Car Rental in Vienna

Where to drive

• Wachau Valley: Drive approximately 80 km (1 hour) west to experience stunning Danube River scenery, historic abbeys like Melk, and world-renowned vineyards.
• Bratislava, Slovakia: A short international trip, Bratislava is just about 80 km (1 hour) east. Explore its charming Old Town and castle for a cultural contrast.
• Salzburg: Journey approximately 300 km (3 hours) to Mozart's birthplace, nestled amidst the Alps, offering breathtaking views and rich history.
• Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See): Head about 70 km (1 hour) southeast to Austria's largest steppe lake, perfect for cycling, windsurfing, or enjoying the wine region of Burgenland.
• Semmering Pass: Drive approximately 100 km (1.5 hours) south into the mountains for scenic views, hiking opportunities, and the famous Semmering Railway viaduct.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Austria, you generally need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, especially if your license is not in a Latin alphabet or does not contain a photo. The minimum rental age is typically 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 25 for certain car categories or charging a young driver surcharge for those under 25. Drivers usually need to have held their license for at least 1-2 years.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Vienna vary by season and vehicle class. Economy cars might start from around 30-40 EUR per day during off-peak times, while SUVs or premium models can range from 70 EUR to over 150 EUR daily. Summer months and major holidays generally see prices increase by 20-50% due to higher demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Austria, vehicles drive on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (Autobahns). Always observe posted signs as limits can vary. The alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05% BAC. Headlights must be switched on at all times when visibility is poor, and during winter months (November 1 to April 15), winter tires are mandatory in snowy, icy, or slushy conditions. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 14 or shorter than 150 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Parking

Parking in Vienna's city center (districts 1-9 and 20) is almost exclusively short-term paid parking (Kurzparkzone) on weekdays, typically from 9 AM to 10 PM. You'll need to purchase parking tickets from tobacco shops (Trafiken) or use a mobile parking app. Parking garages are available throughout the city, offering more convenience but at a higher cost. For longer stays or outside the inner districts, consider Park & Ride facilities located at the city's outskirts, which are well-connected to public transport.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available across Vienna and Austria. You'll find unleaded petrol (Bleifrei Super 95 or Super 98) and diesel (Diesel). Prices are generally comparable to Western European averages, fluctuating daily. Most stations accept major credit cards and cash. Self-service is common, but some larger stations might offer full service. It's advisable to refuel before long trips, especially in more rural, mountainous areas.

Which car to choose

For city driving in Vienna, a compact or economy car is ideal due to narrower streets and easier parking. If you plan to explore the Austrian Alps or undertake longer road trips with luggage, a comfortable mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be more suitable. An automatic transmission can make driving in traffic or on winding mountain roads less stressful, though manual transmissions are also widely available.

Frequently asked questions