Austin Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Austin

Renting a car in Austin provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as Sixth Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere, and the historic Texas State Capitol, both located in Downtown Austin. Outdoor enthusiasts can easily reach Lake Austin, perfect for scenic experiences and relaxation. A rental car is particularly beneficial for families, allowing you to manage luggage and travel comfortably while visiting popular destinations like Round Rock, home to Chisholm Trail Crossing Park, and Dripping Springs, featuring Hamilton Pool Preserve. These locations offer a variety of outdoor and family-oriented activities. Having a rental car means you can create your own itinerary without the constraints of public transport schedules, making it easier to explore the beautiful landscapes and cultural sites around Austin. Whether you're looking for a romantic outing or an adventurous day with family, a rental car ensures you make the most of your time in this vibrant metropolis.

Most popular car rentals in Austin

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV offers the perfect balance of space and comfort, allowing you to explore Austin and its surroundings without feeling cramped. It provides ample room for luggage, ensuring you can bring everything you need for your trip.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option comfortably accommodates 5 travellers with the flexibility of carrying up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families and groups looking to travel together. With its spacious interior, a Fullsize car allows for a relaxed journey through Austin, ensuring everyone has enough room to enjoy the ride.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the Standard SUV accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those who appreciate a higher driving position and the ability to navigate various terrains comfortably. The Standard SUV offers a blend of practicality and comfort, making it a great choice for exploring the vibrant city of Austin and its vicinity.

Top rated car suppliers in Austin

• Fox Rental Cars: Fox Rental Cars operates a single rental location in Austin, making it a straightforward choice for travellers seeking convenience. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize and Fullsize SUVs, which provide ample space for luggage and comfort during your explorations. Customers appreciate the flexibility that comes with renting from Fox, allowing them to experience Austin and its surroundings at their own pace.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With five rental locations throughout Austin, Thrifty Car Rental offers ease of access for travellers. Known for its reliable Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, Thrifty is a great option for those looking to navigate the city and surrounding areas comfortably. The availability of multiple locations enhances convenience, ensuring you can pick up and drop off your vehicle with minimal hassle.
• Budget: Budget stands out with over five rental locations in Austin, making it highly accessible for tourists. Their fleet includes a range of Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, ideal for families or groups needing extra space. Budget's commitment to competitive pricing and convenient pickup options makes it a reliable choice for a smooth rental experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Where to stay in Austin

• Downtown Austin: Downtown Austin offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Located near popular attractions such as the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake, this area provides ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and recreation. Explore the lively Sixth Street for a city-themed experience, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake, ideal for romance and outdoor activities.
• Round Rock: Round Rock is a family-friendly city known for its outdoor and entertainment experiences. Highlights include the Chisholm Trail Crossing Park and Round Rock West Park, both excellent for family outings and outdoor fun. The city is also home to various restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy delicious food and drinks while exploring recreational areas and theme parks.
• Dripping Springs: Dripping Springs is a picturesque destination for travellers seeking outdoor adventures and romantic getaways. With attractions like Hamilton Pool Preserve and the stunning Lake Travis, visitors can immerse themselves in nature's beauty. The area is also known for its wineries and distilleries, offering delightful options for food and drink enthusiasts who appreciate scenic surroundings.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Austin

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in the event of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Austin

The best value period to rent a car in and around Austin is January, when prices and demand are both slightly low. February also offers reasonable rates with average demand, making it a solid option. Mid-range value months like May and July tend to have average prices and demand. However, October stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand and slightly high prices, while November also sees moderately high costs with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	61.7°F (16.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	75.0°F (23.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	85.1°F (29.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	86.5°F (30.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
November	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average