Finding a car rental at Vienna International Airport (VIE) is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in Austria with no booking fees. Pick up at the P4 Car Rental Centre via the underground passage from arrivals, with after-hours collection and key drop available. With direct access to the A4, reach Vienna city centre easily or choose one-way and cross-border car hire to Slovakia, Hungary and the rest of Austria.
Location in Airport: Car Rental Centre in Parking P4 Level 0
Access from Terminal: Connected via underground passageway from arrivals
Operating Hours: Generally 7 AM - 11 PM (some agencies open earlier/later)
After-Hours Service: Available with prior arrangement (fees may apply)
Return Location: Same area as pickup, clearly marked in P4
Walking Distance: 5-7 minutes from main terminal to rental counters
On average, car rentals at Vienna Airport cost around €63 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €32 per day.
Compare airport vs city centre pickup. Include the train/taxi cost to/from VIE. Vienna city centre can be cheaper on some dates.
Time it to the season: At VIE, book 1-2 months ahead for summer and ~3-4 weeks for Christmas markets. In Jan-Mar and Nov, last-minute deals are common. Prices often drop for Tue-Thu vs Monday.
Pick a smaller car. Economy/compact saves on daily rate and fuel, and fits Vienna’s tight, paid parking zones. Families can compare estate cars vs SUVs for value.
Play with dates and length. Shifting pickup/return by a day can lower the price. Check 7-day rates, which often beat shorter rentals on a per-day basis.
Skip prepaid fuel. Fill up at off-airport stations near VIE and return full to avoid higher airport pump prices.
If crossing borders, factor total trip costs. Add vignettes for Hungary/Slovakia/Czech and any one-way fees (€30-50 domestic, €100-250 to nearby capitals). Returning to VIE can be cheaper.
Get a rental to easily:
Vienna Centre – 20 km, 25-40 min
Wachau Valley – 80 km, A1/S33, B3
Neusiedler See – 60 km, national park, A4/B50
Bratislava, Slovakia – 65 km, A4/A6, no border checks
Salzburg – 296 km, A1
Budapest, Hungary – 243 km, A4/M1, Hungarian vignette
How long does it take to drive from Vienna Airport to the city centre?
The drive usually takes 25-40 minutes, but it depends on the traffic. During morning (7-9 AM) and evening (4-6 PM) rush hours, the drive can take 45-60 minutes. You'll find the route is clearly marked on the A4 highway.
Are there any tolls on the drive from the airport to Vienna?
No, you don't pay any specific tolls between the airport and the city. But, you need a special sticker called a 'vignette' to drive on all Austrian highways, including the A4 from the airport. Your rental car from Vienna Airport should already have this sticker.
Can I pick up at Vienna Airport and drop off in another city or country?
Yes, most companies let you book a one-way rental. If you drop the car off in another Austrian city like Salzburg, the company usually charges an extra fee of €30-50. For dropping it off in a nearby capital city like Bratislava, Budapest or Prague, you can expect to pay a fee from €100 to €250.
Do I need an International Driving Permit when renting from Vienna Airport?
If your licence wasn't issued in the EU/EEA and isn't in German, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official German translation to show alongside your home licence. The authorities accept UK photocard licences for short visits without an IDP. Some rental companies might be flexible if you have an English-language licence, but we recommend you get an IDP to follow Austrian law.
What's the best strategy for returning a rental car to Vienna Airport?
You should give yourself extra time during busy periods. We suggest you refuel the car at a petrol station near the airport, as the one at the airport can be more expensive. When you arrive, follow the signs for "Car Rental Return" in the P4 parking area. If you're returning the car when no staff are there, it's a good idea to take photos of its condition after you park.
Are there electric vehicle rental options at Vienna Airport?
Yes, a company called UFODrive at Vienna Airport focuses on renting out electric cars, mostly Teslas. Some of the other big rental companies are also starting to offer electric cars. Vienna and the areas around it have more and more charging stations, so renting an electric car is becoming a good option.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive after the rental counter closes?
If you gave the rental company your flight number when you booked, they will usually track your flight's arrival time. If your flight is very late, you should contact the company directly. Many companies can arrange for you to pick up the car after hours at the airport, but they might charge you an extra fee.
Is it easy to navigate from Vienna Airport to the highway system?
Yes, it's very easy. From the airport, you can drive straight onto the A4 highway. This makes it simple to get to Vienna or travel to other parts of Austria and nearby countries. The road signs are very clear and most rental cars have a GPS to help you.