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Car hire in Vienna – City of Music
Once the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, Vienna is a city steeped in history and culture, famed for its sprawling imperial palaces, world-class museums and popular cafés.
Throughout the centuries, artists and intellectuals have flocked to the city, drawn by its vibrant culture and by the patronage of Viennese high society. Mozart and Beethoven called it home, as did Schubert, Brahms and Strauss. Known as the "City of Music," it's to them and to so many others like them that Vienna owes its famous moniker. The sobriquet endures to this day, and the city's balls remain a cultural hallmark, with some 450 held every year.
Vienna spoils visitors with countless sightseeing opportunities, from the magnificent Hofburg to the charming Schönbrunn Palace or the elegant Belvedere Palace. Riding enthusiasts can't miss a visit to the Spanish Riding School, and art lovers will find no better highlight for their trip than a visit to the Albertina or the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Other unmissable stops include the popular Vienna Zoo (one of the oldest zoos in Europe), and the Prater, where old-fashioned theme park rides will delight kids and grown-ups alike, and where the famous Giant Wheel offers wonderful views of the city.
And why stop there? With a car hire in Vienna, you're free to come and go as you please, and to see as much of Austria as you wish. Drive to Innsbruck for a spot of skiing, spend a day exploring Salzburg, or take a day trip to Linz. To give you as much as flexibility as possible when planning your trip, Auto Europe even gives you the option to pick up your vehicle in Vienna and drop it off elsewhere.
Should you have any questions about this service or should you need any assistance when booking your car rental in Vienna, you can always get in touch with our rental specialists and one of our experienced agents will be happy to assist you.
And if you'd like to know what our clients are saying, takes a look at our Vienna car hire review and Austria car hire review pages.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Vienna, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a car hire in Vienna
Because no two travellers are alike, we strive to offer our clients as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking a car hire in Vienna. This includes flexibility in terms of where to pick up the car. The companies we work with have offices across Vienna, not just at the airport but also in train stations and downtown, so that you can always pick up your car in the location most suited to your needs.
When making a search in our booking engine for vehicles across the city, you can toggle a handy map display that pinpoints the exact locations of the rental offices in Vienna with cars available for your dates. Should you wish to, you can also use the available filters to select or exclude specific suppliers.
Vienna Airport
Vienna Airport is located a little over 14 miles south-east of the city, a trip of about half an hour by car, depending on traffic. The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1 through 3, plus Terminal 1A. Terminal 3, the newest of the four, is used by Austrian Airlines and most Star Alliance members, whereas Terminal 1A is used mostly by low-cost airlines.
Most car rental desks are located in the Car Rental Centre, which can be found on level zero of car park 4.
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Website: www.viennaairport.com
Address: 1300 Schwechat, Austria
Telephone: +43 1 70070
Vienna Train Stations
The modern Wien Hauptbahnhof (or Vienna Central Station) is Vienna's main train station and one of the busiest train stations in the country. It provides connections not just to other main Austrian cities, but also to other European destinations, such as Belgrade, Budapest, Berlin, Rome and Zurich, among many others. The station is located in the Favoriten district, south of the Innere Stadt (the Old Town). The car hire desks are located directly in the station, some on the first and some on the second floor.
Besides Wien Hauptbahnhof, Auto Europe also offers car hire services at Wien Westbahnhof, or Vienna West. This was once the main terminus station for international rail services, prior to the construction of the Central Station. Nowadays it continues to be a major hub for regional and intercity train services. It is located to the west of the city centre. The car rental desks can be found in the station's parking garage, with signs indicating the level of each desk. Most of them are located on the 4th level.
Vienna Central Station
Website: hauptbahnhofcity.oebb.at
Address: Favoritenstraße 51, 1100 Wien, Austria
Telephone: +43 (1) 6005508-0
Vienna West Station
Website: bahnhofcitywienwest.at (in German)
Address: Europaplatz 2/3, 1150 Wien, Austria
Telephone: +43 (0)1 35 999-900
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Vienna
Over the course of almost 60 years, Auto Europe has strived to develop strong partnerships with leading car hire companies around the world, in order to provide our clients not just with the best prices, but also with the best service.
In Vienna, we work both with major international companies, such as Alamo, Hertz or Europcar, and with companies with a strong local presence, such as Buchbinder and Megadrive.
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Should you have any questions about the specific policies of any of the companies we work with in Vienna, we're always just a phone call or e-mail away, ready and happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Vienna
In order to help address some of the questions you may have about car rental in Vienna, we've gathered below the answers to some of the questions we're most frequently asked by our clients. If you can't find the answer to your specific query below, do not hesitate to get in touch with us and one of our experienced agents will try to address any doubts you may have.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Vienna?
Yes. The online booking process requires a credit card as payment method. Additionally, you will also need a credit card to pick up the vehicle. The credit card used to pick up the vehicle doesn't need to be the same credit card used to pay for the booking, but it does need to fulfil certain requirements. First, it needs to be in the name of the main driver as listed in the voucher. It's possible to add additional drivers to the rental agreement (and we advise you to check out our free additional driver deals if that's something you're interested in), but a credit card in the name of a secondary driver is unacceptable to most car rental suppliers.
Additionally, the credit card must have a credit limit that covers the security deposit. The security deposit amount varies depending on the supplier and car category, and the information regarding the specific amount can be found in your voucher (after booking) or in the "Info Icon" for individual offers in our booking engine (before booking).
The supplier blocks the security amount on the credit card of the main driver for the duration of the booking. When the vehicle is returned, provided it is returned in the same condition, the block is lifted.
What insurance do I need for my car hire in Vienna?
When booking a car rental in Vienna, you can rest assured that all the offers on our website already include the necessary mandatory insurance for the car to circulate in Austria. This includes CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), third-party liability and theft protection.
Additionally, Auto Europe offers you the option to add Full Damage & Theft Protection to your booking. The Full Damage & Theft Protection package covers elements excluded from the vehicle's basic insurance (such as wheels, underside, roof and more), and offers excess protection.
The excess is the maximum amount for which the client is responsible in case of theft or accidental damage. The exact excess amount varies depending on vehicle and supplier, and can be found in the "Info Icon" of individual offers in our booking or in your voucher. With Full Damage & Theft Protection, Auto Europe will refund any excess paid for accidental damage or theft.
When picking up your Vienna car hire, you may be offered additional insurance at the counter. Please be aware that any insurance offered locally is optional and you are under no obligation to accept it. In some cases, insurance offered locally may even be redundant in terms of coverage, if you've already opted for Auto Europe's Full Damage & Theft Protection package.
Having said that, if you are under 26 years of age you may be required to pay an additional fee when picking up the vehicle. This is a Young Driver Surcharge, however, not a form of insurance.
How is the traffic in Vienna?
As with any major city anywhere in the world, Vienna suffers from heavy traffic during rush hour, with the hours of heavier traffic falling between 6 and 10am, and between 4 and 7pm.
When driving your car hire in Vienna, there are some things you should keep in mind, chief among them that you need to keep an eye out for trams and bicycles. Vienna has an extensive network of trams, and these sometimes circulate along the same roads as cars. Don't stop in such a way as to impede their circulation. Additionally, there may be circumstances where a lane might take you between a tram and its tram stop. If that happens, be mindful of passengers getting off or on the tram. It's preferable to stop until the tram resumes its travel.
Like trams, bicycles are everywhere in Vienna. Keep an eye out for cyclists and pay particular attention to the fact that sometimes bike lanes may go against the flow of traffic on one-way streets.
On the subject of one-way streets, these are fairly frequent on side streets, and are indicated by a sign depicting a white arrow on a blue background with the word "Einbahn."
You may also come across signs mentioning Rettungsgasse, which are common in dual-carriageways or motorways. They refer to a specificity of Austrian law that stipulates that in the event of a traffic jam, drivers are obligated to create an emergency corridor, so that emergency vehicles can pass. This is accomplished by drivers on the left lane driving as far to the left as possible, and vehicles on the right doing likewise to the right, thus creating an emergency corridor in the middle. This is necessary even if no emergency vehicles are present.
Finally, when driving in Vienna it's also important to be aware that cars, apart from taxis, aren't allowed on bus lanes during their hours of operation. For more information about driving in Austria, take a look at our handy driving information guide.
Where can I park my car hire in Vienna?
Most central areas in Vienna are covered by "Kurzparkzonen". These are short-term street parking areas where parking is permitted, but paid and time-limited. The signs indicating these areas are normally found at the beginning and end of the zone, making them easy to miss, so keep an eye out for them when looking for parking. When in doubt, it's safer to assume parking is paid, especially since that's indeed the case in most of central Vienna.
The Kurzparkzone signs indicate the maximum allowed parking duration (Parkdauer), and the times of operation. In central Vienna, the maximum duration is usually 2 hours, with the operation times running from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 10pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 12pm. These may vary, so be sure to check any available signage. Outside of operations hours, parking in the Kurzparkzonen is free.
In order to pay for street parking, drivers can acquire pre-paid parking vouchers from tobacco shops or from ticket machines in metro stations.
Besides street parking, you can also opt to leave your Vienna car rental in one of the many garages and parking lots present across the city. The garage in Museumplatz, between Maria Theresien Platz and the Museumsquartier, is particularly convenient, being both fairly central and close to many attractions.
The Park & Ride parks found close to some metro stations are also good alternatives, as they tend to be cheaper than more centrally located garages.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Vienna?
Possibly. Almost every motorway in Austria is subject to tolls, and some motorways pass through the capital. These tolls are paid in the form of a vignette, which can be acquired at petrol stations or post offices for a minimum duration of 10 days. The traditional vignette is a sticker that must be displayed in a visible location on the vehicle's windscreen.
There's also a Digital Vignette, which can be easily and conveniently acquired either online on the website of the AFGiNAG, the company that administers Austrian motorways, or on the app Unterwegs.
Some car hire suppliers, such as Buchbinder, already include the vignette on their vehicles free of charge, while others normally offer options to add it to your rental for an extra fee, paid locally. Should you have any questions about the specific policies of individual suppliers, do not hesitate to contact us.
Do I need extra equipment for my car hire in Vienna during winter?
Austrian law does not mandate winter tyres from a certain date, but it does stipulate that winter tyres should be used when the weather calls for it (i.e. if there's snow, ice, etc.) Given this and with safety in mind, all our suppliers equip their vehicles with winter tyres throughout winter, most of them from 1st November to 15th April. This is already included in the rates of vehicles hired during that time period, so when you hire a car in Vienna in winter, the vehicle already comes equipped with the correct tyres and you don't have to pay any additional fees for it. Should you wish to have winter tyres added to your vehicle outside of this period, you can request it for an additional fee.
If you are headed for the Alps, you might also wish to add snow chains and ski racks to your booking. These are available upon request and for an additional fee, paid locally, from all of our suppliers. While it's not necessary to request these items during the booking process (you can simply ask for them at the desk when picking up your vehicle), we highly recommend that you request them beforehand, as it ensures availability during periods of high demand.
Vienna Travel Guide
When you rent a car in Vienna, you have all the freedom and flexibility to explore not just the city, but also Austria at your leisure. Travel to Salzburg for a sojourn in the Alps, enjoy a day trip to Hungary or discover the natural wonders of the Wachau Valley. Whatever your plans, with a car rental at your disposal, your time is entirely your own.
Best day trips with my car rental in Vienna
Located on the banks of the Danube, just a stone's throw away from the Alps, Vienna is within driving distance of a number of exciting destinations you won't want to overlook during your stay in Austria. Here are some of our favourites!
Salzburg
Nestled against the foothills of the Alps, Salzburg is perhaps best known for two things: being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and being the setting of The Sound of Music (1965). While it's undoubtedly an unmissable stop for fans of the movie, the city is also a must-see for those who've never even heard of the von Trapp family. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its distinctive Baroque architecture and for the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is one of the largest medieval castles on the continent. And ski aficionados only have to look to the Alps for some of the best slopes in the country.
The car trip from Vienna to Salzburg takes a little over 3 hours (a distance of about 180 miles), but it's absolutely worth it.
Seegrotte Hinterbrühl and Lichtenstein Castle
You don't have to go all the way to Salzburg to have a lovely day out, however. Much closer to Vienna you'll find the spectacular Seegrotte, a system of underground caves that boasts the largest underground lake in Europe. Once a gypsum mine, the cave system was flooded in 1912, putting an end to all mining operations but turning the former mine into a popular tourist attraction. Visitors are treated to a tour of the impressive lake and tunnels, and to the fascinating history of this mine turned aeroplane factory, turned movie set, turned tourist attraction.
Lichtenstein Castle is only one mile away from the Seegrotte, making it easy to visit both on the same day. The castle — one of the few privately owned castles in Austria, belonging to the ruling House of Liechtenstein — has been welcoming visitors in the form of guided tours since the late 19th century, and it has featured in a number of movies throughout the years, including most recently in Disney's The Three Musketeers (1993).
There's a parking lot available where visitors to the castle can park their cars free of charge.
Melk Abbey
Perched atop a hill overlooking the picturesque Wachau Valley and the Danube River is Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that was once the home of Leopold I, the first Margrave of Austria. The stunning Baroque building houses relics and artwork from centuries of Babenberg rule, and the Abbey flourished under the care of the Benedictine order, becoming a centre of learning, famous for its extensive library. A trip to the abbey is also the perfect pretext, if any were needed, to enjoy a scenic drive through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with medieval castles, rolling hills and charming, picturesque villages.
Melk Abbey and the Wachau Valley are less than an hour away from Vienna.
Kreuzenstein Castle
Located some 16 miles north of Vienna, the original Kreuzenstein Castle was built in the 12th century. That early building did not survive the Thirty Years' War, but the castle's owners rebuilt it in the 19th century, using original medieval structures sourced from all over Europe. This desire for authenticity extended to the castle's interior, and Kreuzenstein Castle houses a large collection of medieval artefacts and furniture, and is home to one of the oldest surviving catapults in Europe. There's parking close to the castle. Alternatively, visitors may also choose to leave the car in Leobendorf and walk up the hill.
Budapest
Vienna's geography puts it within easy driving distance of a number of other European capitals, including Budapest. The Hungarian capital is sometimes referred to as the "Paris of the East," and the moniker is well-deserved. From Buda Castle, to the stunning Parliament buildings and the unique Vajdahunyad Castle, the city is a treasure trove of stunning architecture and picturesque sights. The drive from Vienna takes a little under three hours. It's important to be aware, however, that if you plan to drive your car outside of Austria, you must let us know during the booking process (in the field designated for that effect when booking online, or just let the agent know if you're booking by phone). Cross-border fees may (but don't always) apply.
What to do in Vienna
Once the heart of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna retains all the splendour and charm of its imperial days, and visitors are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do and places to visit. Here are some of our suggestions for must-see spots during your Vienna stay!
- The Hofburg: Located in the heart of the city, the Hofburg was once the main seat of the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled over Austria (and much of Europe) for hundreds of years. This sprawling palace was originally built in the 13th century and was expanded several times after that, always reflecting the style of the day. This resulted in an architectural tour the force that showcases the very best of the Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo and Gothic styles. The Imperial Apartments are particularly popular with the public, as is the Sisi Museum and the Hofburg Treasury. The Hofburg is located in the First District, which is a short-stay parking zone. It is, therefore, better to park in one of the nearby garages.
- Schönbrunn Palace: While the Hofburg was the winter residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn was where they spent their summers. The magnificent baroque palace is surrounded by vast grounds that are home to mazes, sculptures and botanical gardens, and even a zoo! Every year the Summer Night Concert Schönbrunn takes place on the grounds of the palace, and attendance is free. The palace and grounds are one of Vienna's most popular attractions, drawing crowds of visitors year-round. If you're driving to the palace, you can easily park in the nearby surface car park on Schönbrunner Schloßstraße.
- Vienna Zoo: Located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, Tiergarten Schönbrunn (also known as Vienna Zoo) is the oldest zoo in the world in continuous operation. It began as the imperial menagerie in the mid-18th century and still retains many of its original baroque buildings. It's home to hundreds of species from around the world, and is one of the few zoos outside of China that boasts Giant Pandas among its inhabitants.
- The Albertina: If you're an art enthusiast, then you can't miss a trip to the Albertina. What began as the graphics collection of Duke Albert of Saxen-Teschen has become one of Austria's most important art museums, housing more than a million works of art from thousands of artists, including works by Picasso, Miró, Munch, Degas, Cézanne and countless others. The museum is also home to an impressive print room that boasts over 65,000 drawings and almost a million master prints, making it one of the most important collections of its kind in the world. There's street parking available close to the Albertina, but only for relatively short stays.
- Demel: The most famous café in all of Austria, Demel is a mandatory stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. From its very foundation, the café's reputation was such that it numbered among its many illustrious patrons Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, the famous Empress Sisi. While the emperor and empress are long gone, visitors nowadays are still treated to patisserie fit for royalty. The popular Sachertorte is but one of the many amazing confections served at Demel, and the real difficulty will be in stopping after just one slice!
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