Rent a car in Prague

We recommend to hire a car in Prague only for the trips outside of Prague. You really don't need a car in Prague, since much of the city centre is pedestrianized and the public transport system is so cheap and efficient. The city authorities, quite rightly, make it very awkward for drivers to enter the city centre, and finding a parking space is also extremely difficult. Much of the centre is pay-and-display (Mon– Sat only); illegally parked cars will either be clamped or towed – if this happens, phone 158. A sensible option is to park near one of the metro stations out of the centre, several of which have park-and-ride schemes: try Hradčanská, Opatov or Skalka.

Driving in Prague is no fun, especially in the narrow, winding streets of the city centre. Trying to find your way around – or to park legally – while coping with trams, buses, other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, can make you wish you’d decided not to drive. Try not to arrive or leave on a Friday or Sunday afternoon or evening, when half the population seems to be heading to and from their weekend cottages.

The main international car-rental chains all have offices in Prague and have airport pick-up points; however, small local companies offer much better prices. They are also less likely to have fluent, English-speaking staff, and it’s often easier to book by email than by phone. Rent a car in Prague through a local company, typical rates for a Škoda Fabia are around 700/3800Kč per day/week including unlimited kilometres, collision-damage waiver and value-added tax (VAT).