Driving a Rental Car in Poland

Warsaw, Krakow, Zakopane – Road Rules, Parking & Tolls

1. General Driving Rules in Poland

When driving a rental car in Poland:

• Drive on the right-hand side.

• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.

• Low-beam headlights must be on at all times, day and night.

• Zero alcohol tolerance for new drivers (less than 2 years); general limit is 0.2‰.

• Children under 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat.

• Speed limits (unless otherwise indicated):

  • Built-up areas: 50 km/h (60 km/h at night: 23:00–5:00)

  • Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h

  • Motorways: 140 km/h

⚠️ Fines:
Traffic and parking fines are usually issued to the rental company. Processing can take weeks or months, and charges often include administrative fees, as per the rental agreement.

2. Road Tolls in Poland

• ❌ Poland has no vignette system for passenger cars.

• Most roads are free, but some motorways (A2, A4) have toll booths.

• Payment: cash, card, or electronic (depending on the section).

• For rental cars, tolls are not included and must be paid on the spot.

• Unpaid tolls may result in fines processed weeks or months later, plus administrative fees.

3. Parking in Warsaw

• Paid parking zones (SPPN) in central districts.

• Hours: Mon–Fri, 08:00–20:00.

• Typical cost: 4.50 PLN / hour.

• Payment: meters, apps, card.

• P+R parking: cheap, near metro/suburban trains.

⚠️ Parking violations may be charged months later, plus administrative fees.

Official info: 👉 https://zdm.waw.pl

4. Parking in Krakow

Krakow is a tourist-heavy city, so parking is strictly regulated:

• City Center (Stare Miasto): paid parking zones (Strefa Płatnego Parkowania)

• Hours: Mon–Sat, 08:00–20:00, sometimes extended on holidays

• Price: approx. 3–6 PLN / hour depending on zone

• Park & Ride (P+R) options at outskirts: cheaper, direct tram/bus into center

• Avoid illegal parking in narrow streets – fines are enforced even for short-term stops

⚠️ Parking fines in Krakow may take weeks or months to process through rental companies, with administrative fees.

Official info: 👉 https://www.ztm.krakow.pl/

5. Parking and Driving in Zakopane

Zakopane is a mountain resort town at the foot of the Tatra Mountains:

• Access via regional mountain roads – narrow, winding, steep in winter

• Winter tires required during winter season; snow chains may be necessary

• Paid parking zones in the center and near Krupówki street: approx. 5–10 PLN/hour

• Large parking lots at ski resorts or trailheads are recommended

• During peak winter and summer, parking can be very limited, plan ahead

⚠️ Parking violations or fines in Zakopane are processed through the rental company, often weeks or months later, including administrative fees.

6. Practical Tips for Renters

• Always check speed limits – Poland uses automatic speed cameras.

• Keep proof of toll and parking payments.

• Fines may appear long after the rental period ends, plus administrative fees.

• Winter driving: in the mountains, use winter tires and chains.

✅ Summary

• No vignette system for passenger cars

• Some motorways have toll booths

• Paid parking: Warsaw, Krakow, Zakopane

• Fines may be charged months later, including administrative fees