Renting a car in Prague is straightforward once you know what to watch for. The process itself is simple enough — walk up to a counter, hand over a card, drive away. The complications come later, when you realize the insurance you bought does not cover what you assumed, or when the fuel policy turns a short trip into an expensive lesson.
Airport Pickup vs. City Center
Prague Vaclav Havel Airport has rental desks from all major companies in Terminal 2. The advantage is obvious: you collect the car immediately after landing and drive directly to your accommodation. The disadvantage is driving into central Prague for the first time, which is genuinely stressful if you are unfamiliar with the road layout.
The city center alternative — usually a rental office in Vinohrady, Holešovice, or near the main train station — means taking public transport from the airport first. Prague's metro and bus connections to the airport are reliable and cheap. If your accommodation is in the center and you only need the car for day trips, collecting it a day or two into your stay makes more sense.
My preference after years of both: airport pickup if you are heading somewhere outside Prague immediately, city pickup if you are spending your first nights in the capital. The Prague Airport website lists all operators and their terminal locations.
Insurance: What You Are Actually Buying
This is where most rental experiences go wrong. The standard rental rate includes basic third-party liability, but the collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are usually sold separately. Without them, you are personally liable for the full replacement value of the vehicle if something goes wrong.
The excess on a standard CDW policy in Czech Republic typically runs between 15,000 and 30,000 CZK (roughly 600 to 1,200 EUR). Paying to reduce this excess to zero adds 10 to 20 EUR per day depending on the company and vehicle class.
Credit Card Coverage
Some premium credit cards include rental car insurance as a benefit. Check your card's terms carefully — coverage varies significantly, and many cards exclude certain vehicle types or require you to decline the rental company's CDW entirely. Always get written confirmation from your card issuer before relying on this.
One thing worth noting: Czech rental companies are generally more aggressive about documenting pre-existing damage than companies in Western Europe. Take your own photographs of every panel, the windscreen, and the interior before you leave the lot. This takes five minutes and has saved me from disputes twice.
Fuel Policies
Three policies you will encounter:
- Full-to-full: You receive a full tank and return it full. This is the fairest arrangement and the one I always request when given a choice.
- Full-to-empty: You pay for a full tank upfront and return it empty. You will almost certainly pay for fuel you did not use. Avoid this unless the prepaid rate is significantly cheaper than local pump prices.
- Same-to-same: You return the car with the same fuel level as when you collected it. Sounds reasonable, but rental companies often charge inflated rates if you return it slightly below the departure level.
Fuel prices in Czech Republic are generally lower than in Germany or Austria. As of early 2026, Natural 95 runs around 36 to 40 CZK per litre. Most rental cars in the compact and mid-size category take Natural 95.
The Vignette Question
Czech motorways require an electronic vignette. Since 2021, the system has been fully electronic — there is no physical sticker. Your vehicle's registration plate is registered in the system.
When renting, ask explicitly whether the vignette is included. Most companies include it for vehicles registered in Czech Republic, but the answer is not always obvious from the booking confirmation. If it is not included, you can purchase it online at edalnice.cz before you travel. Annual, monthly, and 10-day options are available.
Driving on a motorway without a valid vignette results in a fine of up to 100,000 CZK. Cameras check plates automatically.
Picking Up and Returning
Allow more time than you think you need for pickup, especially at the airport during peak summer months. Queues at the major desks can run 30 to 45 minutes. Joining the rental company's loyalty program (most are free) often allows you to skip the queue and go directly to the vehicle.
For returns, photograph the car again before handing over the keys. Note the fuel level and the mileage. If there is any damage that was not on the original form, raise it immediately rather than waiting for a charge to appear on your card weeks later.
Which Companies to Consider
I have rented from most major operators in Prague over the years. Europcar, Sixt, and Hertz maintain consistent fleets and reasonably straightforward processes. Local companies like Czechocar can offer better rates but vary more in service quality and vehicle age.
For longer trips or if you need a specific vehicle type, booking several weeks in advance usually yields better rates than walk-up prices. The difference can be substantial in summer.