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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in Austin is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across Texas with no booking fees. Browse low-cost deals at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, downtown counters and off-airport branches, then choose the ride that fits your Hill Country road trip or SXSW visit. Book early for peak events like ACL Fest and Formula 1 when vehicles go fast.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) features a convenient on-site Rental Car Facility serving multiple companies, while downtown options offer alternatives for city-based travelers.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Rental Facility | • Adjacent to terminal through pedestrian walkways • Eight major companies on-site • No shuttle required (walkable through garage) • Extended hours (some 24/7) • Large selection of vehicles |
• Around 18% higher rates due to airport fees • Busy during major events (SXSW, ACL, F1) • Peak afternoon wait times can be long |
| Downtown Locations | • Lower rates without airport fees • Convenient if staying downtown first • Less crowded than airport |
• Limited hours (often 8am-6pm) • Requires transportation from airport • Downtown parking costs ($30+ at hotels) |
| Off-Airport Branches | • Lowest rates • Companies like Ace, Advantage and Fox run shuttles |
• Shuttle wait times • Limited operating hours • Smaller fleets |
On average, car rentals in Austin cost around $57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $14 per day.
Pick-up away from AUS airport – downtown or off-airport branches skip the ~18% airport fees and are usually quieter
Book early for SXSW, ACL or F1 then keep re-checking – grab any reasonable rate months out, watch for drops, and rebook free of charge if prices fall
Shift your dates – Tuesday–Thursday pick-ups/returns often cost less than weekend blocks; even a one-day tweak can cut the bill
Use membership codes – AAA, Costco, employer or university discounts stack nicely in Austin's competitive market
Bring your own gear – phone for GPS, aux/USB cable, child seat; skipping add-ons saves $10–15 per item per day
Refuel in town, not at the airport – stations on E Riverside Dr or Costco charge normal prices and beat overpriced prepaid fuel plans
Austin's growth has made finding a spot more challenging than in other Texas cities, especially in popular areas.
| Area | Parking Options | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | • Street meters • Public garages • Private lots |
• Meter rates vary • Enforcement extends into evenings in entertainment districts • City garages may offer short free periods |
| South Congress (SoCo) | • Limited street parking • Small lots behind businesses |
• Very busy on weekends • Consider parking on side streets and walking |
| University Area (UT) | • Garages • Limited street parking |
• Most campus parking requires permits • Use public garages or San Antonio garage on campus |
| Barton Springs/Zilker | • Large free lots • Street parking |
• Fills completely on summer weekends and holidays • Arrive early morning or late afternoon |
| Domain Shopping Center | • Free garage and surface parking | • Use garage during peak shopping times • Follow color-coded zones to remember your location |
Local Driving Regulations:
Toll Roads:
A rental car lets you reach the region's outdoor spots and nearby cities that public transit misses.
Texas Hill Country – Fredericksburg wineries, bluebonnet routes
Lake Travis & Highland Lakes – marinas, parks
Circuit of the Americas – Formula 1 events, concerts
Hamilton Pool & Pedernales Falls – swimming holes, trails
San Antonio – River Walk, Alamo
Barton Creek Greenbelt & McKinney Falls State Park – trails, pools
When should I book a rental car for Austin events like SXSW or ACL?
You should book your car months ahead for big events. During SXSW, Formula 1 and ACL Festival, rental cars often sell out completely and companies raise their prices a lot. Some past events, like the April 2024 solar eclipse, caused the whole city to sell out of cars, so you should plan early for other busy times.
Is it worth paying for a toll tag or transponder?
If you plan to use toll roads a lot during your trip, paying the rental company for their transponder (about $5.95 per day you use it) might be a good idea. If you only use them once in a while, you can take roads without tolls, like I-35 instead of SH 130.
What type of car is best for exploring Austin and Central Texas?
You'll find a standard sedan works well for driving in the city and on most Hill Country roads. If you plan to visit faraway swimming holes or ranches, a small SUV sits higher off the ground, which helps. A compact car will make it easier for you to handle downtown parking and city traffic.
Should I rent a car if I'm staying only in downtown Austin?
If you plan to stay just in downtown, the UT campus and the neighborhoods right around them, you might save money using rideshare services. Downtown parking at hotels can cost you $20-30 a night. If you want to explore further out, we recommend you rent a car.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about?
You should know that Austin has special lanes, especially downtown, that are only for buses and emergency vehicles. The city also has many bike lanes, and you are not allowed to park in them. When there are flash floods, you need to obey the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" warnings you see at low-water crossings.
How does parking work during major events and festivals?
For big events, organizers often set up park-and-ride lots where you can catch a shuttle. For example, the ACL Festival runs shuttles from downtown and COTA events have shuttles from special parking lots. You should look up the parking for your event ahead of time because downtown parking spots fill up fast.
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