Gdansk is one of Europe's most underrated cities — a magnificent Hanseatic port where richly decorated merchant houses line the Motława River, amber is sold on every corner, and the story of Solidarity's fight against communism began at the shipyards. The city is the gateway to Poland's Baltic coast, the vast Masurian Lake District, and some of Northern Europe's most rewarding driving.
Gdansk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is 12 km west of the city center. Car rental companies operate from the arrivals hall, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, and Polish operators like Panek and Express. Economy cars start from €10-€18/day — Poland is one of Europe's cheapest rental markets. The airport connects to the S6 expressway for fast access to the Tri-City area.
Gdansk merges seamlessly with its neighbors into the Tri-City (Trójmiasto) metropolitan area stretching 30 km along the coast:
A car makes exploring all three easy, though summer beach traffic between them can be slow.
Poland's Baltic coast stretches 440 km and is largely unspoiled compared to Mediterranean rivals. From Gdansk, head west along the coast road through:
Just 60 km south, Malbork Castle is the world's largest castle by surface area — a colossal red brick fortress built by the Teutonic Knights. The drive south continues through the Teutonic heartland to Toruń (170 km), birthplace of Copernicus and famous for its gingerbread, with a beautifully preserved Gothic old town.
Southeast of Gdansk (250 km, 3 hours), the Masurian Lake District is a paradise of 2,000 interconnected lakes surrounded by forests. This is Poland's summer playground for sailing, kayaking, and lakeside relaxation. The drive through the lakes region on small back roads, past stork nests and through quiet villages, is deeply peaceful. Notable stops include Mikołajki (the sailing capital), the Elbląg Canal (where boats travel on rails over hills between lakes), and the mysterious Wolf's Lair at Gierłoż.
Polish fuel costs PLN 6.50-7.00/liter (~€1.50). Headlights must be on at all times. The A1 motorway south is tolled. The blood alcohol limit is 0.2 g/L — effectively zero tolerance. Rental cars in Poland are often manual transmission; specify automatic if needed. Summer (June-August) is peak season on the Baltic coast, with accommodation and traffic both at capacity. The best months for coastal driving are June and September.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Gdansk:
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Główne Miasto (Main Town) | PLN 7/hr (~€1.60) | Metered parking around the historic center. The Main Town itself is mostly pedestrianized. |
| Parking Hala Targowa | PLN 50/day (~€12) | Covered garage near the market hall and old town. Walking distance to the main attractions. |
| Brzeźno / Jelitkowo (Beach) | PLN 5/hr (~€1.15) | Seasonal paid parking near the beaches. Free in winter months. Fills quickly on summer weekends. |
Traffic note: Gdansk, together with Sopot and Gdynia, forms the Tri-City metropolitan area along the Baltic coast. Traffic between the three cities on the main routes can be heavy, especially the S6 expressway during summer. The historic Main Town is pedestrianized. A new tunnel under the Martwa Wisła river has improved access to the port area. Polish driving rules apply: headlights on at all times, 0.2 g/L alcohol limit. The A1 motorway connects Gdansk to central and southern Poland.
Book your Gdansk rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at GDN pickup locations.
The largest castle in the world by land area, built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with massive brick Gothic walls, courtyards, and a fascinating museum.
Poland's most glamorous seaside resort with Europe's longest wooden pier (511m), an attractive pedestrian promenade (Monciak), Art Nouveau architecture, and a lively beach scene.
A dramatic 35 km sand spit jutting into the Baltic Sea, narrowing to just 200m wide in places. Popular beaches, a seal sanctuary, and the fishing village of Hel at the tip.
Book now and get free cancellation on most rentals.
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Poland — parking tips, toll info, and more.
Free download. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.