Car Hire in Austria - best rates guaranteed

If you are hoping to book a car hire in Austria, why not check out Auto Europe's latest deals? With over 60 years of experience and 20,000 service locations across the globe, we are sure to provide you with the perfect vehicle, for both business and leisure! In addition, Auto Europe also boasts the lowest prices in the car hire market. We work with many suppliers, both local and international, which means that you have a vast choice when it comes to finding the automobile that is perfect for you! Pick up your car hire in Salzburg, the city famous for being Mozart's birthplace, or perhaps the glorious capital of Vienna, where you can see the stunning Schönbrunn Palace!

Traffic Rules and Driving Tips

• It is enforced by law that all cars have four winter tires, or alternately at least two tires with snow chains equipped during the winter months. This law is in action from the beginning of November until mid April. You are liable to a heavy fine should you choose to break this rule
• A high visibility vest should be provided with your vehicle by your chosen car rental company, and it would be wise to check if this is the case when you rent your car.
• In Austria, all vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and safe overtaking is carried out on the left. Such is the case in the surrounding countries as well.
• Seat belts should be worn by the driver and passengers at all times while the car is in operation.
• It is advisable that you carry essential documents including your valid driver's licence, passport, insurance information and your car hire documents at all times.
• The speed limit for cars that are fitted with snow chains is 31 mph or 50 km/h.
• In Austria, gas stations operate from 8am to 8pm. In more densely populated areas, however, you should be able to find one that is open around the clock.
• For even more information, please continue reading here.

Road Tolls

In order to use the motorways in Austria, you must first acquire a toll sticker for your car. These stickers are not difficult to get, and are commonly supplied by petrol stations, Austrian Automobile Clubs and post offices.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age for renting a car hire in Austria is 19 years old. You must have also held your driving licence for the minimum of one year. 'Young driver fees' may be imposed if you are less than 25 years of age.

Currency

Fortunately enough, you can use the euro during your stay in Austria as the country is a fellow member of the euro zone. In Austria, ATMs and cash machines are known as Bancomats and you can access these with your foreign credit and debit cards. You can use your cash card in some supermarkets, restaurants and shops, but it would be ideal for you to keep cash on hand at all times in case the former option is declined.

Time Zone

Austria operates on GMT+1, which means that it is one hour ahead of Ireland. Daylight Savings time is usually in swing from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October.

Language

German is the most common language in Austria. In fact, it is the official language that is used in teaching and broadcasting. Some parts of the dialect take some getting used to, but if you have a good grasp of German you will not struggle too much.

Electricity

The electrical voltage in Austria is the same as it is in Ireland, which is 230 Volts circulating at a frequency of 50 Hz. Plugs used are the type C Europlug and the type F Schuko. The latter plug model is most common, and it is ideal that you bring the appropriate adaptors if you still wish to use your Irish appliances.

Visa Requirements and Embassy

You do not require a visa if you are in possession of an Irish passport. If you run into any trouble, however, and need help from the Irish embassy in Vienna, their contact details are listed below.

Embassy of Ireland
Rotenturmstrasse 16-18, 5th Floor
1010 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 7154246
Fax: +43 1 7136004

Public Office:
Monday to Friday, 09.30-12.30
Telephone Hours:
Monday to Friday
09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00

Useful links

Motorway Rules and Luxury Cars

Winter Tyres Regulations