Your quick travel guide to Austin

Car Rental in Austin, TX

Austin is not only the capital of Texas, but is also one of the most unique cities in the United States. With beautiful natural surroundings, a thriving community of students, and a diverse population, Austin is great fun to visit—whether or not live music is your reason for travelling. Austin is also a great city to drive in, with fairly navigable streets and minimal traffic for a city of its size. Stay mobile and comfortable during your visit to Austin by renting a car. Here is brief guide to finding cheap car rentals in Austin, TX.

Get the Best Car Rental Deals in Austin at EconomyBookings.com

Austin rental cars are available in over 30 locations throughout the city, including at the Austin Airport, downtown, in Austin Northwest, and at Austin Walmart. Short-term car hire in Austin starts at around $60 a day. Longer-term car rental in Austin is well worth it, typically starting at around $30 when you extend your rental period to over a week.

Tips for finding rent a car in Austin

The best way to get great deals on car rental in Austin is by renting your car for over a week. Particularly if you have booked a hotel that offers complementary off-street parking, this is a great way to stay mobile for the entirety of your stay at almost half the price of shorter-term car rental rates.

The cheapest location from which to book your Austin rental car is the Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where over 5 rental car companies compete to offer you the best prices on your Austin rental car. Austin-Bergstrom Airport is located just ten miles southwest of central Austin, making it a convenient location to pick up your cheap rental car, even if you are not arriving to Austin via airplane.

Still, you can often pick up a rental car for just $3 to $5 more than the airport rates at locations throughout the city, particularly downtown, northwest, and at Avis’s Walmart location.

Austin car rental: Key Things to Remember

Rush hour in Austin:

  • While traffic is fairly well managed in Austin during normal business hours, it can get pretty bad during rush hour. In order to avoid adding half an hour to your normal travel time, avoid driving your rental car into, out of, or around Austin between 7 and 9 in the morning and between 3:30 and 7 in the evenings.

Parking in Austin:

  1. While driving through Austin is typically effortless, parking in downtown Austin can become a challenge during the busiest hours of the business day and whenever major events are taking place. If you’re planning on arriving for an event, research the best parking garage to park in before you arrive. You can often save money by booking a parking spot in advance.
  2. At all other times, finding a parking spot on the street or in garages is not too difficult. Parking your rental car in garages in central Austin typically costs around $5 to $6 an hour, with daily rates of around $18 an hour.
  3. Street parking is significantly cheaper when you can find it, with rates of $1.25 an hour throughout the downtown area. Meters in busier areas of Austin will have time limits, however, and you are not permitted to simply add money to the meter in order to extend your parking period; you do have to move your rental car after the metered limit runs out.
  4. Street parking and parking in the parking garage at the Texas State History Museum is free in the evenings, typically starting at around 6 pm depending on the area, and on the weekends.

Toll roads in and near Austin:

  • Portions of the Loop 1 (including, but not limited to the Loop 1 Express), as well as Highway 290 are tolled in the Austin area. Most toll roads throughout the state of Texas are now automated and electronically collected, which means you will receive the bill for your use of toll roads by mail in the months after you traverse them. Be sure to ask your rental car company if any surcharges apply to your use of toll roads.

 

Top Car Rental Suppliers in Austin: Car Companies and Rental Information

We understand that finding the right car rental for your needs is essential, and we make the process seamless and convenient for you. Here are the top car rental suppliers we work with in Austin:

  1. Hertz: Hertz is a renowned name in the car rental industry, offering a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury models. Their commitment to quality and service is well-known.

  2. Enterprise: Enterprise is known for its extensive network of locations and a diverse fleet of vehicles. They often provide competitive rates and excellent customer service.

  3. Avis: Avis is synonymous with quality car rentals. They offer a variety of vehicle options and are known for their customer loyalty programs.

  4. Budget: Budget is an excellent choice for travelers seeking affordable options without compromising on quality. They offer budget-friendly rates and various vehicle types.

  5. National: National is a favorite among frequent travelers. Their loyalty program and premium vehicle options make them a popular choice.

  6. Alamo: Alamo is known for its value-driven pricing and a straightforward rental process. They are often a top choice for leisure travelers.

  7. Thrifty: Thrifty offers competitive rates and a range of vehicles. They are known for their budget-friendly options.

  8. Dollar: Dollar provides travelers with affordable rental options. They are a good choice for those looking to save on their rental expenses.

  9. Sixt: Sixt is known for its premium car rental experience. They offer luxury and high-end vehicles for those seeking something special.

  10. Advantage: Advantage is a reliable choice for those looking for affordable rental rates and a straightforward booking process.

By partnering with these top car rental suppliers in Austin, we ensure that you have access to a diverse selection of vehicles, competitive pricing, and a range of rental options to suit your specific needs. Whether you're visiting Austin for business or leisure, we're here to make your car rental experience smooth and enjoyable.


When it comes to car rental Austin providers, top suppliers like Avis have a strong presence, ensuring visitors have a range of options to choose from. These rental companies often offer special deals and packages, with benefits like unlimited mileage, ensuring you don’t have to worry about long road trips. By researching car rental information and comparing prices, it's relatively easy to get the best deals, especially when opting for early booking or a longer rental to save.

Most companies provide free cancellation policies, ensuring that if your itinerary changes, you can get a full refund or modify your booking. Looking for a cheap Austin car rental? There's plenty of choices when it comes to both mid-size vehicles for a comfortable family trip or zippy compact cars ideal for navigating city streets.

Driving in Austin: From Austin Bergstrom International Airport Pickup to Hitting the Road

Upon landing at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, you’ll find numerous car rental options right at the terminal, catering to various needs, from SUVs for larger groups to smaller cars for solo travelers. Once you pick-up your luggage and complete the rental process, you're ready to hit the road. Ensure you have a valid driver's license and, if applicable, an international driving permit.

Driving around Austin is a joy, with its well-maintained roads and clear signs. Interstate 35 is the fastest way to travel between Austin and cities like San Antonio. However, local attractions like South Congress Avenue and the iconic Zilker Park are best accessed via city center roads and state highways.

Exploring Austin's Attractions: Best Rental Cars and Tips for Austin Driving

Austin boasts a plethora of attractions, from the picturesque Lady Bird Lake to the must-visit Barton Springs Pool. If festivals are on your must-see list, securing an SUV rental might be a wise choice, providing ample space for any festival gear or purchases from the bustling South Congress.

When venturing out to areas like the Hill Country or Hamilton Pool, a vehicle with unlimited mileage is a boon. While Austin's public transportation system is robust, having your car allows the freedom to craft your itinerary, ensuring you don't miss out on places like the Colorado River or the Travis bat festival.

Rental Car in Austin Airport: Your One-stop Source for International Airport Car Solutions

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport serves as a primary hub for travelers, making it essential for rental companies to offer comprehensive services. From spacious SUVs to cater to family needs to smaller, zippy cars for solo or duo travelers, the airport has it all. The rental process is streamlined, ensuring you're behind the wheel in no time.

Young drivers can rent, but it’s essential to check the rental company's age policy. Additionally, while most companies offer free cancellation, it’s always good to verify if you're allowed a full refund in case plans change.

In conclusion, whether you’re taking a dip at Barton Springs, exploring the vibrant South Congress, or setting out on a road trip to San Antonio, having a rental car ensures you make the most of your Austin visit.

Experience the top locations with car rental in Austin

Austin Airport
Dollar
8.5

All car rental in Austin

Discover the cheapest car rental in Austin

Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Toyota Rav4
Toyota Rav4
5
2
A
From US$ 24.96 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
5
1
4
A
From US$ 20.19 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Accent
5
2
4
A
From US$ 19.52 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Toyota Rav4
Toyota Rav4
5
2
A
From US$ 24.96 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Chevrolet Spark
Chevrolet Spark
5
1
4
A
From US$ 18.59 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Chrysler 300
Chrysler 300
5
2
4
A
From US$ 56.82 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Nissan Quest
Nissan Quest
7
1
A
From US$ 71.28 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Nissan Quest
Nissan Quest
7
2
A
From US$ 73.96 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Buick Regal
Buick Regal
5
1
4
A
From US$ 52.76 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX Nissan Frontier
Nissan Frontier
5
2
A
From US$ 148.41 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Austin, TX U FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE
U FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE
4
2
A
From US$ 98.15 per day
*

* Disclaimer: Prices displayed may not reflect today's rates.

What our customers say

Car rental companies in Austin

We have prepared a shortlist of top rental companies in Austin. To save both time and money compare offers on EconomyBookings.com to find the best deal.

Dollar
star
8.5 /123 reviews
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off8.8
Cleanliness of the car9.3
Overall condition of the car8.8
Time it took to pick your car up5.5
Fox
star
8.4 /3 reviews
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off10.0
Cleanliness of the car6.3
Overall condition of the car7.0
Time it took to pick your car up8.0
Hertz
star
5.6 /1 review
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off10.0
Cleanliness of the car1.0
Overall condition of the car4.0
Time it took to pick your car up6.0