What you should know before you rent a car
Practical information
Where to rent a car in Poland?
Located in eastern Europe, Poland shares borders with a number of countries including Germany, Slovakia and Belarus, as well as a coastline with the Baltic Sea. Its capital city is Warsaw, which is home to Warsaw Chopin Airport; Krakow, in southern Poland, is another popular tourist destination and home to John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice. The Polish railway network connects a large number of destinations across the country, with stations such as Kraków Główny Osobowy and Warszawa Centralna found along the route. However, for the flexibility of traveling on your own timetable, car rental is a great way to explore Poland. Car rental companies including Autoclick, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz are all in operation in Poland; car rental services can be found at airports and in cities across Poland.
What are the driving rules in Poland?
In Poland, drive on the right and pay attention to the speed limits, which are displayed in kilometers per hour. The speed limit is usually 50 - 60km/h in urban areas; 90 - 100km/h on rural roads; and 130km/h on the freeway. However, pay attention to road signs indicating the speed limit while driving in Poland. It is prohibited to use a cell phone while driving in Poland unless in hands free mode, while seatbelts must be worn at all times by both passengers and the driver of the car. The blood alcohol limit in Poland is 0.02% - so be safe, and don't drink at all before driving.
Parking is usually metered in Poland, so be sure to purchase a ticket before parking up. Parking lots are also available.
Road trips in Poland
A country steeped in history, discover Poland by rental car and learn more about its checkered past, traveling through cities and national parks along the way.
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland, and is located in the center of the country. Heavily affected by a number of events during its checkered past, including WWII and the Communist Era, today Warsaw is a bustling metropolis and an increasingly popular tourist destination.Be sure to pay a visit to the Warsaw Old Town, which is home to the Royal Castle and the busy Rynek Starego Miasta square. from Warsaw, a number of destinations can be reached by rental car. The city of Łódź, known for its past as a textiles hub, is just 84 miles away by road and makes for a great day trip or longer excursion from Warsaw.
Krakow
Found in southern Poland, the charming city of Krako is known for its history and Jewish culture. In the Old Town, the popular Main Square is lined with restaurants and cafes, and is home to the Krakow Cloth Hall. Also in Krakow, don't miss a visit to Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral. Once you've explore Krakow, rent a car and take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is just 8 miles away by car; or the former concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, which stands around 43 miles from Krakow by road. Alternatively, take a trip to the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland for hiking and to spot wildlife including lynx and bears.
Gdańsk
Located in northern Poland, the port city of Gdańsk overlooks the Baltic Sea. Wander around the Old Town; visit landmarks such as St Mary's Church and the Long Market; and take a boat trip to the city's shipyard, where the Solidarity movement of 1980 began. Then, rent a car and drive to nearby destinations including the Białowieża National Park (284 miles); Warsaw (259 miles); and the huge, 14th century Malbork Castle, located in the town of Malbork (41 miles).