Austin is a vibrant city that is known for its live music scene, delicious food, and beautiful parks. If you’re planning a trip to Austin, you may be wondering if you should rent a car. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of renting a car in Austin, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Should I Rent A Car In Austin?
Yes, you should rent a car in Austin. Austin is a large city, and having a car will give you more flexibility in your schedule and allow you to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. While Austin does have public transportation, it may not be as convenient or as frequent as in other major cities. Plus, having a car will make it easier to get to some of the more remote areas of the city, like the Hill Country or Lake Travis.
However, if you plan on staying in the downtown area and only visiting the major tourist attractions, you may not need a car. Walking, biking, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can be a good alternative.
Bottom line: Whether or not you should rent a car in Austin depends on your itinerary and how much flexibility you want during your trip.
The Benefits Of Renting A Car In Austin
There are several benefits to renting a car in Austin. First and foremost, it provides more flexibility in your schedule. You won’t be tied to public transportation schedules or have to worry about finding a ride to more remote areas of the city.
Renting a car also allows you to explore areas outside of Austin, such as the beautiful Texas Hill Country or the wineries in Fredericksburg. Additionally, if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, a rental car can be more comfortable and convenient than public transportation.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Austin provides flexibility, allows you to explore outside the city, and can be more comfortable for groups and those with a lot of luggage.
The Cons Of Renting A Car In Austin
While there are benefits to renting a car in Austin, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost. Austin is a popular tourist destination, and rental car rates can be high, especially during peak travel seasons.
Another factor to consider is traffic. Austin is known for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, and it can be stressful to navigate the city’s busy streets. Parking can also be a challenge in certain areas, like downtown or near major tourist attractions.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Austin can be expensive, and traffic and parking can be challenging. It’s important to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision.
Is It Better To Rent A Car At Austin Airport?
Renting a car at the Austin airport can be convenient, as you can pick up your car right after you arrive and start your trip without having to worry about transportation to your hotel. However, rental rates at the airport can be higher than at off-airport locations, and you may also have to pay additional fees like airport surcharges.
If you’re looking to save money, it may be worth considering renting a car from an off-airport location. Many rental car companies offer shuttle service to and from the airport, which can save you money on rental fees and additional charges.
Bottom line: Renting a car at the Austin airport can be convenient, but it may be more expensive than renting from an off-airport location.
The Cheapest Way to Rent A Car In Austin
If you’re looking to save money on a rental car in Austin, there are a few tips you can follow. First, book your rental car in advance. Rates can be higher if you wait until the last minute to book. Additionally, compare rates from different rental car companies to find the best deal.
Consider renting from an off-airport location or choosing a smaller car to save on rental fees. You can also check for discounts and promo codes from rental car companies or through travel websites.
Finally, be aware of additional fees like insurance and fuel charges. You may be able to save money by declining rental car insurance if your personal car insurance or credit card covers it, and by filling up the gas tank before returning the car.
Bottom line: To save money on renting a car in Austin, book in advance, compare rates, consider renting from an off-airport location or choosing a smaller car, look for discounts, and be aware of additional fees.
Rent A Car In Austin
Here are rental car companies to rent a car from in Austin:
- Alamo: starts at $60 per day
- Avis: starts at $68 per day
- Budget: starts at $60 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $63 per day
- Hertz: starts at $64 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $51 per day
- Dollar: starts at $49 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $40-$50 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $2.80-$3.20 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 12-15 gallons of gas. It’s important to note that gas prices can fluctuate and may be higher during peak travel seasons.
Alternative Transportation Options In Austin
If you decide not to rent a car in Austin, there are several alternative transportation options to consider. The city has a public transportation system called CapMetro, which includes buses and a light rail line. There are also several ride-sharing services available, including Uber, Lyft, and RideAustin.
Additionally, Austin has a bike-share program called B-Cycle, which allows you to rent a bike for a short period of time and return it to one of the many bike stations throughout the city. Austin is also a bike-friendly city, with many dedicated bike lanes and trails.
Walking is another option, especially if you plan on staying in the downtown area or visiting the major tourist attractions. Many of Austin’s top attractions, like the Texas State Capitol and the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, are within walking distance of each other.
Bottom line: If you choose not to rent a car in Austin, there are several alternative transportation options, including public transportation, ride-sharing services, bike-share programs, and walking.
Tips For Driving In Austin
If you do decide to rent a car in Austin, here are some tips to help you navigate the city’s roads:
- Be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hour. Consider using a GPS or navigation app to help you navigate the city’s busy streets.
- Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians. Austin is a bike-friendly city, and there are many cyclists and pedestrians on the roads.
- Be aware of parking regulations. Parking can be a challenge in certain areas, like downtown or near major tourist attractions. Make sure you read and follow all parking regulations to avoid getting a ticket.
- Keep an eye out for toll roads. There are several toll roads in and around Austin, so make sure you have cash or a toll tag to pay the tolls.
- Don’t drink and drive. Austin has strict drunk driving laws, and it’s not worth the risk. Use a ride-sharing service or designate a sober driver if you plan on drinking.
Bottom line: If you’re driving in Austin, be prepared for heavy traffic, watch out for cyclists and pedestrians, be aware of parking regulations, keep an eye out for toll roads, and never drink and drive.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, whether or not you should rent a car in Austin depends on your itinerary and how much flexibility you want during your trip. Renting a car can provide more flexibility and allow you to explore areas outside the city, but it can be expensive, and traffic and parking can be challenging. If you decide not to rent a car, there are several alternative transportation options available, including public transportation, ride-sharing services, bike-share programs, and walking. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, be prepared for Austin’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful parks. Enjoy your trip!