How to find a cheap car hire deal in Salzburg (SZG)
Take control of your trip with a cheap Salzburg rental car. With prices averaging $371 a day, it gives you freedom without the high price tag. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll match you with your kind of ride at your kind of price.
Daily rental prices at Salzburg start from just $25.
Making it more than a quick visit? Grab a weekly rental from $75 and explore beyond the usual highlights of Salzburg.
To get the cheapest price, book your SZG car hire around four weeks in advance.
Grab your wheels from Dryyve, Mega Drive or Europcar, some of the most well-known providers at Salzburg.
The coverage Dryyve or another company includes with your Salzburg car hire can differ, so be sure to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in SZG.
Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a car hire in Salzburg with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Travel without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $147 a day.
Up next is this provider, offering daily rates of around $147.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $180 a day.
The Economy rental category is a reliable option if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most at SZG.
Compare car hire types from Salzburg (SZG)
Small: These cheap Salzburg rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this SZG car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Salzburg that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your SZG car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Salzburg.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your car hire in Austria. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your SZG car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest choice.
You'll be asked for some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Austria, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in urban areas and 125kph or so along highways. Always follow the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Austria is 0.05%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for everyday expenses here. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SZG car hire, you're in charge when it comes to where you go. If central Salzburg is the first place you're exploring, it's around 5 kilometres east of the airport and a journey of about 15 minutes.
Allow roughly 20 minutes to travel from Salzburg to the city centre during peak hours.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels right away? Think about picking up a car hire in Salzburg instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Salzburg (SZG)
Begin with some of the top attractions in Salzburg, like Salzburg Old Town and Old town Salzburg. Whether you drive or find an alternative way there, you'll want to see these highlights before you move on.
Around 88 kilometres northeast of SZG, Wels should feature on your itinerary. Make a beeline for must-see sights like Villa Muthesius and Welios Science Centre.
Or hop in your Salzburg car hire and head for Wörgl, which is roughly 80 kilometres southwest. Attractions like Möslalmkogel make the journey worth it.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Set out for Linz, about 113 kilometres northeast of SZG. From Ars Electronica Centre to Mariendom Linz, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
