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Car hire in Kosice – For a True Taste of Slovakia
As with many Slavic cities, Kosice is rich with an overlapping and tangible history that is still very much felt on its cobbled streets today. Over the past century alone, the city has officially been a part of four different countries – the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and, finally, Slovakia. At the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Kosice benefitted handsomely from its strategic location between Prague and Budapest, acting as an industrial gateway between the two sides of the empire. This brought much wealth to the city, which resulted in many grand buildings and stately monuments. Today, Kosice is the administrative capital of the country’s eastern region, with Hungary just a few kilometres to the south about an hour's drive to the east. Nicknamed the City of Tolerance, Kosice provides visitors with easy access to over six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, four national parks and the historic Tokaj region, an area renowned for its fine wine which was first introduced by the Romans.
The centre of Kosice is blessed with many historic buildings erected in a variety of styles, namely Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Renaissance. The main street is pedestrianised and is typically buzzing with life, especially in its coffee shops, restaurants, palaces and churches. In 2013, Kosice was named the joint European Capital of Culture, which is unsurprising as it is a city of firsts and superlatives. It was the first European place of residence to receive its own coat of arms in 1369 and it hosts the world’s second-oldest marathon (the Kosice Peace Marathon). Kosice is also home to the largest zoo in central Europe and the biggest church in Slovakia - St Elisabeth Cathedral, plus it’s the only place in the world with a waxwork museum that portrays mainly Slavs, located inside the fascinating St Urbain’s Tower.
Set in a region overflowing with rustic charm, Kosice offers its visitors the chance to experience the real Slovakia with so much tradition and Slovakian culture to be found in and around its historic centre. Out in the Kosice countryside, the city is surrounded by medieval towns and villages with magnificent castles and some of the tastiest food to be found in the whole of Slovakia. Kosice also has a thriving café culture with affordable prices and a pleasant lack of the large tourist crowds often found in other European cities. Many first-time visitors head for Hlavna Ulica (Main Street) which is lined with a series of impressive monuments, such as the city's Baroque Plague Column (built in thanks for the end of the plague in the early 18th century) and many charming buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
Booking a car hire in Kosice is the perfect way to view this enchanting city and its pictureseque environs. With strong road links to destinations across central Europe (including Bratislava and Budapest), there are endless possibilities for visitors behind the wheel of a car. Book online now with Auto Europe and save on your next car rental in Kosice or contact our rental specialists for help with your reservation. We’ve been offering high value car hire since 1954 and have great relationships with all the world's top suppliers, which in turn allows us to provide our customers with the best deals on the market. With its colourful history, eclectic culture and idiosyncratic architecture, Kosice is a place like no other. For peace of mind, why not check out the experiences of other Auto Europe customers by visiting our Kosice car hire reviews page.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Kosice, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
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Where to pick up a car hire in Kosice
To help you make the right choice, our high-tech booking engine allows you to do an extensive search to find the best car hire in Kosice, plus the interactive map on this page shows all the available pick-up points in the city and its surroundings, including Kosice Airport and the city centre.
Kosice Airport
Kosice Airport is a short drive south of the city centre and serves the second-biggest region in Slovakia in terms of population. If you happen to be returning a car rental to the airport, you can either take the E58 or Moldovska Cesta southbound, which normally takes around 10-15 minutes. Kosice Airport offers direct flights to 10 cities including London, Liverpool, Dublin, Prague, Warsaw and Vienna. At Košice Airport, travellers can choose from several major car hire companies, whose desks are located in the main terminal building opposite the Arrivals and Departures halls.
Kosice Airport (KSC)
Website: airportkosice.sk
Address: Letecká 41, 041 75 Kosice, Slovakia
Telephone: +421 55/683 21 00
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Kosice
Auto Europe is a leading international car hire company currently offering a vast selection of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in 190 different destinations around the world. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies, we can offer you the best standard of service and cheapest prices on the market.
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Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Kosice
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Kosice. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please call our reservations team for assistance and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Kosice?
Yes. You will always need a valid credit card (Mastercard, Visa, etc.) to collect your car hire in Kosice and after popular destinations in Slovakia. Depending on the which type of vehicle you are renting (ie cars in the Luxury category), the local supplier may request a second credit card, both of which must be in the main driver's name. It's easy to find all the relevant credit card instructions on the Auto Europe. All you need to do is click on the blue and white info icon (i) after making a quick search in our booking engine to view all the necessary payment details, which are also included in the car rental voucher’s terms and conditions. The reason why a credit card is necessary is because the car hire provider will need to hold a deposit, which is promptly released back onto the credit card once the vehicle is returned in the same condition as when it left. For further reading, please consult our dedicated credit card section and/or take a look at our credit card questions and answers section on the Auto Europe website.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Kosice?
Please note that our prices always include the minimum amount of legally required car hire coverage when you rent a car in Kosice and elsewhere in Slovakia, including CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), TP (Theft Protection) and Liability Insurance, either with or without excess. This does not cover every part of the vehicle, for which we suggest Auto Europe's Full Damage & Theft Protection Cover, which can be added during the check-out process (the amount is determined by the car category and rental duration). Please click on the blue and white info icon (i) in the search results to access all the coverage-related information relevant to your car rental in Kosice.
Some local suppliers try to offer additional insurance which are entirely optional and most often surplus to requirements, including Super CDW, Personal Effects Coverage, Travel Insurance, etc. These are paid directly to the supplier and Auto Europe does not profit from them in any way, which means that we are unable to offer a refund should it deemed not unnecessary at the end of the rental period. For more information about Auto Europe’s coverage policies, please contact our rental specialists for assistance and they will be happy to provide you with all the information you need. Please also read our blog post on the subject, which provides a general overview of the types of car hire coverage available.
How is the traffic in Kosice?
Košice is situated on two main international driving routes, which means that (generally speaking) the roads around the city can be quite busy and are well maintained. The centre of Košice has many narrow roads (it's a medieval city) and some are pedestrianised. Pay attention to people, bicycles and mopeds whilst driving in the more residential areas in outlying parts of the city. The main roads and motorways are wide and pleasant to drive on. If you are a visitor, it is always best to book a sat nav device to help find your way around, as well as assist with any traffic jams, roadworks and accidents in and arund the city. The main motorway that serves Kosice is the 19, which splits into the E58 and E50, the latter of which crosses the city centre. Beware of congestion on main roads like Rooseveltova, Južná Trieda and Štúrova, especially during the morning and evening rush hour. Kosice is well connected by road to the rest of Slovakia – 4 separate motorways direct traffic to the north, south and east, while there is a bypass of sorts that provides quick access to each area of the country. The city itself is very pleasant to drive around as traffic is rarely a problem, making car rental in Kosice a convenient choice. Please read our Slovakia Driving Guide for more advice on getting around Kosice and the rest of the country by car.
Where can I park my car hire in Kosice?
Located in the heart of the city, Aupark Košice Shopping Centre has 1,100 underground parking spaces and is much cheaper at weekends and on public holidays. Another option exists right next door at the DoubleTree by Hilton car park. Despite being a relatively safe city for visitors, it is best not to leave any valuables or personal items in the car, especially at airports, bus and train stations, etc. Car parks with 24/7 security are always the best solution for drivers looking to park their car rental in Kosice for a few hours to visit the top attractions. At the airport, there's are the P1 and P2 (short-term car parks) which are more expensive but close to the terminal building, whereas the P3 (long-term car park) is cheaper with a minimum parking time of eight hours.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Kosice?
Yes. Some stretches of motorway in the Kosice area are tolled, so if you are planning to embark on any day trips from the city, it's best to discuss your travel plans with your car hire supplier. Slovakia operates an e-vignette system for use on its motorways, for which local residents normally pay a yearly fee, while tourists have the option to purchase a 10-day or 30-day pass. Please note tat some car rental companies include the toll pass as part of the rental fee. Check your voucher’s terms and conditions to confirm this, or speak to one of our booking agents for assistance. Passes can be purchased online, at petrol stations, post offices or at the border.
Kosice Travel Guide
The city with the oldest coat of arms in Europe, Kosice is a very pleasant surprise for first-time visitors, plus it's attracting more and more repeat travellers due to its abundance of tourist interest, both inside and outside the city's perimeter. Its Old Town is a delight with many splendid buildings to see, not to mention some of the city's best restaurants tucked away along its narrow, cobblestone streets.
Best day trips with my car rental in Kosice
With several Unesco World Heritage Sites within easy reach of the centre, as well as a few national parks, the city is a day-tripper's dream come true, especially for those who rent a car in Kosice and go looking for a taste of the real Slovakia. Many travellers exploring the area on four wheels choose to embark on a more extensive road trip by sharing the driving (don't miss Auto Europe's Free Additional Driver offers). It's also possible to take advantage of our one-way car hire offers, which allow drivers to collect their vehicle in one place and drop it off somewhere else.
Levoca
A two-hour drive north-east of Kosice lies Levoca, one of the most charming medieval towns in central Europe. Founded modway through the 13th century, this picture-book walled town of less than 15,000 inhabitants people boasts a beautifully-preserved historic centre of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings painted in the most exquisite pastel shades. In Levoca's main square sits the Gothic town hall and St James’s Church with its altar carved by Master Pavol, the town's most famous son. The journey from Kosice to Levoca is as enjoyable as the town itself, passing through verdant countryside interspersed with castles and other ancient monuments.
Spis Castle
A prized UNESCO World Heritage site, Spis Castle is a vast 13th-century fortress that ranks as the largest in central Europe. Rechable on a day trip from Losice, its sprawling ruins are a feast for the eyes, especially for those approaching with their car rental from Kosice. Parts of castle date from the 11th century and some 2,000 people resided there in the 17th century. The views from the walls are tremendous, with vistas as far as the eye can see over red-roofed villages with snow-topped mountains far in the distance.
Slovak Paradise National Park
A hiker's paradise, Slovak Paradise National Park (known locally as Slovensky raj) covers 200 square-kilometres (76 square-miles) of scenic splendour in the heart of eastern Slovakia. Criss-crossed by dozens of rivers and streams, the park features many gorges, canyons, valleys, caves and waterfalls, making it one of the most picturesque parts of the country. The popular Sucha Bela trail is a must for hikers visiting Slovak Paradise National Park due to the gorge-side catwalks and ladders that allow visitors the chance to immerse themselves in its natural beauty.
Banska Stiavnica
This perfectly-preserved medieval town is always a delight for visitors who make the exhilarating trip west from Kosice. Set in the middle of a large caldera created by the collapse of an ancient volcano, Banska Stiavnica has a charming cobblestoned town centre that revolves around Trinity Square where tourists and locals spend time relaxing and enjoying an al fresco lunch during the warm summer months. Two castles located on either side of the valley afford panoramic views from their ancient walls.
What to do in Kosice
Nestling on the River Hornad, Kosice is an attractive city with plenty of tourist appeal both in and around its medieval centre. There are dozens of charming buildings set around its magnificent central square, including several palatial mansions typical old Slovakia. Its beautifull restored historic centre took centre stage during the city's tenure as the European Capital of Culture in 2013 and remains of hub of activity for tourist and locals alike.
- St Elizabeth’s Cathedral: Begun in the late 14th century, St Elizabeth’s Cathedral is Slovakia’s largest church. At a height of almost 60 metres, the view from the top of the clock tower offers the best views of the city for visitors who managed to climb its 160 steps. Covering a total area of 1,200 square-metres (13,000 square-feet), the cathedral features an altar crafted in the 15th century that is ranked amongst the most remarkable monuments of medieval art in Slovakia. Other rarities to look out for include a set of genuine Gothic frescoes called the Descent from the Cross date back to the 16th century.
- East Slovak Museum: One of the oldest museums in central Europe, the excellent East Slovak Museum was established in 1872 and is considered one of the city's top tourist attractions. It houses several permanent displays, as well as a number of temporary exhibitions on the themes of history, archaeology, nature, biology, fine arts and old photography. A particular highlight is the Košice Golden Treasure section where visitors can see a fine selection pf late-medieval and early modern gold coins and jewellery excavated in the 1930s. Visitors can also get to know the elements of the landscape that formed in the past and are still part of the local environment in the fascinating Nature of the Carpathians section.
- Children's Heritage Railway: A must for families with kids, this delightful 4-kilometre-long railway line is operated by three locomotives (one of them steam-powered) through the forests of Greater Kosice. Known locally as Košická detská historická železnica (KDHŽ), it first opened in 1955 and has three stations - Čermeľ (Čermeľ-Baránok), Vpred (Čermeľ-Vodáreň) and Alpinka (formerly Pioneer). The 20-minute-long journey is seasonal and mostly run by children (hence its name), with the exception of the driver, ticketing manager and station manager.
- Kosice Zoo: One of the largest attractions of its kind in Europe, Kosice Zoo covers 292 hectares (720 acres) of prime terrain in Kavečany, just to the north-west of the city. It is home to more than a thousand animals representing almost 300 different species, including the brown bear, zebra, camel, parrot, lynx, emu, tamarin, turtle, tortoise, ibex, horse, lion, tiger, European bison and antelope. A recent addition to the zoo is DinoPark, a unique 5-hectare amusement and educational section with life-size models of prehistoric dinosaurs.
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