Hiring a car in Austria is the best way to reach the Alps, the lakes and the smaller towns the trains miss – with economy cars from around €30–45/day ($33–$49) in low season. Two things define driving here: motorways need a vignette (now a plate-linked digital “e-vignette”), and from November to mid-April a winter-tyre rule applies in wintry conditions. Austria drives on the right and uses the euro. This guide covers car hire in Austria, the real prices, the tolls, and the practical tips.
A hire car opens up the Austrian Alps, the lakes and the villages beyond the rail network.
Most rentals are collected at Vienna (VIE), Salzburg (SZG) or Innsbruck (INN) airports, or in the cities. Summer and the ski season are peak. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates in Austria by Season
Booked 3–5 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic / 4×4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (spring/autumn) | €30–45 | €36–52 | €50–75 |
| Summer | €40–58 | €48–68 | €65–95 |
| Ski season (Dec–Mar) | €45–65 | €55–80 | €75–120 |
In winter, a car with winter tyres (and sometimes 4×4) costs more – but is essential in the mountains.
Estimated rental cost by trip length
from €30/day
Illustrative — daily rate × days at the lowest 2026 starting price; real prices vary by season & demand.
Austria Rental Budget Calculator
Estimate only – the daily rate is prefilled with the lowest low-season economy rate; the vignette is usually included in Austrian rentals, but alpine section tolls are extra.
All the international majors (Sixt – an Austrian-region heavyweight – plus Europcar, Hertz, Avis) and local operators serve the airports and cities. A car hired in Austria normally comes with the motorway vignette included and, in winter, winter tyres fitted – but confirm both, as they're easy to assume.
Confirm the pickup point and hours, the deposit and card requirement, and crucially: that the vignette is included and (in winter) that winter tyres are fitted. Read the fuel and insurance terms, and tell the company if you'll cross into Italy, Slovenia, Germany or Switzerland (Switzerland needs its own vignette).
Sixt is especially strong across the Austrian/German-speaking region, with a wide, newer fleet and good winter-equipped cars. Decline the counter extras you don't need.
A dependable major with a broad fleet at all the airports – a safe choice, with 4×4 and winter options.
Reliable majors with airport presence – compare their all-in price, vignette and winter-tyre inclusion.
Austrian operators can undercut the chains – choose ones with strong recent reviews and confirm vignette and winter tyres in writing.
The very cheapest listings may not include winter tyres or may add the vignette as an extra. Read the fine print, especially for winter trips.
Austrian rentals come with CDW, but the excess and deposit can be high. Standalone excess insurance bought before you travel is cheaper than the counter product and covers the usual exclusions (tyres, glass, underbody) – useful on gravel mountain passes.
Insurance Cost Comparison: 7-Day Austria Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Tyres/Glass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €15–25 | €105–175 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–7 | €28–49 | Yes |
Austria's motorways and expressways need a vignette (plate-linked digital e-vignette since 2023; the sticker is offered for the last time in 2026, digital-only from 2027). Some alpine routes charge a separate section toll on top.
| Item | 2026 price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vignette – 1 day | €9.60 | Plate-linked, valid immediately online |
| Vignette – 10 days | €12.80 | Best for most visitors |
| Vignette – 2 months | €32.00 | Longer stays |
| Vignette – annual | €106.80 | – |
| Alpine section tolls | Extra | Brenner, Tauern, Arlberg, Grossglockner |
| Petrol / Diesel | ~€1.74 / €1.83 per L | 2026 approx |
Summer and ski season sell out; winter-equipped cars first.
Don't pay twice or get caught without them.
Vienna and Salzburg are best on transit; rent for the regions.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
Separate from the vignette.
Refuel before drop-off.
Storybook lakes and the famous lakeside village.
Austria's grandest mountain drive – a separate toll road, open in the warmer months.
Alpine valleys, ski resorts and the Brenner route toward Italy.
Danube vineyards, abbeys and apricot orchards.
Warm southern lakes and the road toward Slovenia.
Yes for motorways and expressways – but a car hired in Austria normally includes the plate-linked digital vignette. Confirm it's included. If you drive in from abroad, buy a 10-day e-vignette (€12.80 in 2026) online before the motorway.
From 1 November to 15 April, winter tyres are mandatory in wintry conditions (snow, ice, slush). Rental cars are usually fitted with them in winter – confirm when booking a cold-season trip.
Yes – several alpine routes (the Brenner, Tauern and Arlberg tunnels, and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road) charge separate section tolls on top of the vignette, paid on the day.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €30–45/day ($33–$49). Summer is €40–58/day and ski season €45–65/day, with automatics and 4x4s more.
Usually within the EU – Italy, Slovenia, Germany – but tell the company first. Switzerland needs its own vignette. Confirm cross-border cover and any fee when booking.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€15–25/day). Third-party cover also includes tyres, glass and underbody – useful on mountain roads.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in car-rental affiliate programs. Our guides are based on operator information, current toll data and traveler feedback. We only recommend services we would use ourselves.
Last updated: June 2026. Prices, tolls and rules change – always verify directly before booking.
