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Car Rental - Czech Republic
Hertz car rental in the Czech Republic ushers you into a nation newly emboldened by the fall of the Iron Curtain and the end of the Cold War. The Czech Republic split from Slovakia in 1993 and hasn’t looked back.
Its landlocked status has meant it has been invaded numerous times in its long history, but it’s certainly enjoying independence now. The glorious Gothic creations of the past are juxtaposed with new buildings replacing the drab Communist monuments that have been torn down.
It’s a place of confidence, culture, castles and cafes, and crams in plenty for every type of visitor.
Take your pick from our various car collections to find the rental vehicle that suits you most, and pay online in advance or on collection. There are no hidden charges, and with branches all across the Czech Republic, including the major cities and airports, you’ll soon be Czeching out the best this country has to offer. Sorry, we couldn’t resist…
A Quick Guide to the Czech Republic
Prague is the biggest visitor magnet in the Czech Republic, and once you’ve spent a few hours in its old and atmospheric streets you’ll understand why.
But venture beyond the capital and you’ll find gorgeous national parks, forgotten castles perched atop wooded valleys, awe-inspiring gorges and caves and all with the Danube flowing through the heart. It’s a place for city breakers and nature lovers both.
Car rental in the Czech Republic means you can find all of this for yourself, a time machine into Europe’s grand past as well as its bright future. From the preserved town square of Telc to the mountain ranges hiding waterfalls, there’s much more to see throughout the country.
The Heart of Bohemia
The spires of Prague tell the story of its medieval past, and you can feel the history seeping into your bones as you walk across the 14th-century Charles Bridge.
Wander on to the street markets of the Old Town Square – especially at Christmas – and view the tomb of St Wenceslas at St Vitus cathedral – a place of worship that took 600 years to build.
Prague Castle is one of the world’s largest and most spectacular, built on the site of an earlier fortification from the 9th century. Stroll through the extensive grounds and, once inside, try to piece together the various reconstructions and adaptations made to this incredible place.
There’s been a food renaissance in Prague since the Velvet Revolution too. You can still find goulash in plenty of places, but a new breed of chef are doing fresh things with local produce.
At La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise, try pumpkin with Prague ham and whipped cream followed by trout with almonds. Or book well in advance for Divinis, for roe deer saddle or veal osso buco with gremolata.
Under the Earth
To see some of the extraordinary natural beauty of the Czech Republic, make a beeline for the Punkva Caves, north of Brno.
You’ll see four-meter-long stalactites and sheer gorges when you park up and explore on foot. Discovered in the early 20th century, the caves are a delight, and a tour includes a motor boat ride in an underground river that opens into the Masaryk Dome, perhaps the highlight of the complex.
The Jewel of the South
Cesky Krumlov, in the far south of the country towards the Austrian border, is an utterly astonishing little town that feels like Prague’s tiny brother. Its houses follow the banks of the Vltava in fairy tale fashion, all overseen by the old castle.
Originally built in the 13th century, it got a Renaissance makeover between the 16th and 18th centuries, but many of the older elements are preserved. The gardens, museum, chapel, masquerade hall and portrait gallery will all enchant, but the Baroque Theater, the largest in the world, is the undoubted pinnacle.
Driving in the Czech Republic
Among the many great benefits of car rental in the Czech Republic is that you not only get access to Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Liberec and more, but you’re also in the heart of Eastern Europe. To the south lies Austria, to the west is Germany, to the north Poland and to the east Slovakia – you’re perfectly situated for a road trip.
Road rules and speed limits are similar to those in most of mainland Europe. Driving on the right, overtaking on the left and compulsory seatbelts for all. Freeways generally have a speed limit of 130kph (80mph), for roads outside of built-up areas it’s 90kph (55mph) and in towns and cities usually 50kph (31mph). You’ll also find expressways that sometimes pass through urban areas, and these have a limit of 80kph (49mph) – this will be clearly signposted. Dipped headlights must be used throughout the day.
Toll roads in the Czech Republic don’t have tollbooths. You’ll have to purchase a windscreen sticker if you want to use them – just ask the team at your pick-up location if you need more information on this. They can also be bought at post offices and gas stations.
Look at a map of the Czech Republic and it seems like all roads lead to Prague. Routes lead off from the capital to all parts of the country, many of them part of the wider European road network (denoted by a road name beginning with ‘E’). From Prague to Ostrava on the far east border, simply follow the D1 (E50), it should take around four hours and you’ll pass through the charming university town of Brno en route.
For a quiet town with lots to see, drive north to Liberec on the D10 (E65). Just over an hour from Prague it has a wonderful town hall and is close to ski resorts in the Jizera Mountains.
Top Cities in the Czech Republic
