Austria is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the country’s beautiful Alpine scenery, rich cultural heritage, and historic cities. Renting a car can be an excellent way to see everything Austria has to offer. However, before you hit the road, there are a few rules and requirements you should be aware of. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about car rental in Austria.
Local Rules and Requirements
To rent a car in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year. However, some car rental companies may require you to be older or to have held your license for a longer period, so it’s best to check with your chosen provider before booking.
When driving in Austria, it is important to keep in mind that the country has strict rules regarding drink driving. The legal blood alcohol limit in Austria is 0.05%, which is lower than in many other countries. Penalties for drink driving can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. It is also important to note that wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle.
Another important consideration when driving in Austria is that the country has a toll system for using some of its motorways, known as “vignettes”. These vignettes can be purchased at petrol stations and other locations, and must be displayed on the vehicle’s windscreen. Failure to display a valid vignette can result in fines.
Major Car Rental Companies
There are several car rental companies operating in Austria, including both local and international providers. Some of the major companies represented at main airports and popular tourist destinations include:
Hertz
Hertz is a well-known car rental company with a presence in Austria. They offer a range of vehicles to suit different needs, from small city cars to larger SUVs. Hertz also provides a number of additional services, including GPS navigation and child seats. You can find more information about Hertz in Austria and make a reservation on their website: https://www.hertz.com/p/car-rentals/austria.
Europcar
Europcar is a well-established car rental company with a presence in Austria. They offer a range of vehicles, including small cars, mid-size cars, and SUVs. Europcar also provides additional services such as GPS navigation and child seats. You can find out more about Europcar in Austria and make a reservation on their website: https://www.europcar.com/car-rental-austria.html.
Avis
Avis is another international car rental company with a presence in Austria. They offer a variety of vehicles, including small cars, family cars, and vans. Avis also provides additional services such as GPS navigation and child seats. You can find out more about Avis in Austria and make a reservation on their website: https://www.avis.at/en/home.
Sixt
Sixt is a global car rental company with a presence in Austria. They offer a range of vehicles, including small cars, family cars, and SUVs. Sixt also provides additional services such as GPS navigation and baby seats. You can find out more about Sixt in Austria and make a reservation on their website: https://www.sixt.at/en/.
Buchbinder
Buchbinder is a local car rental company that offers a variety of vehicles, including small cars, family cars, and vans. They also offer additional services such as GPS navigation and child seats. Buchbinder has several locations across Austria, including at the airport and in popular tourist areas. You can find out more about Buchbinder and make a reservation on their website: https://www.buchbinder.at/en/.
Renting a car in Austria can be a great way to explore the country and take in its beautiful landscape and cultural attractions. However, it’s important to be aware of the local rules and requirements before you hit the road. Make sure you meet the age and licensing requirements, and be aware of Austria’s strict drink driving laws and motorway toll system. When renting a car, consider choosing from one of the major car rental companies in Austria, such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, or Buchbinder. These companies offer a range of vehicles and additional services to make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. With the right preparation and a reliable rental car, you can have a fantastic time exploring Austria’s diverse regions and attractions.