Renting a Car at Gdansk Airport

Gdansk Airport (GDN) serves one of Poland's most historic and beautiful cities — a Hanseatic port on the Baltic with an immaculately restored Old Town, world-class amber museums, and direct access to the Tri-City conurbation of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot. Rental desks are in the arrivals hall immediately after customs.

Prices start around €20/day — good value for a major European city. Cross-border travel to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania is permitted with most providers. The A1 motorway connects Gdansk directly to Warsaw (330 km, 3.5 hr).

Which Car Rental Companies Operate at GDN?

  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget

Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.

How to Pick Up Your Car at Gdansk Airport

1
Collect Your Luggage

Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.

2
Find the Car Rental Desks

Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.

3
Present Your Documents

You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.

4
Inspect the Car

Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.

5
Drive Away

Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
  • Passport or national identity card.
  • Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
  • Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules at Gdansk Airport

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.

Tips for Renting at GDN

  • Gdansk Old Town parking is limited; use the Hevelius or Galeria Baltycka car parks.
  • Malbork Castle is unmissable — book tickets in advance in summer.
  • Motorway vignette not required in Poland; A1 has toll booths (cash or card accepted).
  • Hel Peninsula road is the only access — avoid it in peak summer as traffic backs up for hours; take the ferry from Gdansk instead.
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Getting from Gdansk Airport to Gdansk City Centre

With a rental car, driving from Gdansk Airport to Gdansk city centre takes approximately 20 min (12 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.

Driving in Poland

Poland uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 140 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.02%. Headlights on at all times. Vignette required on motorways. Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

  • Sopot — 12 km, 15 min. Poland's premier beach resort — the famous pier (longest in the Baltic), spa hotels, and a vibrant nightlife strip.
  • Malbork Castle — 55 km, 45 min. The largest castle in the world by area — a UNESCO-listed Teutonic Knights fortress on the Nogat River.
  • Hel Peninsula — 60 km, 1 hr. A 35 km sandy spit into the Baltic Sea — beaches, seal rescue station, and great seafood.
  • Olsztyn — 145 km, 1.5 hr. Capital of the Warmia-Masuria lake district — castles, kayaking, and the best cycling routes in Poland.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.