Compare Warsaw car hire

Warsaw is one of Europe’s most interesting alternative destinations for a city break. There’s plenty to do in Poland’s storied and charming capital, from exploring the Old Town (rebuilt after World War II) to spending time at the hard-to-miss Palace of Culture and Science.

If you’re here for a longer stay, day trips are well worth your time, with highlights including the sprawling Kampinos National Park and Chopin’s birthplace in Żelazowa Wola.

To make easy work of your days out, hire a car in Warsaw. You can collect one from the city centre or from one of the two airports based here.

If you’re not in a rush to get behind the wheel of your hire car, you can easily pick one up in Warsaw’s city centre. Most car hire companies are located on the west side of the Vistula River, where you’ll also find big-name attractions and transport hubs like Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna).

Car hire companies in Warsaw city centre include international and national brands, such as:

• Sixt: +48 609 607 429
• Enterprise: +48 538 073 244
• Hertz: +48 225 001 500
• Dream Rent: +48 662 881 188
• Centrum Rent a Car: +48 574 122 228

With a good road network, navigating Warsaw and its surroundings is easy. The S2 expressway, for instance, runs along the southern side of the city, while the A2 motorway leads to cities like Łódź and Poznań.

Warsaw is served by two main airports: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) and Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI).

Warsaw Chopin Airport, which is around 10km (6 miles) from the city centre, is the biggest and busiest of the two. You’ll find car hire desks in the arrivals hall, including:

• Sixt: +48 661 999 155
• Avis: +48 221 139 180
• Enterprise: +48 696 081 082
• Europcar: +48 226 502 564
• Hertz: +48 225 001 500
• Goldcar: +48 665 090 590

Warsaw Modlin Airport, which is approximately 40km (25 miles) northwest of the city, mainly serves budget airlines. Car hire desks here are also conveniently located in the terminal. Drop-off is in the P3 car park at the terminal.

Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) car hire firms include:

• Avis: +48 221 139 158
• Enterprise: +48 662 254 255
• Europcar: +48 226 502 564
• CarFree: +48 794 500 550

Both airports provide easy access to the A2 motorway heading west. The S7 takes you north toward Gdańsk, while the S8 connects you to Białystok and Wrocław.

There are two things to note about driving in Poland. First, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Second, the drink-drive limit is stricter than the UK at 0.02%.

The speed limits are as follows: it’s 50km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90km/h-120km/h (56-75 mph) on major roads, and 140km/h (87 mph) on motorways. Some motorways have tolls, which you can pay with via cash or card.

Driving in Warsaw, which benefits from main roads that are wide and well maintained, is typical of most capitals in Europe: often busy, with lots of pedestrians, cyclists and traffic.

Parking in the city centre can be a challenge too. There are designated parking zones where spaces can fill up quickly, especially near popular attractions. If you'd rather avoid the hassle, use Warsaw’s park-and-ride options linked to the efficient and affordable tram and metro system.

Outside of Warsaw, rural roads can, at times, be narrow and poorly maintained, with slow-moving traffic depending on your luck (namely tractors). Take your time and avoid driving in the dark if you can help it.

• Min. age required to hire a car: Usually 21 year
• Which side of the road: Right
• Credit card requirements: A credit card in the renter’s name with sufficient funds

Any additional requirements: Check with your car hire company if you plan on crossing any borders to see what’s permitted