Car Hire at Innsbruck Airport
This information is correct as of July 2015.
Innsbruck's sights composed of the Nordkette range and the alpine structures make a breathtaking outdoor destination, with various summer and winter activities offered. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and was one of the cities where the 2008 European Football Championships were held. Innsbruck does not only offer outdoor attractions, though, as you will find here several museums and galleries. Going here is possible through Innsbruck Airport, the largest international port of entry of Tyrol in western Austria. Going around the city is also made easy by various car rental options available at the airport.
Where to hire a car at Innsbruck Airport
Venturing from Innsbruck Airport to the city can be done with a car rental, instead of public transportation. There are various companies to find here, such as Avis Autovermietung GesmbH, Budget Autovermietung, Europcar Car Rental, Hertz Rent A Car, MEGADRIVE, and Sixt GmbH. You can pre-book while preparing for your trip, which makes it easier to handle the transaction once you land from your flight.
When showing your documents, you should also have an International Driver's Permit (IDP) prepared. Mandatory winter equipment is also required between the first of November and the 15th of April, as required by Austrian law. A reflective safety vest is also necessary, including toll stickers. Be sure to enquire with your car rental provider if they provide all these materials and clarify with them about any concerns you may have.
What to expect when hiring a car from Innsbruck Airport
The roads surrounding the airport are A12 and B171/Kranebitter Allee, which connect to B174. These routes can get busy, especially during the peak season and holidays, when motorists from the cities go to or pass the airport. The rush hours usually come about on the commuting times in the morning and afternoon. Cities and communities surrounding the area include Zirl, Vols, Natters, Schonberg im Stubaital, Hall in Tirol, Wattens, Schwaz, Jenbach, and many others.
Toll roads can be found on the nearby roads going to Innsbruck. Limited information can be found about them and congestion charges, which makes it important that you prepare enough funds in case you encounter them. Cycling paths are not as prominent here, but some might go around by bike, which makes it necessary to pay strict attention to the road when driving. You might also pass by several gas stations along the way, such as BP, Gutmann, Eni Austria GmbH, OMV Tankstelle, OMV Tankstelle, Unser Lagerhaus Warenhandels GmnH, and Eni Gutmann.
Driving around Innsbruck Airport
When going to Innsbruck proper, you will have to head east on Furstenweg and take Hottinger Au and B171 to Karl-Kapferer-Strasse. Turn right onto Karl Kapferer-Strasse and then turn right onto Kaiserjagerstrasse, before driving to Jahnstrasse. Various covered carparks and Park & Ride facilities can be found here, which can make it easier to secure your vehicle while you check out the attractions.
Getting to your destination
Schwaz
A city in the state of Tyrol, Schwaz has an interesting history as an important silver mining centre during the 15th and 16th centuries. It has provided mineral wealth for the Fugger banking family. Several industrial companies can be found here, such as Tyrolit (maker of bonded abrasives), Adler Lacke (coating systems), and DAKA (regional waste management).
Get on A12/E60 from Fürstenweg and follow A12/E60 to Anschlussstelle Schwaz. Take exit Schwaz from A12/E60. Turn to Anschlussstelle Schwaz to Münchner Str./B171 in Schwaz. The trip can be accomplished in 30 minutes, with parking offered in some parts of the city. This route has tolls, so be sure to bring an appropriate amount along the way.
Landeck
A town located in the Tyrolean Oberland west of the state, Landeck features a valley location at the Inn River. Various geographical points of interest can be found here, such as the Lechtal Alps, Otztal Alps, and the Samnaun Alps ranges.
Get on A12/E533 in Völs from Fürstenweg and B171. Follow A12 to Hauptstraße/B171. Take exit Zams from A12. Drive to Tiroler Str./B171 in Landeck. This route has tolls, with a possible travel time of 55 minutes in light traffic conditions. Parking can be arranged with the accommodations in the area.
Kufstein
This town is the second largest community after Innsbruck, showing off the Kufstein Fortress. Various nature spots can be found on this part of the Tyrolean Unterland region on the river Inn, as it is also located at the confluence with its Welssache and Kaiserbach tributaries.
Get on A12/E60 from Fürstenweg and follow A12/E60 to Eiberg Str./B173 in Langkampfen. Take exit 6-Kufstein-Süd from A12/E60 and then Endach to Schubertstraße/B171 in Kufstein. Tolls are required here, with nearly an hour of estimated travel time. Parking can be arranged with the establishments here, so make sure to arrange for a spot before going on a trip.