Prague Car Rental
Prague car hire is a common choice for travelers wishing to plan their journey’s itinerary independently, without relying on the public transit routes and schedules or worrying about getting scammed by Prague taxi drivers. Even though Prague’s transit network is efficient, choosing a public transit means for your rides will certainly add stress and hassle to your journey. On the other hand, scamming incidents by Prague taxi drivers are becoming scarcer and scarcer. Still, Prague taxis are rather expensive, especially if used for all rides during your stay in Prague. Thus, Prague car hire is a prevalent transit option for visitors arriving at the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic.
Is a Car Needed in Prague?
You can easily travel around Prague using the efficient bus lines or the fast trams and subway. Verily, the historical center of the city is an overall walkable area, with narrow streets and limited parking solutions. Thus, if you are planning on just wandering around the city center during your journey in Prague, you shouldn’t opt for a Prague car rental. However, Prague is surrounded by various sights worthy of a visit. What’s more, thanks to its location (in the center of the country), even the furthest-distanced areas lie within 321km/200 miles. As a matter of fact, most of the country’s popular towns and landmarks (such as Kutna Hora, Sedlec Ossuary, and Karlovy Vary) are a 2-2.30-hour drive from Prague. On the other hand, the adjacent countries (Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria) are also must-visit destinations. That being said, if you want to travel beyond the city limits, Prague car hire will be proven a true life-saving solution.
How to Rent a Car in Prague?
If you want to rent a car in Prague, all you have to do is check your options. All the major international car rental companies, along with many local providers, are present in Prague, offering quality services at a competitive cost. Thus, if you contrast the alternatives, you’ll certainly find the ideal solution for your needs and budget. As soon as you settle on the car rental deal, you’ll have to fill out a booking form, following the company’s instructions. Once completing the procedure, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Please keep that email, as it’ll most probably be the voucher for your reservation.
Is it Easy to Rent a Car in Prague?
As long as you have defined your requirements and budget, finding the top value for money vehicle won’t trouble you much. Nevertheless, you can check out the top hacks to ensure an overall satisfying car renting experience:
- The sooner you book your Prague car rental, the lower prices you’ll find. Moreover, long in-advance reservations usually come with a wider variety of available car models.
- Previous customers’ reviews will give you priceless info about car rentals in Prague.
- It is recommended to take some pics of the vehicle before leaving the pick-up location. In that way, you can capture any existing damages.
- You’ll be charged per 24 hours. Hence, you should schedule the dropping-off time wisely to avoid getting extra charged.
- A fair fuel policy is always a good idea. In other words, you should refill the car before returning it, as Prague car rental companies usually overcharge fuel.
- Extra amenities (additional driver, GPS, child seats, etc.) bring extra charges. Nevertheless, many car rental agencies offer deals, including those add-ons but no extra fares. Therefore, if, for example, you are interested in adding an extra driver, you should check if one of the Prague car rental providers includes this service in its bouquet of offerings.
- You can choose a different pick-up and drop-off location. In fact, you can often choose to drop off the vehicle in another of the nearby countries. Still, this is rarely the option for some luxury car models. One-way renting usually raises the final fare. However, you may save more on gas by choosing a different return location than the extra fee you are going to pay.
What do you Need to Rent a Car in Prague?
The following documents will be required to rent a car in Prague; your ID or passport, a valid, at least-2-year driver’s license, and a credit card (the credit card must be in the main driver’s name). What’s more, if the driver’s license isn’t issued by the Czech Republic or a country member of the EU, the issue of an International Driving Permit will also be necessary for the car renting procedure.
Do I Need an International Driving Permit for Prague?
An International Driving Permit is usually required when the driver’s license isn’t written in Roman characters. Overall, when it comes to Prague car hire, International Driving Permits are always necessary if the client’s originating country isn’t the Czech Republic or a country member of the EU. Hence, if your driver’s license isn’t issued by one of the EU states, you are going to need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Prague.
How Old do you Have to Be to Rent a Car in Prague?
Car rental in Prague is allowed to at least 21-year-old drivers, owning their driver’s license for a minimum of two years. However, for some car types (luxury vehicles, specialty models, etc.), companies set higher age limits. On the other hand, young drivers (that is, drivers under 25) usually pay an extra fee.
Our Tip: You may find some Prague car hire agencies allowing the renting of some limited car models by drivers under the age of 21. Nevertheless, this is seldom the case.
Where to Rent a Car in Prague?
Prague car rental companies operate all around the city’s areas. Although Prague Airport, the main train station, and the city center are some of the most popular pick-up zones for car rental in Prague, you’ll find agencies lying in other areas as well. In any case, you should keep in mind that airport car rentals are usually costlier than renting your car from a Prague location.
What Type of Car should you Rent in Prague?
Car rental in Prague is a convenient transit option, whatever vehicle type you are looking for. Verily, Prague car rental agencies have fleets consisting of all vehicle types. Overall, compacts, sedans, and coupes are recommended for rides inside the city center due to the narrow streets and the limited parking, whereas vans are ideal for large groups of travelers and SUVs for traveling around the Czech Republic, especially during the winter months. On the other hand, a convertible vehicle is a good idea if traveling to Prague during the summer.
Our Tip: The most popular car rentals in Prague are Toyota Aygo, Volkswagen Up, and Chevrolet Spark.
How Much is it to Rent a Car in Prague?
The price of a Prague car rental varies depending on numerous reasons. Thus, the vehicle type, the renting duration, the time of the year, and the required extra amenities affect the final cost of car rentals. In general terms, you can rent a mini car rental in Prague, paying as much as 385CZK/16.50€/18$. On the other hand, the average price of a car rental ranges from 900CZK/38.50€/42$ to 1112CZK/47.60€/52$.
Is it Difficult to Drive in Prague?
Driving in Prague isn’t considered particularly difficult. Drivers tend to respect traffic laws, while cameras and on-road police are used to enforce road regulations. Nevertheless, while driving around the city, you should pay attention to the cyclists as well as to the trams coming from your left side. Therefore, you should always check before turning left and be careful when driving close to a tram stop while passengers are alighting. Buses, trams, and pedestrians always have the right of way.
Under no circumstances should you overtake the tram!
As far as traffic conditions are concerned, during rush hours (approximately from 07:00 am to 09:00 am and from 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm), roads tend to get congested. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid traveling during those times of the day and prefer the non-peak hours to enjoy hassle-free rides.
What is the Speed Limit in Prague?
The speed limit within the city zone is 50km/h (31mph), whereas outside the urban zone is 90km/h (56mph). On the other hand, motorways have higher speed limits. Thus, you are allowed to drive at one of Prague’s highways at an up-to-130km/h (81mph) speed.
Do I Need a Vignette to Drive in the Czech Republic?
You won’t find toll booths on the Czech Republic’s highways. Still, expressways are toll roads. Thus, each car must have a sticker on its windshield (vignette). Vignettes are often provided by car rental companies. Otherwise, they can be bought online, via post offices, or from several gas stations.
Our Tip: E-vignettes are now available in Prague. Thus, a sticker isn’t necessary anymore. Instead, the car’s registration number is automatically registered in the system, and cameras on the expressways scan each vehicle’s plates, checking the use of vignettes.
Do Rental Cars Need Full Insurance?
A damage waiver is usually included in the Prague car rental’s price. However, it is advisable to opt for the full insurance package. In that way, you’ll be covered in any case of accident or damage. On the other hand, many credit cards offer car rental insurance coverage. Thus, if you want to save money on insurance, you should check if you have a credit card offering a similar type of coverage and use it.
Where to Park Rental Car in Prague?
Prague is divided into parking zones, distinguished by the colored stripes on the road. Thus, the blue zone is mainly addressed to residents. Still, non-residents can park for up to 3 hours, paying a fee (only online payments are accepted). Free parking in the blue zone is also available. However, each area has a different time frame during which parking is out of charge. Parking in the orange zones is allowed only for 2 hours. Payments can be made online or at the parking taximeters. Finally, the purple areas are ideal for long stays. Thus, you can park your car there for up to 24 hours. Please note that parking in the purple zones is usually free from 08:00 pm to 08:00 am. However, if there is no indication, it is paid around the clock.
Alternatively, you can opt for the P&R system (Park & Ride) and leave your car outside the city center in a parking lot connecting with the public transit network. It is a far more affordable option.
Free parking is more likely to be found late at night, on weekends, and during public holidays.
Finally, numerous private car parks are scattered around the city. As a matter of fact, you’ll find several parking lots in the city center. However, please keep in mind that their prices are usually high.
Useful Info About Car Rental in Prague
- Motorists in Prague drive on the right side of the road.
- Police carry out regular controls and inspections. Thus, you should respect traffic regulations. In case you receive a fine, it will be forwarded to the car rental company, which in turn, will charge your credit card or send the fine to you added with the sending fees.
- If you are planning on traveling a lot around the Czech Republic or the surrounding countries, you should rent a car in Prague with unlimited mileage. Unfortunately, luxury cars usually set specific mileage limits.
- All passengers are obligated to wear a seatbelt.
- Child seats are obligatory for children up to 150cm/5ft or 36kg/80lbs.
- Drivers must have the vehicle’s headlights on, no matter the time of the day.
- The Czech Republic has a zero-alcohol policy. Thus, you aren’t allowed to drink and drive at all.
- Using your mobile phone while driving is strictly forbidden.