Renting a car in Brno is a practical way to explore Moravia, its vineyards, and the wider Czech Republic, and driving here is straightforward, with the main things to plan for being the motorway vignette and winter tyres. Brno has rental desks at its airport and in the city, and a hire car makes the castles, caves, and wine country of southern Moravia easy to reach.
The electronic vignette
The Czech Republic requires an electronic vignette to use its motorways and expressways. It is now fully electronic and linked to the number plate, sold in 10-day, one-month, and annual validity at kiosks, petrol stations, post offices, and online. Some rental companies include a vignette with the car and some do not, so check before you set off and buy one if needed, since driving a motorway without a valid vignette risks a fine. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars help you check availability and prices in advance.
Winter tyres and headlights
Winter tyres are compulsory in the Czech Republic from the start of November to the end of March whenever there is compacted snow or ice on the road, or when the temperature is near or below freezing with a risk of ice. Snow chains may be used where the road is fully snow-covered. Dipped headlights must be used during the day all year round. Rental cars are usually equipped for the season, but confirm this if you travel in winter.
Who can rent, and booking tips
The Czech Republic drives on the right. The minimum age to hire a car is typically 21, and you will need a valid licence, a passport, and a credit card for the deposit; an International Driving Permit is wise if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet. Read the rental terms for the deposit, fuel policy, insurance, excess, and whether the vignette is included, and book ahead in the summer and around events, when demand in Brno is high.