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Car Rental - Krakow
Once known as a quiet, conservative city, Krakow has reimagined itself in recent years, shrugging off the past to become a buzzing, modern city. It’s evident in the new restaurants, cafes and museums that have opened up, in the old areas that have been transformed, in the street art and bohemian vibe.
Visitors can bask in this sense of the possible, as well as throw themselves into medieval Krakow to enjoy wonderfully preserved architecture, dramatic castles and market squares.
Our car rental pick-up locations in Krakow aim to get you into your car as fast as possible so you can get on with experiencing Poland’s second-largest city. With our best price guarantee, no hidden extras or credit card fees, you can be assured of peace of mind when it comes to car rental in Krakow.
Krakow Locations
A Quick Guide to Krakow
Stroll the streets of Stare Miasto, the medieval heart of Krakow, and you’ll be transported to the past. Venture out beyond that in your car rental, however, and you’ll find a fresh and vivacious Krakow taking shape.
The Wonders of Wawel
Wawel sits on a hill near the Old Town, and is the biggest visitor attraction in all of Krakow. You’ll find both Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Castle here, the latter being a 16th-century Renaissance palace.
The 14th-century cathedral has a stunning interior and crypt – the Holy Cross Chapel, complete with its 15th-century elements, is a particular highlight. Climb the 70 steps of the Sigismund Bell Tower for a fine view and to see Poland’s largest bell. The crypt contains kings and national legends aplenty. On the riverbank below you’ll find the 1972 statue of the Wawel Dragon, derived from Polish folklore. It still guards a cave and breathes fire every couple of minutes.
The Salt of Life
A salt mine might not automatically jump to the top of your ‘to-do’ list, but the Wieliczka Salt Mine, just a short drive from Krakow in your car rental, draws crowds from far and wide for a unique experience. The tunnels cover some 180 miles, with some lying more than 300 meters below the surface.
It’s atmospheric and full of surprises, chief among them the Chapel of St. Kinga, fashioned entirely from rock salt from floor to ceiling. It took two men some 30 years to carve it by hand, and you can even book the Chapel for a unique wedding.
New Life in Kazimierz
This district has been home to Krakow’s Jewish community since medieval times, although it was decimated during World War Two. Today you can explore the cemeteries and synagogues, but also see how the area has been magnificently revived in recent years. Take a walking tour or browse the stalls at Sunday’s weekly flea market.
New cafes and galleries abound, and a Jewish culture festival takes place every summer. Nearby is Studio Qulinarne, a highly regarded restaurant situated in a former bus depot. It brings Polish classics into the modern age with dishes like sweetbread with parsnip and blackberries or wild boar with red cabbage and chanterelles. Ariel is more traditional and combines a restaurant serving hearty Jewish fare with a cultural center. Expect Sephardic carp, beetroot soup, chopped herring and gefilte fish dished up in charming rooms.
Many of the people who lived here in the war years worked in Oskar Schindler’s factory, brought to public attention by Steven Spielberg in his film Schindler’s List. It’s now possible to visit the factory, which has been turned into an interactive museum. Learn about life in the city under German rule, as well as the inspiring stories of the resistance. With history both recent and ancient brought to life in Krakow, and the sense of revival in the air and on the streets, there has never been a better time to visit this corner of Poland. Car rental in Krakow will open its doors to you.
Driving In and Around Krakow
Krakow sits near the very south of Poland, just north of the border with Slovakia and north-east of the Czech Republic. With the upgrading of roads that followed Poland’s entry into the European Union, you’re perfectly situated not just for exploring the city itself, but also the rest of Poland and this lovely part of Eastern Europe.
Speed limits in Krakow and other built-up areas are usually 30 mph (50 kph) during the day, and 37 mph (60 kph) after 11 pm, although some residential zones will have limits of just 12 mph (20 kph). Once you’re outside the city, there are a variety of road speeds up to a maximum of 86 mph (140 kph) on freeways. Seat belts are compulsory, there’s zero tolerance for alcohol or cell phone use, and dipped headlights must be used during the day.
Krakow is generally car-friendly, but there are some restricted areas. Zone A, around Grand Square and the historic center, is pedestrianized, while vehicles are similarly restricted in the nearby Zone B, although you are allowed access by car to your hotel in this area. Zone C, surrounding this, is open to cars but you’ll have to pay to park here on weekdays between 10 am and 8 pm. You’ll find several spacious underground parking lots for your rental car near Krakow center.
If you wish to skirt Krakow in your car rental, the A4 passes from the north-west of the city through to the south-east, where you can join the S7 going north to the east of the Old Town. The A4 continues west to Katowice, Wroclaw and the German border, while if you follow it east you’ll find Rzeszow and Ukraine. For the capital, Warsaw, take the E77 north through Radom – it’s about a four-hour drive. Krakow is closer to many fascinating places to visit – just one hour from Auschwitz, 15 minutes from Ojcow National Park and there’s stunning scenery to be enjoyed in the Tatra Mountains.
