Car Rental in Austria
AnyRentCars is an information partner of Localrent. The entire process of searching, booking, and prepaying is handled via the secure Localrent system. This guarantees you direct prices from local car rental companies and official service support throughout your rental period.
Money-saving tip: Car delivery to smaller towns may incur extra fees. Choose pickup at airports or major cities to avoid unnecessary logistics costs.
Discover the beauty of Austria and its surroundings by road
Drive through the breathtaking Austrian Alps. Reach the fairy-tale village of Hallstatt with ease. Visit the imperial streets of Vienna or the musical charm of Salzburg. A car allows you to reach remote Alpine lakes like Wolfgangsee. You can explore the winding Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Stop at scenic viewpoints in Tyrol without relying on public transport. Reach hidden valleys and high-altitude mountain huts easily. Explore the historic vineyards of the Wachau Valley at your own pace. Road trips offer total freedom between major cities and nature reserves.
Selecting the right vehicle for your Austrian adventure
Select a vehicle that matches your specific travel needs and group size.
- Compact cars and hatchbacks: These are perfect for navigating narrow streets in old towns. They are easy to park and offer excellent fuel efficiency.
- Sedans and family cars: These are great for long intercity drives across the country. They provide ample legroom and significant luggage capacity for families.
- Crossovers and SUVs: These are suitable for mountain regions and hilly terrain. They offer more ground clearance and comfort on long-distance alpine routes.
Advantages of booking a car in Austria through our service
We provide a seamless booking experience with several key benefits.
- Transparent pricing: View all costs upfront. We guarantee no hidden fees or unexpected extra charges.
- Flexible deposit options: Choose from low security deposits or available cash options.
- Free cancellation: Change your plans without stress. Cancel your reservation within the allowed timeframe for free.
- Convenient local delivery: Save time by having your car delivered to your city or hotel.
Rental Requirements & General Terms
Driver's License
Valid national license required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or mandatory for non-residents in most countries.
Minimum Age
Usually 21+ years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a "young driver fee" depending on the local rental policy and car category.
Security Deposit
A valid credit card (Visa/Mastercard) in the main driver's name is required for a refundable security deposit upon car collection.
Insurance (CDW)
Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are typically included in the price with a standard deductible (excess).
Car Availability
Maximum availability, standard baseline prices.
Rare vehicle classes (convertibles, minivans) are running low.
Economy class is almost completely sold out.
Only luxury SUVs or premium segment vehicles remain.
Booking Service Recommendation:
To lock in the best rate and guarantee the availability of your preferred vehicle class, we highly recommend booking in advance. Free cancellation is available for most offers.
Weather and driving conditions in Austria
Car selection recommendation:
Austria's alpine terrain and seasonal snow require careful preparation. For safety on mountain passes and icy roads, we recommend an SUV / Crossover / 4x4.
Best periods to book a car in Austria
The chart shows how rental prices in Austria change throughout the year relative to the base rate (100%). Book early to lock in the best prices.
July and August are the peak months. For the best deals, consider visiting in November or April. Early booking guarantees the base price.
Driving Rules and Specifics in Austria (Austria)
| Speed limits | Urban — 50 km/h, Open roads — 100 km/h, Motorways — 130 km/h. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol limit | 0.0‰ for beginners, 0.5‰ for others. |
| Driving side | Right-hand traffic |
| Headlights | Required at all times |
| Mobile phone use | Hands-free only. |
| Seat belts | Mandatory for all passengers. |
| Child seats | Required for children under 12 or 135 cm. |
| Toll roads | Vignette required for motorways. |
What tourists need to know before driving in Austria
- Drunk driving — extremely high fines and potential imprisonment.
- Driving without a vignette — heavy fines for using motorways without payment.
- Using a handheld mobile phone — strict prohibition while driving.
- Winter tires and snow chains are mandatory in certain regions and weather conditions.
- High beams must be switched to low beams when approaching oncoming traffic.
- Specific rules apply for driving on steep mountain passes.
Emergency services in Austria (Austria)
Popular Cities in Austria
Direct car rental locations in major cities
Answers to your questions about Austria
Did not find the answer? Contact our 24/7 support team.
Car rental in Austria allows you to select a vehicle, choose rental dates, and define pickup and drop-off locations. After booking online, the car is collected from the selected location under the rental provider’s terms and conditions. The rental agreement outlines usage rules, mileage limits, and responsibilities during the rental period.
To rent a car, drivers usually need a valid driving license, a passport or government-issued ID, and a payment card. Some rental providers may require an international driving permit or apply minimum age and driving experience rules.
Yes, airport pickup is available in many locations in Austria. Rental desks may be located inside the terminal or nearby, with shuttle service provided by the rental company if needed.
Car rental services typically offer economy cars, compact models, sedans, SUVs, vans, and premium vehicles. The available car categories depend on location, demand, and the rental provider’s fleet at the time of booking.
Basic insurance coverage is usually included with car rental bookings, depending on the provider and location. Insurance terms, coverage limits, and optional protection packages are displayed before confirming the reservation.
Most car rental bookings allow cancellation or modification before pickup, subject to the provider’s policy. The exact conditions, deadlines, and possible restrictions are shown during the booking process.
In most cases, a credit or debit card is required to complete a car rental booking and collect the vehicle.
Additional drivers may be allowed if they meet the rental requirements and are added to the booking agreement.
Mileage policies depend on the rental provider. Some rentals include unlimited mileage, while others apply distance limits.