From the bustling streets of Vienna, to visiting scenic villages like that of Hallstatt, or even going skiing in the Alps; road tripping Autsira makes for a truly memorable adventure!
We have driven through the country 3 times now, each time in our own vehicle, and it makes for the most unforgettable time.
Not only are the roads in great condition, you’ll also have full independence and flexibility too (you can stop-off anywhere to get those incredible mountain photos - and yes, it will happen more than once!).
We even lived here for a full month a few years back as a base to explore more of the country, but also get a lot of work done in the cool mountain air.
Choosing the best car rental Austria has to offer can be challenging, with so many options available.
In this comprehensive article we’ll explore the best car rental companies in Austria.
Based on our own experience renting cars from the top rental companies across Europe, and coupled with online research of other people's experiences as well.
To hopefully help save you a lot of time, and money! Let’s get into it…
So you’ve bought your flights to Austria, and have decided that renting a car will be your best option for getting around. Great choice! Now comes the more difficult part of finding the right rental company and vehicle for you.
Whilst it can usually be quite a tedious process, DiscoverCars makes this all very simple and straightforward. As well as listing vehicles of all kinds of styles and budgets, we can also see any additional bonuses that may be included too such as an additional driver for free or unlimited mileage.
Here are some of the other advantages of using DiscoverCars:
Firstly we begin this list with local Austrian company Zippy7 Autorent, who have pick-up locations both in Vienna and Vienna airport.
They are a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable rental in the capital, who also have flexible pick-up options even outside of their operating hours (this includes on-site delivery).
As such, they offer some of the best car rentals in Austria!
Travelers who prefer to keep things cheap can select between their Mini and Economy options (you’ll get a Toyota Aygo, Opel Corsa Hatchback or similar).
Next we have their mid-range Compact and Compact SUVs (rental vehicles are usually an Opel Astra, Nissan Juke or similar).
Lastly we have their luxurious models, which include the Standard, Standard SUVs and the Intermediate SUVs (you’ll get either an Opel Insignia Sedan, Nissan Qashqai, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross or similar).
Zippy 7 Autorent also does various kinds of van rentals too.
The largest Hungarian rental company in the market, Fox Autorent have been in business for over 35 years and have now grown across Central Europe.
They are a great choice for local know-how, and have a dedicated 24/7 team ready to help you with any questions or troubles you may have during your trip.
They also offer some of the cheapest car rentals in Austria!
Although they have much less variety in rental vehicles, Fox Autorent are a great option for low cost rentals.
Firstly we have their introductory Economy model (where you’ll get a Hyundai I20 or similar).
Next we have their Compact vehicles, which are a good mix of comfort whilst not breaking the bank (you’ll get an Opel Astra or similar).
Those looking for a more elite model will want to choose from their Intermediate SUVs (where you’ll get a Suzuki Vitara or similar).
Fox Autorent also does Standard and Full-Size van rentals too.
Another Hungarian player who has entered the Austrian market, Dryyve are the least expensive of all rental companies on this list. Despite this, they offer a large fleet which can suit all tastes and vehicle specifications.
Dryvve are a great pick for those who like customisable packages, as they strive to tailor each experience to each individual customer.
So if you're after a rental car in Austria, then make sure you check out this company, especially when it comes to airport car hire in Vienna.
Firstly we begin with their smaller Mini and Economy vehicles, which are perfect for solo travelers or couples (rentals are usually a Fiat Panda, Opel Corsa or similar).
Next we have their mid-tier Compact and Standard classes (you’ll get an Opel Astra STW, Suzuki S-Cross or similar).
Finally we have their more luxurious Intermediate and Intermediate SUVs, which are best for those who want a more premium and spacious vehicle (rentals are usually a Kia Ceed STW, Opel Crossland X or similar).
Having now been in operation for over 60 years, Mega Drive is a popular Austrian car rental company which is a favorite partner choice for many larger firms.
Whilst amongst the more expensive rentals, they do offer one-way journeys without an extra fee, which is great for those planning to travel around Austria and potentially leave elsewhere instead of Vienna.
The other benefit is that you can pick-up and drop-off in various locations around Austria, this includes places like Innsbruck, which is known for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
Those looking to keep costs low will love their Mini and Economy models (you’ll usually get a Suzuki Swift, Fiat Punto or similar).
Next we have their mid-range Compact Models (rental vehicles are usually a Ford Focus or similar).
Lastly we have their premium Standard and Intermediate vehicles, which are best for larger groups and those who don’t mind paying that little extra for a more comfortable ride (you’ll get a Ford Mondeo, Opel Crossland X or similar).
A large German car rental company, WheeGo, has been around for over 30 years and has also expanded into the neighboring Austrian market.
Not only are they a great low-cost rental provider, they also have their own intuitive app which means you can rent and pick-up without having to wait in queues!
For future reference, WheeGo is also a fantastic option for car rentals in Greece.
The Mini and Economy models are the cheapest options you can rent with WheeGo, however they still offer great quality too (you’ll get a Fiat Panda, Opel Corsa or similar).
Next we have their mid-range Compact and Standard vehicles (you’ll get a Hyundai i30 STW, Suzuki S-Cross or similar).
Those looking for a deluxe upgrade can choose between their Intermediate and Intermediate SUVs, which offer more space and style without breaking the bank (rental vehicles are usually a Kia Ceed STW, Opel Crossland X or similar).
One of the larger rental companies found in Austria, Europcar has over 70 years experience and is one of the biggest rental providers in Europe (offering rentals in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and France among others).
One of the best advantages of renting with Europcar is their Privilege Loyalty Program, where upon sign-up you can have perks such as premium pick-up and free weekend rentals.
Firstly we have their most affordable options, which include the Mini, Economy and Compact models (rentals are usually a Fiat 500, Volkswagen Polo, Volkswagen T-Cross or similar).
Then we have their mid-range vehicles which are a good balance of cost and comfort, and include the Standard and Intermediate models (you’ll get a Skoda Superb STW, Skoda Octavia or similar).
Those after a higher-quality rental can choose between their Premium and Luxury models (you’ll get a Mercedes E Class STW, Audi A6 STW or similar).
Europcar also provides a variety of large van rentals across Austria.
SIXT is a world-renowned rental company with branches in over 105 countries (they offer car rentals in Malta and Spain, among a host of other destinations).
In Austria they have a large fleet with all kinds of vehicle styles and classes, and are renowned for being 100% transparent with all costs. They also have a large variety of car rental locations across the country.
Those looking for a no thrills and simple ride will want to choose from their Economy and Compact models (you’ll get a VW Polo, VW T-Cross or similar).
Next we have their Standard and Intermediate classes (rental vehicles are usually a VW Arteon, MINI Countryman or similar).
If you want to treat yourself then you can pick between their Luxury, Luxury SUVs and Special models (you’ll get a BMW 5 Series Touring, BMW X3, BMW 7 Series or similar).
SIXT also does Full-Size van rentals too.
Established just a couple of decades ago in Latvia, AddCar has grown from strength to strength and is now operating all over Europe and the Americas.
They are known for their impressive fleet size in Austria, and also for having high levels of satisfaction from customers.
Firstly we have their introductory Economy and Compact models, which are great for those looking to keep costs low (you’ll get a Hyundai i20, Citroen C4 or similar).
Then we have their mid-level classes which include their Intermediate, Standard SUVs as well as Intermediate Elite SUVs (you’ll get a Skoda Octavia STW, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Volkswagen Tiguan or similar).
Those looking for extra comfort can choose their Luxury models (usual rentals include a BMW 5 Series STW or similar).
AddCar also does a range of van rentals too.
Now we move into some of the more recognised global brands. Alamo is one of these giants, who operate in all continents all over the world.
Whilst they are on the more expensive side of things here in Austria, the benefit of renting with them is that you’ll also earn points towards partnered flights and hotels in the process.
Alamo’s Economy and Compact models are perfect for those traveling solo or on a budget (usual rentals include a Volkswagen Polo, Opel Astra or similar).
Next we have their mid-tier Intermediate and Compact SUVs (you’ll get a Skoda Octavia, Toyota C-HR or similar).
Those who want extra class can choose from Alamo’s Standard and Full-Size SUVs (rentals include a Opel Grandland, Citroen DS7 or similar).
With offices in over 160 countries worldwide, Hertz remains one of the most popular rental choices for travelers heading abroad.
As well as guaranteeing reputability and quality rentals, the main benefit of choosing Hertz is the variety of benefits received through their Gold Plus Rewards program (such as free car upgrades).
Hertz offers a wide variety of vehicle rentals.
Firstly we have their Mini and Economy models (you’ll get a Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta or similar).
Next we have their mid-range classes which include the Compact, Compact Elite and Intermediate vehicles (usual rentals include a Ford Focus, Volkswagen ID.3, Mercedes B Class or similar).
Lastly we have their Premium, Luxury and Luxury SUVs for those after more comfort and class (you’ll get a Mercedes Benz C Class, Mercedes Benz E Class, BMW X5 or similar).
Hertz also does Standard Van rentals too.
Having used DiscoverCars to browse all kinds of car rental companies (both local and global giants), we’ve found that costs can really vary.
This depends on many factors, such as which rental company you choose, how luxurious the vehicle is, whether it’s high-season or if adding extras to your booking.
Overall car rental costs in Austria can be anywhere from $20-570 per day.
Although you can pick up a rental for a great price, just be aware that Austria certainly isn't one of the most affordable destinations in Europe so other costs can quickly add up!
The minimum age to rent a car in Austria is 18 years old, however you may also find some companies that only allow drivers who are 21 or over to rent with them.
Many companies may also add a young drivers surcharge for those who are under 25, so it’s important to keep this in mind when budgeting for your trip (if you fit in this age group).
In general, driving conditions are pretty safe in Austria.
The reasons for this include well-maintained roads as well as their respectful attitude behind the wheel (which you will especially notice if you have driven in other areas of the world such as Latin America!).
However it’s not completely safe, and there are a few things to be aware of. The main one is that ice and snow regularly cause accidents, so you’ll need to drive slow in these cooler zones.
Many travelers find it difficult to choose between independent travel and using public transportation during their travels.
However in Austria we think that renting a car is a great idea. Not only are the roads organized and drivers respectful of rules, road conditions are also really good too.
Of course snow and ice can make things slightly complicated, however this is a small minus compared to the mountain of positives.
The other main advantage that driving brings is the extra freedom, where you can head wherever you want when you want (and not being dependent on bus schedules).
This European nation is a must-visit on any itinerary through central Europe.
Here you can explore some truly memorable mountain sceneries, visit charming villages like Hallstatt and Alpbach as well as dive into the historic culture of Vienna.
One of the biggest considerations for your trip to Austria is working out how best to get around.
We think that renting a car is a great idea here, given the range of rental providers (which works for all budgets) as well as the extra freedom it gives you.
Now over to you…
Are there any providers you think we missed?
Or do you have any other questions about renting a car in Austria?
Just drop a comment below and we will help in any way we can!
Here are some other car rental guides you may find helpful:
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