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Finding a rental car in Salzburg is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands in Austria with no booking fees. Pick up at Salzburg Airport (SZG) or in the city for easy drives to Hallstatt, the Salzkammergut lakes and Berchtesgaden. Filter by car type, mileage and cross-border options to Germany, or plan a one-way hire to Vienna or Munich.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Salzburg Airport (SZG) | • Immediate pickup upon arrival • All major companies present • 24-hour return available |
• Airport surcharges • Saturday afternoon crowds • Distance from city centre (4km) |
| Salzburg City | • May have lower rates • Convenient if staying in city • Near train station options |
• Limited hours • Need transport from airport • Navigation through city streets |
On average, car rentals in Salzburg cost around €76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €36 per day.
Compare SZG vs city pickup: Airport is super convenient but has surcharges and Saturday crowds. City branches can be cheaper if you’re already in town.
Time it right for Salzburg: Book early only for peak dates like July–August and Christmas/ski weeks. If flexible, check shoulder season prices, especially September; November is usually the lowest.
Flex your dates and duration: Shift pickup/return by a day and test weekly rates. Sometimes adding a day makes the total cheaper.
Choose the smallest car that fits: Compact or midsize works for Salzburg and the lake district, saving on fuel and parking.
Rent only for out-of-town days: Use Salzburg’s public transport for city sightseeing. If you drive in, Park & Ride lots cost about €3–5/day versus €20–25/day in central garages.
Check one-way vs same-location return: If ending in Vienna or Munich, compare both options. Fees vary by direction/season and can be reasonable.
| Zone Type | Location | Cost (Approximate) | Time Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Garages | Mönchsberg, Linzergasse | Hourly rates apply | No time limit |
| Blue Zones | Around old town | Hourly rates apply | Usually 3 hours max |
| Park & Ride | Outskirts (Nord, Süd, etc.) | Daily rates apply | No time limit |
| Hotel Parking | Varies by location | Fees may apply | For guests only |
Notable Options:
Linzer Gasse Garage: Good for northern old town access
Mirabellplatz Garage: Convenient for Mirabell Gardens and right side of river
Tips:
Book a rental car to get to:
Salzkammergut lake district – Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Attersee
Hallstatt – St. Wolfgang, Bad Ischl
Berchtesgaden region – Eagle's Nest, Königssee
Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Bruck, Fusch
Is it worth renting a car just to explore Salzburg city? If you're only exploring the city, you don't need a car. It can be a hassle because of parking costs and restricted zones. You can use Salzburg's excellent public transport to see the city. However, if you plan to visit the surrounding areas, renting a car is a great idea.
What are the must-visit locations near Salzburg that are best reached by car? We recommend you visit Hallstatt (a UNESCO heritage site), the Salzkammergut lake district (Wolfgangsee, Mondsee), Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. You can easily drive to these key places, but you'll find them challenging to reach on public transport.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Salzburg? If your driving licence is not from the EU/EEA and not in German, you should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation along with your regular licence. Many rental companies will accept US, Canadian and Australian licences without an IDP. However, the police may ask for a German translation during a check, so we recommend you carry an IDP.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about in Salzburg? In Salzburg's historic centre, you'll find many pedestrian-only zones and areas where you can't drive. You should pay close attention to signs that say "Anrainer" (residents only) or show specific access times. If you drive in these areas when you shouldn't, you can get a fine.
How difficult is winter driving around Salzburg? Crews keep the main roads and highways in good condition and clear them quickly after it snows. However, driving on mountain roads can be a challenge. The law says you must have winter tyres on your car in wintry conditions from 1 November to 15 April. Rental companies usually fit their cars with winter tyres during this time. For mountain passes or ski areas, you might need snow chains if there is heavy snow.
Can I take a day trip to Germany from Salzburg? Absolutely. The German border is only 8km away, so you can easily take a day trip to places like Berchtesgaden (25 min), Königssee (30 min) and Munich (1.5 hours). Just make sure your rental agreement lets you travel across the border. Most rental companies allow this.
What's the best route to see the famous lake district from Salzburg? A popular circular route we suggest is: Salzburg → Fuschl → St. Gilgen (Wolfgangsee) → St. Wolfgang → Bad Ischl → Hallstatt → Gosau → back via Golling. This drive takes you past the most scenic lakes, and you can complete it in a full day with stops.
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