Krakow is a superb gateway for road trips through southern Poland and beyond. While this former royal capital is compact enough to explore on foot, a rental car opens up the Tatra Mountains, the salt mines, and the stunning Polish countryside that many visitors miss entirely.
Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK), also known as Balice, is located 11 km west of the city centre. Rental car companies operate from counters in the arrivals hall, with car parks directly outside the terminal. The airport is small and efficient, so the pickup process is usually quick.
Poland offers excellent rental value, with economy cars available from €12-€20 per day, making it one of the cheapest countries in Europe for car hire. Even premium vehicles remain affordable compared to Western European rates.
Poland's motorway system uses a combination of toll barriers and electronic tolling. Key information:
May-June and September offer the best conditions. Spring brings wildflowers to the Tatra foothills and pleasant hiking temperatures. Summer (July-August) is warm but the Tatras and Zakopane are extremely crowded with domestic tourists. Autumn offers spectacular foliage in the mountain valleys. Winter driving requires winter tyres (mandatory November 1 to March 31 in mountainous areas) and snow chains for Tatra roads.
Polish roads have improved dramatically thanks to EU funding, but quality varies. Motorways and expressways are excellent, while rural roads can be narrow and poorly surfaced. Speed limits are 140 km/h on motorways, 120 km/h on expressways, 90 km/h outside towns, and 50 km/h in built-up areas (reduced to 50 km/h at all times in towns). Headlights must be on at all times year-round.
Fuel costs around PLN 6.50-7.00 per litre (~€1.50-€1.60). Orlen is the dominant Polish fuel chain. LPG is widely available and significantly cheaper if your rental is LPG-equipped.
Krakow's location near the Slovak, Czech, and Ukrainian borders makes cross-border road trips appealing. Most rental companies permit travel to EU countries but may charge a cross-border fee (€15-€30). Travel to Ukraine is typically prohibited. Slovakia is just 100 km south, and a day trip combining Zakopane with the Slovak side of the Tatras is popular. A Slovak motorway vignette is required if you cross the border.
Do not attempt to drive into Krakow's Old Town. Use a Park & Ride facility or a hotel with parking. The Galeria Krakowska shopping centre near the main station has a large underground garage. Kazimierz (the historic Jewish quarter) has slightly more relaxed parking but is still busy. Outside the paid parking zones, free street parking is available in residential areas of Podgórze and Krowodrza.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Krakow:
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zone A (Old Town) | PLN 9/hr (~€2.10) | Immediate Old Town surroundings. Maximum 3 hours. Enforced Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00. |
| Zone B (Inner City) | PLN 6/hr (~€1.40) | Wider inner city including Kazimierz. No time limit. Same enforcement hours. |
| Zone C (Extended) | PLN 4/hr (~€0.93) | Outer ring of the paid zone. No time limit. Same enforcement hours. |
| Park & Ride | PLN 3-8/day (~€0.70-1.85) | Several P&R facilities linked to tram lines. Czerwone Maki and Nowy Bieżanów are the largest. |
Traffic note: Krakow's Old Town (Stare Miasto) is within the Planty ring park and is largely pedestrianized. Driving into the Old Town requires a special permit, and cameras enforce this. The Clean Transport Zone is being expanded. Traffic on the main ring roads (Aleje Trzech Wieszczów) is heavy during rush hours (7:00-9:00, 15:30-17:30). Polish drivers can be aggressive, particularly on two-lane national roads. The A4 motorway connects Krakow to Katowice (west) and is tolled. Speed enforcement is strict, with fixed cameras and frequent police checks.
Book your Krakow rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at KRK pickup locations.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring underground chapels, lakes, and sculptures carved entirely from salt. The mine has been operating since the 13th century and reaches 327 meters deep.
Poland's premier mountain resort at the foot of the dramatic Tatra peaks. Excellent hiking in summer, skiing in winter, and unique Góral highland culture year-round.
A stunning limestone gorge with caves, rock formations, and a hilltop castle ruin. One of Europe's smallest national parks but packed with natural beauty and easy walking trails.
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.