Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Austin - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Austin
Austin
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Austin
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Austin
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Austin
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 Austin?
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its live music, culinary scene, and outdoor attractions. While ride-sharing and public transport are available, renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring all that Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country have to offer.
Explore Beyond the City Limits. With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond downtown Austin to visit attractions like Zilker Park, the Hamilton Pool Preserve, or the wineries and breweries of the Texas Hill Country.
Convenience and Comfort. Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or business associates, a rental car provides the space and comfort you need to travel at your own pace.
Access to Events and Festivals. Austin hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, and a rental car allows you to easily access these events, regardless of their location.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Austin
Before booking a rental car in Austin, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions. Here's what you need to know.
Area
305.1 square miles (790.2 square kilometres)
Population
Approximately 1 million residents
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT), UTC-6 (CST) / UTC-5 (CDT)
Ideal for
Business trips and family holidays
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Austin require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but most require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Austin – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Classic:
from £16 / $20 / €18 per day
Executive:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £36 / $45 / €41 per day
Automatic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
SUV:
from £18 / $23 / €20 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (March to May and September to November): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (June to August and December to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Austin?
Booking a car in Austin is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Austin
Austin is a vibrant city with a thriving music scene and numerous outdoor activities. Knowing a few key things about driving in Austin can make your visit more enjoyable.
Austin is the capital of Texas and a major hub for technology and culture. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. While Austin has public transportation, a car provides greater flexibility for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
Top Attractions to Discover
Zilker Park
A large recreational area with gardens, trails, and Barton Springs Pool.
Texas State Capitol
The impressive building and grounds are located in the heart of downtown Austin.
South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
Known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, and live music venues.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Downtown Austin offers several parking garages with hourly and daily rates.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre and taking public transportation into downtown.
Gas Stations in Austin
Wide Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Austin and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Valero.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Austin
Use Contactless Payment
Many businesses in Austin accept contactless payment methods.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Austin has a high volume of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown and near the University of Texas campus.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) when roads are often heavily congested.
Key Transportation Hubs in Austin
Major Bus Stations
Austin Greyhound Station
Located in downtown Austin, serving intercity bus routes.
Railway Stations
Austin Station
Located in downtown Austin, serving the Capital MetroRail and Amtrak.
Airports
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Located approximately 5 miles south-east of downtown Austin.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Austin?
Renting a car in Austin is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the United States, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Austin 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.
Busy trip, but Austin's charm shone through. Exploring the city with my rental was easy and efficient, perfect for maximizing my short business visit.
David Miller
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Pretty chill, I guess.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 17.10.2024
Chill vibes, good times.
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 19.07.2025
Loved exploring Austin! Having a car made it so convenient to see everything. Great food, music, and people.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 29.06.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 18.03.2025
Family vacation in Austin was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy; we saw everything we wanted.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 31.03.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 17.09.2024
Austin was even better than I remembered! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze. So much to see and do.
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 09.11.2024