Renting a car for a ski holiday
*Updated for 2026* The ski season is in motion and many of us are looking towards hitting the slopes to make the most from the cold weather! When going on a…
Car Hire in Austria.
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- Free Cancellation
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- Fair Fuel Policy
What our customers say
A no hassle rental, guys were very supportive when we had trouble with fuel. Perfect service on pick up just had to call them and they were there quickly.
Jessica - Vienna Airport, 3 weeks ago
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A landlocked country in Central Europe, Austria is nestled between Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, Austria is best known for its stunning Alpine landscapes, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage.
- Excess insurance included
- Free Cancellation & amendments
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Fair Fuel Policy
- Breakdown assistance
- Which? Recommended Car Hire Broker
Which car rental company should I book with in Austria?
Renting a car in Austria with Zest means you are ensuring a smooth, easy and hassle-free car rental experience. Whether you decide to book with Buchbinder, Alamo or any of our other providers in Austria, you will always be welcomed with exceptional customer service! Start your holiday the right way with Zest Car Rental!
Book with Zest Car Rental in Austria
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to sweat over. We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.
Unlock the real Austria
Austria is famous for its grand imperial architecture, pristine alpine lakes, and classical musical heritage, but it is also the perfect gateway to spectacular mountain passes and sweeping valley roads. A scenic drive through the western Tyrol region connects you to breathtaking mountain landscapes and historic alpine villages. Navigating these soaring routes opens up secluded hiking trails, pristine glaciers, and traditional mountain outposts that regional train systems cannot easily reach.
Further east, a rental vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the rolling landscapes of the Danube Valley and the majestic lakes of the Salzkammergut region at your own comfortable pace. You can drive around the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee or follow the historic romantic road between Salzburg and Vienna. Having complete control over your travel itinerary allows you to explore these iconic lakeside towns, detour to remote hilltop castles, and discover family-run vineyards completely free from rigid group tour schedules.
Can I take my rental car across national borders?
Given Austria's central position in Central Europe, many travelers want to extend their road trip across borders into neighboring destinations like Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, or Croatia. Please be aware that each provider enforces completely individual regulations regarding border crossings. To check what options are available for your journey, we recommend generating a live quote on our website where eligible cars will be explicitly labeled with exact permissions or local fees.
Our Fleet in Austria
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in Austria to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and compact models are highly practical for navigating narrow historic town centers and parking in busy lakeside resort districts.
If you plan to tour the winding alpine passes of the interior, carry substantial ski or outdoor equipment, or enjoy long-distance cross-country journeys, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle or a full-size SUV can provide additional power, interior space, and driving comfort for the terrain.
One Way Rentals in Austria
In Austria, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. One-way rentals are perfect for road trips, city-to-city travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Vienna Airport and returning it in a western hub like Innsbruck.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Driver Age Requirements in Austria
Can I rent a car in Austria if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Conversely, some providers allow younger drivers to rent with no extra fees at all.
Can I rent a car in Austria if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers apply a Senior Driver Fee or have upper age limits, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.
What is the best time of year to explore Austria by car?
The ideal time to explore Austria on a driving holiday is during the late spring and summer months of May to September. During this period, you can enjoy beautifully warm temperatures, clear skies, and highly reliable driving conditions across major mountain roads and high passes.
The autumn months of September and October also provide excellent conditions, featuring crisp air and spectacular golden foliage across the lakeside forests while avoiding peak summer traffic.
If you plan a winter road trip between November and March to access ski resorts, be prepared for freezing temperatures and challenging alpine conditions. High mountain passes can experience heavy snow and ice, meaning specialized seasonal driving precautions and appropriate winter equipment are necessary to navigate safely.
Essential Tips for Driving in Austria
Driving in Austria is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. A vignette is mandatory for all passenger cars using motorways and expressways, and this can be obtained as a traditional window sticker or a digital registration format.
Independent of the general vignette system, separate section tolls are collected directly at barrier gates or via digital pre-payment for specific cost-intensive structures, such as the Brenner Motorway, the Arlberg Tunnel, and the Tauern Motorway corridor.
Austria enforces strict drink-driving laws and penalties can be severe. If you plan to drive, the safest approach is not to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Check current local requirements regarding the use of dipped headlights or daytime running lights, as rules may vary depending on conditions and road type. When navigating major historical urban zones like Vienna, remain alert for localized tram systems, bus lanes, and automated parking zones where strict payment regulations apply.
Outside the major cities, alpine driving requires careful attention to steep gradients, sharp switchbacks, and rapid changes in mountain weather. Between November 1 and April 15, winter tyres are typically required by law when winter road conditions occur, and carrying snow chains is highly recommended for higher mountain routes.
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Places to hire in Austria
- Bregenz
- Dornbirn City
- Graz
- Graz Airport (GRZ)
- Innsbruck
- Innsbruck Airport (INN)
- Kitzbühel
- Klagenfurt Airport (KLU)
- Linz
- Linz Airport (LNZ)
- Salzburg
- Salzburg Airport (SZG)
- Salzburg Rail Station
- Schwechat
- St.Poelten
- Vienna
- Vienna Airport (VIE)
- Vienna Rail Station
- Vienna- Ungargasse
- Viennna- Simmeringer
- Wels
- Zell am See
Average customer rating for car hire in Austria
(4.73 out of 5.00) based on 102 responses to our customer survey.
Popular locations in Austria
See all locationsZest's Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Austria!
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Vienna
The capital city offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from historic palaces like Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace to world-class museums like the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
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Salzburg
This picturesque city is known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of "The Sound of Music." Explore the historic Old Town, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views, and take a stroll along the Salzach River.
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Hallstatt
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is a postcard-perfect village known for its stunning mountain views and serene lake. Take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, explore the Salt Mine, and soak in the charming atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Innsbruck
Surrounded by the Alps, Innsbruck offers a blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Visit the historic Old Town, the famous Golden Roof, and the Imperial Palace.
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Zell am See
This Alpine town is located on the shores of Lake Zell, offering both mountain and lake experiences. Take a scenic boat ride on the lake, ride the Schmittenhöhe Cable Car for panoramic views, and explore the town's charming streets.
