Car Hire in Prague

About Prague

Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. It is also one of the historic capitals of Europe, with origins dating back to the 14th century. Prague has a well-preserved historic centre, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1992. Prague is located on the Vltava River (Moldau)

The largest river that flows through Prague is the Vltava (Moldau). The river rises at the northern end of the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains, near Teplá. Notable things about this river are the Nové Město Bridge, built-in 1841-1843, St. John of Nepomuk Statue at the Old Town Bridge Tower, which commemorates 500 years since the death of St. John. Moreover, Charles Bridge was built in 1357 and another famous landmark is National Theatre.

The famous two towers at Prague Castle, the Old Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral. There are many things to see here like Golden Lane, Jewish Museum, Lobkowicz Palace etc.

The weather in Prague is cool and it rains all year round, with temperatures ranging from -2°C in winter to 26°C in summer. It is a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat if you plan to visit this city between November and January. The humidity here is very high (80%) all year round. So be sure to use a deodorant/antiperspirant before you go out!

Basic info and car hire in Prague

• Location: Czech Republic 
• Population: 1.3 million (2019)
• Official language: Czech language
• Currency: Czech koruna
• Weather:  The weather in Prague is not only cool and rainy, but it also changes with the seasons. There are four distinct periods: winter (lowest temp -2°C), summer(high 26°C) springtime which has a normal 17-18C temperature but high humidity levels averaging 80% throughout the year; fall lasts from September until October when temperatures can reach up to 19°C, finally autumn brings warm days at 16°C
• Holidays in Prague: You can find all information about holidays in Prague. 
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions: The roads in the Czech Republic are known for being among Europe's worst. With limited construction and maintenance, it becomes a bumpy ride everywhere you go!
• Car hire in Prague: You can find a cheap car hire in Prague with prices going as low as 10 EUR per day. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Prague! The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Prague is Prague Airport

 Driving in Prague

To rent a car in Prague the drivers need to be a minimum of 18 years old. Young driver fees might apply from 18-20 years of age. The average young driver fee in Prague is CZK 920.00 per rental. Senior driver fees will apply for drivers over the age of 71, the average senior driver fee in Prague is CZK 920.00. You and all Additional Drivers must present a full valid original Driving Licence and the voucher or booking confirmation document when picking up the vehicle. If your Driving Licence has multiple parts, you must present all of them. All requirements apply to both you and any Additional Drivers.

An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving Licence if the National Driving Licence you or any of the Additional Drivers hold is not identifiable as a Driving Licence, e.g., it is in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese).

You must also present:

• Passport
• Identification card of your country of residence

You must present a credit card when picking up your rental vehicle.

Driving in Prague can be quite challenging but still nothing to be afraid of. The road condition in the Czech Republic is not good, so the roads are bumpy and harsh to drive. In Prague, you drive on the right side and overtake on the left lane. 

Drinking and driving in Prague is forbidden. There is a zero-tolerance for drinking and driving. If you have over 0% alcohol in the blood you can expect fines from 25.000 to 50.000 CZK. This is important to keep in mind when renting a car in Prague.  

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in the Czech Republic is 18 years old. However, most car rental companies require you to be at least 21 to rent a car and at least 21 years to avoid paying an additional young driver fee. The average young driver fee in Prague is CZK920.00. The maximum driver age to rent a car in Prague is 99, with a senior driving fee that applies to everybody over 71 years of age. 
• International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving Licence if the National Driving Licence you or any of the Additional Drivers hold is not identifiable as a Driving Licence, e.g., it is in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese).
• Additional papers: You will need a full, valid driving licence, ID or a passport, Vehicle registration certificate (so-called small technical license), Proof of Insurance (so-called green card)
• Additional requirements: You must have a warning triangle, High Vis vest and the first-aid kit in your car at all times. Remember to check if any of it's expired before you go out on the road!
• Children in the car: A suitable restraint system is required if the child is under 150 cm and 36 kg. Children aged 12 or less cannot sit in front of a car with an exception of babies riding on baby seats facing them, which means that they will be safest there instead!
• Driving side of the road: Right Side
• Lights: Lights must be on at all times. 
• General speed limits: the speed limit is 110 km/h. In settlements, the speed limit is set to 80 km/h both on motorways and roads for motorcars. On regular roads speed limit is set to 90 km/h and the settlement limit is 50 km/h.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is relatively simple in Prague. You can find free parking lots in the central and suburban areas. Free parking is open from 04:00 to 01:00. If the vehicle is not picked up before it is closed you can expect a fine. You will also find paid parking in various locations within the city limits. Paid parking is around 40 CZK per hour.

Top 5 things to see in Prague

1. Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is the most visited attraction in all of Prague. It is located in the east of the Old Town and is 1,699 feet ( 518 metres) long. From this bridge, you have a good view of Prague Castle with carvings on stone columns depicting saints and biblical scenes. Visiting the bridge is free, but there is Vltava Tour, where you can go down with a ticket between 150 and 290 CZK to see things below the bridge.

2. Old town ring
For shopping lovers, I recommend a visit to Old Town Square with its shops selling souvenirs, clothes, shoes, etc. The centrepiece of the square is Astron Clock with dials showing the time, phases of the moon and sun, and symbols for various planets...

3. The Prague Castle
One of the largest ancient castles in the world is located here, where you can also see St. Vitus Cathedral...

4. Prague Astronomical Clock
Another sight worth visiting is St. Nicholas Church, St. Wenceslas Chapel in St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane with houses made entirely of gold! ...

5. Other sights worth checking out 
Petrin Lookout Tower, John Lennon Wall, Franz Kafka's house etc., but most tourists will only have time to visit 3-4 places...