Car hire in Poland

Poland combines modernisation with fascinating history, boasting a plenitude of interesting sites to keep visitors entertained. Touring the country, you can see castles, churches and museums. In the capital city, tourists can enjoy the vibrant nightlife and upmarket restaurants, while the countryside offers insight into a more traditional way of life.

Renting a vehicle in Poland will allow you to travel at your own pace so that you follow a customised itinerary. The best rental deals can be found online by pre-booking a car. The online search options of this site allow you to compare car hire prices before making a choice. If it is your first time in Poland, a GPS will help you find your way around while you explore the vibrant cities and beautiful countryside.

Car hire driving tips in Poland

Poland has a modern transport network and plans to improve the highways are underway. The motorway network spans nearly 1,000kms and there are hundreds of kilometres of expressways. The remaining road network joins major cities, making it easy to get around using car hire in Poland. Public roads are divided according to administrative categories.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: EU and UK driving licences are accepted but it is advisable to carry an International Driving Licence.

Which side does Poland drive on: traffic travels on the right-hand side of the road.

Speed limits:

Cities: 60kph

Outside cities: 80kmph

Express roads: 100kph

Motorways: 130kph

Alcohol limits: drinking and driving is not permitted and it is illegal to drive with blood alcohol levels higher than 0.02 per cent. Penalties include fines, licence suspension or prison time.

Driving age: 18 years (21 years to hire a car).

Compulsory items: all vehicles must be equipped with a warning triangle. It is a legal requirement to keep car registration and car rental documents inside the car. Police will ask for these documents if they pull you over for an inspection and fines can be imposed on violators of this rule.

Seatbelts: the driver and passengers must all wear seatbelts. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to sit in the front of the car. Instead they must be secured in a special child seat in the rear.

Mobile phones and GPS: it is illegal for a driver to use a mobile phone without a hands-free kit while driving. It is possible to rent a GPS device from car hire companies.

Cost of fuel in Poland: the cost of fuel in Poland is slightly cheaper than in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: you can pay for petrol by credit card or cash at most stations. Car rental can be booked online using a credit card.

Insurance: it is a legal requirement to have third-party insurance but additional cover should also be considered.

Traffic and parking: city centres have heavy traffic which usually persists until 20:00. In the city centres, there are usually numerous roundabouts and some streets are only accessible to taxis. Parking is limited and the general method of payment is by parking meter. Wheel clamps are used for illegal parking, which can result in vehicles being towed or impounded. Police can ask foreign drivers to pay fines immediately in cash.

Our editor’s recommended drives

Wroclaw to Walbrzych – in Wroclaw you can explore interesting historic sites and religious monuments. From the city, drive to Walbrzych where you can visit Ksiaz Castle and quaint churches.

Zelazowa Wola to Krakow – this scenic route takes you past the birthplace of a well-known Polish figure, Frederic Chopin. Stop along the way to visit his museum and then head to Czestochowa, which includes attractions such as religious monuments dating back to the 15^th century. Once you are in Krakow, you can visit Wawel Castle, Main Square and the Holocaust Monument.

Wroclaw to Karpniki – Wroclaw, criss-crossed by canals, has a backdrop of the Odra River. Highlights include riverboat cruises, buildings of architectural interest and markets, with the drive from here to Karpniki half the fun.

Poland travel tips

From the world cuisine of Warsaw to the medieval architecture of Krakow, Poland offers both modern and old world attractions. A string of castles dot the country along with reminders of Poland’s time under Nazi Germany. The best way to explore the rustic countryside is with a rental car, but be sure to brush up on some basic travel tips before departure.

Poland weather and tourist seasons

Summer starts in June while winter begins in November. Summer is characterised by warm weather and occasional heavy rainfall. Snowfall is common in winter, especially in the mountainous region where snow can be expected until May. Poland attracts tourists all year round but the peak tourist season is from May to October.

Poland contact numbers (+48)

Ambulance - 999

Emergency number - 112

Firefighters - 998

Police - 997

Toll free call - 0800

Reduced cost - 0801

National Tourist Office - 48 2253 67070

United States Embassy - 48 22 311 0000

Canadian Embassy - 48 22 584 3100

Australian Embassy – 48 22 5213 444

Irish Embassy – 48 22 849 663

Holidays and festivals

Many of the national holidays in Poland follow Catholic traditions. It is advised to buy necessities prior to national holidays as stores may be shut or have limited opening times. Holidays include Easter (March or April), Constitution Day (3 May), All Saints’ Day (1 November), National Independence Day (11 November), Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Money matters

The local currency is the Polish zloty, with 1 zloty made up of 100 grosze. Money exchange facilities include private offices and banks. Be cautious of money exchange operators in train stations and tourist areas as they have been known to overcharge. There are plenty of ATMs located throughout major cities. Credit cards can be used in many establishments within the big cities, but small stores in rural areas may only accept cash.

Health and safety

Poland is generally safe, but it is necessary to be aware of potential threats. Pick-pocketing occurs in tourist areas and you should not leave valuables in your car. It is safe to drink the tap water but residents generally boil or filter the water first. No vaccinations are necessary before travel here.

Fitting in…

If you are invited to someone's house for dinner, take a gift such as flowers or vodka. An even number of flowers is used for funerals so make sure that you purchase an odd number to give as a gift. If you are visiting religious sites, remove your hat and make sure that you are respectfully dressed. Handshakes are used as a form of greeting and friends may greet each other with a hug or kiss on the cheek.

Visas for Poland

EU nationals do not need a visa to travel to Poland; however, a valid passport is necessary to enter the country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and you should have travel documents to show when you will exit the country. If you are not from an EU country, you will need to obtain a visa prior to your trip.

Electricity

220 Volts, 50 Hertz with Type E sockets.

Business hours

Banks are open from 08:00 until 16:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 13:00 on weekends. Other businesses are open from 07:00, with an extended lunch break at 15:00.

Helpful phrases

Polish is the official language and most information is provided in this language. Signs, train announcements and bus schedules are all in Polish. In popular tourist areas, there are signs for attractions, such as museums, written in multiple languages. The younger generation is proficient in English and it is easier to find English speakers in major cities than in rural areas. French, Russian, English and German are taught in local schools.

Tak - Yes

Nie - No

Przepraszam - Excuse me

Nie mowie popolsku - I don’t speak Polish

Nie rozumiem - I don’t understand

Proze mi pomoc - Help me please

Resources online

www.wikitravel.org/en/Poland#b

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland

www.poland.travel/en