Car Rental in Austria - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Austria is highly recommended for exploring the countryside, Alpine regions, and picturesque villages that are difficult to reach by public transport. It's ideal for road trips through the Tyrol, Salzkammergut lake district, or wine regions, offering flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints and small towns at your own pace. However, skip the rental in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck where excellent public transport, pedestrian zones, and limited parking make driving more hassle than convenience. These cities have efficient trams, buses, and trains that serve tourists well. Austria drives on the right side of the road, making it comfortable for most European and North American visitors. Road quality is excellent throughout the country, with well-maintained highways and mountain passes. Driving conditions are generally straightforward, though Alpine routes require caution in winter and experience with mountain driving. Note that you'll need a vignette (highway toll sticker) for motorways - check current prices when booking your rental. International visitors should carry their license, passport, and verify insurance coverage. Austrian drivers typically follow rules strictly, and speed cameras are common, so observe posted limits carefully.

International Driving Permit

Generally recommended for non-EU license holders visiting Austria. Check current requirements with your rental agency as acceptance varies by country of origin.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some agencies setting higher age limits (23-25) for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges often apply under age 25.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. EU licenses are generally accepted; non-EU licenses may need to be accompanied by an official translation or IDP.

Credit Card

A credit card in the main driver's name is typically required for the security deposit. Debit cards are often not accepted for deposits by major rental agencies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included in rentals, but additional coverage options are available. Verify what your rental includes and consider comprehensive coverage for peace of mind.

Vignette (Highway Toll Sticker)

Austria requires a vignette for highway use. Most rental cars include this, but verify with your agency. If not included, purchase before using motorways to avoid fines.

Rent from major international agencies at Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck airports for convenience, though city locations may offer competitive rates - compare options and book in advance for better availability, especially during ski season and summer months.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify you have the vehicle registration, insurance documents (green card for EU travel), warning triangle, first-aid kit, and high-visibility vest - all legally required in Austria.

Austrian road signs follow standard European conventions, but consider GPS with Austrian-specific features like tunnel warnings and vignette reminders - download offline maps as backup since mountain areas may have limited signal.

Austria requires a highway vignette (toll sticker) for motorways - purchase at the rental agency, border crossings, or gas stations; fuel is widely available but typically cheaper at supermarket stations than highway services, and many Austrian cities have paid parking zones requiring tickets from machines.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level (typically full tank) and allow extra time for the return inspection - keep all fuel receipts and parking tickets until the final charge is confirmed, as disputed charges are easier to resolve with documentation.

Austria enforces strict winter tire requirements from November to April, and vehicles must carry snow chains in alpine regions - police conduct regular checks and fines for non-compliance are substantial.

The autobahn system has varying speed limits with many sections now regulated rather than unlimited - speed cameras are common and fines are issued automatically to vehicle owners.

Mountain passes and alpine roads can close suddenly due to weather conditions, particularly in winter - always check current road status before traveling and carry emergency supplies.

Austria has a mandatory vignette (toll sticker) system for highway use - driving without one results in heavy on-the-spot fines, and the vignette must be properly affixed before entering the highway.