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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Austria
Austria
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Austria
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Austria
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Austria
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Austria?
Austria, with its imperial cities, Alpine landscapes, and picturesque villages, offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler. While Austria boasts an efficient public transport system, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore this stunning country at your own pace. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to experience Austria.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Public transport schedules can be restrictive. With a rental car, you can travel whenever and wherever you want, allowing you to discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations without waiting for buses or trains.
Access to Remote Alpine Regions. Austria's most breathtaking scenery lies in its Alpine regions, which are not always easily accessible by public transport. A rental car lets you explore stunning areas like the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Salzkammergut lake district, and the Zillertal Alps.
Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with luggage on public transport can be a hassle. A rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to get around, especially if you’re traveling with family or carrying sports equipment for skiing or hiking.
Cost-Effective for Groups and Families. For groups or families, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing individual train or bus tickets. Plus, you can split the cost of fuel, making road trips even more affordable.
Driving in Austria: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
German
Average petrol price
€1.60 per litre or €6.06 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
100 km/h or 62 mph
Currency
Euro
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
9.0/10
Dialling Code
+43
Driving in Austria is generally a pleasant experience, thanks to well-maintained roads and clear signage. However, it's important to be aware of the local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here's what you need to know before you hit the road in Austria.
1. Vignette Requirement A vignette (toll sticker) is required to drive on Austrian motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstrassen). You can purchase vignettes at petrol stations, tobacconists, and online.
- Cost: Varies based on duration (e.g., 10-day, 2-month, annual)
2. Speed Limits Strict speed limits are enforced throughout Austria. Be aware of speed limits in urban areas (usually 50 km/h), rural roads (usually 100 km/h), and motorways (usually 130 km/h).
- Radar detectors are illegal
3. Winter Tyres From November 1 to April 15, winter tyres are mandatory on all vehicles in winter conditions (snow, ice, slush).
- Ensure your rental car is equipped with winter tyres during this period
4. Seatbelt Laws Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the front and rear seats.
- Children under 14 and shorter than 150 cm require appropriate child seats
5. Parking Regulations Pay attention to parking signs and use parking meters where required. 'Blue Zones' require a parking disc indicating your arrival time.
- Parking is often restricted in city centres
6. Driving Under the Influence The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Austria is 0.05%. Penalties for exceeding this limit are severe.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before driving
Top drives in the Austria:
Austria is known for its incredible landscapes, and a car is a great way to experience the Alps.
Austria is a relatively small country, so it is possible to see much of it even on a short trip. Travelling by car gives you the flexibility to see places you otherwise might miss.
Car Rental Prices in Austria – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €25
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Austria
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August, December): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €61 per day*. This is when Austria experiences high tourist traffic due to summer holidays and winter ski season.
Shoulder season (April to May, September to October): Prices range from £35 / $44 / €40 per day*. The weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.
Low season (November to March, excluding December): Discounts available from around £30/ $38 / €37 per day. This is the off-season, with fewer tourists and colder weather.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Austria
Renting a car in Austria provides flexibility to explore, but costs can accumulate. Here’s how to save money on your rental while maximising your experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices increase closer to the pick-up date. Booking in advance ensures better rates and a wider vehicle selection.
2. Compare Prices and Look for Discounts.: Use comparison sites to find the best rental deals. Many companies offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or travel reward programme memberships.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Larger vehicles are more expensive. An economy car is best for solo travellers or couples.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental companies offer expensive add-ons. Check if your travel insurance or credit card covers rental car insurance to avoid extra charges.
5. Stick to a Single Driver.: Adding extra drivers incurs additional fees. Limit to one driver to reduce costs.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Returning a car with an empty tank results in high refuelling charges. Refill at a local gas station before drop-off to save money.
7. Consider Off-Airport Rentals.: Rental locations at airports often have higher fees. Consider renting from a location in the city centre to save money.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Austria?
Renting a car in Austria is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
Valid Driver’s Licence – If you're an EU citizen, your standard licence is sufficient. Non-EU citizens can use their home-country licence for up to six months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Minimum Age Requirement – Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
Credit or Debit Card – A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Credit cards are generally preferred.
Proof of Identity – A passport or another form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
Voucher or Confirmation – Bring a copy of your rental confirmation, either printed or digital.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Austria as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 15.07.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 11.04.2025
Summer in Austria was idyllic! Exploring the Alps and charming towns at our own pace, thanks to our rental car, made for an unforgettable holiday. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 04.12.2024
Pretty decent, really.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 02.01.2025
Austria exceeded expectations! Getting around with a car was effortless, allowing us to easily reach the stunning lakeside towns and enjoy some much needed R&R.
Oliver Schmidt
Reviewed: 04.11.2024
Austria was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring the charming villages and stunning landscapes so easy. The scenery was incredible, and the people were incredibly friendly. Definitely a trip to remember!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 23.10.2024