Car Hire at Katowice Airport
Welcome to Katowice Airport — your gateway to southern Poland and one of the most convenient entry points for exploring this fascinating region. Officially known as Katowice Wojciech Korfanty Airport (KTW), it’s located in Pyrzowice, about 30 kilometres north of Katowice city centre. While many travellers pass through here for business or budget flights, it’s actually a brilliant starting point for a Polish road trip. The airport sits right in the heart of the Silesian region, giving you easy access to historic cities, stunning mountain ranges, and some of Central Europe’s most poignant historical sites.
Hiring a car from Katowice Airport makes a lot of sense if you’re planning to explore beyond the city. Public transport in this region is decent, but it can’t compete with the freedom of having your own wheels. You’ll be minutes from the A4 motorway, which connects directly to Krakow and the German border, and you’re within striking distance of the Polish mountains, the Czech border, and countless castles, industrial heritage sites, and natural parks. Whether you’re here for a weekend city break or a longer holiday exploring southern Poland and beyond, picking up a rental car at the airport saves you the hassle of arranging transport later.
Picking Up Your Rental Car
Katowice Airport is compact and easy to navigate, which makes collecting your hire car refreshingly straightforward. The rental counters are located in the arrivals hall of Terminal B — you really can’t miss them. Most major rental companies have a presence here, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and Sixt, along with several local operators. The queues aren’t usually too bad, but if you’re arriving during peak holiday periods (July, August, or around Christmas), allow yourself an extra 30-45 minutes just in case.
Once you’ve sorted the paperwork, you’ll head to the dedicated car rental parking area, which is just a short walk from the terminal building. It’s worth doing a quick walk-around of the vehicle before you drive off — check for any existing scratches or dents and make sure they’re noted on your rental agreement. Polish roads can be a bit rough in places, so having that documentation sorted is always wise.
Documentation you’ll need: a valid driving licence (EU licences are fine; non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit if their licence isn’t in Latin script), your passport or ID card, and the credit card used for the booking. Most companies require the main driver to be at least 21, with some charging a young driver surcharge for under-25s. It’s also worth checking whether your rental includes winter tyres if you’re visiting between November and March — they’re mandatory in snowy conditions and can save you from a hefty fine.
Where to Go
Katowice City Centre — About 30 minutes via the A1 and DTŚ expressway. Don’t skip the city itself — Katowice has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. The Nikiszowiec district is a stunning example of industrial architecture, and the Silesian Museum, built into a former coal mine, is absolutely worth your time. Parking in the centre is reasonably priced compared to Western European cities.
Krakow — Roughly 1 hour east on the A4 motorway. One of Poland’s most beautiful cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Krakow is packed with history, from Wawel Castle to the medieval Main Market Square. The drive is straightforward, but avoid rush hour if possible — the A4 can get congested near Krakow. There are plenty of Park & Ride options on the city outskirts if you don’t want to navigate the historic centre by car.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial — About 45 minutes west via the A4. This is a sombre but essential visit for many travellers. The memorial site is located in Oświęcim, and there’s dedicated parking for visitors. Book your entry slot in advance, especially during peak season, as numbers are limited.
Beskidy Mountains and Bielsko-Biała — Around 45-50 minutes south. Bielsko-Biała is a charming city with a beautiful old town, but the real draw is the access to hiking trails in the Beskidy range. It’s a great option if you want nature without the longer drive to the Tatras.
Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains — About 2 hours south via the S1 and Route 47. Poland’s winter sports capital and a year-round hiking paradise. The drive takes you through some spectacular scenery, but the final stretch on Route 47 can be slow in peak season. Zakopane gets incredibly busy in winter and summer, so plan your parking strategy ahead of time.
Tips for Driving in Poland
Polish driving habits have improved dramatically over the past decade, but there are still a few things worth knowing. First up: headlights must be switched on at all times, day and night, year-round. It’s the law, and you will get fined if you’re caught without them. Also, stick to the speed limits — they’re strictly enforced, and Poland has one of the highest concentrations of speed cameras in Europe. Limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas (often 60 km/h at night), 90 km/h outside towns, 120 km/h on dual carriageways, and 140 km/h on motorways.
Speaking of motorways, the A4 between Katowice and Krakow is a toll road. You can pay at the booths with cash or card, or use the automated e-toll system. It’s not expensive, but it catches some visitors off guard. On roundabouts, traffic already on the roundabout has priority — this is standard EU practice, but worth remembering if you’re coming from somewhere with different rules.
Winter driving requires extra preparation. From November to March, winter tyres are strongly recommended, and in practice, mandatory if there’s snow or ice on the roads. If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have them, your insurance might not cover you. Watch out for potholes too — while main roads are generally in good condition, secondary roads can be a bit of an adventure, especially after winter.
One final tip: Polish drivers can be assertive, particularly when overtaking on single-carriageway roads. Don’t feel pressured to speed up if someone is tailgating you — just find a safe place to let them pass. And always give way to pedestrians at crossings — they’ll step out expecting you to stop, and the law is firmly on their side.
Ready to explore southern Poland? Book your Katowice Airport car hire with 365carhire and hit the road with confidence. We compare prices from trusted suppliers so