How to find a cheap car hire deal in Austria
Need a cheap rental car in Austria? With prices starting from £5 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're looking for a go-anywhere compact, a family sedan, or something else entirely, we round up all the best offers to land you a bargain.
For longer getaways, £31 is the lowest available rate for a weekly rental.
Browse the range of car rentals in Vienna. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in Austria.
Vienna is the most popular city to rent a car.
If you're unsure which provider to go with, check out Dryyve. It stands as the number one choice in Austria.
There's no need to travel far after landing to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Vienna Airport, Salzburg Airport and Graz Airport.
You can rent some wheels easily in top cities including Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck and Linz.
Think about going with a one-way rental. Providers occasionally lower prices on some routes to move vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Austria, choose 'Return car to a different location' to find those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It could be cheaper to book a full month, so test a few date combinations to find out what works best.
Pick a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' to avoid unnecessary refueling costs. It arrives with a full tank and goes back the same way, so your fuel spend stays predictable.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey instead of the odometer. Check for this feature under the 'Policies' filter and go big on distance, not on fees.
Best time to book a car hire in Austria
Get the timing right and book around four weeks ahead to land the best price on a car hire in Austria.
The most affordable month to rent a car is May, with an average rate of £38 a day.
March is typically the most expensive.
Compare car hire types in Austria
Economy: If you want reliable and affordable, economy is a smart match. With lower daily rates and engines designed for efficiency, this option helps keep both upfront and ongoing costs down.
Small: Covering mini and economy classes, small cars work well for everyday travel. If you're searching for a cheap rental car in Austria, this is where you'll score some of the best deals. They're perfect for city driving and quick trips, with low fuel use, easy handling, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Want more space without going all out? Medium rentals (which include compact and intermediate models) hit the sweet spot. They feel right at home in city traffic, on open highways and just about everywhere in between.
Large: No bumping elbows on every turn. No bags under your feet. Also known as full-size, large cars offer real passenger space and the luggage capacity to go with it. Choose this level when you're covering serious ground or bringing the entire crew.
SUV: These sport utility vehicles are ready for whatever your itinerary brings your way. Their versatility across a range of terrain makes them a reliable pick for road trip plans that develop as you go. An elevated seating position gives you a clearer view ahead, helping you feel more in control.
Van: For business use or large group travel, this category of car for rent in Austria delivers the carrying capabilities you need. These commercial vans and trucks prioritize volume and practicality, helping you transport more in fewer trips.
Luxury: Want to go beyond the standard upgrade? From looks that turn heads to cutting-edge tech and powerful performance, luxury vehicles shift the entire driving experience into high gear. This is what to book when you expect nothing less than exceptional.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Austria by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Driving in Austria: What you need to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your car hire in Austria. Rules can differ, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your car hire reservation in Austria. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If you haven't driven before in Austria, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph (30mph) through built-up areas and around 125kph (80mph) on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Austria is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your purchases on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to cover you in every situation.
German is the language used most widely across the country.
