Automatic Car Rental in Poland – Models, Prices and Tips

More and more drivers cannot imagine driving without an automatic: in city traffic you do not have to keep pressing the clutch, and on a long journey it is simply more comfortable. Automatic car rental in Poland is also the standard choice for tourists from the US or the UK who do not drive manual cars at all in everyday life. Find out which automatic cars you can rent from MobiCars, how much it costs and what to keep in mind if you are getting behind the wheel of an automatic for the first time.

Why rent an automatic car in Poland?

• Convenience in the city – in traffic jams in Warsaw, Kraków or Wrocław, an automatic takes away the constant work of using the clutch and changing gear.
• Less fatigue on the road – on long journeys, for example on holiday or to the mountains, driving an automatic is less tiring.
• Easier manoeuvres – parking, hill starts and driving down narrow streets are simpler, because the car will not stall if you release the clutch too quickly.
• Safety – you can focus on the road, especially in an unfamiliar city. We write about driving somewhere new in our article how not to be afraid of driving in a foreign city.
• Lower fuel consumption in hybrids – hybrid cars always have an automatic transmission and use surprisingly little fuel in town.

Types of automatic gearbox

“Automatic” is an umbrella term for several different designs. For the driver the differences are small, but they are worth knowing:

• Conventional automatic with a torque converter – smooth, comfortable operation, used in larger cars and vans, among others.
• Dual-clutch gearbox (e.g. DSG) – very fast gear changes and low fuel consumption. Used in Škoda models, among others.
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT, e-CVT) – no noticeable gear changes; standard in Toyota hybrids.
• Single-speed transmission in electric cars – an electric car always drives like an automatic.

Automatic cars at MobiCars – an overview of models

In the MobiCars fleet you will find cars with an automatic gearbox in various classes: from city hatchbacks, through crossovers and electric cars, to 7-seater MPVs, 9-seater minibuses and vans.

* Standard prices for a 1-day rental according to the price list as of October 2026. For longer rentals the daily rate is lower – for example, the Toyota Yaris Automatic costs PLN 169 per day for a 4–7 day rental and PLN 129 per day for rentals of 30 days or longer. From 5 October to 6 November 2026, the “Autumn with MobiCars” promotion applies to selected models. You can check current prices on each model’s page and in the promotions section.

An automatic car for the city

The Toyota Yaris Automatic is the most popular choice for short rentals in the city. Its hybrid powertrain lets you drive part of the time on the electric motor alone in traffic, and average fuel consumption in town is around 5.3 l/100 km. Its compact size makes parking in the city centre easier. Read more about choosing a city car in our article which city car to choose from a rental fleet.

An automatic for longer journeys

The Škoda Scala Automatic, with its 150 hp engine and dual-clutch gearbox, is well suited to motorway driving: it accelerates briskly and has low fuel consumption on the open road (around 5 l/100 km). The Toyota C-HR combines a hybrid powertrain with a higher driving position, which you will appreciate on a longer trip.

Electric cars – always automatic

The MG4 is an electric car with a range of around 350 km. If you want to try driving an EV, this is a good opportunity. You can add a portable charger to your rental. You will find more information on our electric car rental page and in the article electric car rental – pros and cons.

An automatic for families and groups

For a family trip, choose the Toyota ProAce City 7-seater Automatic, and for a group of up to nine people, the Renault Trafic 9-seater Automatic with a 1890-litre boot, reversing camera and ISOFIX mountings. You can drive both on a category B (standard car) licence. Read more in our article 9-seater minibus rental in Poland.

Automatic van rental in Poland

For a house move or furniture transport, you can rent the automatic Peugeot Partner (3.3 m³ of load space) or the large Citroën Jumper L4H2 Automatic with 15 m³ of capacity and 180 hp. An automatic in a large van makes manoeuvring outside a block of flats and in narrow streets much easier. You will find the full range on our van rental page.

How to drive an automatic car: a beginner’s guide

If you normally drive a manual, switching to an automatic usually takes just a few minutes. Remember a few rules:

1. Use your right foot only. Your left foot rests. You operate both the accelerator and the brake with your right foot. This is the most important rule, because instinctively pressing the “clutch” with your left foot will result in sudden, hard braking.
2. Learn the gearbox modes:
   • P (Park) – parked, gearbox locked. Select it before switching off the engine.
   • R (Reverse) – reverse gear.
   • N (Neutral) – neutral, e.g. in an automatic car wash or when being towed.
   • D (Drive) – driving forwards. The car changes gear by itself.
   • B or L – in hybrids and EVs, a mode with stronger engine braking, useful on mountain descents.
3. Start the engine with your foot on the brake. In most automatic cars you cannot start the engine or shift from P to D without pressing the brake pedal.
4. Watch out for “creep”. Once you select D or R, the car starts moving slowly by itself when you release the brake. This makes manoeuvring easier, but it means keeping your foot on the brake at traffic lights and in queues.
5. Only change mode when stationary. Shifting from D to R or P while moving can damage the gearbox.
6. When parked, select P and apply the parking brake. In many new cars the parking brake is electric and engaged with a button. See also: how to use the handbrake correctly in modern cars.

Code 78 on your driving licence – can you drive a manual?

If you took your practical driving test in a car with an automatic gearbox, your licence may show code 78 (an EU-wide licence code). It means you are only entitled to drive vehicles with an automatic gearbox. In that case, choose only automatic cars when you book.

How to book an automatic car rental in Poland

Cars with an automatic gearbox are very popular, especially during the summer holiday season, over public holidays, and at airports. To make sure you get an automatic:

• book in advance, ideally 2–3 weeks before your planned dates,
• choose a specific model marked “Automatic”, or a hybrid or electric car,
• consider the reserved model guarantee add-on, which ensures you pick up exactly the car you booked.

Whether you are after automatic car hire in Warsaw or want to rent an automatic car in Kraków, you can pick up automatic cars at MobiCars branches and airports across Poland, including Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Poznań. Rentals come with no deposit and no mileage limit within Poland. If you need an automatic car for longer, take a look at our monthly car rental offer.

FAQ – automatic car rental in Poland

How much does it cost to rent an automatic car in Poland?

At MobiCars, automatic car rental starts from PLN 229 for one day (Toyota Yaris Automatic), and from PLN 129 per day for rentals of 30 days or longer (price list as of October 2026).

Is renting an automatic car more expensive?

Usually only slightly. Automatic cars are often in a higher class or have a hybrid powertrain, but the difference in rental price is small – and in town, an automatic hybrid uses noticeably less fuel.

Do all hybrids have an automatic gearbox?

Yes. Hybrid cars such as the Toyota Yaris or Toyota C-HR always have an automatic transmission. All electric cars are automatics too.

Can I rent an automatic van or minibus?

Yes. MobiCars offers the 9-seater Renault Trafic Automatic as well as automatic vans: the Peugeot Partner and the Citroën Jumper L4H2 Automatic.

What does code 78 mean on a driving licence?

Code 78 means you may only drive vehicles with an automatic gearbox. It is added for people who took their practical test in an automatic car.

Can I guarantee a specific automatic model?

Yes. When you book, you can purchase the “Reserved model guarantee” add-on, which ensures you pick up exactly the car you chose.

Related articles:

• Which city car should I choose from the rental offer?
• Electric car rental - what are the advantages and disadvantages?
• 9-Seater Minibus Rental in Poland – Prices, Licence and Tips