This guide will answer these questions and equip you with the knowledge needed for a confident and enjoyable driving journey across Poland. A quick-reference table summarizing the key information is included at the end.
Yes, Thai travelers can legally drive in Poland with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may apply.
Form of ID:
A valid passport
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
or
• EU/EEA Driving License
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, and AMEX.
Age requirements:
Drivers must be between 20 and 100 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 incur a fee of US$ 13.91 per day, capped at US$ 180.87 for the rental. Drivers above 69 may have doubled deposits.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore trusted global chains or innovative local providers to find the ideal car rental options for your trip to Poland.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
Europcar
Locations:
71Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Tourists and business travelers seeking reliable service
Alamo
Locations:
59Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and families
SIXT
Locations:
84Prices:
$$-$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking a mix of luxury and affordability
Hertz
Locations:
113Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Avis
Locations:
110Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Casual travelers and business needs
Flex To Go
Locations:
31Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and those needing flexible rental options
Wheego
Locations:
12Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Eco-conscious travelers and budget-minded customers
CARWIZ
Locations:
75Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
KAIZEN RENT
Locations:
18Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and locals
EXPRESS
Locations:
130Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentalsChoosing the right rental car can make your journey more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Consider your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs.
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips.
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency.
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances.
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel.
Choose between automatic and manual transmission.
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in Poland.
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control.
Most Polish drivers prefer automatic cars for city trips.
Consider your comfort level with driving in Poland and local road conditions.
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental.
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional.
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional.
Personal insurance
Check if your Thai insurance or travel insurance covers rentals.
Understand booking flexibility and fees.
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup.
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible.
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type.
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays.
Check distance restrictions and additional charges.
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel.
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles.
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours.
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices.
Understand fuel requirements and costs.
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option.
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive.
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing.
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices.
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy.
Warsaw, Krakow, GdanskMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation.
cross-country trips across PolandConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option.
Zakopane, Wroclaw, Poznan
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Poland offers a wide range of travel opportunities with its historic cities, scenic countryside, and cultural landmarks. A car rental lets you explore destinations like Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and the Tatra Mountains at your own pace.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Poland, but for peace of mind during your trip, extra coverage is strongly recommended. Insurance rules may vary, and what's included in your rental price could be minimal. Choosing the right protection can save you from high out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident or theft.
Covers damage to the rental car from collision or theft.
Protects against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to others and their property.
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Poland. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Booking smart can save you considerable money when renting a car in Poland. Timing, research, and understanding policies are key for Thai travelers heading to Poland.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Poland.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Understanding the differences and similarities in traffic regulations between Thailand (TH) and Poland (PL).
Traffic Direction
Drive on the right side of the road.
Drive on the left side of the road.
Speed Limits
Expressways: 120 km/h, Urban areas: 50 km/h.
Expressways: 100 km/h, Urban areas: 60 km/h.
Parking Rules
Parking is regulated by signage and meters.
Parking often unregulated or informal.
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
Mandatory for front-seat passengers.
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free use allowed only.
Hands-free use allowed only.
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.02% BAC (strict enforcement).
Similar enforcement with 0.02% BAC limit.
Traffic Signals
Standardized red, yellow, and green signals.
Standardized red, yellow, and green signals.
Common questions for travelers from Thailand renting a car in Poland
