An estate car is sufficient for moving within Prague if you're moving from a studio or small flat, or simply transporting personal belongings, boxes and small pieces of furniture. It's worth planning for one to several trips depending on the amount of stuff. Large furniture, a fridge or washing machine won't fit in a private car even with a Superb, and it's better to know that beforehand. Below, you'll find when an estate car is enough, how to load it properly and what to watch out for when returning it.
When an estate car is enough and when it isn't
An estate car is suitable when you plan moving as a series of short trips around the city. Practical scenarios:
- A student or tenant: boxes of clothes, books, computer, a disassembled bed or bookshelf.
- Moving between two small flats: several trips during a single day.
- Partial office relocation: monitors, documents, chairs, small desks.
- Supplementing a major house move: you transport fragile and valuable items yourself, a specialist firm handles the heavy furniture.
On the other hand, an estate car won't be enough if you need to transport all the furnishings of a three-room flat in one go, large appliances or long and heavy items that won't fit in the boot even with the rear seats folded down. In such cases, it's better to split the move or call ahead to discuss what from our offer makes sense.
Octavia Combi or Superb Combi?
Both cars have 5 seats and plenty of boot space, the difference is mainly in comfort and size.
Škoda Octavia Combi has a diesel engine 1.6 TDI and a manual gearbox. For moving, it's a sensible and practical choice, especially if you're driving short distances around Prague and can manage with simpler equipment. It doesn't have a sat-nav, which is usually not a problem in Prague, as you can find any address on your mobile.
Škoda Superb Combi is larger, has a 2.0 TDI engine, an automatic gearbox and sat-nav. It's worth it if you're moving to a city you don't know, or if you're loading a lot of stuff and want to think less while driving in heavy traffic. You'll especially appreciate the automatic when repeatedly pulling away in queues, when you also need to keep an eye on a fragile load.
You can also find more detailed information about both cars in our articles on renting Octavia Combi and renting Superb Combi.
How to load the estate car properly
Proper loading saves time, stress and the car's interior. Follow a few rules:
- Heavy items at the bottom and towards the front. Boxes of books should go on the boot floor towards the rear seats, light items on top.
- Fold down the rear seats only when you need to. This way, you maintain a firmer barrier between the boot and cabin to prevent cargo from shifting.
- Don't leave anything loose. Things shift when you brake. Fill gaps with soft items like blankets or pillows.
- Protect the upholstery and plastics. Wrap furniture corners in a blanket or cardboard. Line the boot with an old blanket or tarpaulin.
- Maintain visibility. Don't load so high that cargo blocks your rear-view mirror.
- Put fragile items on the rear seat and secure them with a seatbelt if necessary.
Don't fasten anything to the roof without prior arrangement with the rental company. If you need anything non-standard, it's better to ask at contact.
Planning your day and mileage
Moving within Prague usually doesn't exceed the mileage limit. For short-term rentals, the limit is 300 km for one day and 250 km per day for 2 to 5 days, so you have plenty of leeway for city driving. It's different if you're moving outside Prague. In that case, calculate your route in advance so the limit doesn't catch you off guard.
Practical tips for planning:
- Start early in the morning when there are fewer cars and it's easier to park outside the house.
- Find out in advance where you can park or stop at both the old and new flat.
- Prepare the boxes, label them and take them out one by one so the car doesn't stand in a no-parking zone.
- If you don't want to collect the car yourself, arrange vehicle delivery across Prague by phone or email.
What to watch out for on collection and return
With a house move, the risk of minor damage is higher than with regular driving. So spend a few minutes checking:
- On collection, take photos of the car outside and inside, especially the boot, rear seats and upholstery.
- When loading, be careful with the paint on the bumper and boot sill, where heavy boxes often lean.
- Before returning the vehicle, empty it out and vacuum it so no crumbs, cardboard fragments or forgotten items remain.
- Check the fuel level according to the conditions you received on collection.
- Report any damage immediately, not when you return the car. All vehicles have third-party liability and comprehensive insurance, but customers pay a co-payment in case of an accident depending on the type of insurance.
You can find specific terms in our rental conditions, and an overview of additional services on our services page.
Frequently asked questions
Will a small flat fit entirely into an Octavia Combi?
It depends on the amount of stuff. You can usually manage a studio or moving personal items over several trips. Large appliances and heavy furniture are too bulky for a private car.
Is a manual or automatic better?
For city driving with a heavy load, an automatic is more comfortable, so the Superb Combi. If you're used to a manual, the Octavia Combi is perfectly adequate.
Can I rent a car for just one day?
Yes, short-term rental is available from 1 day. The daily rate is charged after 24 hours, so you only need to account for the time from collection to return.
What do I need to rent a car?
A valid driving licence, proof of identity and a minimum age of 21 years. The deposit amount depends on the vehicle type and you can find it in the vehicle details.
Book an estate car for your move
Know how much you'll be transporting and when? Then simply choose the Octavia Combi or the more comfortable Superb Combi and provide the date. Make your booking on the /rezervace page. If you're unsure whether your load will fit, call us on +420 703 149 146 or email [email protected].
