Budget Transportation Options
Planning a trip to Austria? Snagging a car rental that won’t empty your wallet can truly enhance your travel experience. Here’s the lowdown on getting an affordable set of wheels in Austria.
Affordable Car Rental Agencies
Austria’s got a bunch of rental agencies that won’t have you crying into your strudel. Here are some options that’ll keep you smiling:
- SURPRICE CAR RENTAL: This one’s the budget champion, with rates kicking off at just $13 a day in some spots source. That’s a steal compared to the usual $69 daily rate in Austria.
- Europcar: They’ve got a solid selection of vehicles and rates that won’t make your eyes water.
- Sixt: Known for their friendly pricing, Sixt offers a variety of ride styles and flexible rental terms.
Need more tips for travelling on a budget? Check out our cheap transportation in Austria guide.
Locations with Budget Prices
Car rental costs can really vary depending on where you pick up the car. Here are some spots to score great prices:
| Location | Average Daily Rental Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna | $44 | Lots of options to choose from with competitive prices |
| Salzburg | $48 | Good deals, especially if you avoid peak tourist seasons |
| Innsbruck | $50 | Watch out for higher rates during ski season |
Opting for a smaller car is another way to save money, with prices around $44 a day. If you’re after a bargain, book in November—prices can dip to $26 a day, which is 43% less source.
Looking for other budget travel tips? Don’t miss our articles on budget travel by train in Austria and budget-friendly bus travel in Austria.
Choosing the right car rental and location can seriously slash your travel costs in Austria. With a bit of planning, you’ll find top-notch deals and enjoy your trip without financial stress. Want more info on cheap travels across Europe? Peek at our best ways to travel cheap in Europe.
Choosing the Right Car
Picking the best car for your trip can make or break your adventures in Austria. Your choice should reflect your wallet size, travel plans, and personal comfort cravings. Here’s a lowdown on some favourite rides and when to snag the best deals.
Popular Car Types
Renting a car in Austria comes with various options that promise both comfort and cost-effectiveness. Here’s a shortlist of top picks:
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Compact Cars: It’s the go-to for 37% of peeps hitting the Austrian roads. Wallet-friendly and a breeze to drive, these cars suit small groups or families perfectly. Expect to fork out about $81 daily (Momondo).
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Small Cars: For the budget-conscious solo traveller or lovebirds, small cars offer a nifty ride. Averaging at $44 per day, they’re gentle on fuel and your bank account too.
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SUVs: Planning some alpine or countryside escapades? An SUV packs the punch and comfort you need. It’s on the pricier side, but worth it for those rugged paths.
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Luxury Cars: If you fancy glitz and glamour, luxury cars are your ticket. Perfect for impressing business folks or just treating yourself, though the price tag doesn’t come cheap.
| Car Type | Average Daily Price | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | $81 | Small groups, easy steering |
| Small | $44 | Solo rides, couples |
| SUV | $100+ | Rough terrains, family fun |
| Luxury | $150+ | Biz trips, living large |
For thrifty travel tips, don’t miss out on our guide to cheap transportation in Austria.
Cost-Effective Rental Times
Timing’s everything when it comes to scoring car rental bargains. Some tricks to time it right:
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Off-Peak Seasons: Visiting when everyone else isn’t, like November, can drastically cut costs. Imagine renting a small car for just $26 a day, a sweet 43% off the yearly average (Momondo).
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Weekdays vs Weekends: Keep an eye on your calendar, ’cause weekday rentals are generally softer on your budget than weekends. If you can swing it, start your rental on a Monday or a Tuesday.
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Long-Term Rentals: Staying a while? Long-term rentals could be your budget’s best mate, with companies serving up discounts for extended hires.
| Time of Year | Average Daily Price (Small Car) |
|---|---|
| Peak Season | $44 |
| Off-Peak (November) | $26 |
Thinking about trains? Take a peep at our tips for budget travel by train Austria. Want more on saving cash as you see Europe? Check our list for best ways to travel cheap in Europe.
Choosing the perfect ride and timing your rental can help you stretch your money while soaking in Austria’s stunning scenery and lively towns.
Essential Information for Renting
When you’re gearing up to rent a car in Austria, a few basics can make all the difference in having a chill, stress-free time. We’re talking about stuff like fuel costs, what you need for the rental, and getting the right permits.
Gas Prices and Considerations
Keeping an eye on petrol prices is crucial when planning out your travel budget. In Austria, you’re looking at about $6.09 per gallon for gas (check Momondo for up-to-date rates). Prices can differ slightly depending on where you are, so plan your pit stops wisely to avoid any surprises.
| Fuel Type | Average Price per Gallon ($) |
|---|---|
| Gasoline | 6.09 |
| Diesel | 5.00 |
To stretch your fuel dollars, try these tips:
- Go for a fuel-sipper: Smaller cars usually sip less fuel, making them a great choice for longer hauls.
- Fill up outside the hustle: Expect higher fuel prices in bustling city areas.
- Drive like a pro: Keeping a steady pace can make a big difference in conserving fuel.
Rental Requirements and Permits
Grabbing a rental car in Austria means you gotta tick off a few boxes. Here’s what you need to remember:
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Driver’s License: Gotta have a valid driver’s license from back home. If you’re American, usually no problem, but getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a German translation ain’t a bad idea.
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International Driving Permit (IDP):
- Might be a good move depending on your country’s rules, alongside your regular license.
- IDPs can be snagged from places like AAA in the US or your local motoring club.
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Age Requirement: You’re typically good to go from 18, but some car hire spots might have stricter rules or tack on extra fees for young ‘uns under 25.
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Credit Card: Make sure the main driver’s got a credit card under their name for the deposit.
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Insurance: Basic insurance usually comes with the rental, but throwing in extra coverage can let you rest easy.
Don’t forget the road rules you need to mind in Austria:
- Driving Side: Everyone rolls on the right side of the road here.
- Speed Limits: Stick to those speed signs—they’re in km/h.
- City: 50 km/h
- Country roads: 100 km/h
- Highways: 130 km/h
- Alcohol Limits: Keep your BAC under 0.05%—just play it safe and keep your head clear to avoid fines.
Get a handle on these must-knows and you’ll cruise through the car rental scene in Austria, so you can dive into the fun part—your adventure! Check out our other reads on cheap transportation in Austria and budget-friendly bus travel in Austria for more savvy travel tips.
Best Car Rental Companies
Cruisin’ through Austria without burning a hole in your wallet? Buckle up! The right car rental can ease your ride, light on the purse and rich in comfort. Here’s the lowdown on top picks and some nifty extras by different providers.
Top Recommendations
The car company you pick can make or break your travel fun. Ponder these budget-friendly car rentals across Austria:
| Rental Company | Price Per Day (Starting From) | Number of Locations |
|---|---|---|
| SURPRICE CAR RENTAL | $13 | Not Many Spots |
| Sunnycars | $20 | 34 Shops |
| Discover Cars | $18 | Scattered Everywhere |
| TravelPerk | Custom | Focuses on Corporate Travel |
| Buchbinder | $22 | Scattered Spots |
SURPRICE CAR RENTAL
Got a tight budget? SURPRICE CAR RENTAL might just be your BFF, kicking off at $13 per day (Momondo). Perfect for international wanderers aiming to soak in Austria without draining cash.
Sunnycars
With 34 spots in Austria, Sunnycars reigns with the biggest bunch of rental offices in the country (Momondo). Thanks to its wide reach, grabbing or dropping a ride is a breeze, especially in hot spots like Vienna, boasting 8 stops.
Discover Cars
Discover Cars is a wallet’s best chum, always swinging the best deals, plenty of car options, and solid coverage (The Travel Tortoise). This one’s a go-to for those watching pennies but craving a dependable ride.
Specialized Services
Need something particular? Some rental joints whip up unique services for all kinds of adventures. Check out these special services from top rental names in Austria:
TravelPerk
Heading for business? TravelPerk’s your guy for corporate escapades. They throw in fancy wheels and business plans, making sure your office-on-wheels experience is smooth sailing (TravelPerk).
Buchbinder
Buchbinder is a champ for offering a pack of cars and cost-friendly solutions, right on point for holiday joyrides in Austria (TravelPerk). Whether you’re dive-bombing into urban fun or country bliss, Buchbinder meets you at every turn.
Fancy checking out more on keeping it cheap on wheels in Austria? Dig into options like budget-friendly bus journeys or thrifty train rides in our related write-ups.