Introduction
The Czech Republic, in the heart of Europe, is a captivating destination known for its rich history and stunning architecture. From Prague’s iconic Charles Bridge to the charming towns of Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora, it offers a wealth of cultural treasures. A road trip is ideal for exploring beyond the main attractions, uncovering hidden gems in the Bohemian and Moravian countryside. With well-maintained roads and a compact size, the Czech Republic invites travelers to experience its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture at their own pace.
Car Rental Tips
Book in Advance
Generally, we recommend that you make your reservation one month in advance so that you could choose the desired vehicle and date.
If you proceed directly to the car rental store without booking, it is likely that the car you need might be unavailable.
- If you are already a QEEQ diamond member, you only need 1$ to freeze your booking and make the rest of the payment before pick-up, which does not affect your credit card limit.
Required Documents
Passport, Driver’s License, IDP(Optimal), Credit Card
International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, which allows you to drive legally in countries that need one. But sometimes if the country you are traveling to does not require one, you can leave this part.
If it is inconvenient for you to apply an IDP, generate a free driver’s license translation on QEEQ.com (Japanese site only).
Car Choices
The choice of your car depend largely on the duration of your trip, passenger number, luggage amount and road conditions.
- City Driving for small groups (1-3 passengers)
If you are a couple, or travel with a friend or two, or if you travel alone, a reasonably priced small car would be a good choice.
Compact size cars have 4 to 5 seats. We recommend sparing one passenger capacity so you could relax and have more space.
- 4 to 5 passengers including children and elderly
Medium and large size cars are recommended. These models could still possess a fair mount of space with 2 to 3 suitcases. SUVs are suitable for hybrid road conditions. Eco-friendly cars such as the Prius could save your spend on gasoline. Choose what you need giving you peace of mind on long trips.
- Traveling in a group of 6 or more
It would be a wonderful experience to choose a van for everyone to have his or her own seat. These models accommodate a passenger capacity from 7 to 12 people. While it is noticeable that large cars cannot make quick and sharp turns. So we recommend renting two small or medium-sized cars if you spend a lot of time driving through towns.
Online Booking Process
We are endeavoring to make your booking as convenient as possible. Enter our website QEEQ.com, log in, enter the required information, and follow the instructions, you are free to rent your desired car.
Insurance
What Insurances Are Available?
- For Autopilot Cars:
- Insured: Protection for the person renting the car, including passenger accident insurance and personal accident insurance (PAI). This includes the personal safety of the driver, passengers, and their personal belongings.
- Automobile Insurance: protection for the vehicle of the renter. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is one example.
- Third-party Insurance: insurance that protects third parties other than the renter and the car rental company. Basic Third Party Liability (BTL) insurance, etc.
International car rental booking will include the basic insurance required for car rentals: Vehicle Damage Coverage, Theft Protection, and Third Party Liability Insurance.
The deductible is the maximum amount of money you’re liable for in the event your rental car is damaged or stolen as long as you follow the conditions of your rental agreement. For example, the deductible is 1000 dollars, if the damage to the rented car is less than 1000 dollars, the customer pays; if the damage is more than 1000 dollars, the customer pays up to 1000 dollars; and the store’s insurance company pays for the part exceeding 1000 dollars.
Many travelers want more comprehensive coverage and purchase additional insurance. Personnel, vehicle and third-party coverage varies by insurance type. Here are some examples of common types of insurance (note: more checks means more coverage):
When and How to Purchase Insurance
There are two ways to obtain insurance: one is to purchase insurance when booking the car online; the other is to purchase insurance at the local store where the car is rented when picking up the car.
Generally, insurances provided by rental car companies usually has narrower coverage, higher premiums, so purchasing insurance online when booking the car is highly recommended.
How to Choose Insurance
If you are traveling with limited budget, it is better to choose the kind of insurance policy with the most comprehensive coverage. The main reasons are:
- Firstly, repairing fee for the car would probably be higher abroad.
- Secondly, in case of an accident, the medical cost and compensation are very high.
- Thirdly, the wider the coverage, the less the troubles you would deal with, which saves tons of time and energy.
Taking automobile insurance as an instance, comparing to common insurance policies, the most comprehensive insurance coverage, including glasses, tires, chassis protection, and considerations for special road conditions such as sand and rocks, is very necessary, but basic insurance of car rental companies usually does not include full coverage as such.
Picking Up the Car
Check Before Departure
Before proceeding to the car rental shop, make sure you have brought with you all necessary documents for picking up the vehicle, and two international credit cards is recommended to ensure that there is enough credit limit for pre-authorization.
Proceed to the Car Rentals
If there is a pickup store nearby, you could just walk there, following signs for airport rental cars.
If the rental car center is far away, there is usually a free shuttle bus bound for the rental car center. Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes approximately, so take the bus when you see the logo of your car rental company.
If the shuttle is not available, you can contact the car rental company and wait for staff member to pick you up at designated location. In case you have difficulty communicating with the store staff, please call QEEQ and we will assist you in English or other languages.
Inspect the Car
When you receive your reserved vehicle, inspect the bodywork for damage. At that time, it’s a good idea to document the entire process with your smartphone camera or take a picture of the dashboard. Because if you forgot to check the condition of your vehicle before departure, you may be charged for wronged damage repairs when you return it.
Payment
Payment is due on the day of the rental unless you are paying online or purchasing a tour package.
Insurance is usually included in the rental price, but some car rental companies offer paid options for more comprehensive coverage.
Last but not least, keep all contracts and documents safe for possible further usage. Once you have received your keys, check the seat heights, mirror positions, secure child seats, and then you are ready to go!
Cautions for Border Crossing
European countries are close to each other, so if you got time, you may want to consider a cross-country drive. There are two things you need to be sure of when cross-country drive in Czech: the car rental company and the regulations of each country.
Car Rental Company Regulations
It is connected with the validity of insurances while you crossing each country. Different car rental companies have different rules for corresponding cars and countries:
- Free pass
- Cross-border fee needed (per rental/per rental day)
- Cross-border prohibited
We will let you notice before your order on the view deal page:
Select the country you are going to head for and you’ll see the requirings below.
Please inform the staff of your cross border plan at pickup to confirm the validity of insurances in other countries or any other restrictions should apply.
Regulations of Each Country
The driving rules in Czech’s neighboring countries are similar, except the speed limits and tolls on the highways. When you drive to other countries, there may be signs like “TOLL” before you enter a toll road, so please pay attention.
France and Italy set up toll booths to collect tolls. In Austria, Switzerland, and Czech Republic, etc., you have to buy a special highway sticker/ticket (Vignette) to put on the windshield. You can usually get one of those at gas stations near the border.
It is recommended that you have your Vignette affixed to your car before you enter the highways of these countries, or you would be fined if you do not have one during a police check. Some car rental companies may already have their own Vignette, so when you pick up your car, take the initiative to talk to the clerk at the store about which countries you are planning to travel across and ask if you have a Vignette already affixed.
When crossing the border, there may be border controls (rare in the Schengen area), which need you to show all documents on request and answer the questions (just like airport border control). Within the European Union, items are duty-free. In addition, if you are carrying cigarettes, alcohol or valuables above the duty-free limit, you must keep a receipt to prove that they are purchased within the European Union, failure to do so will result in taxes.
Traffic Rules and Signs
Drive on the Right
In Czech, vehicles drive on the right side of the road. And overtakes are made on the left. Pay special attention if your country differs from that and spend some time to adjust to it.
Headlights
All vehicles are required to use headlights, night day and and all year round.
Car Rental Age
The legal car rental age is 21 years old. And the legal driving age is 18.
Speed Limit
In urban areas: 50 km/h
On expressways: 80 km/h
On other roads: 90 km/h
On motorways: 130 km/h
Using a Phone
It is allowed to use your phone with a hands-free device while driving. But holding it with your hands is not allowed.
Drinking While Driving
While in some other European countries the blood alcohol content is 0.05 mg, in Czech the tolerance that is zero. The police can stop you to carry out a random breath test.
Safety Belts and Child Seat
Safety belts are required both for drivers and passengers from the front to rear. Child restraints are required for children under 150 cm up to 36kg, by exception, children of height 135-150 cm can be restrained with a seat belt only if they sit in the back.
Reflective safety vests
If a motor vehicle driver leaves his or her vehicle in an emergency outside the town, he or she must wear a reflective safety vest. This does not apply to motorcyclists.
Winter Tires
Between 1 November and 31 March, motor vehicles other than motorcycles must be equipped with winter tires if there is a continuous layer of snow, ice or icing on the road or such a situation can be expected.
Motorway Fees
Cars weighing up to 3.5 tonnes must have a motorway coupon affixed when driving on the highway. The coupon consists of two parts, one part being affixed to the windscreen screen, and the other part must be kept for possible inspection. Both parts must have the registration number of the vehicle filled.
Prices of motorway coupons:
Annual – 1 500 CZK
Monthly – 440 CZK
Ten days – 310 CZK
Electronic tolls are applied to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in total weight.
Common Road Signs
Source and other road signs:
Highways and Tolls
Toll Roads
In the Czech Republic vignettes are required for all vehicles on Highways and Express Ways. Vignettes can be purchased at most petrol stations and post offices. A 10 day Vignette costs CZK 310 and one month CZK 440.
Toll Payment
To pass the toll road with vignette, you can purchase it at eDalnice.cz, or at EuroOil petrol stations or Czech Post Office Branches, and self service kiosks.
Motorway vignette for 1 days: 200 CZK (8 EUR, 9 USD)
Motorway vignette for 10 days: 270 CZK (11 EUR, 12 USD)
Motorway vignette for 1 month: CZK 430 (17 EUR, 19 USD)
Motorway vignette for 1 year: CZK 2300 (92 EUR, 100 USD)
Source: https://www.visitczechia.com/en-us/travel-info/transport-in-the-czech-republic
Refueling and Parking
Gas Service
Fuel Prices in Czech (Aug, 2024):
- Unleaded Gas: 1.51 euros
- Diesel: 1.46 euros
There are chain gas stations and independent gas stations with the latter offering cheaper refueling services, but also with less satisfying fuel quality. Try to avoid them as you can and stick to the chain stations like Shell, Orlen, BP, etc.
Parking
For tourists coming to Czech with a car, short-term parking will come handy.
- P+R (Park & Ride): Parking lots that offer easy access to public transport. Here is its sign:
- Free (12-hour) parking in selected locations.
- All-day (24-hour) parking for a flat rate of CZK 50 or CZK 100.
- Payment on the spot in the payment machine or in the online application.
- Parking spaces cannot be reserved in advance.
- Public Parking: Paid and guarded parking.
- Parking in Zones: Blue, purple, and orange.
Blue Zone: Residents
Purple Zone: Mixed (every visitor to Prague)
Orange Zone: Visitor Parking
Important: Please visit this website for more detailed information about parking in Czech.
Accident Handling
If you are involved in a traffic accident, do not panic. Check whether the passengers are injured, help yourself and seek help from passersby. Emergency contacts are available at any time.
- Police: 158
- Fire: 150
- Medical Service: 155
- Emergency Calls: 112
Scratch
Ensure the safety of personnel→Move the vehicle to the side of the road without obstructing the traffic→Call 112→Take photos or videos of the condition of the vehicle →Register the accident by police and keep a proper record of the accident→Contact the rental car company and insurance company.
Theft
Call 112 → Police take notes → Insurance report → Verify information → Payment
Malfunction
Call the rental car company → They will send someone nearby to tow your car or change a tire.
If the rental car company is unable to help you, contact a towing service with the help of the police. Car repairs are very expensive sometimes, so it is important to have insurance.
Roadside Assistance
You can contact the car rental company for basic roadside assistance:
- Green Motion: greenmotion contact.
- Rent Plus: rentplusprague contact-us.
- Addcar: +355 44522 672
- Wheego: www.wheegorentalcar.
- Surprice: support.surpricemobility.
- Autounion: +442045771797
- Right Cars: 420 702 209 925
Returning the Rental Car
To return the car, just drive back to the rental car company, but pay attention to the following things:
Refuel Before Returning
Usually, the basic rule for returning a car is to refuel the gas before returning it to the rental car company.
Even if the time is up, and there may not be a convenient gas station, it’s okay to drive for a while (about 5 kilometers or so) after refueling.
If you tried to return the car after the due time without refueling, or if you drove an excessive long distance after refueling, we will calculate the remaining time and charge you an additional fee.
Inspect the Car
When you arrive, we will have a representative inspect your vehicle for damage. If it had any damage, additional payment would be made.
Reconcile the Fee
When you return the car, the staff will check and record the vehicle and print the settlement list on site. Please check the list carefully, and if you have any unknown charges, you can raise them in person or call customer service to solve the problem.
Keep the Contract and Document
After returning the car, it is recommended to keep the contract and receipts in a safe place in case of needs.
Help after Trip
Traffic Citation
How to Pay Fine Ticket:
There are two main methods to pay a fine: ATM transfer or manual payment.
We recommend you to pay the fine as soon as possible, otherwise you may have to pay a late fee. If you can’t deal with it right away, tell the car rental company when you return the car, and you can let the company charge your credit card directly, but it usually requires a service fee.
Insurance Claim
If you bought a full coverage insurance, you would receive a fast claim settlement. The following documents should be prepared:
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- Credit Card Checkback History
- The Car Rental Contract
- Car Damage Deduction Bill
For more detailed information, check the terms and conditions of your insurance company.
Unknown Charges after Trip
If you received an unexpected deduction when you return to your home country, it might be that your violation fee is paid by the car rental company, but usually the deduction amount will be more expensive than the violation fee because that includes the management fee charged by the car rental company. If you don’t know what the violation was, you can contact our customer service for help.
Classic Routes
Here are three road trip routes with durations ranging from 3 days to 12 days. You can pick one you like.
- 3 Day Czech Road Trip
This road trip route offers a diverse exploration of the country’s scenic and cultural highlights over several days. Starting in Prague, rent a car for convenience and head to Dolní Morava, a mountain resort with hiking trails, ski slopes, and the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Stay at the Wellness Hotel Vista for relaxation and activities. Continue to Litomyšl to explore its UNESCO-listed castle and charming town. On Day 3, visit Nové Hrady Chateau, Chrudim, and end in Pardubice, known for its gingerbread and historical sites. Enjoy local cuisine, scenic drives, and cultural landmarks throughout the journey.
- The 7 Day Czech Road Trip
This 7-day Czech Republic road trip of 590 km offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions, starting in Bohemian Switzerland for hiking and scenic views. Spend two nights in Harrachov, exploring its forests and local brewery. Visit Jicin and Český Ráj for unique rock formations and castles, then head to Prague for its historic sites like the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Continue to Telč, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and end in Český Krumlov, known for its medieval charm. This route provides a comprehensive experience of Czechia’s highlights and hidden gems, suitable for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.
- The 12-Day Circle Route
The Czechia Road Trip is an 11 to 12-day journey covering 1,290 km, starting and ending in Prague. This scenic route takes travelers through some of the Czech Republic’s most beautiful and historically significant cities, including Kutná Hora, Olomouc, Uherské Hradiště, Mikulov, Znojmo, České Budějovice, Český Krumlov, Pilsen, Mariánské Lázně, and Karlovy Vary. Ideal for travel between May and September, the trip offers excellent road conditions and a chance to explore UNESCO Heritage sites, charming towns, and stunning landscapes. With options for various budgets, this road trip provides a rich cultural experience and unforgettable memories. Prague →Kutná Hora → Olomouc → Uherské Hradiště → Mikulov → Znojmo → České Budějovice → Český Krumlov → Pilsen → Mariánské Lázně → Karlovy Vary → Prague
Useful Information
Emergency Contact:
- Police: 158
- Fire: 150
- Ambulance: 155
Car Rental Companies:
- AVIS: 1-800-352-7900
- SIXT: 1 (888) 749 8227
- Budget: 800-218-7992
- Thrifty: 1-800-283-0898
- Hertz: 1-800-654-5060
- ACE: (877) 822-3872
- Dollar: 800-235-9393
- Yesaway: 1 424-800-4990
Websites:
- Official Tourism: https://www.visitczechia.com/en-us
- Road Rules and Regulations: https://mzv.gov.cz/file/4066992/Pravidla_Provozu_EN.pdf
- Embassies: https://www.embassypages.com/czech
Thank you for reading through to the end, enjoy your road trip!
