Car Hire In Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria is known for its picturesque destinations, from the imperial city of Vienna to the majestic Alps and bucolic Burgenland wineries. Many famous mountain and nature destinations are most easily accessed by car, and having your own vehicle is the smoothest way to travel between Austrian cities. However, renting a car in Austria is not the most economical option, and it can be a hassle due to limited parking. So, do you need a car in Austria?

Driving rules and regulations

Driving in Austria is on the right side of the road, and you overtake on the left. You must give priority to vehicles coming from the right unless otherwise indicated, and emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails always have priority. Drivers must stop at zebra crossings when a pedestrian is crossing or showing an intention to cross.

The speed limits are as follows:

• Within towns and built-up areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h (62 mph)
• On expressways: 100 km/h or 130 km/h (62 mph or 80 mph)
• On motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Speeding fines range from €20 to €2,180, depending on the speed and the road. Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited, but sat nav systems that indicate where fixed speed cameras are located are permitted.

Drivers must wear a seatbelt if their seat is equipped with one. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is €35. Children under 14 years old and less than 1.35m in height must use special seat belts adapted to their size or special child restraints. Children over 1.35m in height can use an adult seat belt.

It is prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving unless it is a hands-free device that can be operated with one hand. Third-party insurance is compulsory, and it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. The blood alcohol content limit for drivers is 0.049%, and the limit is lower for provisional licence holders, lorry and bus drivers, and new drivers.

From 1 November to 15 April, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels. Snow chains are only permitted when the road is covered with snow or ice.

In the event of a breakdown or accident, drivers must wear a reflective jacket and put up a warning triangle. It is also compulsory to carry a first aid kit in the car.

Car rental companies

There are several car rental companies to choose from in Austria, including well-known international brands and local options. Here are some of the most popular and notable companies:

• Sixt: Sixt has a strong presence in Austria, with locations at major airports and train stations. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to larger vehicles, for both short- and long-term rentals. Sixt allows one-way rentals and has flexible booking options. However, note that they have limited offices in Lower Austria, and extending your rental may require a visit to their office.
• Europcar: Europcar provides a trusted and reliable car rental service in Austria. They offer a range of vehicles, from compact cars to spacious SUVs, to suit your needs. Europcar has multiple convenient rental locations across the country, making pick-up and drop-off easy. They also provide top-notch customer service and competitive rates.
• Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty, Budget, and Enterprise: These international car rental companies have a presence in Austria, and you can compare their offers through online platforms.
• Local options: In addition to the international brands, there are local car rental companies in Austria, such as Green Motion, Carnect, U-Save, and Surprice. These companies often offer competitive rates, and you can find them through online comparison websites.

When choosing a car rental company, consider factors such as vehicle availability, rental duration, pricing, and convenience of pick-up and drop-off locations. Additionally, be sure to review the terms and conditions, insurance options, and any additional fees that may apply.

Rental requirements

To rent a car in Austria, you must meet the following requirements:

Age

The minimum age to rent a car in Austria is 18, although this may vary depending on the car rental company and the vehicle category. Some companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 are often considered young drivers and may have to pay a young driver surcharge.

Driver's License

A valid driver's license held for at least one year is required. If your license is from outside the EU or is written in non-Latin characters, you will also need an International Driver's License or an official translation of your license.

Insurance

Basic insurance is typically included in the rental price, but additional coverage can be purchased for extra protection. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are commonly offered as optional add-ons.

Payment

A valid credit card in the renter's name is usually required for the rental deposit and any additional charges. Some companies may also accept debit cards.

Vehicle Type

The type of vehicle you choose will depend on your planned itinerary. If you're mainly visiting cities, a smaller, compact car may be more practical for navigating narrow streets and finding parking. For exploring the Alps or driving in winter conditions, an SUV with better handling and ground clearance could be a better option.

Car types

When it comes to car types for your Austrian adventure, there are a few options to consider.

First, you'll want to think about the size of the car. Car rental companies typically offer small, medium, and large options, with some companies providing more specific categories like 'compact' or 'economy' for smaller cars, and 'full-size' for larger ones. If you're travelling with a lot of people or gear, you might want to consider a van, which will give you extra legroom and storage space.

Next, you should consider the type of driving you plan to do. If you're sticking to cities, a smaller car will be more practical for navigating narrow streets and finding tight parking spaces. For longer road trips or driving on highways, a midsize or full-size car will offer more comfort for you and your passengers.

If you're planning to drive in the mountains, especially during winter, an SUV could be a good choice. They typically offer better handling, 4WD, and more ground clearance, which can be helpful on unpaved or snowy roads. Keep in mind that winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory between November and April due to hazardous winter weather conditions.

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, luxury rental cars are also available, though they may have restrictions on driving in certain countries and may incur additional surcharges.

Finally, electric vehicles are an option offered by some rental companies, which could be a good choice if you're looking for a more environmentally-friendly or fuel-efficient option.

Ultimately, the type of car you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget, but with a range of options available, you're sure to find the perfect set of wheels for your Austrian adventure.

Driving in Austria vs. the US/UK

Driving in Austria for US/UK Citizens

Austria is a picturesque country with majestic mountains, charming cities, and bucolic wineries. It is located in the heart of Europe and shares borders with eight countries, making it an ideal destination for multi-country road trips.

If you plan to drive in Austria, here are some key things to know:

• Driving is on the right side of the road, and overtaking is done on the left.
• The blood alcohol limit is strict at 0.05%, and drunk driving laws are enforced.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for non-EU citizens.
• Vignettes, or toll stickers, are necessary for driving on highways and motorways.
• The speed limits are generally 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on main roads outside built-up areas, and 30-50 km/h in cities.
• Winter tires or snow chains are mandatory from November 1st to April 15th.
• The minimum age to drive is 18, and a valid driver's license is required.
• Renting a car can be expensive, with additional costs for insurance, protection, and add-ons.
• Gas stations can be scarce, and gas prices are high.
• Parking regulations are strictly enforced, especially in cities.

Differences in Driving in Austria vs. the US/UK

Now, let's compare driving in Austria to the US and UK:

• Side of the road: Austria drives on the right, while the UK drives on the left, similar to the US.
• International Driving Permit: US citizens need an IDP to drive in Austria, while UK citizens with a valid UK driving license do not.
• Speed limits and distance: Austria uses the metric system, so speed limits and distance signs are in kilometres and metres. In contrast, the US uses miles per hour, while the UK uses miles per hour and kilometres (a mix of both systems).
• Toll roads: Austria has a toll system with vignettes, which is different from the toll booths commonly found in the US and UK.
• Blood alcohol limit: Austria's limit of 0.05% is higher than the limit in the UK (0.08% in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and 0.05% in Scotland) but lower than most US states, which have a limit of 0.08%.
• Parking regulations: Austria has strict parking regulations, with designated parking areas and payment systems like "m-parking." The US and UK also have parking rules but may vary depending on the city or state.
• Road conditions: Austria is known for its well-maintained roads, even in mountainous areas. In contrast, the US and UK may have varying road conditions, with some areas having better infrastructure than others.
• Traffic flow: Austria is known for its respectful and well-organized drivers, which can be a notable difference from the driving culture in the US and some parts of the UK.

In summary, driving in Austria as a US or UK citizen involves adapting to driving on the right, understanding the toll system, adhering to strict alcohol limits, and navigating well-maintained roads with clear signage. The driving experience can be very different from the US or UK, especially regarding road conditions, traffic flow, and parking regulations.

Frequently asked questions