Renting a Car at Prague Airport
Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is the gateway to one of Europe's most beautiful and culturally rich cities. The Czech Republic's motorway network is excellent and a motorway vignette is required — often pre-included with rental cars. Prague's compact, largely car-free historic centre is best explored on foot.
Prices from €20/day — good value. Note: the Czech Republic uses Czech Koruna (CZK), not Euros, though rental desks accept cards. The BAC limit is 0.0% — zero tolerance. Motorway vignette required.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate at PRG?
- 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 Prague Airport
Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.
You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.
Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.
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 Prague 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 PRG
- Zero alcohol tolerance (0.0% BAC) — strictly enforced throughout the Czech Republic.
- A motorway vignette (dálniční známka) is required: 10-day (~€14) or annual. Many rental cars come pre-equipped; confirm.
- Prague city centre parking is limited and expensive; use the P+R (Park and Ride) facilities on the metro lines.
- Czech petrol stations on motorways charge more — fill up at Benzina or OMV stations in towns.
Ready to Book Your Prague Airport Car Hire?
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Compare Prices at PRGGetting from Prague Airport to Prague City Centre
With a rental car, driving from Prague Airport to Prague city centre takes approximately 25 min (17 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 Czech Republic
Czech Republic uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.00%. Zero tolerance BAC. Motorway vignette required — often included with rental. Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK).
Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To
- Karlovy Vary — 130 km, 1.5 hr. Central Europe's most elegant spa town — colonnaded promenades, hot springs, and Becherovka distillery.
- Český Krumlov — 175 km, 2 hr. A perfectly preserved Baroque town in a river loop — UNESCO World Heritage and one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe.
- Kutná Hora — 70 km, 1 hr. The Sedlec Ossuary (bone church), a Gothic cathedral, and a remarkably intact medieval silver-mining town.
- Dresden (Germany) — 155 km, 1.5 hr. The Florence of the Elbe — Baroque architecture, excellent museums, and easy cross-border access.
For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.