it.
Plan fueling and parking smartly. Refill away from highways and use hypermarket stations for lower prices. In cities, nights and Sundays are often free in paid zones, so time your parking to save.
| Type | Overview | Cost Estimate | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| City center zones | • Marked as "Strefa Płatnego Parkowania" • Payment via meters, cards or mobile apps • Enforced Mon-Fri 8 AM-6 PM (varies by city) |
Varies by city and zone | • First 10-15 minutes often cheaper • Nights and Sundays usually free • Display ticket on dashboard |
| Airport parking | • Short-term and long-term options • Car rental returns have designated areas |
Varies | • Follow "Car Rental Return" signs • Rental companies validate spaces for returns |
| Old town areas | • Often limited access or pedestrian zones • Look for spaces outside historic cores |
Varies | • Park outside and walk in (usually 5-10 min walk) • Hotels can sometimes register plates for access |
Speed limits:
| Toll Road | Section | Car Toll (one-way) | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Motorway | Gdańsk - Toruń | Varies | Cash, cards, Autopay app |
| A2 Motorway | Świecko (German border) - Konin | Varies | Cash, cards, Autopay app |
| A4 Motorway | Katowice - Kraków | Varies | Cash, cards, Autopay app |
Note: All other highways and expressways (including S-roads) are toll-free for passenger cars.
Book a rental car to easily:
What documents do I need to rent a car in Poland?
You need a valid driver's license, passport or ID (for EU citizens) and a credit card in the main driver's name. Non-EU drivers should have an International Driving Permit.
What is the typical security deposit for car rentals?
You should expect to pay a security deposit of 1,000-3,000 PLN for economy and compact cars and 5,000+ PLN for premium vehicles. You can reduce this amount a lot if you get full insurance.
Can I drive a Polish rental car to neighboring countries?
Yes, most rental companies will let you drive to other EU countries. You just need to tell them beforehand and sometimes pay a cross-border fee of around €30-50. They usually won't let you drive to non-EU countries like Ukraine, Belarus or Russia.
What type of car is best for a Polish road trip?
If you're just driving around cities, an economy or compact car is best. For families or on longer trips, a mid-size sedan or wagon will give you more comfort. If you plan to visit the mountains in winter, consider an SUV that has winter tires.
Are automatic transmission cars available?
Yes, but they're less common and usually cost 10-20% more than manual cars. You should book well in advance, especially during the busy season.
What are the best months to rent a car in Poland?
You'll get a good balance of pleasant weather, lower prices and fewer tourists if you rent a car in May, early June or September. January is usually the cheapest month, but be prepared for winter driving conditions.
How do I handle parking in historic city centers?
You'll find many historic centers don't allow cars in certain areas. You should park in the signed parking lots outside the old towns and walk in or use your hotel's parking if you're staying in the center.
What should I do in case of an accident?
Call the police (112) if there's an injury or serious damage. Exchange details with other drivers and take photos. Contact your rental company straight away on their emergency number.
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