A rental car makes sense for a trip to and from Václav Havel Airport mainly when you need it for more than just one trip: you have meetings before departure or after arrival, you're transporting multiple people with large luggage, you're leaving very early from a location with poor public transport, or you're continuing beyond Prague after arrival. However, if you're flying away for a week-long holiday and the car would sit in a car park the whole time, a taxi or other transport is more sensible. Below you'll find situations where a car is useful, how delivery works, and which vehicle to choose based on your luggage.
When Renting a Car Makes Sense
Renting doesn't make sense for just a one-way trip. It works when the airport journey is just part of one day or several days:
- Round trip in one day. You take someone to the airport, return to the city, and pick them up again in the afternoon.
- Visitor from abroad. You're picking up colleagues or family and need to drive them around Prague and the surrounding area.
- Working day around your flight. Meetings across different parts of the city in the morning, flight in the evening. You'd need to call a taxi multiple times.
- Larger group. Four or five people with luggage often don't fit in one taxi, and booking two vehicles is unnecessarily complicated.
- Return with continuation. After arrival, you continue beyond Prague, perhaps on a business trip or visiting family.
Conversely, a taxi is better if the car would sit unused for several days. Daily rates are charged per 24 hours, so an idle car means wasted money. For another perspective on airport transport, see the article Car Rental Prague: Airport Transfer.
Delivery: No Need to Pick Up the Car
If you don't want to waste time getting to the rental office, you can arrange vehicle delivery across Prague. This is arranged by phone or email, ideally in advance. Write to us where and when you need the car delivered. If you want delivery near the airport, mention it in your message and we'll confirm what's possible. We don't promise anything until we confirm it.
For details on how delivery generally works, see the article Car Rental Prague: Vehicle Delivery. Our branch is at Westfield Černý Most in Prague 14, which is convenient for travel from the eastern part of the city. Contact details can be found on the Contact page.
Luggage: Count the Suitcases, Not Just the People
The most common mistake is choosing a car based on the number of seats. Most vehicles have 5 seats, but luggage space is what matters:
- Two people, two suitcases, and hand luggage: the Škoda Fabia is sufficient. It's a small car with a 1.0 TSI engine, manual gearbox, air conditioning, and five seats. It doesn't have a navigation system, so plan on using your phone.
- Family or four people with luggage: the Škoda Octavia Combi with a 1.6 TDI engine is practical and has plenty of boot space. It's ideal when you're carrying more than just hand luggage.
- Business trip, comfort, and longer routes: the Škoda Superb Combi with automatic transmission, navigation, and a 2.0 TDI engine. It makes for a pleasant drive through a long day of meetings.
- Seven people or lots of luggage: the Škoda Kodiaq 7 míst with automatic transmission. When all seven seats are occupied, expect reduced boot space.
Practical tip: before booking, count the large suitcases, golf bags, or prams. If you're unsure, call us—we're happy to advise.
How to Plan Your Day with a Rental Car
- Write down your times. Flight time, check-in arrival, and later return. This will help you determine when you need the car.
- Count in 24-hour periods. If you pick up the car in the afternoon, you return it the next day at the corresponding time. Adjust your plan to avoid paying unnecessarily.
- Check the mileage. For single-day rentals, the limit is 300 km per day; for 2–5 days, 250 km per day. The airport trip and return will comfortably fit within this, but calculate any additional trips beforehand.
- Prepare your documents. Valid driving licence, identity document, minimum age of 21, and a deposit depending on the vehicle type. The deposit amount is listed in the vehicle details. Rules can be found in Terms and Conditions.
- Write or call in advance. Delivery is arranged by phone or email, not at the last minute.
Insurance and Details
All vehicles have third-party liability and comprehensive insurance. In case of an accident, the customer pays an excess based on the insurance type, so read the terms before driving. If you're continuing abroad, this is only possible by prior arrangement and only within EU countries; roadside assistance is compulsory in such cases. If you're flying and leaving the car at home, this doesn't apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth renting a car for a holiday if it will sit at the airport?
Usually not. You pay for rental time even if the car sits idle. For a week-long trip, other transport is better—use a rental car where you really need it.
Will you deliver the car directly to the airport?
Delivery across Prague is arranged by phone or email. Write to us in advance with the specific location near the airport, and we'll confirm if it's possible.
Which car should I choose for four people with luggage?
The Octavia Combi is a good choice for its spacious boot. For more comfort and automatic transmission, choose the Superb Combi.
What do I need to rent a car?
A valid driving licence, identity document, minimum age of 21, and a deposit according to the vehicle type. You'll find the deposit amount in the details for each vehicle.
Book Your Car for Your Departure or Arrival Day
Know your flight time? Write to us or call +420 703 149 146 and we'll arrange delivery. Select and book your vehicle online in the /rezervace section. If you're unsure about your choice, contact [email protected].
