How much does it cost to rent a car for a holiday in 2026? A complete budget breakdown

A holiday by car means real freedom for many travellers. You can stop at every viewpoint, change your plans according to the weather and reach even the most remote corners of Europe.

But how much does that freedom actually cost? In 2026, the rental market has stabilised, but for an inexperienced traveller the budget can still double within a few minutes at the rental desk.

Family packing a rental car for a holiday in 2026.

At Taggart, we know that a good car-rental company for a holiday must first and foremost be transparent. That is why we have prepared a detailed cost overview and a list of unfair practices that can make your trip to the sea unnecessarily expensive.

How to calculate the price of renting a car for a holiday

Rental prices in 2026 are driven mainly by the season and by how early you book. For a short-term rental of 10 to 14 days, you should expect the following average daily rates:

  • Smaller cars, such as a Hyundai i30: CZK 900–1,400 per day. A good choice for couples.

  • Family classics, such as a Skoda Octavia: CZK 1,400–2,100 per day. An ideal balance of comfort and price for a trip to the sea.

  • Large SUVs and multi-seat vehicles, including 7+1 models: CZK 2,600–4,200 per day. The best option when two families share the cost.

If you are planning to work remotely while travelling, or if you need a car for a longer period, a monthly rental is usually much more cost-effective. The daily rate can be up to 40% lower.

Why “cheap” offers from search engines often do not pay off

Do you see an online price of CZK 350 per day? Be careful. In 2026, that amount often does not even cover basic insurance and normal vehicle wear. Rental companies that attract customers with prices like this usually have a whole range of fees ready at the counter, because they know you may not be able to find another car for your holiday at the last minute.

Unfair practices that can drain your wallet

  1. Long and unclear rental terms. Some car-rental companies have terms and conditions full of penalties, administrative fees, exceptions and restrictions. As a result, customers often find out only after returning the car what they can be charged for.
  2. High excess on damage claims. Pay close attention to the excess applied to insured events. In some cases it can reach tens of thousands of crowns. The risk is not limited to situations where you caused the damage. A problem can also arise if you are not at fault but fail to provide exactly the documents required by the rental agreement. In practice, it is not only about what is objectively needed to handle the claim, but also about what you signed.
  3. Fines and fees without clear proof from the authority. Some companies charge customers for alleged speeding or other traffic offences even when no official fine from the municipality or relevant authority has been delivered to the customer. In such cases, always ask for clear documentation: is it a real fine from an authority, or only an internal fee charged by the rental company?
  4. A blank promissory note or an extremely high deposit. The form of security required for the rental can also be a serious issue. Some companies may ask you either to sign a blank promissory note or to pay an extremely high cash deposit. Both options create a significant risk for the customer. A cheap rental is no longer cheap if it is backed by disproportionate security that can place a heavy burden on your budget. A fair rental company should state the deposit clearly in advance, keep it reasonable and avoid unpleasant surprises at vehicle handover.
  5. No credit card at the airport? Many companies will not hand over the car if you do not have a credit card, unless you pay for their “special insurance” on the spot, often around CZK 500 per day. With us, renting a car without a credit card is standard.
  6. Unfavourable currency conversion. Watch out for exchange rates as well. Some rental companies charge the rental in their own currency and apply an extremely unfavourable internal exchange rate. On a CZK 20,000 transaction, you can easily lose another CZK 2,500.
  7. Cross-border fees. Want to rent a car to Croatia? Some companies charge a separate cross-border fee, which you may only find after carefully studying their terms and conditions.
  8. Very low mileage limits. Cheap car rentals often come with very low mileage limits, sometimes as low as 100 km per day. A return trip to Italy can easily be 2,000 km. With a surcharge of CZK 6 per extra kilometre, you can come back from holiday with an unexpected debt.

Choose a car-rental company where the terms are clear from the start. With us, you avoid these practices.

 

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Croatia and Italy are the strategic destinations for 2026

These two countries remain among the most popular destinations for Czech drivers. Each of them, however, has its own specifics that must be included in the budget.

If you decide to drive a rental car to Italy, expect higher motorway tolls and special restricted-traffic zones (ZTL) in city centres, where fines for unauthorised entry can be extremely high. A reliable rental company will warn you about these risks in advance.

If you are planning to head to the Adriatic and rent a car to Croatia, focus in 2026 on the quality of the air conditioning and the age of the vehicle. Our fleet has an average age of just 11 months.

In queues before tunnels in 35-degree heat, a reliable, nearly new car with good filtration and a capable engine is exactly what you will appreciate most in your budget. It saves fuel, stress and nerves.

Hidden costs you will not see in price tables

When calculating your costs, do not forget the following items, which can change the final amount:

  • Motorway vignettes: At Taggart, the Czech motorway vignette is included in the price, but Austria, Slovenia or Switzerland must be added to your budget separately.
  • Administrative fee for fines: If you receive a fine in Italy, the rental company may charge an administrative fee for providing your details to the police. At some companies this can be as much as CZK 1,500 per offence.
  • Cleaning charge: If you return the car full of sand from the beach, some companies will deduct CZK 2,000 for “deep cleaning” without hesitation.

Fairness pays off in 2026

The cost of renting a car for a holiday should not be a guessing game. Look for partners who give you a clear final price, including insurance and assistance. At Taggart, we pride ourselves on contracts without asterisks and traps hidden in small print.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car for a holiday

How much should I prepare for the deposit?

It depends on the type of vehicle. The deposit usually ranges between CZK 10,000 and CZK 30,000. The advantage with us is that you can also pay the deposit using a debit card; you do not need an expensive credit card.

Is theft insurance abroad included in the price?

Yes, with us it is. If you are planning to drive a rental car to Italy or elsewhere, comprehensive insurance and theft insurance are included. However, always check the excess amount.

What if the car breaks down during my holiday?

With our vehicles being up to 11 months old on average, the risk is minimal. If it does happen, 24/7 assistance in Czech throughout the EU is standard with us. We will arrange towing or a replacement vehicle so you can continue your holiday.

Can I rent a car to Croatia if I am 21?

Yes. We allow rentals for younger drivers as well, although some vehicle categories may be restricted by age or by how long the driver has held a driving licence.

What about a second driver in 2026?

While multinational companies may charge up to CZK 300 per day for a second driver, we try to be as flexible as possible so that families can safely take turns on long journeys without unnecessary extra costs.