Car rental in Austria
Renting a car in Austria: what US and Canadian drivers need to know
In Austria, motorways and expressways need a vignette. It's digital and tied to the car's plate (the windshield sticker ends with the 2026 edition). Cars rented in Austria usually have one, so ask at pickup. Some tunnels and the Brenner motorway charge a separate toll. From November 1 to April 15, you need winter tires whenever roads are snowy, slushy or icy.
Where to pick up
Which car for Austria
A compact car or small SUV suits most trips. In winter, ask for a car with winter tires; chains may be required on some mountain roads and may only be used on snow-covered roads. Manual is common, so ask for an automatic early.
License and IDP
With a US or Canadian license, you need an International Driving Permit (or an official German translation) along with your license. Carry your passport too.
The vignette
Motorways and expressways need a vignette. It's digital and tied to the car's plate (the windshield sticker ends with the 2026 edition). Cars rented in Austria usually have one, so ask at pickup. Some tunnels and the Brenner motorway charge a separate toll instead of the vignette. Scenic Alpine roads like the Grossglockner High Alpine Road open only in the warmer months and charge their own toll.
Rules that surprise visitors
- Speeds in km/h: 130 motorways, 100 open roads, 50 in towns.
- Winter: from November 1 to April 15, you need winter tires whenever roads are snowy, slushy or icy. Chains may be required on some mountain roads and may only be used on snow-covered roads.
- On motorways and expressways, form an emergency corridor (Rettungsgasse) as soon as traffic slows to a crawl: cars in the left lane move left, everyone else moves right.
- Alcohol: the limit is 0.05% (0.01% for drivers with less than 3 years' experience).
Vienna
Short-stay parking zones cover almost all of Vienna and are paid on weekdays, with a time limit. Use park-and-ride or a garage.
Hallstatt and the lakes
Hallstatt's center is closed to traffic, so you'll park in lots just outside the village. You can't reserve, so arrive early in summer.
Ages
Minimum rental age is usually 19 to 21 and can be higher for some cars; drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee. Check your rental terms.
Cover in Austria
Your deductible, what's included.
At the counter
License, International Driving Permit (or official German translation), passport, a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit hold.
Crossing borders
Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland are all close; ask before you book, and note each country has its own vignette or toll rules.
Road trips
- Vienna to Salzburg (about 300 km, 3 h).
- Salzburg to Hallstatt (about 75 km, 1.25 h).
- Innsbruck to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (warmer months only; its own toll).
- Vienna to Bratislava (about 80 km, 1 h, border).
- Vienna to Budapest (about 245 km, 2.5-3 h, border).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Austria?
Does my rental car have the vignette?
Do I need winter tires?
Can I pick up in Vienna and drive to Bratislava, Prague or Budapest?
Are there tolls besides the vignette?
Should I drive in Vienna?
Can I get an automatic?
How old do I need to be?
Last checked October 17, 2026.