One-Way Car Hire from Salzburg to Vienna | Deals & Tips

Home One-way Car Hire Salzburg to Vienna

Can I rent a car from Salzburg to Vienna?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Salzburg to Vienna. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for AT residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical Austria national photo ID is required.
Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years.

Notes: Important Notice: Some non-EEA driving licences are not recognized in Austria and cannot be used for car rentals. Please check if your licence is valid by visiting https://www.oeamtc.at/thema/fuehrerschein/auslaendischer-eu-und-ewr-fuehrerschein-in-oester.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 4.45 - US$ 19.85 per day, depending on the rental provider. Some providers cap the young driver fee for longer rentals.

Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• EU/EEA Driving License
• Original driving licence + Notarization of local language.

Notes: Important Notice: Some non-EEA driving licences are not recognized in Austria and cannot be used for car rentals. Please check if your licence is valid by visiting https://www.oeamtc.at/thema/fuehrerschein/auslaendischer-eu-und-ewr-fuehrerschein-in-oester.
Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 4.45 - US$ 19.85 per day, depending on the rental provider. Some providers cap the young driver fee for longer rentals.

How much does renting a car from Salzburg to Vienna cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$89.00/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$132.00/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$53-US$150	US$0-US$409	US$267-US$467	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$212-US$498	US$0-US$350	US$526-US$716	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$141-US$300	US$0-US$350	US$377-US$598	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$136-US$403	US$0-US$409	US$395-US$586	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$266-US$273	US$0-US$36	US$824	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$364-US$753	US$0-US$409	US$568-US$1,705	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-way Fee: Most one-way rentals include a fee for returning the car to a different location. Check if this is already included in your booking or quoted separately.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Confirm if you will cross any national borders along your route and ensure the rental company's policy allows for this.
Refueling Options: Plan where you will refuel before dropping off the car, or consider pre-purchasing fuel packages from the rental provider.
Vehicle Type Restrictions: Some vehicle classes or types may have limitations for one-way trips. Check if restrictions apply to premium or specific cars.
Drop-off Timing: Return the vehicle within the agreed time to avoid extra charges. Verify the operating hours of the drop-off location.

Smart Planning Tips:

Choose Scenic Routes: Optimize your journey by selecting routes that showcase Austria's scenic landscapes.
Plan Parking Locations: Research parking facilities at your destination to avoid hassle upon arrival.
Book In Advance: Secure better deals and ensure availability by booking your rental car well ahead of time.
Check Identity Requirements: Carry all necessary identification documents for the rental, including a valid driver’s license and ID.
Understand Insurance Details: Review the insurance coverage provided and understand liability clauses.
Compare Rental Agencies: Evaluate various rental providers for pricing, terms, and benefits before making a decision.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the receipt as proof of refueling.

Use the recommended fuel type to ensure vehicle performance.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately €1.50 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag.

Limit air conditioning usage to conserve fuel.

Salzburg Parking

Public parking is available in the city center for €2 per hour.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities for longer stays.

Some hotels provide free parking for guests.

Vienna Parking

Parking in Vienna's city center costs around €4 per hour.

Look for designated parking zones to avoid fines.

Park-and-ride facilities near the outskirts offer affordable rates.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

EasyPark

Park4Night

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Salzburg and Vienna:

Alpine Splendor Route

Scenic Route 4 hours 10 minutes

A scenic drive showcasing Austria's breathtaking alpine landscapes.

Mondsee , Attersee , Melk Abbey

Direct Vienna Bound

Highway Route 3 hours 30 minutes

Direct and quick, featuring Austria's top-tier motorways.

St. Pölten

Cultural Heritage Trail

Heritage Route 4 hours 45 minutes

A route rich in Austrian cultural and historic landmarks.

Hallstatt , Linz , Krems

Exciting Trips Across the Region:

Explore Hallstatt

1 hour 30 minutes from Salzburg

Visit the iconic and picturesque village of Hallstatt, known for its salt mines.

Discover Linz

1 hour 50 minutes from Salzburg

Explore Austria’s third-largest city, renowned for its modern arts and cultural scene.

Tour Through Krems

2 hours 40 minutes from Salzburg

Wander the historic streets and vineyards of this charming Danube city.

Day in Vienna's Old Town

3 hours 30 minutes from Salzburg

Immerse yourself in Vienna's remarkable architecture and rich history.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the Right Vehicle: Consider comfort and size when selecting a rental car for a road trip.

Understand Rental Costs: Check for hidden fees and ensure all costs are clarified upfront.

Plan Your Route: Use maps and travel apps to plan scenic and efficient routes.

Fuel Up Efficiently: Fill up at less expensive gas stations outside city centers.

Allocate Sufficient Time: Plan for breaks and sightseeing to make your journey enjoyable.

Understand Rental Insurance: Comprehend the insurance options to ensure proper coverage during the trip.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing the right rental company is crucial for smooth one-way car rental service. Here are top companies that offer one-way rental services from Salzburg to Vienna.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	Excellent	Wide	High-quality vehicles , Flexible one-way rental options , Strong service network
Sixt	$	Good	Extensive	Economic pricing , Wide vehicle selection , Convenient pick-up and drop-off centers
Avis	$$	Very Good	Comprehensive	Affiliated airport locations , Efficient booking systems , Loyalty programs
Europcar	$$	Excellent	Extensive	Environmentally friendly options , Multiple vehicle classes , Well-appointed vehicles

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Rental center operates daily from 08:00 to 20:00.

Location:

Car rental centers are located in parking area P4, near arrivals, at Vienna International Airport.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttles are available every 15 minutes from the terminal to the rental center.

Airport Transportation:

Accessible via public transportation, including buses, and S-Bahn lines from the city.

Pro Tips for Salzburg Airport(SZG) Car Rentals

It’s advisable to make an advance car reservation, especially during peak travel seasons, for better availability and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off my rental car at a different location in Vienna than the airport?

Yes, most major car rental companies in Salzburg offer drop-off options at multiple locations in Vienna, including the Vienna International Airport. However, availability depends on the specific rental agency, so it’s recommended to confirm during your booking.

Is there an additional fee for a one-way rental between Salzburg and Vienna?

Yes, many car rental companies charge a one-way fee for dropping the vehicle off at a different location. This fee varies by company and is typically disclosed during the booking process.

What is the approximate driving distance and time between Salzburg and Vienna?

The distance between Salzburg and Vienna is roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles), and the drive typically takes around 3 hours by car under normal traffic conditions.

Do I need a special permit to drive from Salzburg to Vienna in a rental car?

No special permit is needed for this route. However, ensure that the rental car has a valid Austrian vignette (road tax sticker) as it's required to drive on Austrian highways.

Can I get assistance if I experience issues with the rental car during my trip?

Most rental companies provide roadside assistance that you can contact if you encounter any problems during your trip. Details on how to access these services are usually included in your rental agreement or provided at the time of pickup.

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