Renting a car can be an excellent way to explore Vienna and make easy side trips to surrounding areas. Navigating the city by car may seem daunting, but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renting a car for travel in Vienna.
How to Rent a Car in Vienna
Follow these key steps for a smooth rental car experience:
Compare Rental Companies
Research rates and policies across major agencies like Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and Avis along with local outfits. Key factors:
- Rental costs
- Vehicle options
- Pickup/dropoff spots
- Mileage fees, inclusion of taxes/mandatory insurance
Reserve Your Rental Car
Once you’ve selected a company, reserve your car rental providing:
- Pickup/dropoff dates
- Preferred pickup location
- Vehicle type
- Navigation rentals or child seats
- Driver personal details and payment
Book early for best availability and cheaper rates.
Know the Requirements
Typical requirements for renting a car in Austria are:
- Valid driver’s license from your home country
- Minimum age of 18-25 years depending on car size
- Credit card for deposit/insurance excess fees
- International Driving Permit recommended but not legally required
Pick Up the Rental Car
Arrive on time at the branch with your documents, do a thorough walkaround inspection, and drive away.
Driving in Vienna
Here are some key tips for navigating Vienna’s roads and highways:
Getting Used to Driving
Vienna has dense traffic and drivers tend to be impatient. Get comfortable first before long trips. Useful tips:
- Closely follow speed limits and signs
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps
- Watch for trams, pedestrians, and cyclists
Parking
Finding parking in central Vienna can be difficult. Watch for restrictions to avoid fines:
- Metered parking has limits on duration
- Underground public garages available at a daily/hourly rate
- Some suburban train stations have Park+Ride lots
Tolls and Gas Stations
No tolls on Vienna’s roads. Fuel stations are readily available from brands like OMV, Shell, and BP.
Driving Laws
Adhere to all laws and road rules to avoid problems:
- Legal alcohol limit of 0.05%
- Mandatory seatbelt use
- No mobile phone use while driving
- Yield to pedestrians at crossings
Where to Rent a Car in Vienna
Major rental companies have branches across Vienna including:
Vienna International Airport
All major rental brands have desks in the airport arrival halls. Pickup right after landing for convenience. Open 24/7.
Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)
Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise have offices at this train station. Easy access to hotels and highways.
Westbahnhof Station
Hertz, Avis, and Europcar have convenient branches at this major rail hub with connections across Europe.
Mariahilfer Strasse
Sixt and Europcar have rental sites along this main shopping avenue. Walking distance to many attractions.
Suburban Locations
Find rental car pickup at hotels, resorts and transport hubs in the greater Vienna region as well.
Types of Rental Cars in Vienna
Consider these popular rental car choices:
Economy or Mini
Small, fuel-efficient cars like VW Up, Toyota Aygo, Fiat 500. Best for tight parking and 2 passengers.
Compact/Intermediate
Models like VW Golf, Renault Mégane, Opel Astra. Solid balance of space and economy for 2-4 people.
Standard Sedans
Full-size options like VW Passat, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series. Comfortable for 4 adults with luggage capacity.
Passenger Vans
Choices like VW Caravelle for group trips. Seats 7-8 people with maximum cargo space.
Premium Vehicles
Luxury models like Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Porsche 911. Services included but very pricey.
FAQ About Renting a Car in Vienna
1. Is it easy to drive in Vienna?
Central Vienna can have heavy traffic but is quite navigable with a car, especially outside the historic inner districts. Use navigation apps.
2. What side of the road do Austrians drive on?
Austria drives on the right-hand side of the road, same as most European countries. Be alert crossing streets as a pedestrian.
3. What insurance should I consider?
Third-party liability is legally required. Also consider collision damage waiver and theft protection if not already included.
4. Can I take the rental car to other countries?
Yes, you can drive to neighboring countries like Slovakia, Hungary, etc. Inform the rental company beforehand. Extra fees may apply.
5. Are child seats available for rent?
Yes, reserve an infant/child seat in advance. Inventory is limited so request as early as possible. Extra rental fee applies.
Conclusion
Renting a car enables you to visit top attractions in Vienna as well as scenic towns nearby at your own pace. Booking the right rental car along with mindful driving will ensure you have a safe and seamless experience. Don’t miss out on the convenience of driving yourself to destinations across this historic country.
