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Car Rental - Prague
Car rental in Prague is a great way to explore this city, whether you’re here for culture, architecture or to discover centuries of European history.
Prague is the equal of any city in the world, a place that boasts a skyline that’s the peer of Paris, bridges to rival Budapest and castles that compete with Vienna.
The demise of communism and the forming of the Czech Republic have given this old city a new lease of life, and while the old cathedrals and fortifications may lure the crowds, many also come here for the inspiring regeneration that has taken place since the Velvet Revolution.
Our car rental locations in Prague, including one at Vaclav Havel Airport, are conveniently situated so that you can arrive, rent a car and drive into Prague as smoothly as possible. You’ll find a great collection of vehicles to give you flexibility, the ability to pay in advance or on collection, and no hidden fees. Get car rental in Prague with Hertz today.
Prague Locations
Driving In and Around Prague
Located in the Czech Republic’s north-west, Prague is very much at the heart of Eastern Europe. From here you can explore the rest of the country, but you’re also in a place that shares borders with Poland, Germany, Slovakia and Austria. With a rental car from Hertz in Prague, it means a European road trip is an exciting possibility.
If you’re driving a rental car in Prague, you should brush up on local road rules to make your adventure a pleasure. There isn’t a true ring road in operation as parts of it are still being developed, but you can bypass much of the center by taking the E50 or E65. You’ll find plenty of trams and buses in Prague and must give right of way to both – the same applies to pedestrians at crossings. Speed limits are 50kph in built-up areas, and by law you must have dipped headlights on during the day.
When it comes to parking your rental car in Prague, you should avoid areas with a solid blue line – these are reserved for residents. Instead, look for open air and underground car parks where you can pay to park, use your hotel’s facilities or the various park and ride services in operation.
Venturing outside of Prague, toll roads in Austria don’t use tollbooths, and you’ll need a ‘vignette’ sticker on your windscreen to use them – our local Prague car hire team can advise you where to get them.
The E50 heads east to the city of Brno, which is a gorgeous place to visit, then on to Ostrava. The E65 punches north – join the E442 here for Liberec just inside the northern border, ideal for skiers and those who love winter sports. One diversion well worth making is heading south for around three hours on Route 3 or 4 to Cesky Krumlov. Sat on the Vltava River, it’s a handsome town with a tremendous Baroque theater, huge castle and a charming medieval feel.
A Quick Guide to Prague
Prague packs a lot into its relatively small city center – it’s where you’ll find the cobbled streets of the Old Town, churches, galleries and the most picturesque bridges.
A guidebook might be handy, but you can always just wander wherever your senses take you.
The Beauty of Bohemia
Prague’s medieval heart is rich and incredibly well preserved. Start your journey at the castle, which has been dominating the skyline for over 1,000 years. There was a fort here as long ago as the 9th century, while the ongoing reconstructions by various rulers – each with their own idea of what a castle should look like – has led to some intriguing additions and contrasts. There’s plenty of parking available in Prague for your rental car, so you can park up and enjoy the walk on your terms.
The last major ones were made by Empress Maria Theresa – mother of Marie Antoinette – in the 18th century. The largest ancient castle in the world contains many grand delights, including the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus’ Cathedral, Vladislav Hall and the serene gardens.
For a rare taste of the very finest in Baroque, arrange a tour of the monastic Strahov Library with its elaborate ceiling frescoes, cabinet of curiosities and 17th century Theology Hall – truly one of the world’s great libraries.
The Boldest of Bridges
If you want to avoid the crowds at the Charles Bridge, you’ll have to visit out of season, or come at dawn or dusk when many visitors are elsewhere.
But then again, the people create the atmosphere and perhaps conjure a sense of what this thoroughfare has been like since it was first built in the 14th century at the very heart of Prague life.
A Gothic stone bridge connecting the Lesser Town with the Old Town, work began on the Charles Bridge in 1357 and it has stood firm since then. The statues were a later addition, although many of the originals now grace museums. Crossing this bridge is a must, with the vendors doing business as the Vltava flows restlessly on underneath.
More Than Pork and Potatoes
Czech food can certainly veer toward the hearty. This is a country of soups and stews, sauerkraut and strudel, after all. Goulash has been transformed from Hungary into gulas, which contains more meat. But you can also snack on trdelnik – a circular pastry coated in sugar or cinnamon known as a ‘chimney cake’ – and palacinky pancakes that can be served both sweet and savory.
In the old town, grab a table at Café Louvre, which has been serving patrons such as Albert Einstein and the author Franz Kafka since 1902. Playwright Karel Capek – the man who invented the term ‘robot’ – was also a regular here. Soak up the atmosphere and gorge on the generous traditional dishes – beef broth with liver dumplings or pork tenderloin with potato dumplings. Perfect food if it’s wintry outside.
It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Prague will give you a warm welcome in even the coldest of months. Car rental in Prague will really help you make the most of your time in this grand old city and the rest of the Czech Republic.
