Car hire in Austin, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Austin

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Austin car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Austin pick-up location

There are 53 car hire locations in Austin. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Austin

Hiring a car in Austin: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 1,561
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Austin

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Austin car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Austin

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Austin? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging R 1,561 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can search less, save more, and drive away happy.

  • March is the cheapest month to rent a car in Austin. With average daily rates of R 466, you're cruising toward real savings.

  • If smart timing is part of your strategy, book about four weeks ahead to grab a cheap rental car in Austin.

  • Hertz, Budget and Easirent are the most popular providers offering car hire deals in Austin.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Austin car hire policy, whether with Hertz or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Austin.

  • Spend less on fuel by picking a car hire in Austin that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your vehicle with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.

  • You might prefer picking up one of the car rentals in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport if you're flying into the city. You can skip the cab line or public transport and start discovering Austin straight away.

Compare car hire types in Austin

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Austin from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Austin car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Austin is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're tough, versatile, and ready for whatever your trip demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Austin car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • Make driving easier when you rent a car in Austin by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always double-check your rental company's policy to see what applies to you.

  • Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Check if you need to add one to your Austin car hire reservation.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Austin

  • Make time for the top attractions in the city once you've found your car hire deal in Austin. Texas State Capitol and Austin Museum of Art, Downtown are the perfect warm-up for the rest of your trip.

  • When check-in time comes around, Holiday Inn Austin -Town Lake by IHG and The Line Austin will make you feel right at home in Austin.

  • Killeen should be on your itinerary if you're eager to see Stonetree Golf Club and Fort Hood November 5 Memorial. This city is around 97 kilometres north of central Austin.

  • They've perfected the guest experience at Stratus Suites Boutique Hotel and OYO Hotel Killeen, two reliable accommodation options in Killeen.

  • Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Austin and travel around 27 kilometres north to Round Rock. Featuring Kalahari Indoor Water Park and Old Settlers Park, its highlights live up to the buzz.

  • TownePlace Suites Austin Round Rock and Hilton Garden Inn Austin/Round Rock are comfortable places to stay in Round Rock if you're in town for a while.

  • Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Dallas is a popular road trip destination that's about 290 kilometres north of Austin. Make a few pit stops at Meyerson Symphony Centre and Winspear Opera House.

  • Browse the room options at Magnolia Hotel Downtown Dallas or Fairmont Dallas. Use one of them as your base and enjoy everything Dallas has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Austin will set you back around R 1,561 per day or R 3,155 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Austin is a full-size van or truck. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Austin are currently Turo and Alamo.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Austin is currently March.
On average, around R 3,155. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Austin is R 3,065.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Austin for a whole month is R 29,337. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Austin, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Austin that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Austin.
Most places – Austin included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 622 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,530.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Fox - Rent A Car and Dollar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Payless as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Austin.