Renting A Car In Austria: A Quick Guide

Renting a car in Austria is a great way to explore the country at your own pace. From the historic streets of Vienna to the majestic Alps, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and travel plan. While Austria has a world-class public transport system, its mountainous terrain makes certain areas inaccessible by bus or train. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about renting a car in Austria, including the requirements, rules, and recommendations to ensure a stress-free experience.

Car rental companies and locations

When it comes to car rental companies in Austria, you have a variety of options to choose from. These include international companies such as Hertz, Europcar, and Avis, as well as local Austrian companies like Buchbinder and Megadrive. Discover Cars is a price comparison website that aggregates prices from major and minor local providers, allowing you to find the best deal.

If you're looking for a specific type of vehicle, SIXT car rentals offer a wide range of categories, from small, zippy cars to larger, higher-capacity vehicles, available for both short- and long-term rentals. They have convenient locations at Vienna Airport and major train stations. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is another option, with locations at airports and in cities across Austria.

When renting a car in Austria, it's important to consider the requirements and restrictions. Some companies require a minimum age of 21, while others accept drivers as young as 18. However, there may be a young driver surcharge for those under 25. Additionally, a valid driver's license from your home country is required, and if you're from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be necessary.

To reduce costs, consider booking early, opting for a smaller vehicle, and travelling for multiple days. Picking up your rental car at the airport can also be more cost-effective, and travelling during off-peak seasons, such as spring and autumn, can result in lower prices.

Age, license and other requirements

To rent a car in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old, although some companies require drivers to be at least 21. If you're under 25, you may have to pay a "young driver" surcharge and may not be able to rent certain car models. You will need to have held your license for at least one year, and some companies require two years.

You will need a full, valid driver's license, and if your license is from outside the EU (except Switzerland), you will also need a visa in your passport and must not have been in Europe for longer than six months. If your domestic driver's license is printed with non-Latin or non-Roman characters (such as Arabic, Japanese, or Cyrillic), you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation in English. Note that the IDP is only valid when used with your local license, so make sure to bring both. Driving licenses issued within the European Union are valid in Austria.

Most rental car companies in Austria will require you to present your passport (or your national identification card if you’re an EU citizen) and a credit card under your name when picking up the rental car. Generally, cash, debit cards, or prepaid cards are not accepted.

Choosing the right car for your trip

When choosing a rental car for your trip to Austria, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of car you choose will depend on your budget. Small cars are the cheapest option, starting at €21 per day on average, and are perfect for travelling along highways and exploring cities. If you want to rent a luxury car, you can choose from world-class manufacturers like BMW, Jaguar, and Audi, which are offered at affordable rates. The length of your trip will also impact the final price, as the daily rental price is usually lower for longer trips. Additionally, picking up and dropping off your car at the airport is typically cheaper than doing so in the city.

It's important to consider the time of year you'll be visiting Austria and the regions you plan to explore. If you're travelling to high-alpine regions during the winter months, it is recommended to carry snow chains. While not mandatory, snow chains are required to be fitted to the driving wheels of all vehicles when the road is consistently or almost entirely covered with snow or ice. From 1 November to 15 April, there is a winter equipment requirement in Austria, and vehicles must be equipped with either winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two driving wheels.

When it comes to insurance, choosing the right coverage is crucial. Contact your insurance provider before your trip to clarify whether your existing policy will cover you in Austria. If not, consider purchasing additional insurance to protect yourself in case of any issues during your rental period. Full coverage insurance is a good option as it covers most potential scenarios and provides 24/7 support.

Another factor to keep in mind is the mileage policy of the rental company. Different suppliers have different rules regarding the maximum permitted mileage and any additional fees for exceeding the limit. Be sure to review the rental conditions carefully to avoid unexpected charges. Additionally, some companies used to offer full-to-empty fuel policies, but now only provide what they deem to be fair fuel policies. Typically, you will be expected to return the car with a full tank of fuel.

Lastly, familiarize yourself with the driving laws and road rules in Austria. Austria has strictly enforced speed limits on highways, and there are speed cameras to monitor compliance. It's important to follow the speed limits and be aware of any changes due to weather conditions. Additionally, using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, and you must give way to emergency vehicles by creating an emergency corridor ("Rettungsgasse") during traffic jams.

Driving rules and safety

Driving in Austria comes with its own set of rules and safety considerations. Here are some essential things to keep in mind:

Age and License Requirements: To rent a car in Austria, the minimum age requirement is typically 18 years old, although some companies may require you to be at least 21. A valid driver's license from your home country is required, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary if you're from outside the EU. Make sure to carry your license and IDP (if required) with you at all times when driving.

Road Rules: In Austria, drivers must keep to the right side of the road and overtake on the left. Overtaking on the right is not permitted. When approaching a pedestrian crossing, you must not overtake, and always give way to pedestrians. Priority must generally be given to vehicles coming from the right unless otherwise indicated. Additionally, when driving on mountain roads where two vehicles cannot pass each other, both drivers should stop, and the driver for whom it is easier should reverse to a passing place.

Speed Limits and Signalling: Speed limits in Austria are posted in kilometres per hour. On highways and motorways, the speed limit is typically 130 km/h (80 mph), while in urban areas, it's usually 50 km/h (30 mph). Always obey speed limits to avoid fines and accidents. When approaching a traffic jam, it's advisable to turn on your flashing hazard lights to warn drivers behind you.

Emergency Vehicles: When an emergency vehicle is approaching, clear a path by moving to the right if you're in the right lane or to the left if you're in the left lane.

Mountain Passes and Tolls: If you plan to drive through mountain passes in Austria, such as the Grossglockner Pass or the Reschen Pass, be prepared for potential challenges. Additionally, Austrian expressways (Autobahnen) require a vignette (toll sticker), which can be purchased for various durations.

Other Safety Considerations: By law, motorists in Austria are required to carry certain items in their vehicles, such as reflective jackets and a warning triangle. These items may be necessary in case of an emergency or breakdown. Horns should only be used in case of danger and are generally prohibited in Vienna and near hospitals.

Costs and money-saving tips

Austria is not the cheapest country in Europe for renting a car, and you may have to pay a young driver surcharge if you're under 25. However, there are several ways to save money on your rental car in Austria. Firstly, booking early can help you secure a lower price. Secondly, consider picking up your rental car at the airport, as this can sometimes be cheaper than other locations. Thirdly, travelling for multiple days can often be more cost-effective than renting a car for just one day. Choosing a smaller vehicle can also help keep costs down.

Another way to save money is to visit Austria during the spring or autumn months when rental car prices tend to be lower due to fewer tourists. For example, renting a car in Vienna in June, July, or August can cost an average of €69, €84, or €77 per day, respectively. In contrast, the average daily price drops to around €40-45 in April, May, September, and October. If you don't mind colder weather, visiting in January can be a great option as the average daily rental price is only €27.

It's also worth considering the type of car you need based on your planned itinerary. For example, if you're mainly driving in cities like Vienna or Salzburg, a smaller car may be more practical and cost-effective, especially for navigating tight on-street parking spaces. On the other hand, if you're planning to drive in the Alps or mountainous areas, an SUV with good handling, a strong engine, and winter tires may be a better choice.

When it comes to insurance, fire and third-party liability insurance is mandatory and included in all rentals. However, you may want to consider additional coverage, such as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection, which can be purchased at varying rates depending on the vehicle type and rental company.

Finally, keep in mind that renting a car in Austria may come with additional costs, such as fuel and tolls. Austria has experienced a gradual reduction in fuel prices since 2022, and fuel is currently cheaper in Austria than in neighbouring Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. Tolls are required for driving on Austrian expressways (Autobahnen), and you can purchase a vignette (toll sticker) for your vehicle, valid for various durations.

Frequently asked questions