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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Compare car hire prices from major companies in Vienna with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Vienna Airport (VIE) or in the city centre near Westbahnhof and Hauptbahnhof to suit your itinerary. Planning day trips? Drive to the Wachau Valley, Bratislava or the Vienna Woods and remember a vignette is required for Austrian motorways.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna Airport (VIE) | • Convenient upon arrival • Wider selection • Extended hours • All major companies present |
• Airport surcharges increase cost • 20km from city centre • Peak hour congestion on airport routes |
| Vienna City | • Often cheaper (no airport fees) • Multiple locations throughout city • Convenient if arriving by train • Near hotels |
• Limited hours • May have smaller selection • Need transport from airport • Navigation in city traffic |
On average, car rentals in Vienna cost around €67 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €32 per day.
Compare pickup spots: City locations are often 10–15% cheaper than the airport. Check Westbahnhof, Hauptbahnhof, or Erdberg/Landstrasse for good rates and easy highway access.
Time it to the season: For Vienna’s peak periods (Jun–Aug and Dec Christmas markets), booking 2–3 months ahead can help. In Jan–Mar and Nov, watch prices and book when they dip.
Tweak dates and hours: Midweek pickups can be cheaper than weekends. Align pickup and drop-off times to avoid an extra rental day, and check if a weekly rate beats a shorter rental.
Pick a smaller car: Economy or compact cars cost less, use less fuel, and are easier to park in Vienna’s narrow streets.
Rent only when you need it: Use public transport for city days, then pick up the car the day you head out to Wachau, Bratislava or the Vienna Woods. Park & Ride can be cheaper than central parking.
Mind extras in the quote: Compare total costs for one-way plans, and if you’ll cross into Slovakia, Hungary or Czechia, check any cross-border fees.
| Zone Type | Location | Cost (Approx.) | Time Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Zones | Most districts | Hourly fees apply | Time limits and operating hours vary by district; check local signs |
| Car Parks | Throughout city | Hourly and daily fees apply | No time limit |
| Park & Ride | Edges of city | Daily fees apply | No time limit |
| Free Parking | Limited availability in some outer areas | Free where available | Check local signs |
Popular Car Parks:
Quartier Belvedere (near main station)
Ringstrassen Galerien (near Hofburg)
Tips:
Hire a car so you can get to:
Wachau Valley – Melk Abbey, Dürnstein, vineyards
Vienna Woods – Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Kahlenberg
Neusiedler See – Rust, Podersdorf am See
Carnuntum – Carnuntinum Museum, Petronell-Carnuntum
Baden bei Wien – Römertherme, Kurpark, Beethovenhaus
Bratislava – Bratislava Castle, Devín Castle
Do I need a car in Vienna if I'm just exploring the city? If you're just sightseeing in the city centre, you won't need a car. Finding a park can be difficult and many areas are for pedestrians only, making a car inconvenient. Vienna has an excellent public transport system (U-Bahn, trams and buses) that's much easier for exploring the city. A car is only really helpful if you plan to visit the Vienna Woods, wine regions or go on day trips.
Where can I park for free in Vienna? It's hard to find free parking in Vienna. The council has made most residential streets short-term paid zones. You might find free spots on the city's outskirts or in some industrial areas. In many places, you can park for free overnight and on Sundays or public holidays, but the times can change depending on the district (it's often from 9 AM to 10 PM on weekdays). You should always check the local signs carefully.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Vienna? You'll need a valid driver's licence, your passport or ID and a credit card in your name. If you're from outside the EU and your licence isn't in German, you must also have an International Driving Permit (or an official translation) to show with your home country's licence. All the rental companies accept major credit cards.
Can I drive to neighbouring countries with my Vienna rental? Yes, most rental companies let you drive to neighbouring EU countries. They usually include Western European countries like Germany and Italy. For Eastern European countries like Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia, you need to tell the rental company before you go. They might charge you a cross-border fee or make you buy extra insurance.
How strict is enforcement of parking and traffic rules in Vienna? Very strict. The city has regular parking patrols, lots of speed cameras and red-light cameras. Parking fines are usually between €36 and €50, and you can expect to get a ticket very quickly if you park illegally. If you do get a ticket, pay it straight away to avoid extra fees.
Is it difficult to navigate Vienna's streets? The inner districts can be tricky for first-time drivers. They have a lot of one-way streets, tram lanes, bus lanes and pedestrian zones. You'll definitely need a good GPS to get around. The outer districts and highways are much easier to drive on. We recommend you allow extra time when driving in the city centre.
What's the best strategy for returning a rental car at Vienna Airport? You should leave extra time if you're returning the car during peak hours, like in the early morning or late afternoon. It's a good idea to fill up the tank at a petrol station on the A4 highway before you get to the airport, as it can be more expensive there. When you arrive, follow the signs to "Car Rental Return" and make sure you have plenty of time to go through the return process, especially when it's busy.
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