Hmmm, a post about renting a car in Austria…doesn’t sound much like slow travel to me? Well, yes, this is a slower travel blog, but hiring a car might just be your only option to reach some of its more off-the-beaten-path locales. Despite the country having a truly world-class public transport system, it is rather mountainous (perhaps you hadn’t heard), so in order to reach those parts not served by trains or buses, getting a car and heading out onto the open road, just like our travel heroes the pioneering Griswolds in the 80’s, is necessary. We’re about to dive into everything you need to know about renting a car in Austria, from which rental car company to choose, what general requirements you need to meet, what rules you need to follow to ensure a stress-free experience, and which type of car matches your specific needs. So buckle up, cos we’re about to hit the holiday ro-ah-o-ah-o-ah-o-ah-o-d…
requirements for Renting a car in Austria: FAQ
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Austria?
This seems to depend on which company that you hire a car from. Some say that you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Austria, some say 18 years old. You may also have to pay a young driver’s surcharge if you’re under 25, due to the perceived greater risk of renting cars out to newer drivers.
Do I need an international driver's permit when renting a car in Austria?
This depends where you come from. First of all, you absolutely need a valid driver’s license from your home country. If you’re from outside the EU, you may also need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which are issued for a year at a time. Check the specific requirements for your country by googling your national motoring association and asking them if you need an IDP or not. When driving in Austria, make sure to carry both your national license and your IDP (if required) with you at all times.
Can I rent a car in Austria with a US driver's license?
Yes, you can, but in addition to your US license, you’ll also need an International Driving Permit or an official translation of your US license into German. You can apply for this via the AAA at home, or with the Austrian motoring organizations, the ÖAMTC or ARBÖ – however these are in German only and neither of these websites are at all user friendly, so it’s definitely best to get this done before you arrive.
What is the best rental car company in Austria?
As with anywhere, there are many options to choose from, including all the usual international suspects like Hertz, Europcar, and Avis, as well as local Austrian companies like Buchbinder and Megadrive. If you’ve got the time, do your research and compare prices & reviews to find the best hire car company. But if you value your time as much as your wallet, we’ve found that the company with consistently the best prices, the biggest range of vehicles and the best coverage is Discover Cars. They aggregate prices from all the big hitters as well as smaller local providers. It’s like a meta search engine for hire car companies, so whether you’re in the Alps or the city, you can easily find car rental locations in Austria close to you. Their booking system is clean and pretty easy to navigate too, so check ’em out via the link above or the search box at the bottom of this post.
Can I rent a car in Austria without a credit card?
This will depend on the specific policies of whichever car hire company you decide to go with, but in most cases, paying with a credit card is the preferred form of payment. Not only are you far more likely to get a much better deal when paying for your car hire with a credit card, but you’ll also need to provide a valid credit card in your name for the rental deposit and any additional charges that may arise during your rental period. You can sometimes do this on a debit card, but most rental car firms only accept credit cards for this.
What type of rental car in Austria suits my needs?
- Compact or economy car: a practical option for Vienna/Linz/Salzburg/Graz city driving and shorter trips.
- Midsize or full-size car: usually more comfortable for longer road trips and driving on highways (Vienna to Salzburg and further afield)
- SUV: If you plan to drive mostly in the mountains, during the winter or on unpaved roads, an SUV may be a good choice. They provide better handling, typically with 4WD and more ground clearance.
Driving rules and regulations in Austria
Driving rules:
In Austria, the locals drive on the right-hand side of the road, and speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. The speed limit on motorways/highways is typically 130 km/h (80 mph), while in towns and cities it’s usually 50 km/h (30 mph). Obey these speed limits and follow all traffic laws to avoid fines and accidents. Even very minor things, like not indicating when changing lanes or going through traffic lights on an orange light are likely to be punished. The police don’t have much else to do given the relatively low crime rate in Austria, so people usually follow the driving rules strictly!
Tolls:
Many of Austria’s highways, including the major Autobahns, require a toll to be paid. You can pay the toll at designated toll stations or purchase a vignette, which is a sticker that allows you to use the toll roads for a specified period of time. Check with your rental car company though, as many of them will offer rental with all domestic tolls included. If not, the vignette is available at automobile clubs (e.g. ÖAMTC, ARBÖ), in post offices, in tobacco shops, at some gas stations & online. If you drive without a vignette, you’ll get fined.
Driving & alcohol:
Driving with anything more than 0.5mg per millilitre blood alcohol level, or under the influence of drugs is prohibited and severely punished. The blood alcohol limit in the US and the UK is 0.8, so be aware that 0.5 is quite a bit less than what you may be used to.
If you have an accident:
If an accident happens where somebody was injured then it must be reported to the police immediately. Accidents with purely material damage should be reported only if the identity of the other vehicle owner is unknown.
Other important requirements before renting a car in Austria
Insurance policies:
Make sure you understand the insurance options available and what they cover. Basic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage for extra protection. Consider purchasing a collision damage waiver to protect yourself from any damages to the rental car.
Fuel policy:
Check the fuel policy of the rental company. Some companies require you to return the car with a full tank of gas, while others may charge you for the fuel used during the rental period. It’s almost always cheaper to fill the tank yourself and bring the car back with the same amount of petrol/gas that it had at the beginning of the rental period.
Car condition:
When you pick up your rental car, make sure to inspect it thoroughly for any damage and report it to the rental company before you leave. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the car from all angles as proof of any existing damage. This will help you avoid any disputes over damages when you return the car.
So, which Austrian road trip should I consider?
Hmmm, so many options for beautiful road trips, but if you’re looking for a high alpine pass then it probably should be the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which first opened back in 1935. It’s a scenic 48km drive, that winds its way through the Alps between Salzbergerland and Carinthia, offering breathtaking views of mountains and glaciers, including Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. The road is only open in the warmer months from May to October, and its highest point reaches an altitude of 2,504m! The hiking trails nearby are spectacular, and besides the many waterfalls, may even afford you a sighting of the rare Alpine Ibex.
Now you know how to rent a car in Austria, so go explore!
Renting a car in Austria is actually pretty straight forward, so if you’ve got itchy feet and wanna hit the road, then do check out Discover Cars below. They operate all over the world, so even if Austria doesn’t end up being your final destination they’ve got you covered. Whichever rental car company you end up going with, drive safely and remember that they drive on the right in Austria! With a little planning, you’ll be able to really get off-the-beaten-track to experience some of Austria’s lesser known and harder to reach spots. And if you’re looking for some cool independent hotels to stay in in Vienna, then check out recommendations here.
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