A van trip around Bohemia: route planning tips

A van trip around Bohemia has one big advantage

You don't have to worry about kilometres. Mileage within the Czech Republic is unlimited and no extra kilometres are charged, so a detour to a lookout tower or a sudden change of plan costs nothing extra. So you plan a van trip around Bohemia according to where you want to go, not according to a limit in the contract.

When a van makes sense

It pays off when you're carrying bulky equipment or several people with luggage. An expedition with kayaks, photography gear, camping equipment, a group trip with bikes. For an ordinary Sunday outing for two, a car is more practical and easier to park.

How long a stretch to plan

Expect a slower average speed than in a car. On minor roads, overtaking is harder in a van and you'll drive more calmly yourself. A route you'd cover in two hours by car will take you more like two and a half.

Fuel consumption and refuelling

All the vans run on diesel. At the pump, take care not to fill up with petrol by mistake — putting in the wrong fuel is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make. You pick up the van with a full tank and return it full, so you only refuel once, on the way back.

Cab and passengers

The number of seats in the cab varies by model. For a trip with several people, check it for the specific van so you don't find out on the spot that one person won't fit. In the cab, carry only what you need to hand.

Planning the route

Find out about height and weight restrictions along the route. Railway underpasses, passages through town gates in historic centres and bridges in villages often have signs you wouldn't notice in a car. Set your satnav to the vehicle's dimensions if it can do that.

Avoid narrow town centres. You'll find it easier to park the van at a park and ride car park on the outskirts and walk or take public transport into the centre. Parking in blue zones is not part of the service.

The motorway vignette is included in the price, so you can use motorway sections without any hassle. Trips abroad aren't allowed, though — the vans are driven exclusively within the Czech Republic.

Choose a van according to what you're carrying. You'll find an overview of the models, including load space dimensions, in our fleet. For a trip, a smaller version is usually enough unless you're taking bikes or boats.

Behind the wheel and on the road

Get used to the dimensions right at the start

For the first few kilometres, drive with the awareness that the van is taller, longer and wider. The door mirrors replace the view out of the back, so adjust them before you set off. Try reversing in an empty car park, not for the first time in a narrow street.

Wind on open stretches

The high side panels act like a sail. On bridges, embankments and open plains, expect crosswinds and grip the steering wheel more firmly. When a lorry overtakes you, the van will be pushed sideways for a moment — that's normal, just be ready for it.

Stops and breaks

Plan your stops at places where there's somewhere to park. Large lay-bys, shopping centre car parks and park and ride car parks are a better choice for a van than a village square. Take a break every two hours — driving a bigger vehicle is more tiring.

Practical matters around the rental

Pick-up

You pick up the van contactlessly through the web app. You photograph it and unlock it with your phone, and the keys are in the compartment on the passenger side. So you don't have to go anywhere or wait for opening hours — we operate around the clock, including weekends and nights.

What you need

All you need is two valid proofs of identity, one of which is a category B driving licence. You don't register or create a user account. There's no deposit and nothing is blocked on your card; payment is by card online only.

Where to leave your own car

You can leave your own car parked at the location free of charge for the duration of the rental. So you meet in one place, move your things across and set off. When you get back, you return the van to the same location with a full tank.

Packing for the trip

In a half-empty load space, the load slides around the most. Even two bags should be strapped down or propped against the front wall. Keep the things you need during the day in the cab — opening the rear doors on the hard shoulder isn't a good idea.

When plans change

You can cancel your booking free of charge up to 72 hours before the rental starts. For a trip that depends on the weather, it pays to choose the date based on the forecast at exactly this point. You'll find more tips on our blog.