Car Rental Vienna Airport

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.

Renting a car at Vienna International Airport is a popular option for visitors who want the flexibility to explore Vienna as well as the Austrian countryside and neighboring countries. Whether your trip involves historic city streets, scenic vineyards, or alpine routes, a rental car gives freedom that buses and trains sometimes cannot match.

Booking a rental car 2–4 weeks in advance often provides better rates and ensures more availability.

Location & Pickup

The car rental offices are located in the Car Rental Centre at Parking P4, Level 0. There is an underground pedestrian connection from the arrivals area, providing a safe and convenient walk from baggage claim.

Most counters operate daily, and some offer after-hours pick-up if arranged in advance.

Follow airport signage carefully; walking underground to the rental centre is usually faster than waiting for a shuttle or taxi.

Approximate Prices

Rental prices vary depending on season, demand, and vehicle category. Typical daily rates are approximately:

Vehicle Type	Daily Rate
Mini / Economy	€7–€30
Compact	€30–€60
Standard / Intermediate	€50–€80
SUV / Larger Cars	€60–€100+
Luxury / Premium	€100+

Weekly rentals are often more economical on a per-day basis than shorter bookings. Extremely low rates often come with mileage limits or stricter terms, so review conditions carefully.

Popular Car Types

The most frequently rented vehicles at VIE include:

Compact cars (e.g., Opel Corsa) — easy for city driving and short trips.
Economy models (e.g., Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo) — cheapest for solo travelers or couples.
Standard sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla) — balanced for comfort and luggage space.
SUVs — ideal for families or longer excursions.

Compact and economy cars are easier for city streets, parking, and fuel efficiency, while SUVs or larger cars are better for longer journeys or group travel.

Common Road Destinations

Rental cars allow easy access to Austria and neighboring countries:

Vienna city centre — historic sights, museums, and cafés (20–30 min).
Wachau Valley — scenic Danube drive and wine region.
Salzburg — Mozart’s birthplace (approx. 3 hrs).
Graz — Austria’s second city (approx. 2.5 hrs).
Bratislava (Slovakia) — just over an hour for a cross-border trip.

Some rental companies charge additional fees for cross-border travel, so check policies during booking.

Rental Insurance Options

Rental companies at Vienna Airport typically offer:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) — reduces liability for damage to the rental car.
Theft Protection — covers theft of the vehicle.
Liability Insurance — covers damage to others; required by law.
Personal Accident Insurance — optional coverage for occupants.
Supplemental Liability & Excess Waivers — can be purchased for higher coverage limits.

Many credit cards or travel insurance policies include rental coverage, which can reduce the need to buy full insurance at the counter.

Fees, Age & Requirements

Minimum driver age is usually 18–21; drivers under 25 often face extra fees.
A security deposit (€200–€1000+) is generally held on a credit/debit card.
Inspect the car thoroughly and take photos of any existing damage to avoid disputes at return.