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Compare car rentals from leading brands in New Braunfels, Texas with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Reserve early for summer river tubing or Wurstfest weekends, or pick up a wider choice at San Antonio Airport and cruise the I-35 corridor to Austin and the Texas Hill Country.
New Braunfels offers several rental options for different travelers.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| New Braunfels City Locations | • Lower rates than airport rentals • Convenient for visitors already in town • Close to hotels and attractions • Personal service |
• Limited operating hours • Often closed Sundays • Smaller vehicle selection • Advance reservation recommended |
| San Antonio Airport (SAT) | • Larger selection of vehicles • Extended hours • All major rental companies • One-way rental options |
• Distance from New Braunfels (48 km / 30 miles) • Airport fees (10-15%) • Transportation needed to/from airport • Added time to journey |
| Austin Airport (AUS) | • Full range of vehicle types • International rental brands • Competitive rates between companies • Good highway access |
• Further from New Braunfels (80 km / 50 miles) • Airport surcharges apply • I-35 traffic can be unpredictable • Longer transfer time required |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in New Braunfels cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Check city pick-up first: New Braunfels in-town counters are usually 10-15% cheaper than the airports. If you're already in town or can grab a rideshare from SAT/AUS, the savings beat the airport surcharges.
Time your rental, not just your trip: Prices jump on summer weekends and during Wurstfest. Aim for Sunday–Thursday picks and drops or snag a full-week rate if you need 5+ days—often cheaper than five separate daily rates.
Match car size to most of your trip: A compact handles Hill Country drives and city parking while sipping gas. On tubing days, let the river outfitters shuttle the wet gear; no need to pay extra for a giant SUV all week.
Compare total cost, not headline price: When weighing SAT or AUS pickups, add the airport fees, 30–50 mile fuel cost, and your time. Sometimes the bigger selection is worth it, other times the local branch wins.
Understanding New Braunfels' parking options and local driving rules will help make your visit better.
| Area | Parking Options | Local Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Main Plaza | • Free street parking (2-hour limit) • Public lots (daily fee) • Free parking after 6 PM in most areas |
• One-way streets around plaza • Pedestrian activity in historic district • Special event closures frequent |
| Gruene Historic District | • Free parking lots • Limited street parking • Extra lots during busy periods |
• Narrow roads in historic area • Heavy pedestrian traffic • Limited spaces during popular concerts |
| River Recreation Areas | • Paid parking at river outfitters (fee applies) • Public river access parking (limited) • Street parking restricted in many areas |
• Steep access roads to river • Wet swimmers and equipment in vehicles • Special rules during peak season |
| Schlitterbahn/Resort Areas | • Free parking for guests • Large capacity lots |
• One-way traffic flow during peak season • Follow attendant directions • Heavy congestion on summer weekends |
Important Local Rules:
Book a rental so you can get to:
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Gruene Historic District – music venues, dance hall
Guadalupe River – tubing spots
Canyon Lake – coves, trails
San Marcos Outlets – 240+ stores
San Antonio – River Walk, Alamo
Is a car necessary to enjoy New Braunfels?
Yes, we highly recommend you rent a car when you visit New Braunfels. The city's attractions are spread out and there aren't many public transportation options. You can find summer river shuttles, but they only go to certain areas and you usually have to pay for a tubing trip to use them. If you have your own car, you'll have the freedom to visit multiple attractions, get to different river entry points and explore the nearby Hill Country.
What type of vehicle is best for river recreation activities?
For river activities, you should get a vehicle that you don't mind getting wet inside. SUVs or minivans give you more space for tubes, coolers and wet passengers. Some visitors choose a standard car for most of their trip but use river outfitter shuttles on tubing days so they don't get their rental car wet. If you plan to carry river gear yourself, you can ask about plastic seat covers or bring towels.
How far in advance should I book a car rental in New Braunfels?
For summer visits (May-August), you should book 3-4 weeks ahead of time, especially for weekends. When Wurstfest (November) and other major festivals are happening, we recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance. During the winter, giving 1-2 weeks' notice is usually enough, except for holidays like Christmas and New Year's.
Can I rent a car in San Antonio and drive to New Braunfels?
Yes, many visitors do this. You'll find more rental car choices at the San Antonio Airport than in New Braunfels. The drive from San Antonio to New Braunfels takes about 35-45 minutes on I-35. This is a great plan if you're visiting both cities. Just be aware that I-35 traffic can be heavy during rush hour (7-9 AM southbound and 4-6 PM northbound).
Are there any toll roads around New Braunfels?
You won't find any toll roads right in the New Braunfels area. If you drive north toward Austin, you might run into toll roads like SH-130, which is an alternative to I-35. When you use GPS for directions, you can set it to avoid toll roads. Most rental cars in Texas are set up for electronic tolls, but you should check your rental agreement for any extra fees.
What should I know about parking for river activities?
Finding a parking spot near the river can be hard during the summer. Most river outfitters offer parking for their customers, and it usually costs $5-$10 per car. Public river access points have small lots that fill up early on weekends. Never park in neighborhoods that have "No River Parking" signs. They enforce this strictly and you risk being towed. If you're worried about parking, consider using an outfitter's shuttle or arrive before 10 AM to grab a spot at a public access point.
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