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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Choose on-site cars steps from the terminal or lower-fee off-airport options with quick shuttles, then reach downtown in 15 minutes or the Hill Country in under an hour. Book early for SXSW, ACL or Formula 1 weekends when demand and prices jump.
Austin offers several rental pickup locations, each delivering distinct advantages and considerations:
| Location | Pros | Cons | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS Airport Rental Center | • All major agencies in one facility • Quick access via pedestrian walkway or shuttle • Wide vehicle selection • After-hours pickup available |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Potential long lines during festivals/events |
• 15-30 minutes during off-peak • Up to 60+ minutes during SXSW or ACL |
| Off-Airport Providers | • Lower rates • Free shuttle service to/from airport |
• Additional time for shuttle transfers • More limited hours • Smaller vehicle selection |
• 30-45 minutes including shuttle wait and processing |
| Downtown Austin | • No airport surcharges • Convenient if staying downtown |
• Transportation needed from airport • Limited hours (often 7:30 am-6 pm) • Often closed Sundays |
• 10-20 minutes during normal operations |
On average, car rentals at Austin Airport cost around $61 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $14 per day.
Check off-airport pick-ups: locations a few miles from AUS often dodge the hefty airport fees and can be 10-15 % cheaper. Factor a 30-45 min shuttle ride into your plans.
Book early for big events, stay flexible otherwise: prices skyrocket for SXSW, ACL and F1, so lock something in months ahead with free cancellation. For quiet weeks you can often wait and pounce on last-minute drops.
Play with rental length: a 5-7-day "weekly" rate can beat a 3-4-day booking. Add or subtract a day in the search box and compare.
Skip paid extras: use your phone for navigation and pack your own USB cable or child seat to avoid $10+/day add-ons.
| Location | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Austin | Street meters | Metered | Free on Sundays and after hours (usually evening to early morning). Use ParkATX app for payment |
| Downtown Garages | Public garages | Varies | Convention Center and State garages often offer reasonable rates |
| Shopping Centers | Mall parking | Generally free | Time limits may apply at popular areas like The Domain |
| UT Campus Area | University garages | Varies | Limited street parking, mostly permit-only |
| Zilker Park/Barton Springs | Public lot | Paid | Lots fill quickly on summer weekends and during events |
Speed limits: 30-35 mph in residential areas, 40-45 mph on urban arterials, 65-70 mph on highways, 80-85 mph on certain toll roads (SH-130)
Right on red: Legal after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
Toll roads: Electronic toll collection only. No cash booths available
Mobile phones: Austin has a hands-free ordinance; no handheld phone use while driving, including at traffic lights
Move over law: When approaching emergency vehicles or tow trucks having flashing lights on the roadside, drivers must change lanes away or slow to 20 mph below the posted limit
Alcohol: Legal BAC limit is 0.08 percent. Open containers are prohibited in vehicles
Rent a car to see:
Texas Hill Country – wineries, parks
Lake Travis – parks, marinas
Barton Springs & Zilker Park – pool, parkland
Fredericksburg via Highway 290 – Main Street, wine trail
San Antonio – River Walk, Alamo
San Marcos Outlets – shopping centers
What's the best way to handle toll roads around Austin? Most rental companies offer toll programs that charge you for the tolls you use plus a daily fee. You can ask about your options when you pick up the car. To avoid all tolls, you can set your GPS to find a route around them.
Do I need an international driver's license to rent at AUS Airport? If your driver's license isn't in English, we recommend getting an International Driving Permit. You should bring your license from your home country too.
How early should I arrive to pick up my rental car during festival season? During major events like SXSW or ACL, you should expect long lines at the rental counters. Plan to arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes earlier than usual.
What vehicle type is best for exploring Austin and Hill Country? A midsize sedan works well for most trips. For drives into the Hill Country or for larger groups, you might want an SUV for more comfort and luggage space.
Is parking difficult in downtown Austin? Street parking can be hard to find during business hours and events, but there are many public garages you can use. The State Capitol visitor garage gives you free parking for the first 2 hours and charges reasonable rates after that.
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