Car Rental in Czechia - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Czechia is highly recommended for exploring beyond Prague, particularly for countryside visits, castle tours, and road trips through regions like Bohemia and Moravia. The country drives on the right side of the road and maintains generally excellent road quality, with well-maintained highways and rural routes. However, skip the rental if you're staying primarily in Prague or other major cities—parking is expensive and difficult to find, while public transport is efficient and comprehensive. Car rental makes most sense for visiting smaller towns, wine regions, national parks, and the numerous castles scattered across the countryside where public transport connections are limited. Driving conditions are straightforward for most tourists, though winter driving requires caution due to snow and ice. Be aware that highway vignettes (toll stickers) are mandatory for motorway use—check current requirements with your rental company. Czech drivers can be assertive, especially in cities, but rural driving is relaxed. For maximum flexibility exploring Czechia's picturesque villages and natural areas at your own pace, a rental car is invaluable. For city-hopping between major centers, stick with trains and buses instead.

International Driving Permit

An IDP is generally recommended for non-EU license holders visiting Czechia, though EU licenses are typically accepted. Check current requirements based on your country of origin.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some companies setting the minimum at 23-25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges often apply under age 25.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. EU licenses are generally accepted without additional documentation, while non-EU visitors should verify acceptance rules.

Credit Card for Deposit

A credit card in the main driver's name is typically required for the security deposit. Debit cards are often not accepted by major rental agencies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included in rentals, but additional coverage options like CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and theft protection are strongly recommended. Verify what your rental includes.

Vignette for Highway Use

Czechia requires a highway vignette (toll sticker) for using motorways and expressways. Rental cars may include this, but verify with your rental agency before driving on toll roads.

Renting at Prague Airport typically offers the widest selection of international agencies (Europcar, Sixt, Budget) with 24/7 availability, while city center locations may have limited hours—compare options using booking widgets for current rates and availability.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify you have the vehicle registration, insurance documents (green card), highway vignette if included, and confirm the fuel policy (typically full-to-full in Czechia).

GPS navigation is essential as road signs may be in Czech only—most rental agencies offer GPS units as add-ons, or download offline maps for Czechia in advance using apps like Google Maps or Maps.me to avoid data roaming charges.

Czechia requires a highway vignette (dálniční známka) for motorways which rental agencies often include or sell—fuel is widely available with self-service stations common, and parking in Prague city center requires paid zones (check signs carefully to avoid fines).

Plan to return with a full tank if that's your agreement, allow extra time for the return inspection, and keep all fuel receipts—airport returns typically have dedicated rental car areas with clear signage.

Czech Republic enforces strict zero-tolerance alcohol laws (0.0% BAC) with roadside police checkpoints common throughout the country - any detectable alcohol results in heavy fines and potential license suspension.

Winter driving (November-March) requires extra caution as snow and ice are common, and winter tires are mandatory during certain conditions - black ice on bridges and shaded roads is a particular hazard.

Highway vignette stickers are mandatory for all motorways and must be purchased before entering - driving without a valid vignette results in immediate fines, and they're available at border crossings, gas stations, and online.

Trams have absolute right-of-way in cities like Prague - drivers must stop when trams are boarding/unloading passengers, and undertaking (passing on the right) stopped trams is illegal and dangerous.