Cross-border route
Czechia Poland
Czechia 
PolandDriving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Czechia into Poland, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Poland expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the Both format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The A1/D1 motorway crosses near Ostrava toward Katowice.
Last reviewed June 2026
Route at a glance
FromCzechia
ToPoland
IDP in PolandRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in PolandPLN
Czechia → Poland
Crossing the border
The A1/D1 motorway crosses near Ostrava toward Katowice.
Driving rules in Poland
- Headlights on day and night, all year.
- 0.02% alcohol limit.
- Reflective vest and triangle required.
- Electronic tolls (e-TOLL) on expressways.
What to see when you arrive in Poland
- the old town of Kraków and Wawel Castle
- the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
- the Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Warsaw's reconstructed Old Town
- the Tatra Mountains around Zakopane
Common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Czechia to Poland?
Yes — Poland requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Poland recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between Czechia and Poland?
No. Both Czechia and Poland drive on the right.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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