Essential tips for stress-free car rental in Vienna
I love road trips, it’s not secret and if you have been visiting my blog for a while, you know all the amazing trips I did (like this epic one from Tuskany to Cannes, New Zealand or Albania ). Every year, we plan an amazing road trip somewhere new and this is such a great way to learn so many tricks and tips for incredible and easy road trip planning. That’s why I have put together all my top tips on stress-free car rental in Vienna for a memorable experience.
Renting a car in Vienna is a fantastic way to explore the surrounding of Austrian countryside at your own pace. But, as with any international car rental, it’s essential to know what to expect to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when renting a car in Vienna.
Why should you rent a car in Vienna?
Vienna is a great starting point for central Europe and is one of the cities with
great flight options and connections
. It happened a few times that the most convenient flight options were through Vienna (like when I went to
Iceland
). If you plan to travel around Austria,
renting a car will give you a lot of flexibility
I travelled to Vienna twice this year: first, I visited the country only by trains and buses, second time, I hired a car. Since Vienna is so conveniently located in the middle of Europe, it is a perfect starting point for many amazing road trips to Slovakia, Poland , Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia and many more other places. Read by Slovakia road trip guide and itinerary for some ideas. This was actually the time I started the trip in the capital of Austria and now I can share with you what I learned about car rental a car in Vienna.
My top tips for a stress-free car rental in Vienna
Choose the right rental company
There are many car rental companies in Vienna, including the ones at the airport, both global names like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, as well as local options such as Buchbinder and Sixt. While global brands offer consistent service, local providers can sometimes have lower rates and offer perks like additional free kilometers or upgrades. Check online reviews and compare offers on sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal with reliable service. I always use DiscoverCars as so far, they were the most convenient and reliable for me.
We rented a car at Vienna airport using DiscoverCars. After doing so much research, we decided to get a car from a local provider called Zippy7 instead of an international agency and it was an excellent decision. It was probably the best car rental experience we have had in a very long time. I highly recommend them as they seemed to be quite transparent with all the fees and rules and the whole process of renting and returning the car was smooth and trouble-free.
They are not based at the airport exactly, but will pick you up once you let them know your already at the airport. It takes around 5 minutes by car ho get to their office.
Depending on the country, we sometimes choose local rental companies. More and more often we are happy with small rental agencies than the huge, international ones. After doing some research, however, I’d say, that some countries have more rules and ethical approach to dealing with customers than others. So, depending on the country, sometimes it is better to choose a small business (which was the case in Vienna). You support local businesses and, if you can get the car cheaper, even better. In less advanced countries, I would rather choose an international company, but this also needs some research beforehand.
Book in advance
Booking your car rental ahead of time not only saves you money but ensures that you get the type of vehicle you want. During peak tourist seasons, such as summer or Christmas, Vienna’s car rental demand spikes, and you might be left with limited options. Booking early often gives you access to better rates and flexibility in choosing the right vehicle. I, only once, rented a car on a spot when didn’t have any other option. Another time, on arrival in Muscat, the taxi fares were so high and wanted to rent a car- nothing was available and we got stuck (but that’s another story you can read about here ). So, I never risk it and always book a car in advance .
If you plan to exit Austria and travel to other countries, you need to let the rental company know in advance what countries you plan to visit . The price will change depending on what countries you want to drive to as the rental company need to arrange necessary insurance and documentation in line with laws in each country.
Understand the insurance options
Insurance is a crucial consideration when renting a car internationally. In Austria, basic insurance typically includes collision damage waiver (CDW) and third-party liability. However, a CDW may come with a high deductible, so consider adding Super CDW or comprehensive insurance to reduce your financial responsibility in case of damage.
Alternatively, some credit cards offer rental insurance if you pay for the rental with the card, but be sure to confirm coverage details with your provider. Don’t skip asking questions about your car rental insurance in Vienna or anywhere else. I learned it hard way in Sicily, so since then, even though I purchase full insurance, I still want to know a lot of details, for example, if the inside of the car is covered too.
Get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
While many rental companies in Vienna will accept a driver’s license from EU countries and certain other nations, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your license is not in English or German. The IDP serves as a translation of your license and can help avoid misunderstandings with local authorities in case of any incidents. They might even ask you to send a copy before you pick up your car.
Know Vienna’s parking rules and options
Vienna’s central areas operate on a short-term parking system called “Kurzparkzone,” which limits parking time and requires a paid ticket. Look for designated garages if you plan to park for an extended period, and keep an eye out for blue zones where specific permits are required.
If you’re staying at a hotel, check if it offers guest parking. Many hotels have arrangements with nearby garages for discounted parking rates, which can be much cheaper than paying hourly rates in public garages.
Familiarize yourself with local driving regulations
Austrian roads have specific rules that differ from other countries. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Austria has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, with a low blood alcohol limit of 0.05%. Vienna also enforces strict seatbelt laws, and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free setup.
Understand the toll system (Vignette)
If you plan to drive outside Austria, you’ll need a toll sticker known as a vignette . These can be purchased for durations ranging from 10 days to a year and are available at gas stations, rental agencies, and online. Make sure your vehicle displays the vignette on the windshield, as failure to comply can lead to fines. But as we entered Slovakia or Hungary, the vignettes were recorded in the system with a plate number, so we didn’t have to display it, ask while purchasing, just in case.
Basically, if you pay for a vignette for a car with foreign plates, you don’t need to pay standard tolls.
Not every European country uses vignettes. For example, France or Italy primarily use toll booths where drivers pay based on the distance traveled. The rental company can give you that information.
Opt for a GPS or download offline maps
Vienna’s road system can be challenging to navigate, especially if you’re venturing out to the countryside or small towns with limited signage. Most car rentals offer GPS for an additional fee, but a cost-effective alternative is to download offline maps via Google Maps or another navigation app before you depart. This ensures you’re not reliant on cellular data and can navigate seamlessly even without an internet connection.
Check for hidden fees
Be aware of potential extra charges when renting a car in Vienna. These may include fees for additional drivers, young driver surcharges, and premium location fees if renting from the airport. Make sure you fully understand the terms of your rental agreement and ask the company to clarify any fees you’re unsure of.
Fuel up before returning the car
Most rental companies in Vienna operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you’ll need to fill up the tank before returning the car. Gas stations are plentiful around the city and close to the airport, but don’t leave fueling until the last minute to avoid potentially high refueling charges from the rental company .
Our provider gave us a car half-full and we were supposed to return it half-full, too. We took a picture of the tank icon on the dashboard to avoid any misunderstandings later.
Take pictures and videos when picking up the car
When you pick up your car, take pictures and videos of everything outside and inside of the car, including the level of petrol and milage. This is probably the best thing I learned hard way to avoid high and often unfair expenses. In Vienna, though, we had zero problems with this car rental company and there were transparent with everything. They even encouraged us to document everything. That’s why I highly recommend them.
Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips
-
Booking.com
- Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
-
Get Your Guide
- World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
- Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
- Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
-
Klook
- Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
-
Trip Advisor
- Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Day trips from Vienna by car
Once you have your rental, Vienna’s central location makes it an excellent base for day trips . I put together a list of day trips that I did by train and buses , but drive to Wachau Valley for its vineyards and historic abbeys, or head to Melk Abbey for a dose of Austrian Baroque architecture. For a picturesque retreat, Hallstatt is around 2.5 hours away by car, offering stunning lake views and traditional Austrian village charm. Even Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia is just 45 minutes away from Vienna by car (make sure to stop on the way in one of the sideroad restaurants for Wiener schnitzel).
See also:
- 7 best day trips from Vienna by train: an comprehensive guide
- What you need to know about driving in Slovakia + 5 day road trip itinerary
- From Tuskany to Cannes in two weeks. A guide for a perfect road trip in France and Italy.
- 8 days in Armenia: a perfect road trip itinerary
- Guide to renting a car and driving in Sicily.
- Renting a car and driving in Albania in 2024: All you need to know
In Summary
Renting a car in Vienna can add tremendous flexibility and enjoyment to your trip, allowing you to explore Austria and beyond at your leisure. With a bit of advance planning and a good understanding of local rules and costs, you’ll be able to have a stress-free experience and make the most of your travels through this beautiful part of Europe. I did a lot of research to plan my road trip starting in Vienna and everything went absolutely perfect. I hope you find this guide useful.
Safe travels and happy driving!
Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Road Trips Cards from the World and cannot be used without permission.
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