One-Way Car Rental from Warsaw to Krakow | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Warsaw to Krakow

Can I rent a car from Warsaw to Krakow?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Warsaw to Krakow. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for PL residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical Poland national photo ID
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

Notes: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if: a.Your driver's license is issued by the United States, Japan, China, Canada, or Australia, b. Your driver's license is not in the Latin alphabet.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and JCB.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur a fee of US$ 3.47 to US$ 11.40 per day, depending on the rental provider. Some providers cap the young driver fee at US$ 57.97 for the rental period. Older drivers aged 71-99 may also incur a fee of US$ 3.47 to US$ 5.79 per day, with a cap of US$ 57.97 for the rental period.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
• EU Driving Licence

Notes: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if: a.Your driver's license is issued by the United States, Japan, China, Canada, or Australia, b. Your driver's license is not in the Latin alphabet.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and JCB.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur a fee of US$ 3.47 to US$ 11.40 per day, depending on the rental provider. Some providers cap the young driver fee at US$ 57.97 for the rental period. Older drivers aged 71-99 may also incur a fee of US$ 3.47 to US$ 5.79 per day, with a cap of US$ 57.97 for the rental period.

How much does renting a car from Warsaw to Krakow cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 25/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 31/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 53-US$ 139	US$ 0-US$ 118	US$ 73-US$ 215	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 85	US$ 0	US$ 190	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 67-US$ 189	US$ 0-US$ 118	US$ 106-US$ 328	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 64-US$ 182	US$ 0-US$ 94	US$ 92-US$ 380	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 253-US$ 305	US$ 0-US$ 97	US$ 435-US$ 817	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 67-US$ 341	US$ 0-US$ 153	US$ 87-US$ 731	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 167-US$ 200	US$ 0-US$ 39	US$ 359-US$ 503	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Understand any extra fees involved in dropping the car off at a different location.
Specific Drop-off Locations: Check for designated drop-off locations and their proximity to your planned destination.
Route Restrictions: Some rental agreements specify the routes allowed during one-way trips.
Vehicle RETURN Condition: Ensure that you return the vehicle in a condition as agreed in the rental contract.
Cross-Country Travel Restrictions: Verify if your planned travel route passes through any borders and ensure it adheres to rental policies.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Refueling Points: Identify gas stations along the route in advance to avoid last-minute stops.
Adjust Booking Dates Mindfully: Choose pick-up and drop-off dates that minimize additional charges.
Carefully Choose Car Type: Select a vehicle suitable for the terrain and distance between Warsaw and Krakow.
Opt for Fair Fuel Policy: Picking full-to-full fuel policy can often be more economical.
Understand Insurance Options: Ensure appropriate insurance coverage for a hassle-free journey.
Review Terms and Conditions: Before booking, read through the terms to avoid unexpected surprises during the trip.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Ensure the fuel level matches the level at the time of pickup to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling before drop-off.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately 6.50 PLN per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed of around 90 km/h on highways for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize the use of air conditioning to save fuel.

Warsaw Parking

Parking in Warsaw city center can range from 3 to 6 PLN per hour.

Many parking garages are available near major landmarks.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save on parking costs.

Krakow Parking

In Krakow, parking near the old town may cost 5 PLN per hour.

Street parking is free on weekends and public holidays.

Look for parking zones indicated by color-coded signs.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia: Provides parking availability and pricing information.

ePARK: Allows you to pay for parking digitally.

CityParkApp: Offers real-time parking space updates.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Driving Routes Between Warsaw and Krakow:

Direct Route via A1 and A4

Highway Route 4 hours 20 minutes

The fastest and most straightforward route between the two cities using the A1 and A4 highways.

Piotrków Trybunalski , Częstochowa , Katowice

Scenic Route through Radom

Scenic Route 6 hours

A picturesque journey passing through smaller towns and landscapes.

Radom , Kielce , Chęciny Castle

Cultural Route via Łódź

Cultural Route 5 hours

Explores significant cultural centers on the way to Krakow.

Łódź , Częstochowa , Ojców National Park

Explore Nearby Attractions:

Warsaw to Wieliczka Salt Mine

4 hours 30 minutes

Visit the historic salt mine known for its underground chambers and wedding chapel.

Warsaw to Zakopane

6 hours 10 minutes

Enjoy a detour to Poland’s mountain capital known for hiking and unique architecture.

Warsaw to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial

5 hours

A historically significant site that provides insights into the past.

Warsaw to Białowieża Forest

5 hours 30 minutes

Home to Europe's last primary forest and a habitat for the European bison.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Vehicle: Opt for a comfortable and well-maintained car suitable for long distances.

Check the Rental Policy: Ensure you are aware of the company’s one-way rental fees.

Plan Your Stops: Identify and schedule rest breaks to reduce fatigue.

Fuel Up Before Departure: Locate fuel stations along your route to ensure a smooth journey.

Inspect the Car: Examine the vehicle for damage and photograph any existing marks as evidence.

Drive Safely: Follow traffic rules and be cautious on unfamiliar roads.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company ensures a smooth and cost-effective one-way journey between Warsaw and Krakow.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis	$$	★★★★	★★★★	Offers wide-range vehicle categories , Frequent discounts and promotions
Hertz	$$$	★★★★★	★★★★★	Comprehensive location network , Premium quality vehicles available
Europcar	$$	★★★	★★★	Reasonable pricing on mid-tier vehicles , Reliable customer support
Budget	$	★★★	★★	Cost-effective options , Nearby rental desks for easy access

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Important Information on Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Rental centers in Warsaw generally operate from 6 AM to 10 PM daily.

Location of Rental Car Centers:

Rental desks are located in the arrivals hall of Warsaw Chopin Airport and various city locations.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles are available to transport customers to off-airport car lots every 15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) Car Rentals

Plan your arrival at the rental center at least 30 minutes early during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental and how does it apply between Warsaw and Krakow?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a car at Warsaw and return it at a different location, such as Krakow. This is convenient if you plan to travel in one direction and prefer not to return to the pickup point.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Most car rental companies charge a one-way fee for the convenience of dropping the car at a different location. This fee varies by provider and specific route, so it's advisable to check while booking.

Can I choose the car type for my rental?

Yes, car rental services usually allow you to select from a range of vehicle types, including economy, compact, SUVs, and luxury options, depending on availability at the Warsaw location.

Is cross-border travel allowed with rentals between Warsaw and Krakow?

Since both cities are within Poland, cross-border travel is not applicable for this route. However, always verify with the rental company regarding any travel restrictions or requirements within the country.

What documents are required to book and pick up a rental car?

Typically, you will need a valid driver's license, an identification document such as a passport, and a credit card in the primary driver's name. International renters may also need to present an International Driving Permit.

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