Renting a Car at Krakow Airport

Krakow John Paul II Airport (KRK) is one of Poland's busiest gateways, serving a city that was Poland's royal capital for over 500 years and remains its cultural heart. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, Wawel Royal Castle, and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz are within 20 minutes of the airport by car.

Prices from €18/day — excellent value for such a historically rich destination. Poland's motorway network (A4) connects Krakow to Warsaw (295 km, 2.5 hr), Wrocław (270 km, 2.5 hr), and the Silesian cities.

Which Car Rental Companies Operate at KRK?

  • 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 Krakow 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 Krakow 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 KRK

  • Krakow Old Town has a Low Emission Zone (LEZ); check your rental is compliant for inner city driving.
  • Wieliczka is 20 min from the airport — consider it en route to the city.
  • The airport shuttle to the city centre runs every 30 min (30 min journey, very cheap).
  • Zakopane road (DK7) can be very slow on winter weekends — leave early.
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Getting from Krakow Airport to Krakow City Centre

With a rental car, driving from Krakow Airport to Krakow city centre takes approximately 20 min (15 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

  • Wieliczka Salt Mine — 15 km, 20 min. UNESCO underground chapel and crystal lake — one of Europe's most extraordinary attractions.
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau — 70 km, 1 hr. The most important Holocaust memorial site in the world. Mandatory advance ticket booking.
  • Zakopane — 100 km, 1.5 hr. Poland's mountain resort in the Tatra range — skiing in winter, hiking in summer.
  • Ojców National Park — 25 km, 30 min. Poland's smallest national park — limestone gorges, caves, and medieval castle ruins.

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