Austin Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Austin

Renting a car in Austin offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Sixth Street, known for its vibrant city experiences, and the historic Texas State Capitol, which is perfect for culture enthusiasts. Outdoor lovers can head to Lake Austin for scenic views and romantic moments. The convenience of having a car makes it simple to manage luggage and accommodate family needs while travelling.

Moreover, a rental car allows you to explore popular nearby destinations like Downtown Austin, which features Lady Bird Lake, and Round Rock, where you can find beautiful parks. Dripping Springs, with attractions like Hamilton Pool Preserve and Lake Travis, is also within reach. The ability to travel without the constraints of public transport schedules enhances your experience, whether you are seeking adventure, romance, or family outings. Overall, a rental car provides an excellent way to maximise your time in and around Austin, making your trip enjoyable and memorable.

Most popular car rentals in Austin

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is a top choice for many travellers in Austin, accommodating up to 5 people along with 3 large suitcases. Its spacious interior makes it perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking both comfort and versatility. Whether you’re navigating the city or heading out on a scenic drive, a midsize SUV provides ample room for everyone and their luggage, making it an ideal option for your explorations.
• Fullsize: Offering room for up to 5 travellers and the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is perfect for families and groups wanting a bit more space. This vehicle ensures that you can comfortably pack for your journey while enjoying the freedom to visit various attractions in and around Austin. It combines practicality with sufficient space for luggage, making it a popular choice among renters.
• Standard SUV: A standard SUV is another excellent option for those visiting Austin, accommodating 5 travellers and up to 2 medium suitcases. Ideal for couples, families, or groups, this car type balances comfort and practicality. With its manageable size, you can easily navigate city streets while still enjoying sufficient room for your belongings. This makes the standard SUV a flexible choice for those wishing to explore Austin’s vibrant offerings.

Top rated car suppliers in Austin

• Thrifty Car Rental: With 1 rental location in the area of Austin, Thrifty Car Rental is a popular choice for travellers. Known for its reliable service, the most booked vehicles with this supplier are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, providing ample space and comfort for your Texas adventures.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car also features 1 rental location in Austin, making it a convenient option for visitors. This supplier is well-regarded for its friendly service, with Fullsize and Midsize SUVs being the most popular choices among customers. Enjoy a smooth rental experience as you explore the vibrant city and its surroundings.
• Avis: With 4 rental locations throughout Austin, Avis offers great accessibility for travellers. This supplier is known for its excellent selection of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars being the most frequently booked options. Avis provides a reliable and efficient service, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Where to stay in Austin

• Downtown Austin: Located at the heart of the city, Downtown Austin offers a vibrant family, outdoor, and city-themed experience. Key attractions include the lively Sixth Street, known for its nightlife, and the historic Texas State Capitol, perfect for culture enthusiasts. Lady Bird Lake provides scenic views and outdoor activities. Dining options abound, with numerous restaurants and wineries nearby, making it a prime location for those looking to explore urban life while enjoying local cuisine.
• Round Rock: Situated just north of Austin, Round Rock is an ideal spot for families seeking outdoor entertainment. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas like the Chisholm Trail Crossing Park and Round Rock West Park, both offering ample space for outdoor activities. The region also boasts a thriving food scene, with various restaurants and wineries. For sports enthusiasts, the local sports facility stadium adds an exciting element to your stay in the area.
• Dripping Springs: Known for its picturesque landscapes, Dripping Springs is perfect for those seeking romantic getaways and outdoor adventures. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is a stunning natural area, while Lake Travis and Lake Austin provide opportunities for scenic relaxation. The local food and drink scene includes several wineries and distilleries, enhancing your experience with local flavours. This area is particularly enjoyable in the warmer months when outdoor activities are at their peak.

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 the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also impact renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but it may be worth it for the added convenience.
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 added peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to include car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Austin

January and February are the best times to rent a car in and around Austin, offering slightly low prices and average to low demand. June also presents a good opportunity, with slightly low rates despite slightly high demand. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with prices rising alongside average demand. Following April, October sees high demand and slightly high prices, making it one of the busiest periods for car rentals in the area.

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