Car Hire in Prague

Prague is a city rich in history, but many interesting places are located outside the city center. Karlštejn Castle, the royal hunting castle Konopiště, or the Český Kras Nature Park are all easily accessible by car. Car rental in Prague allows you to see the Czech Republic beyond the capital — castles, thermal spas, or the wineries of Moravia.

For narrow Prague streets, a compact hatchback is suitable; for trips outside the city, a comfortable crossover or sedan; and for families with luggage, a minivan. On Localrent, you can easily find a car that fits your plans.

Where to Rent a Car in Prague

Prague has hundreds of rental companies operating with different conditions, fleets, and prices. Rather than spending time browsing and comparing each website, check out Localrent. The platform brings together offers from local rental companies.

Benefits of renting through Localrent:

1. Modern vehicles of various classes — the fleet is regularly updated, with most cars being no more than 5 years old. Available models include compact cars, sedans, crossovers, and minivans from different brands.
2. Transparent pricing with minimal deposit — book by paying only 15-20% of the total amount. The full rental cost is visible immediately, without hidden fees.
3. Rental without credit card — you can rent a car without a credit card. There's a separate filter to find such vehicles.
4. Convenient selection for your needs — filters by brand, transmission type, engine power, payment method, and other parameters. Choose only from suitable options.
5. Actual vehicle photos — most cars in the listings have photos taken by rental companies.

Localrent is a simple way to find offers from the best local rental companies in Prague in one place. You'll immediately see transparent prices and conditions, saving time on searching.

Requirements for Car Rental in Prague

For car rental, you'll need three documents:

• Your passport
• Valid driver's license
• Voucher, which you'll receive via email after paying the deposit

Driver requirements:

• Minimum requirements: 19 years old with 1 year of driving experience
• Best vehicle selection available to drivers 25+ years old with 3+ years of experience

Requirements vary for each vehicle. Use Localrent filters to see only options suitable for you.

Driving Specifics in Prague

In Prague, dedicated lanes for public transport are marked with signs: BUS (buses), TRAM (trams), TAXI (taxis). Using them in regular vehicles is prohibited on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, unless otherwise indicated on the sign. During other times, you can use these lanes, but only if you don't interfere with the transport they're designated for.

Speed limits:

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h
• On highways within the city: 80 km/h
• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
• On highways: 130 km/h

Speed tolerance: 3 km/h for limits up to 100 km/h. For example, driving 53 km/h in the city won't result in a fine, but 54 km/h will be penalized. For limits above 100 km/h, exceeding by 3% is not penalized.

Mandatory lighting: Using daytime running lights or low beam headlights is mandatory in the Czech Republic at all times, regardless of time of day, season, or location.

Tram priority: In Prague's center, be extremely careful as tourists may unexpectedly appear on the roadway. Trams almost always have priority over cars and must be given right of way. When parking on streets with tram tracks, ensure your vehicle doesn't block the rails or obstruct tram passage. Remember that trams often approach from the left and may not be clearly visible in mirrors. They may warn with a bell but are not obligated to do so.

Tram stops: When a tram stops at a station, pay attention to road markings. Passengers may exit onto safety islands and cross the road via crosswalks. If there's no island, there's usually a yellow grid marked before the stop. Entering this area is strictly prohibited while the tram is at the station.

MIMO signs: A frequently encountered sign in Prague is MIMO in a red circle, meaning "no entry" and can be translated as "except." The sign may include clarifying plates, such as MHD (public transport), prohibiting entry to all except specified categories. If there's a truck image in a red circle under the sign, the restriction applies only to trucks. A red circle without any image inside prohibits entry to all vehicles without exception.

Parking in Prague

Essential parking insights for smooth navigation:

Downtown Prague parking is predominantly reserved for local residents. Pay close attention to signs and markings. If you see a RESERVE sign or a solid blue line on the asphalt along the curb, and notice that parked cars have special permits as stickers on windshields, this is a residential zone where only local residents can park.

Tourist parking options: Prague offers numerous parking facilities for tourists. Large parking lots are available opposite the Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží) or on Národní Street. Multi-level and underground parking complexes are also convenient. In most such facilities, you receive a ticket upon entry and pay for parking time before exit at a machine or cashier.

Street parking zones: Street parking in Prague is divided into zones depending on the city district. Each zone has its own rates and parking conditions:

• PO-PA on signs means paid parking Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday parking is usually free unless otherwise indicated.
• PO-SO means paid parking Monday through Saturday. Free parking is available only on Sundays.
• On paid days, parking isn't charged around the clock. For example, parking may be paid from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, making it free from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM the next day, as well as on free days according to signs.

Some zones have time limits, such as maximum 2 or 4 hours. Exceeding this time isn't allowed even with additional payment. Always check parking rules on the nearest information board or parking meter.

Gas Stations in Prague

Most Czech gas stations operate with the standard European system: you fuel up first, then go pay at the cashier.

Fueling process: Drive up to the pump, fill with the needed fuel, and go to the station store. Remember your pump number and tell it to the cashier. Payment accepted in cash or by card.

Most gas stations in Prague and surrounding areas operate 24/7. Station stores are also usually open 24/7 or have very long operating hours.

At any gas station, you'll find a store with food, drinks, coffee, and snacks. There's often a restroom (usually free for customers), café, and car wash.

How to Book a Car in Prague: Step-by-Step Guide

Online car booking is the most convenient way to find and reserve a vehicle for your Prague vacation. You can take your time selecting a suitable option, compare prices, and pay only part of the amount in advance.

Booking process:

1. Set rental dates and filter options by transmission type, vehicle class, and other characteristics important to you. You can also select the desired pickup location in the "Specify location" field.
2. Review conditions carefully when you find a suitable option. Check what insurance is included in the price and if there are mileage restrictions. Add additional services if needed, such as a child seat or additional driver.
3. Complete booking details — fill in the main driver's information, provide contact phone number, and specify email for booking confirmation. Pay a portion of the amount (usually 15-20% deposit) by bank card.
4. Receive voucher — after payment, you'll receive a voucher via email with pickup address, company contacts, and rental conditions. Save this document as you'll need to show it when collecting the vehicle.

Vehicle pickup requirements:

• Passport, driver's license, and voucher
• Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before signing documents, ensuring all existing damage is recorded
• Sign the contract, pay the remaining amount, and receive keys
• Note fuel level — return the vehicle with the same level
  

Destinations for Your Rental Car

Car rental opens opportunities for travel not only around Prague but also to its picturesque surroundings. Around the capital, you'll find medieval castles, nature reserves, wine regions, and cozy towns with authentic atmosphere. Here are 5 excellent destinations easily accessible via good roads:

1. Karlštejn — Just 30 minutes from Prague, this Gothic architecture masterpiece features powerful towers built by Emperor Charles IV rising from rocks above the Berounka River. Don't miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross with 14th-century frescoes. Stop in Beroun town along the way to buy local beer from the medieval brewery.
2. Kutná Hora — This open-air museum city is UNESCO-listed. Visit the marble Cathedral of St. Barbara with soaring arches and the famous Sedlec Ossuary, where chandeliers and coats of arms are created from human bones. Consider a detour to Žleby Castle with its English park and knight's hall.
3. Bohemian Paradise — Eastern Europe's first nature reserve featuring giant sandstone rocks resembling frozen giants. Walk the trail among Prachov Rocks, climb the ruins of Trosky Castle, and visit the fairy-tale Hrubá Skála Castle. The route passes through picturesque villages where you can buy fresh farm products.
4. Křivoklát — One of the Czech Republic's oldest hunting castles hidden in dense forests. Its dark dungeons, Gothic chapel, and 42-meter tower with panoramic views transport you to the age of knights. Stop at Žebrák Castle ruins along the way — particularly atmospheric at sunset.
5. Litoměřice — This cozy town at the confluence of Elbe and Ohře rivers is famous for Baroque architecture and winemaking traditions. Stroll through one of the Czech Republic's most beautiful squares — Mírové náměstí, where each building features unique paintings. Climb the All Saints Church tower for panoramic views of red-tiled roofs and vineyards. The route includes hills with vineyard terraces resembling Tuscany. The road has curves, so choose a car with at least a 1.4L engine.

Additional destinations:

• Brdy Nature Reserve (60 km from Prague) with mysterious forests and abandoned monasteries
• Nelahozeves with collections of Rubens and Velázquez paintings
• Mělník where Elbe and Vltava rivers meet, featuring royal wine varieties aging in local cellars

Vehicle Pickup Locations in Prague

When booking, you can choose convenient pickup locations:

• Airport
• Railway station
• Shopping centers or major hotels
• City offices
• Delivery within Prague

Each vehicle has different available pickup locations listed in the vehicle details.

On the main page, under the "Pickup" field, you can immediately select your preferred location from all available options in the "Specify location" field. This way, you can choose only from vehicles available at your preferred location, such as the Main Railway Station.

Prague Car Rental Recommendations

Key navigation and traffic insights:

To ensure your Czech capital trip goes smoothly, consider local specifics. These tips help avoid common problems and save money:

Highway vignette required — For trips outside Prague (e.g., to Karlštejn), you need a highway vignette. Rental cars usually have one, but confirm this when picking up your vehicle.

Optimal vehicle selection — Choose compact class cars if you plan extensive city driving. Navigate narrow streets and alleys in districts like Malá Strana or Vinohrady much easier with a smaller vehicle.

Mileage considerations — Many vehicles have daily mileage limits. For trips outside Prague, rent unlimited mileage vehicles. Use special filters to find these options.

Peak traffic awareness:

• Morning rush: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• Evening peak: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
• Plan routes avoiding major intersections during peak hours
• Allow extra travel time during known congestion periods

A rental car transforms your trip into a journey where you create your own route. Turn toward a castle not included in tour programs, stop at vineyards at sunset, or reach the mysterious rocks of Bohemian Paradise in an hour while tourist groups wait for buses. With a car, you discover not only Prague but the soul of Bohemia — at your own pace, without schedules or fixed routes.

Frequently Asked Questions