Austria is a rural and mountainous country, therefore the trip in a rented car is almost a necessity, since access to some of the main tourist sites is only possible on foot or with a private car.

You should pay attention to the below tips when you rent a car in Austria:
 

◾ Highway Sticker

The Austrian highway system (Autobahnen) is excellent and offers a comfortable and efficient driving experience along with spectacular views. Driving on the highways requires paying a toll in advance.

For those booking a car rental in Austria with Ofran, the sticker for the highways within Austria (vignette) is included in the rental price, and will be affixed to the car's windshield.

Please note that there are certain routes that aren't included in the basic sticker provided by the rental company. Since the list of toll roads included in the sticker changes from time to time, it's your responsibility to find out through the supplier what routes are included and how to pay the tolls if there are any.

If you intend to enter Austria from another country - you can purchase the sticker at the border crossing or at gas stations and it must be affixed to the windshield according to the instructions. Driving without a sticker can lead to a high fine. A toll may also be charged when passing through the tunnels. Recently an app where you can pay the tolls directly was launched, you can read more details here-
https://www.asfinag.at/en/toll/vignette/digital-vignette/

◾ Parking

As for parking, in Austria it is not customary to mark the parking areas by painting the curb, marking the parking areas is done with signs only. In the city of Vienna, there is an obligation to pay a parking fee all over the city, so you must make sure you have a valid parking ticket/payment proof.

◾ Car lights

It is recommended to use lights while traveling in Austria, especially in the winter season. Please note, turning on lights is mandatory in cases of fog, snow or limited visibility.

◾ Seat belt

Wearing seat belts is mandatory in the front and back seats.

◾ Travelling outside of Austria with the rented car

Austria is an ideal departure point for trips to the neighboring countries. However, note that some vehicle groups (mainly luxury vehicles and automatic vehicles) are subject to restrictions when exiting to former Eastern European countries.

Most of the car rental suppliers allow departure to the popular countries and so you can rent a car in Austria and travel with it into Germany, Italy, France and even Slovenia. Be sure to mark the countries to which you wish to travel already when you start booking the car on our website (or telling our representative if you are making the booking via phone), so you will receive written confirmation from the supplier and will be covered in terms of insurance and road service.

Please note that in some countries in Europe, like Switzerland and Austria, a special sticker is required for driving on highways, which you can purchase in kiosks at the borders.

The responsibility of purchasing the sticker is the renter's alone, so make sure to stick it according to the local guided and make sure if a sticker is needed whenever you exit a country and enter another.
 

Driving in Austria during the winter season

In terms of local law, all vehicles in Austria must be adapted for winter driving between November 1st of each year and April 15th of the following year.
Vehicles must be equipped with winter tires, and snow chains must be mounted on the vehicle's tires if the driving conditions require it or if the signage instructs to do so (pay particular attention to this matter if you are planning to go on a skiing vacation), so it is important to pay attention to the signage in areas that require snow chains.

When the chains are assembled, travel will be at a slow speed only (up to 40 km/h). Please note that the snow chains usually must be ordered in advance.
Also, in case the weather conditions require it - make sure to drive slowly and avoid driving at night as much as possible.
 

◾ Ski rack

Some of the rental companies offer a ski roof for rent to connect to the rental car. The ski roof must be ordered in advance. The canopy is suitable for two pairs of skis only and is an additional cost to the rental company to be paid when picking up the car.

Please note that it is not possible to attach the canopy to all vehicle groups. It is recommended to find out in advance that it is indeed possible to add him to the invited category.
 

◾ Driving a diesel/electric vehicle during winter time

Please note, that in very low temperatures, diesel fuel may freeze, so it's important to prepare accordingly when you are in driving in especially cold conditions. It is recommended to park the vehicle in a covered parking lot and purchase anti-freeze liquid to prevent the freezing of the fuel. Also note that electric cars are also affected by the cold, and it is possible to experience a drop of up to 30% in the range of use of the battery.
 

Pay attention! At very low temperatures the fuel in the tank may freeze.

We recommend parking the vehicle in an underground or indoor parking lot and/or adding antifreeze to the fuel tank when refueling (which is a special substance that prevents freezing), the antifreeze can be purchased at gas stations if necessary.

For more tips regarding renting a car during wintertime click here

and for important tips regarding renting a car abroad click here

Booking a car in Austria with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Austria, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you and the freedom to do so according to your schedule.

Also, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of car groups the most suitable car for your vacation in an easy and comfortable process and with great prices.

Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Austria

Besides visiting the big cities of Vienna or Salzburg, the nature and cultural wealth of the country offer endless possibilities for a trip with a rental car in Austria.

Here are a few recommendations:
 

Grossglockner

The highest peak in the country, rises to a height of 3,798 meters. It is known for its height and its "pyramid" shape. Despite the height of the mountain, the route is not considered a particularly challenging climbing route, therefore it is also loved by relatively "amateur" climbers, while there is still a need for experience and prior preparation. Getting to the mountain is easily possible by renting a car in Salzburg.
 

Krimmler waterfall

The highest waterfall in Austria. 380 meters of spectacular and powerful water fall.
The route to the waterfall is possible through the magical town of Krimmel. Our recommendation is to leave the car in Krimmel and choose the walking route that suits you best, according to its degree of challenge.
 

Innsbruck 

The capital of the state of Tyrol in western Austria is located in the picturesque Inn Valley. The historic town is surrounded by high mountains, a detail that makes it a popular town especially during the skiing season. Its historic buildings, museums and vibrant city life alongside open nature and luxury resorts make it a perfect vacation destination for everyone.

Austria with kids
 

The magical and legendary country is a wonderful destination for a family trip. Whether you are planning a trip to tourist locations, in nature, or a sportier trip, the country with endless spaces offers all the possibilities.
 

Wurstelprater Amusement Park

If you are renting a car in Vienna you can take the children on an unforgettable adventure at Wurstelprater, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Prater, as it is called by connoisseurs, houses 250 different rides and attractions for all ages. The younger family members will be able to jump on inflatables and trampolines, while the older and braver ones will climb the more challenging rides.
 

The Salt Mine in Hallstatt

The village, which seems to be taken from old legends, is one of the most photographed places in Austria, but the main attraction is the underground salt mine, the oldest salt mine in the world. Parents who wish to give their children a special experience can choose a guided tour of the mythological tunnels and a cruise on the gondolas traveling across the Salt Lake, while listening to stories about the special history of this white gold. Getting to the salt mine in Hallstatt is extremely simple when booking a car rental in Salzburg.
 

Shopping in Austria
 

Several malls and outlets throughout the country will help you make sure you don't return home empty-handed. Below are just two of the long list:
 

Parndorf Designer Outlet 

The famous outlet located outside the cities, offers international brands and designer stores at significant discounts. Prada, Armani and Gucci are some of the stores you can find there, in addition to high-end street fashion such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger and more accessible brands such as Adidas, Mango and Levis. The discounts offered become even bigger during the sale seasons.
Restaurants, cafes and play areas for children will help you through the long shopping day, and of course there is plenty of parking.

Arriving to Fahrendorf is particularly convenient while booking a rental car in Vienna.
 

Europark Mall 

If you like to do your shopping indoors, the Europark mall in Salzburg is one of the best that Austria has to offer. Over 130 shops and restaurants, and a variety that will allow you to find everything you want under one roof.
It's loved by travelers and locals alike, especially as it offers 4,200 free parking spaces, a detail that makes it extra convenient and perfect for arriving with a large trunk vehicle to fit all the big purchases you want to take home.