Compare car hire prices from major suppliers in Innsbruck with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Innsbruck Airport (INN) or in the city, with compact SUVs, wagons and AWD options ideal for alpine roads. Winter tyres are standard in season, and many rentals permit cross-border trips to Italy or Germany.
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
---|---|---|
Innsbruck Airport (INN) | • Convenient pickup after flights • All major brands present • Simple walking distance to cars |
• Slightly higher rates • Limited hours (some close by 8 PM) • Can be crowded in winter season |
Innsbruck City | • May offer better rates • Convenient if arriving by train • Multiple locations around city |
• Need transport from airport • May have limited selection • Navigation through city to pick up |
On average, car rentals in Innsbruck cost around €81 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €46 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup. City locations in Innsbruck can be cheaper, though you’ll need to get there. Airport is super convenient but often pricier, especially in winter.
Time it right. For winter peak and ski weekends, book early and lock something 3+ months out. In spring or fall, watch prices and rebook if your rate has free cancellation.
Pick the smallest car that fits. A station wagon or compact SUV usually beats a large SUV on price, fuel use and parking in narrow streets. Consider diesel if you’re driving long Tyrolean distances.
Avoid out-of-hours fees. Plan pickup/return during desk hours at INN, where some counters close around 8 PM. If you can, avoid busy Tuesdays at the airport.
Cut parking costs. Many Innsbruck hotels include free parking. Garages run about €15-20 per day, so use Park & Ride for multi-day stays and avoid fines by respecting blue zones and time limits.
Compare one-way and cross-border options. If you’re already visiting Munich or Salzburg, check prices for one-way returns from Innsbruck. Also compare any cross-border fees if you plan day trips to Italy or Germany.
Zone Type | Location | Time Limits |
---|---|---|
Blue Zones | City centre, around Altstadt | Usually 1.5-3 hours max |
Short-term Parking | Around shopping areas | Usually 30 min - 2 hours |
Car Parks | Throughout city centre | No time limit |
Free Parking | Outskirts, residential areas | Check signs for restrictions |
Recommended Car Parks:
Tips:
Hire a car to drive to:
Stubai Valley and Glacier - ski areas, trailheads
Zillertal Valley - ski areas, villages
Achensee - lake, viewpoints
Seefeld - village, trails
Brenner Pass and South Tyrol - Sterzing, Brixen
Munich - museums, Altstadt
Do I need special equipment for mountain driving around Innsbruck? The law requires you to have winter tyres in wintry conditions between 1 November and 15 April. Car hire companies will fit these for you during the season. We also suggest you have snow chains for higher mountain passes or during heavy snow. You must use them if a sign tells you to and you can usually hire them separately.
Is it difficult to drive in Innsbruck's city centre? The old city centre has some narrow streets and pedestrian-only zones. Driving there isn't too hard, but finding your way can be tricky if you're a first-time visitor. We suggest you use a GPS and get to know the restricted zones before you drive.
Can I take a day trip to Italy from Innsbruck? Yes, you can reach the Italian border at Brenner Pass in just 40 minutes. Popular places like Sterzing (Vipiteno) and Brixen (Bressanone) are great for a day trip. Just make sure your hire agreement allows you to take the car to Italy.
Which ski areas are accessible from Innsbruck by car? You can drive to many ski areas. Stubai Glacier, Axamer Lizum, Patscherkofel, Nordkette and Kühtai are all within a 45-minute drive. The Zillertal Valley ski areas are about 40-60 minutes away. If you have a car, you can easily choose different ski areas depending on the conditions.
Is parking difficult to find in Innsbruck? The city centre can be busy, but Innsbruck has many car parks that almost always have spaces. Street parking is harder to find and is often time-limited. Most hotels have their own parking or can recommend a place to park nearby.
What are the best scenic drives from Innsbruck? You can take some great scenic drives from Innsbruck. Popular ones include the Gerlos Alpine Road, the drive to Achensee lake, the Stubai Valley road to the glacier and the Silvretta High Alpine Road (summer only). All these drives have beautiful mountain views and are easy to reach.