Unleash Freedom: Best Car Hire for Unforgettable Road Trips in Austria

Car Rentals in Austria

Taking a road trip around Austria? Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. But let’s face it, car hire can make your wallet wince a bit. Don’t worry, though. Here are some nifty ways to keep costs down and why you might want to pick up your ride away from the airport.

Cost-Saving Tips

Kicking off your adventure with a rental car that’s easy on the budget can make your Austrian road trip even more awesome. Here’s how you can save some euros:

1. Get in Early: Once your travel plans are set, book your car. Early birds often catch the sweetest deals and the best choice of vehicles.

2. Go Compact: Start with the tiniest, cheapest set of wheels. There’s a good chance you’ll score a free car size bump-up since rental places overbook sometimes (Travel and Leisure).

3. Slash the Extras: Ditch the fancy add-ons like toll passes or GPS. Bring your own gear – phone chargers and holders are your pals (Travel and Leisure).

4. Stick to One Driver: Assigning a designated driver can save you from those annoying extra driver fees – they usually start at about $10 a day (Travel and Leisure).

5. Discounts, Discounts, Discounts: Tap into your memberships like AAA or frequent-flyer clubs for special deals on rentals.

Want more ways to save? Check out our tips on cheap car rentals in Austria.

Off-Airport Rentals

Thinking about where to pick up your car? Steer clear of the airport if possible.

• Cheaper Rates: Grabbing your wheels away from the airport can be up to 20% cheaper—airports love to slap on extra taxes and fees (Travel and Leisure).

• Fewer Fees: Off-airport locations usually have fewer mandatory fees making the price you see closer to what you actually pay.

• Easy Access: Lots of off-airport spots are just a bus or train ride away. Sure, it might add a couple of minutes, but your bank balance will thank you.

If you’re thinking about hitting the scenic Austrian routes, we’ve got more guides like luxury car rentals in Vienna and rentals for breathtaking drives in the Alps.

These tricks can stretch your travel budget, making your Austrian adventure one for the books!

Driving in Austria

Road Rules and Regulations

Cruising through Austria can be a breeze if you’re up to speed with the local traffic rules. You’re going to be on the right side of the road—literally—as Austria follows the “right is right” mantra for drivers. This little shift from the UK style of driving can catch you off guard, so keep it in mind when making turns or navigating roundabouts.

Overtaking:

• Stick to overtaking on the left.
• Double-check the coast is clear before you decide to overtake.

Road signs:

• Major roads are kept in tip-top shape and properly marked.
• But be vigilant on those tricky mountain paths and less-traveled routes; they might be a bit more adventurous.

Speed Limits:
The general speed limits in Austria are:

Stick to these limits to save your wallet from hefty fines and ensure your safety.

For more handy safety tips, don’t miss our guide on car rentals for scenic drives Austrian Alps.

Vignettes for Motorways

Driving on Austria’s motorways means you need a vignette. It’s a little sticker—think of it as a pass—to use the roads legally.

Where to Buy:

• At major border entry points
• Insurance vendors
• Petrol stations

Cost:
Pricing changes depending on how long you need it for:

Getting these vignettes is simple, and they come in handy with affordable car rentals in Austria.

Usage:

• Pop that vignette onto your windshield before you hit the motorways.
• No vignette leads to fines that aren’t fun.

Knowing these bits and bobs can turn your [car hire for road trips through Austria] into a smooth ride. Want to know which car rental spots are top-notch? See our write-up on best car rental companies in Austria.

Best Places to Visit by Car

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Get ready for a drive of a lifetime on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. This stretch of tarmac in Austria’s Eastern Alps is a road-tripper’s dream from May through October. It’s not just about the stunning views that make it onto countless postcards; there’s also fascinating stuff to learn about how this road was put together and the chance to meet the local wildlife up close.

What you’ll find along the drive isn’t just a bunch of pretty sights. This spot brims with stories and history, turning your car trip into a learning experience that’s anything but boring. Curious about driving there? Check out our tips on snagging a cheap rental car in Austria.

Lienz and the Glockner Pass

Swing by Lienz on the south end of the Grossglockner trail, known for being Austria’s sunniest hangout with over 2000 sun-kissed hours each year. It’s not your typical mountain town; think Mediterranean vibes and a cozy pitstop for road warriors.

Lienz invites you in with open arms for an overnight pause or two as you soak in its friendly charm. And don’t miss the Glockner Pass; it’s smooth as silk and perfect for those who love a comfy cruise.

Got a road trip on your mind? Plan your stops and enjoy every twist and turn by checking out our deals on car rentals for scenic drives in the Austrian Alps.

Hop in, hit the road, and discover Austria’s jaw-dropping scenery. Every stretch of your journey promises to be full of excitement and discovery, making your Austrian escapade one to remember.

Top Car Rental Companies

Planning your road trip in Austria? Picking the right wheels can make all the difference. Here’s a 411 on some top-rated car rental joints worth checking out:

Enterprise and Hertz

Enterprise
Enterprise’s got some mad customer love, known for its friendly vibes, experience, and a bunch of car choices. Travel Noire says they’re king of the satisfaction game, scoring 861 out of 1000, while others are cruising at 830. Their no-nonsense rep makes ’em a go-to for Austrian adventures.

Hertz
Hertz, another ace in the game, gets kudos for their awesome customer service and rewards. They’ve got more than 1,600 airport spots worldwide (Travel Noire), offering heaps of different rides plus perks for loyal peeps. Ideal for those who want an easy-breezy rental adventure.

For wallet-friendly rides in Austria, snoop around our page on affordable car rentals in Austria.

Alamo and Budget

Alamo
Alamo might not be as famous, but it’s clutch for globe-trotters. They’re easy on the rules, with perks like unlimited miles and no extra bucks for adding drivers sometimes (Travel Noire). Perfect for those thinking of a long-haul trip through Austria.

Budget
Budget’s all about the savings, great for families or anyone pinchin’ pennies. They throw in discounts up to 35% if you pay upfront and their Fastbreak program makes drop-offs a breeze (Travel Noire). Scooping an SUV for $50 a day is just one way they stretch your dollar.

Peek at luxury car rentals Vienna for more on swanky rides and smooth travels.

Choosing the right set of wheels for your Austrian road trip will dial up your holiday fun. Every one of these companies brings something special to the table, helping you find the ride that fits just right. Need more info on car rentals in Austria? Check out our piece on best car rental companies in Austria.