Can you rent a Car in Munich and drive to Austria?

Thinking about renting a car in Munich and drive to Austria?

We’ve got good news – yes, you can! 

The quick answer: Most major rental companies in Munich like Sixt, Avis, and Europcar allow you to drive their rental cars into Austria, but you’ll need to specifically request and pay for cross-border travel.

Anna worked in Austria for two years and did many border crossings from Germany, so here is our guide for you.

In this article we break down everything you need to know about renting a car in Munich and driving to Austria, from which rental companies allow cross-border travel to what documents you’ll need and how much extra it might cost.

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These Rental Companies in Germany That’ll Let You Cross Borders:

We recently checked the major rental car companies in Munich about their cross-border policies, but remember – rules and policies can change! Always double-check the current terms when booking your rental car. 

Important Booking Tip

Always book through official rental websites (Sixt.de, Avis.de, etc.) rather than comparison portals, as only the direct websites let you select cross-border travel options and add crucial extras like winter tires.

Here are the rental car companies that do provide cross-border travel options to Austria:

Pro Tips from Our Experience:

1. Airport pickups might be more expensive but offer more flexibility
2. Compare prices between different locations of the same company
3. Watch out for weekend closure at city locations
4. Book well in advance for best rates and availability

Please note: Don’t book the cheapest option without reading the terms! ALWAYS read the fine print of your specific rental agreement.

Some budget rental companies straight-up won’t let you cross borders, period. We’ve seen policies change without notice, and different Munich locations of the same company sometimes have different rules.

Spending an extra 10 minutes reading the terms beats finding out at the counter that you can’t take the car to Austria!

Do You Need a Vignette When Driving from Germany to Austria?

While cruising down the German Autobahn is free (one of the things we love about Germany!), you’ll definitely need a vignette (toll sticker) once you cross into Austria. 

And trust us on this one—you don’t want to skip it! Thankfully, we knew about this in advance, as Anna worked in Austria for two years, so we didn’t have to learn the hard way. Those fines can go up to €120 on the spot if you don’t have a vignette!

We usually buy the digital vignette online—no more fiddling with stickers or stressing about placing them correctly on your rental car’s windshield. It’s linked directly to your license plate, so there’s no risk of forgetting to put it on the car.

Where can you buy an Austrian vignette in Germany?

1. Gas Stations Near the Border
If you’re driving from Munich to Austria via the A8, many gas stations along the route sell vignettes. Look for signs on the highway indicating “Vignette” or toll passes. You can find a map of these gas stations on ASFINAG’s website.

2. Online (Digital Vignette)
You can also buy a digital vignette online through ASFINAG’s official website or ADAC (the German equivalent of AAA or CAA). The digital vignette links to your car’s license plate, so there’s no need for a physical sticker.

• Important: The digital vignette is valid immediately, but within 14 days of purchase, you can make changes or cancellations for free, provided the vignette’s validity has not yet started.
• Only buy through official ASFINAG partner websites to avoid potential scams or additional fees.

3. At the ADAC Shops

You can also purchase a physical vignette at ADAC (the German Automobile Club) shops. This is a convenient option if you’re already in Germany, as ADAC locations are widely accessible, and staff can provide advice on the best vignette option for your trip.

Current Vignette Prices for Austria (2024/25)

• 1-Day Vignette: €8.60
• 10-Day Vignette: €11.50

For the latest prices, always refer to official sources. We personally recommend purchasing vignettes online through the official ASFINAG or ADAC websites, or offline at ADAC shops, or at trusted gas stations near the border.

Tips from Our Personal Experience

From our journeys across Austria, we’ve learned a few practical tips that can save you from potential hassles.

• Buy your vignette before entering Austrian highways to avoid fines and delays.
• Keep the receipt if you buy a physical vignette as proof of purchase.
• Take a photo of the vignette once it’s applied, just in case you need to show it later.
• Place the vignette correctly on your windshield—usually in the lower or upper left corner or behind the rearview mirror.

Essentials Before Crossing into Austria with a Rental Car from Munich

When driving from Munich into Austria with a rental car, there are a few key essentials to ensure a smooth journey. 

1. Valid Driver’s License (International Driving Permit recommended for non-EU visitors).
2. Rental Agreement confirming that cross-border travel is allowed.
3. Austrian Vignette for highway travel.
4. Insurance Coverage valid in both Germany and Austria.
5. Winter tires are mandatory in Austria from November 1 to April 15, so make sure during the booking process to add winter tires to your rental car if you’re traveling during this time. 

Important: Passport Controls Between Germany and Austria

While Germany and Austria are both in the Schengen zone (meaning typically no border controls), there are currently temporary border checks in place! Germany has extended these controls along the Austrian border.

Even though you’re technically traveling within the Schengen area, always keep your valid passport or national ID card readily accessible in your rental car – not buried in your luggage in the trunk. The German Federal Police conducts these checks to manage irregular migration, and they’re serious business.

Pro Tip: Before your trip, make sure all passengers have valid travel documents handy. While the controls aren’t always present, when they are, they can cause delays, especially during peak travel times or holidays. Trust us – you don’t want to be that car holding up the line while digging through your suitcase for documents!

Driving in Austria: What to Keep in Mind

Toll Roads in Austria

While the general Austrian highway system operates with a vignette (a toll sticker or digital permit), certain stretches require an additional toll. These “special toll sections” (Streckenmaut) are typically found on high-maintenance alpine routes, such as tunnels or mountain passes. This fee is separate from the vignette, so if you plan to drive through areas like the Brenner Pass or the Arlberg Tunnel, be prepared to pay a bit extra. You can purchase this additional toll online in advance through ASFINAG’s website or at toll stations on-site.

Speed Limits in Austria

Unlike certain stretches of the German Autobahn, where there are no speed limits, Austria enforces strict speed limits across all roads. Here’s a quick overview:

• Highways (Autobahnen): 130 km/h
• Main Roads (Landstraßen): 100 km/h
• Urban Areas: 50 km/h

Austrian speed limits are no joke, and fines can be steep. They’re diligent about enforcing penalties. To avoid an unpleasant surprise in the mail, keep a close eye on your speedometer and stick to the posted limits – especially since fines increase significantly the more you exceed the limit.

Special Note: Vienna’s “Tram Lines” (Straßenbahngleise)

Vienna has specific lanes dedicated solely to trams, which are off-limits for cars. These tram-only lanes aren’t always obvious, so it’s easy to end up in one unintentionally – and the fines are steep. If you’re caught blocking a tram or driving in these lanes, expect a penalty starting at €365, roughly equivalent to the price of a yearly public transport pass!

From our experience, driving in Vienna can be tricky. It’s not just the tram lanes but also the parking situation: finding a spot is challenging, and parking fees can add up quickly if you’re not careful. Vienna’s inner districts have strict parking regulations, often requiring paid parking permits even for short stays. Public garages are available, but they can be expensive, especially in popular areas.

For a smoother trip, consider parking outside the city center and using Vienna’s efficient public transportation to get around. This saves you both time and the stress of navigating the city’s complex street layout and tram zones.

Driving in winter in Austria

In Germany, while there’s no fixed winter tire requirement period, you’re legally required to have appropriate tires for winter conditions (“situative Winterreifenpflicht”). However, Austria has stricter regulations—winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15, and snow chains are required in certain regions.

Most rental cars in Germany and Austria come with winter tires during the cold season, but you should always verify this when booking and check the tires at pickup (look for the snowflake “Alpine” symbol on the sidewall of the tires). 

Snow chains, however, are typically an add-on that you’ll need to request and pay for.

Can you drive your rental from Munich and drop it off in Austria?

Yes, you can usually arrange to pick up a rental car in Munich and drop it off in another city in Austria, such as Vienna, Salzburg, or Graz. However, be prepared for an additional one-way drop-off fee. 

Many rental companies charge an extra fee for cross-border one-way rentals. The exact cost depends on the company, the pickup and drop-off locations, and sometimes even the type of vehicle you choose.

If your goal is to save money, you’re better off planning a round-trip that brings you back to Munich for the drop-off. Not only does this save you the drop-off fee, but it also gives you the flexibility to explore other scenic spots along the way. Returning to Munich might seem less convenient at first, but it’s often worth it for the savings. Plus, a round trip lets you avoid the hassle of coordinating a rental drop-off in another country, which can sometimes involve additional paperwork or stricter rules.

In our experience, unless you have a specific reason to drop off in Austria, sticking with a round-trip from Munich is usually the more budget-friendly and straightforward option.

Conclusion: Can I rent a car in Germany and go to Austria?

Yes, you absolutely can rent a car in Munich for your Austrian adventure! While we usually use comparison sites like Discover Cars for regular rentals, for cross-border trips to Austria, we strongly recommend booking directly through the rental company’s website (Sixt.de, Avis.de, etc.). This is crucial because you need to specifically opt-in for cross-border travel during the booking process – it’s not automatically included!

Take note of the essential items you’ll need for the journey, like an Austrian vignette for highways, valid documents, and insurance that covers both countries.

While Austria’s scenic roads are a joy to drive, keep in mind the strict speed limits and the extra tolls on certain routes. 

Planning a round-trip back to Munich is often more cost-effective than a one-way drop-off in Austria, as rental companies charge substantial fees for cross-border returns. Plus, a round-trip lets you explore more of Germany and Austria at your own pace.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy a flexible, adventurous drive through two beautiful countries. Just be sure to review the rental terms and local regulations before setting out, and you’re all set for a memorable road trip!

FAQ: Renting a Car in Germany and Driving to Austria

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