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Car hire in Austin with Hertz
Austin is easy to enjoy when you keep the day simple. One day might be Downtown and the Arts District, another could lean into South Congress and Zilker, and another might be a Hill Country drive when you want a change of pace.
Booking a car hire in Austin through Hertz makes this possible with a flexible schedule. You can set your own timings, handle luggage or shopping bags without hassle, and make space for unplanned stops that turn into the best part of the day.
Driving in Austin is shaped by a few predictable patterns. I-35 can slow quickly during commuter windows, and special event nights can tighten traffic around Downtown. The smoothest approach is to get a car rental in Austin with Hertz.
Arrive, park once, explore, then make one clean move to the next area.
Pickup locations in Austin
- Austin - East 10th Street HLE
- Austin - Atlantic Aviation (Private Flights Only)
- Austin - West Anderson Lane HLE
- Austin - South Austin HLE
- Austin Bergstrom International Airport
- Austin - Oak Hill HLE
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Driving guide: Car rental in Austin
Parking Information
- 2nd Street Garage (Downtown / Convention Center edge) is a great option when your day is built around Downtown walks, the Convention Center area, and riverfront access. This is a 10-story garage with 1,000 parking spots, making it easy to park your car rental and explore close attractions.
- 5th Street Garage (Downtown / Red River corridor) is a reliable parking spot that works well when you want a predictable base for Downtown plans that include the Red River area and nearby venues. It offers 685 parking spots and is accessible 24/7.
- Capitol Tower Garage (Capitol area) works well if most of your plans are around the Texas State Capitol and central Downtown. It offers 739 parking spaces, with entry from San Jacinto Blvd, and it sits just a few blocks south of the Capitol.
Key Roads in Austin
- I-35 (Central spine route): The main north–south corridor through Austin. It connects Downtown, UT, and many major exits, but timing matters because slowdowns build quickly around peak hours.
- MoPac (Loop 1): A key parallel route to I-35 for moving north–south on the west side. It can be the cleaner option when you want one deliberate move between zones.
- US-183 and SH 71 (Airport positioning routes): Common approaches for getting to and from Austin-Bergstrom and moving across the city without cutting through the tightest Downtown streets.
Electric Car Hire
If you want a lower-emission way to explore the city of Austin, Hertz electric car hire can be an excellent pick. You drive into a district, park for a while, then spend time walking, eating, and exploring before moving again. That rhythm makes EV driving feel smooth and almost effortless.
Hertz also keeps the experience straightforward for travelers who do not drive electric vehicles every day. You are free to book an electric car rental in Austin that matches your trip style, then plan the day in fewer, cleaner moves.
Booking an electric car in Austin is an easy shift toward greener driving without turning the itinerary into a charging schedule.
Charging Points
Austin has a strong foundation for EV travel. Public charging maps list 1,628 public charging ports within 15 km of the city (Level 2 and Level 3 combined). The network continues to grow as EV adoption increases, and that trend supports the kind of stop-based day most visitors already follow in Austin.
Considering the growing efforts to curb emissions, Hertz encourages hiring electric car rentals for a greener, yet smoother driving experience.
Congestion Charges
Austin does not have a citywide congestion charge zone for everyday driving. What you will run into instead is toll pricing on parts of the Austin-area network, especially on routes designed to help you bypass slower corridors.
When taking a rental car to travel, make sure to plan your routes strategically before initiating your journey, or reach out to your closest Hertz branch to learn more about it.
Getting from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Cedar Park
Cedar Park is a convenient onward drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), making it a good option if you want to get on the road soon after rental car pickup. If you collect your car hire at the airport, the journey typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic, with most of the route following major roads north of Austin.
- Start at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and leave the airport via Spirit of Texas Drive and State Highway 71 W.
- Get onto US-183 N for the main part of the journey.
- Continue via the 183 Toll, then take the US-183 N exit from 183A Toll Road N into Williamson County.
- Follow local roads to S Bell Boulevard in Cedar Park.
Getting from Austin to Fredericksburg (Texas Hill Country)
Getting from Austin to Fredericksburg is one of the easiest Hill Country day trips. It’s a scenic drive west, and most trips take around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by a rental car, depending on where you start in Austin and the time of day.
- Start in Austin and position toward the westbound corridors that lead into the Hill Country.
- Follow the primary highways out of the city, then stay on the main route toward Fredericksburg.
- Plan this as a single-focus drive: one departure, one main visit block, then a straightforward return
- As you arrive, follow town signage for public parking areas so you avoid last-minute turns.
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Popular vehicles to rent
A quick guide to Austin
The Driskill
604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
A historic Austin icon that people book for the atmosphere as much as the location. It’s known for its grand lobby, classic architecture, and an old-school luxury feel that makes the hotel itself part of the trip. Guests often choose it for the polished service, on-site dining options, and the sense of staying in one of Austin’s most recognisable landmark properties.
Fairmont Austin
101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
A popular modern choice for travelers who want a full-service stay with strong on-site amenities. It’s well known for its upscale rooms, multiple dining options, and a resort-style pool setup that makes it easy to unwind between city days. Many guests pick it because it feels self-contained, with enough in-house options that you can keep evenings simple without hunting for plans.
Austin Proper Hotel
600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
A design-led boutique hotel that’s popular for its curated interiors and a more elevated, contemporary vibe. It’s known for its stylish rooms, highly regarded on-site food, and the overall “Austin-cool” feel that suits trips where the hotel experience matters. Guests often book it when they want something polished and modern, but still very local in personality.
Franklin Barbecue (East Austin)
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
A famous Austin stop for brisket and classic Texas barbecue plates. It’s best planned as a main meal on a day where you are already exploring nearby neighborhoods, so the food feels like a highlight rather than a rushed detour. Many visitors come specifically for the slow-smoked brisket and the full Texas BBQ experience that feels distinctly Austin.
Uchi Austin (South Lamar)
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
A polished Japanese restaurant known for carefully made small plates and a menu that rewards a slower, more deliberate dinner plan. It fits well on nights when you want one focused stop and a calmer pace. Guests tend to love it for the sushi and chef-driven plates that make it feel like a special-occasion meal without being overly formal. While renting a car, keep a plan to visit this spot.
Veracruz All Natural (East Austin)
2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702, United States
A go-to taco spot that is popular for breakfast tacos and fresh, flavor-forward options. It works well as a simple start to the day before you commit to a longer museum, park, or shopping block. It’s a favourite because it’s quick, satisfying, and consistently good when you want something casual that still feels local.
Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States
One of Austin’s most recognisable landmarks, popular for its grand architecture and the sense of scale you get the moment you step onto the grounds. Visitors like it because the building and surrounding lawns are easy to explore at your own pace, and the views down Congress Avenue can also surprise you. It also works well as a starting point for a Downtown day since many nearby streets, cafés, and museums sit within a short walking radius.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, United States
A classic Austin outdoor block with wide green space, skyline views in spots, and a laid-back pace that suits families, couples, and solo travelers. It’s popular because it gives you multiple options in one place, from relaxed picnic areas to trails and open lawns where locals spend entire afternoons.
Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, United States
A signature Austin stop known for its spring-fed water that stays cool even on the hottest days. It’s popular because it feels like a natural reset in the middle of a city trip, and it draws both visitors and locals who treat it as a regular ritual. When you book a car, plan it as a proper block of time since it is one of those places where you end up staying longer than expected once you settle in.
FAQs
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Austin?
If you are traveling on busy weekends, during festivals, or around holidays, booking a Hertz car rental earlier usually gives you a better vehicle choice.
Do I need a driving permit to hire a car in Austin?
Yes. Usually, a valid driving license is required to hire a car in Austin. If your license is not in the Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit may be needed alongside it.
Can I pick up a rental car in Austin and return it to a different city in the USA?
Yes, one-way rentals are often available. You will typically see any one-way fee during booking.
What is the best time to book a rental car in Austin?
Book a Hertz car rental in Austin earlier if your dates line up with peak travel periods or major city events, since availability can tighten quickly.
Are there restrictions on where I can take a rental car outside Austin?
In most cases, you can drive within Texas and beyond, but review your rental terms for any location-specific limits.
Will I be charged for returning the car late in Austin?
Late returns can lead to additional charges. If your timing changes, update the booking as soon as you can.
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Austin?
Minimum age and any young-renter fees vary by location and vehicle type. Check the Rental Qualifications during booking.
Can I arrange a one-way rental from Austin?
Yes. Select a different drop-off location during booking, subject to availability.
What insurance options are available for Hertz rentals in Austin?
Protection options are shown during car rental booking, and the selection can vary by location.
Does Hertz provide child seats for rentals in Austin?
Yes, child seats are typically available as an optional extra, and reserving ahead helps during busy periods.
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