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Rent a Car in Torun, Poland—Competitive Prices and a Complete Pickup Guide

Compare deals, understand insurance and fees, and choose the best airport or downtown pickup point to explore Torun and the Kuyavian-Pomeranian region on your schedule.

Practical, Traveler-Focused Guide
Torun Car Rental Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Know
Renting a car in Torun is a convenient way to reach nearby attractions and cities that are less direct by public transit, including countryside areas and small towns in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian region. Torun’s historic center is compact and walkable, but a car is useful for day trips, flexible schedules, and traveling with family or luggage. Expect manual transmissions to be common, deposits on credit cards, and tolls on some Polish motorways. When comparing offers, focus on total cost (base rate plus insurance, young-driver fees, and fuel policy) and confirm where the vehicle is picked up (downtown office vs. nearby airport city).
Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport (BZG) – Main Airport Option for Torun
Torun does not have a major commercial airport with on-site rental centers, so many travelers use Bydgoszcz Airport (about 30–50 minutes by car, traffic dependent). Rental desks are typically in or near the terminal; follow signs for “Car Rental/Car Hire,” then proceed to the designated pickup parking area. Pros: wider fleet selection, longer opening hours, easy pickup after landing, good for one-way routes. Cons: requires getting to BZG first, and airport surcharges may apply versus city offices.
Torun Main Railway Station Area (Toruń Główny / City Access Corridors)
Downtown and station-area offices are convenient if you arrive by train and want a car only for part of your stay. Pros: avoid airport surcharges, easier to start after sightseeing, often closer to hotels. Cons: limited weekend/late hours at some branches, parking and traffic can be challenging near peak times, and vehicle selection may be smaller than airports.
Old Town Edge (Stare Miasto Perimeter Pickups)
Pickups just outside Torun’s UNESCO-listed Old Town can be ideal for visitors staying centrally. Pros: short walk from many accommodations, quick access to ring roads for day trips. Cons: the historic core has narrow streets, restricted zones, and limited parking; confirm exact pickup instructions and where returns are permitted.

What do you need to rent a car in Torun?

Renting a car in Torun is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID is required (e.g., United States ID when renting in the U.S., Poland ID when renting in Poland).
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full, physical driving license with no major endorsements, generally held for at least 1 year. In some cases, no minimum holding period is specified, and in others the license may need to have been held 1–2 years. Non‑U.S. licenses written in Roman alphabet are generally accepted for local rentals where applicable.

    Notes: United States rentals: Renters who indicate a country of residence outside the United States or Canada may be required to present a return airline ticket. Renters with a non‑U.S. driver’s license (written in Roman alphabet) may be required to present a valid passport or other government‑issued ID as a second form of identification.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required where credit cards are accepted. In the U.S., Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and sometimes UnionPay are accepted; some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, JCB in certain cases). In Poland, only credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted and debit cards are generally not allowed. Some locations accept UnionPay credit cards. E‑vouchers or printed vouchers may be required for some offers.
  • Age requirements: Typical eligible driving age ranges from 21–80 years, with some offers allowing up to 99 and some requiring a minimum of 25. For many U.S. rentals, drivers aged 21–24 may rent most vehicle groups but pay a young driver surcharge of about $27.00 per day; luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, full‑size and premium SUVs, and similar categories often require a minimum age of 25. In Poland, common age ranges include 21–80 or 21–75; young drivers 21–24 may pay a surcharge (e.g., approximately 9.33 PLN or 3 EUR per day, tax treatment depending on offer), and in some cases older drivers (e.g., 65–81) may also incur an additional fee.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full, physical driving license with no major endorsements, generally held for at least 1 year (sometimes 1–2 years, or with no explicit minimum). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation only; the original licence must also be presented, copies not accepted) or
    • Original Driver’s License printed in Latin/Roman alphabet (such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.; non‑Roman alphabet licences must be accompanied by an IDP) or
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version; an English translation must be provided on the back of the license) or
    • EU/EEA Driving License (valid across the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, where applicable).

    Notes: United States rentals: Renters who indicate a country of residence outside the United States or Canada may also be required to present a return airline ticket. Renters with a non‑U.S. driver’s license (written in Roman alphabet) may be required to present a valid passport or other government‑issued ID as a second form of identification.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required where credit cards are accepted. In the U.S., Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and sometimes UnionPay are accepted; some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, JCB in certain cases). In Poland, only credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted and debit cards are generally not allowed. Some locations accept UnionPay credit cards. An e‑voucher or printed voucher is often required at pickup. Where stated, proof of Collision and Theft Protection and Third Party Liability from a credit card issuer or insurer may be required in printed form.
  • Age requirements: Typical eligible driving age ranges from 21–80 years, with some offers allowing up to 99 and some requiring a minimum of 25. For many U.S. rentals, drivers aged 21–24 may rent most vehicle groups but pay a young driver surcharge of about $27.00 per day; luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, full‑size and premium SUVs, and similar categories often require a minimum age of 25. In Poland, common age ranges include 21–80 or 21–75; young drivers 21–24 may pay a surcharge (e.g., approximately 9.33 PLN or 3 EUR per day, tax treatment depending on offer), and in some cases older drivers (e.g., 65–81) may also incur an additional fee.
requirementsrequirements

Best Rental Cars for Exploring Toruń's Old Town & Beyond

Pick the right ride for cobblestone streets, Vistula Valley drives, and Polish winter roads. Browse more popular rentals below.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Old Town & Cobblestone Streets

Small

Nimble, Easy to Park
5
2
Auto

Toruń's medieval Old Town has narrow lanes that punish oversized vehicles. A small hatchback slips past delivery trucks, fits into scarce curbside spots, and sips fuel on short hops between Copernicus's house and the Vistula riverfront. Compact dimensions also ease stress on cobblestones near the Leaning Tower. Ideal for visitors who park once and walk.

Vistula Valley Day Trips

Medium

Comfort Meets Value
5
2
Auto

From Toruń, day trips to Biskupin's lake village, Chełmno's silent old town, or Brodnica's lakes mean hours behind the wheel. A medium sedan offers trunk space for picnic supplies, smooth cruising on the A1 motorway, and lower rates than an SUV. Cruise control and a quiet cabin make Poland's well-kept highways a pleasure to drive.

Polish Winter Driving

SUV

Snow-Ready & Grounded
5
3
Auto

From November through March, Toruń sees sub-freezing temperatures, black ice on Vistula bridges, and heavy snowfall that can stall traffic on the S10 bypass. A compact SUV with winter tires gives you ground clearance for unplowed side roads and traction to merge onto the A1. Heated seats make a grey Polish winter surprisingly comfortable.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Best for Flight Arrivals and Wider Vehicle Choice

Airport pickup (most often via Bydgoszcz BZG, or Gdansk GDN for larger inventories) can be the most convenient option if you’re landing in the region and want to drive straight to Torun. Airports usually offer more cars, clearer after-hours policies, and more consistent service coverage. Compare total price carefully—airport location fees, cross-border restrictions (if applicable), and fuel policies can change the final cost.

Rent a Car in Torun – See What Real Travelers Say

Browse verified reviews from real customers who rented cars in Torun and discovered Poland's medieval gem with confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
CarfreeBest Overall
4.6
2200+ reviews
$1031.5 mi from Torun Downtown
$550 - $2,041
  • Fast and Efficient Service
  • Friendly and Professional Staff
  • Clean Cars at Good Prices
ExpressBest Overall
4.3
6800+ reviews
$850.9 mi from Torun Downtown
$1,375
  • Professional Customer Service
  • Fast Response and Service
  • Clean Well-Maintained Cars
Car netBest Overall
4.2
840+ reviews
$773.5 mi from Torun Downtown
$583
  • Brand New Cars Fleet
  • Fast Professional Service
  • Convenient Door-to-Door Delivery

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 19 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Rental car accident in Poland Step by step guide for safety police and insurance
Learn exactly what to do after a rental car accident in Poland Stay safe first secure the scene and call 112 if there are injuries or disputes Then decide whether to call the police or complete a European Accident Statement document the scene with photos and videos and exchange driver and insurance details without admitting fault Finally contact your rental provider such as QEEQ immediately follow their instructions understand your CDW and other coverages and submit reports and evidence for a smooth insurance claim
View details
A Stress-Free Guide to Refueling a Rental Car in Poland
Learn how to refuel your rental car in Poland easily with our comprehensive guide covering fuel types, payment methods, and essential tips for tourists.
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Avoid Hidden Car Rental Fees in Poland Complete Guide for Smart Drivers
Learn how to avoid hidden car rental fees in Poland with a practical step by step guide. Understand CDW, theft protection and zero excess insurance, choose the best fuel policy, manage cross border trips, winterization fees and young driver surcharges. Get inspection tips, contract checks and on the road advice so you can enjoy your Polish road trip without surprise charges, especially when booking through platforms like QEEQ.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations dominate car rentals in Central Europe, capturing 38% of revenue, with 78% of customers preferring airport pickup. Booking.com leads Poland's rental market. Torun's nearest major airport is Bydgoszcz (40km), with Warsaw Chopin (200km) as secondary hub."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars hold 32% market share in Europe, while SUVs are fastest growing at 10.7% CAGR. Peak summer season (June-August) sees 40% booking surge. Average rental duration is 3-7 days, with peak season bookings made 6-9 months advance."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of rental customers report hidden fees with final bills differing from advertised prices. 57% find the checkout process frustrating due to insurance upsells costing $20-35 per day."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS)
  • Polish Tourism Organization ( POT)
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Size And Share
  • Mordor Intelligence - European Car Rental Market
  • European Car Rental Industry Consumer Survey

Drive Through Torun: Poland's Medieval Road Trip Gem

Explore Torun's Gothic streets, Viking history, and Vistula River panoramas with essential Polish driving tips for an unforgettable road adventure

LANGUAGES

Polish

CURRENCY

PLN

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+48

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$40 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

140 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.02% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.76/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.06/L - $2.19/L

Torun Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and rental FAQ for exploring Torun, Poland by car

Can I drive in Poland with my US driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Your US driver's license alone is NOT valid in Poland—you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it. The IDP acts as a certified translation and is mandatory for non-EU license holders. You can obtain one from AAA in the US before departure (~$20). Without both documents, you risk fines of up to 3,000 PLN (~$750) if stopped by police.
Am I allowed to rent a car at 21 in Poland, or will I pay a young driver surcharge?
Yes, you can rent at 21 in Poland, but expect a 'young driver surcharge' of roughly 100-150 PLN (~$25-40) per day if you're under 25. Some agencies also charge an 'underage driver fee' for ages 19-21 on top of that. Before booking, confirm the exact age policy—some premium vehicles (SUVs, luxury models) require the driver to be 25+.
How do I pay for highway tolls in Poland—do I need a separate device or can I pay cash?
Poland uses an electronic toll system called e-TOLL (via ViaBOX device)—cash is NOT accepted on most highways. Rental cars typically come with a pre-installed ViaBOX, and tolls are added to your rental bill. Highway fees average ~10-15 PLN (~$2.50-4) per 100 km. If you're caught without a registered device on a toll road, fines start at 500 PLN (~$125).
Do I need winter tires in Torun during winter, and are snow chains ever required?
Winter tires are legally mandatory in Poland when winter conditions prevail—typically November through March. In Torun, expect temperatures to drop to -5°C to -15°C (14-5°F) in January, with regular snow and icy patches. Snow chains are not mandatory on most roads but are highly recommended if you're heading to mountainous regions in southern Poland. All-season tires are acceptable only if marked with 'M+S' (mud + snow) designation.
Is parking in Torun's Old Town expensive, and how do I pay for it?
Yes, parking in Torun's UNESCO-listed Old Town is paid Mon-Fri 8:00-18:00 and costs ~3-4 PLN (~$0.75-1) per hour. Use the city parking app 'SkyCash' or 'mPay' to pay—coin-operated meters are rare. Unpaid parking results in fines of 50-100 PLN (~$12-25). If you're staying overnight at a hotel in the center, ask if they provide a parking permit—this can save you significant hassle.

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