Cheap Car Hire at Austin International Airport
Welcome to Austin International Airport!
Austin, the vibrant capital of the State of Texas, is well-served by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), the primary gateway to city. Located about 8 kilometres (5 miles) southeast of downtown Austin, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s fascinating attractions, superb restaurants, and the surrounding natural beauty. With millions of travellers passing through each year, the airport offers a streamlined and traveler-friendly experience, with modern amenities, excellent connectivity, and top-notch services. Known for its buzzing music scene, world-class tech culture, and unique blend of modern and traditional Texan charm, Austin is a city that offers something for everyone. The airport makes it easy to rent a car with an on-site rental car facility just a short shuttle ride away from the main terminals and is home to a variety of trusted car hire companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Alamo. This makes it easy to pick up a vehicle that suits your needs, whether you’re looking for an economy car for a solo trip or an SUV to explore the hill country with friends. Whether you’re in town for business, a major tech conference, or to experience the city’s famed live music venues, Austin-Bergstrom is a convenient and welcoming gateway to all that this eclectic city has to offer. It connects with several international destinations across various countries, including the United Kingdom and London’s busiest airport London Heathrow (LHR), German city Frankfurt (FRA), the picturesque canal city of Amsterdam (AMS) in The Netherlands, Canadian cities such as Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC), and Vancouver (YVR), the buzzing Mexican capital Mexico City (MEX), beach playground Cancún (CUN) and costal Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Panama’s capital Panama City (PTY) and colourful San Juan (SJU) in Puerto Rico. Austin is known for its unique vibe and some of the best local life music venues in the whole of the United State of America whether you’re into outdoor adventures, food truck cuisine, live music, or history, the city has something to offer. Austin is not only a city of culture but also a gateway to some of Texas’s most beautiful landscapes and exciting destinations. With your rental car, you can venture beyond the city limits and explore the nearby Hill Country, picturesque lakes, and charming towns. Renting a car will allow you to experience the best of Austin and its surroundings.
Driving in Austin
The drive from the airport to downtown Austin is quick and convenient, taking about 15 minutes depending on traffic. With your rental car, you’ll be able to navigate Austin and the surrounding region at your own pace, giving you the freedom to explore its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and scenic routes. Must-visit spots in Austin that are easily accessible by car include the Zilker Metropolitan Park (15-minute drive), an expansive green space offers trails, picnic spots, and the famous Barton Springs Pool, Texas State Capitol (15-minute drive) in downtown Austin, which offers free tours where you can learn about the state's history and government. Barton Creek Greenbelt (20-minute drive), for those looking to experience hiking in resplendent nature and take a dip in the natural spring-fed pools. Take a kayak or paddle-board out on the water to enjoy the Austin skyline from a different angle at Lady Bird Lake (15-minute drive), or browse a fascinating collection of exhibits and artefacts from the state’s past at the Bullock Texas State History Museum (20-minute drive) which showcases the rich history of Texas. Just outside Austin, the Texas Hill Country (1 hour) offers stunning natural beauty, from rolling hills to serene lakes and charming small towns like Fredericksburg. A visit to this region is a must for those looking to experience the quieter side of Texas. Another great trip is to the natural swimming hole of Hamilton Pool Preserve (40-minute drive) surrounded by a collapsed grotto, is a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and photography. Enjoy water activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing at Lake Travis (30-minute drive), a scenic reservoir that’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Keen to shop? San Marcos (30-minute drive) has outlet malls galore? It’s on the San Marcos River, and is a great for a day trip from Austin.
Austin has a well-maintained road system, and driving is generally easy. The city is known for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hours, so it's best to plan accordingly. The road network includes urban streets, scenic highways, and rolling hills that make for a picturesque drive. Here are a few tips for driving around Austin: Traffic can get heavy, especially on major roads like I-35, Loop 1 (Mopac Expressway), and U.S. Highway 290. Rush hour is usually from 7:30–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM, so try to plan your travel outside of these times. Downtown Austin has plenty of parking, but it can get expensive. Consider using parking garages or street parking options that are well-marked. If you plan to explore on foot, the downtown area is also quite walkable. Austin has toll roads, including the 183A Toll Road and Loop 1 Toll Road. Rental car companies may offer toll passes, so check with them to make your travel smoother.
Tips and FAQs
Want to book a hire car for the lowest price? Book early for best deals and availability, especially during peak travel seasons. Many car hire companies follow a full-to-full fuel policy, so be sure to fill up your rental car before returning it to avoid any extra charges. There are multiple gas stations near the airport. Always check with your rental company to ensure you’re covered. You may also want to verify if your own car insurance or credit card offers rental car coverage.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Location: 5 miles from downtown Austin
Terminals: 1 main terminal with 2 concourses
Annual Passengers: Over 17 million
Car Rental Facility: On-site with multiple major rental companies
Nearest Gas Station: Shell on Highway 71, just 1 mile from AUS
Major Highways: I-35, Loop 1, U.S. 290, TX-71
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