How to find a cheap car hire deal in Austin
Grab a cheap rental car in Austin and hit the road for around $192 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find a home that suits your trip.
The cheapest daily home price in Austin is $46.
For longer trips, book a weekly home from $316 and make room for more adventures.
If smart timing is part of your strategy, book around four weeks ahead to score the best price on a Austin car hire.
Get behind the wheel with Hertz, Budget or Easirent. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Austin car hire policy, whether you go with Hertz or a different supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Consider booking a one-way home. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Go wherever the road takes you by choosing a home with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $145 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $120, this provider is next in line.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly $104 a day for one of their homes.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Large home category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Austin.
Flying to Austin? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Austin, get on the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Austin-Bergstrom Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 16 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Austin
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Austin makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this Austin car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Austin makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Austin car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Austin.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer homes to younger drivers for a higher fee, so carefully review the policies before securing your ride.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you should add a car seat to your Austin car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's license (no electronic copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
For first-time drivers in the United States, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Best hotels in Austin for drivers
Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time enjoying the comfort of Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels. About 0.64 kilometres from central Austin, it comes with parking, a restaurant and car hire options.
Or make use of the accessible parking at Courtyard Austin South. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this stay, which also features a fitness centre and a games room.
Browse through the range of hotels in Austin for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Austin and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Texas State Capitol, Austin Museum of Art, Downtown and 360 Bridge give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Austin
You'll be well looked after at Stratus Suites Boutique Hotel and Travelodge by Wyndham Killeen/Fort Hood, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Killeen.
Add Round Rock to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in Austin and drive about 27 kilometres north to discover leading attractions like Kalahari Indoor Water Park and Old Settlers Park.
Round Rock has some good places to stay including TownePlace Suites Austin Round Rock and Hilton Garden Inn Austin/Round Rock. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Dallas, roughly 290 kilometres north of Austin. First, visit Meyerson Symphony Centre, then take your time exploring Winspear Opera House.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Fairmont Dallas and Warwick Melrose Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Dallas.
