By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of renting a car in Austria, tailored specifically to Thai travelers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable road trip.
Yes, Thai travelers can legally drive in Austria with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may apply.
Form of ID:
A valid passport.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
or
• EU/EEA Driving License
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Supported cards include Visa and MasterCard.
Age requirements:
Drivers must be between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18 to 25 may incur a fee of US$ 11.78 per day.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore the diversity of car rental options available in Austria, catering to a wide range of preferences and travel needs for Thai travelers.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands

SIXT
Locations:
107Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking luxury or flexible rental solutions
Hertz
Locations:
66Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Europcar
Locations:
79Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and corporate clients
Avis
Locations:
65Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking reliability and convenience
Alamo
Locations:
28Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Zippy7
Locations:
2Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
U-SAVE
Locations:
21Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget travelers and local rentals
Dryyve
Locations:
15Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Local travelers and short-term rentals
Autounion
Locations:
16Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking affordable local options and personalized service
Wheego
Locations:
21Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Eco-conscious travelers and budget-minded customersChoosing the right rental car can make your travel more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in Europe
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Most Austrian drivers prefer manual transmission
Consider your comfort level with driving styles in Austria
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your Thai insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with manual transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Vienna, Salzburg, GrazMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Austrian Alps, countrysideConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Zell am SeeCompare with Confidence on QEEQ
Austria offers a blend of breathtaking alpine landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant cultural experiences. Popular destinations include Vienna for its imperial history, Salzburg for its musical heritage, Innsbruck for access to the Austrian Alps, and Hallstatt for picturesque lake views.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Austria, but for peace of mind, additional coverage is highly recommended. Austrian insurance requirements include liability coverage, and options for protecting against collisions or theft are available. Choosing the right insurance plan can help avoid unexpected expenses.
Covers damage to the rental car from collision or theft.
Protects against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to others and their property.
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Austria. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Make your journey from Thailand to Austria seamless and cost-effective by following these practical car rental savings tips.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Austria.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Thai and Austrian traffic rules differ in road signage, alcohol limits, and preferred driving practices, among other factors.
Driving Side
Drive on the right side of the road.
Drive on the left side of the road.
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.05% BAC limit.
0.05% BAC limit.
Speed Limits
130 km/h on highways.
120 km/h on highways.
Traffic Lights
Flashing green light indicates it will turn red soon.
Flashing green light not used.
Seatbelt Use
Mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
Mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
Mobile Phone Use
Only hands-free devices allowed while driving.
Only hands-free devices allowed while driving.
Parking Rules
Parking often requires payment and adherence to specific time limits.
Parking regulations vary by region, often with free parking zones.
Common questions for travelers from Thailand renting a car in Austria