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Rent a Car in Graz, Austria With Competitive Prices and Clear, Local-Ready Tips

Compare airport and downtown pickup options, avoid surprise fees, and use this practical guide to drive Graz and Styria confidently—whether you’re planning a city stay or Alpine day trips.

Planning & Pickup Locations
Graz Car Rental Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Know
Renting a car in Graz is a convenient way to explore Styria’s wine roads, castles, and scenic countryside on your own schedule—especially if you’re visiting villages or trailheads that are slower to reach by public transit. Graz itself is walkable and well served by trams, so a car is most useful if you’re doing day trips (e.g., South Styrian Wine Road, Riegersburg Castle, thermal spas) or continuing onward through Austria or into nearby Slovenia. Expect manual transmissions to be common, winter conditions to matter in colder months, and city-center parking to be more limited and paid. Booking in advance typically improves selection (automatics, wagons, child seats) and price transparency. Key things to double-check before you book: fuel policy (full-to-full is usually best), deposit/credit card requirements, cross-border permissions (if driving to Slovenia/Italy/Hungary), and whether you need an Austrian motorway vignette for your planned routes (rental cars often have it, but you should verify).
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Graz Airport (GRZ) Car Rental Center
Best for arriving by air and starting your trip immediately. Follow signs for “Car Rental/Mietwagen” inside the terminal; counters are typically in or near the arrivals area, with vehicles parked in the adjacent airport lots. Pros: longest opening hours, broadest vehicle availability, easier after-hours returns. Cons: may include airport surcharges, peak-time queues, and less flexibility if your plans are mostly within the city.
Graz Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station)
Convenient for travelers arriving by rail and for trips that begin after a few days in the city. Pros: easy to reach by tram, good for one-way itineraries, avoids some airport fees. Cons: limited parking/return space, traffic can be slower at rush hour, shorter desk hours than the airport.
Jakominiplatz / Inner City (Zentrum)
Ideal if you’re staying centrally and want to pick up a car just for day trips. Pros: highly walkable pickup, good for short rentals, easy to combine with hotels and sightseeing. Cons: tight streets, paid parking, potential access restrictions and congestion—plan pickup/return outside peak times.
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What do you need to rent a car in Graz?

Renting a car in Graz is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Austria national photo ID must be presented at the counter.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical Austrian driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must have been held for at least 1 year for most offers; some vehicles may require up to 2 years, and a few offers do not state a minimum holding time.

    Notes: Some non‑EEA driving licences are not recognized in Austria and cannot be used for car rentals. Please check if your licence is valid before reservation by visiting: https://www.oeamtc.at/thema/fuehrerschein/auslaendischer-eu-und-ewr-fuehrerschein-in-oesterreich-16179194. Driving licences from the following countries are not recognized in Austria: Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Indonesia, Kosovo, Libya, Nepal, Nicaragua, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, Yemen.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required if credit cards are accepted. Accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and sometimes UnionPay (varies by offer). Some offers also accept debit cards (typically Visa or MasterCard, sometimes AMEX/Diners/JCB/Discover). Certain deals accept only credit cards with no debit cards allowed.
  • Age requirements: Depending on the specific offer, the general permitted driver age ranges from 18–80 or 21–80; one policy allows up to 80 with a minimum set per vehicle class, and one generic entry states 0–80 but requires confirmation for under‑18. Young driver surcharges may apply: for ages 18–24, approximately €4 per day; for 19–24, about €17 per day (charged for a maximum of 10 days and covering rentals up to 28 days); for 21–24, about €9 per day, capped around €90 per rental. Some offers have no young‑driver surcharge specified.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must generally have been held for at least 1 year; some offers require up to 2 years or specify 6–12 months minimum. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation; original licence must also be shown, no copies) or
    • EU/EEA Driving License (valid across the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) or
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version, with English translation on the back) or
    • For some offers: Original driving licence + notarization of local language. The following are not accepted in Austria under some offers: Taiwan Driving License in China and Original Philippine Driving License.

    Notes: Some non‑EEA driving licences are not recognized in Austria and cannot be used for car rentals. Please check if your licence is valid before reservation by visiting: https://www.oeamtc.at/thema/fuehrerschein/auslaendischer-eu-und-ewr-fuehrerschein-in-oesterreich-16179194. Driving licences from the following countries are not recognized in Austria under some offers: Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Indonesia, Kosovo, Libya, Nepal, Nicaragua, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, Yemen.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport must be presented at the counter.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required where credit cards are accepted. Depending on the offer, accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and sometimes UnionPay. Some offers also accept Visa or MasterCard debit cards (and in a few cases AMEX/Diners/JCB/Discover). Other offers allow only credit cards and do not accept debit cards.
  • Age requirements: Depending on the specific offer, the general permitted driver age ranges from 18–80 or 21–80; one policy allows up to 80 with a minimum set per vehicle class, and one generic entry states 0–80 but requires confirmation for under‑18. Young driver surcharges may apply: for ages 18–24, approximately €4 per day; for 19–24, about €17 per day (charged for a maximum of 10 days and covering rentals up to 28 days); for 21–24, about €9 per day, capped around €90 per rental. Some offers have no young‑driver surcharge specified.
requirementsrequirements

Explore Graz Your Way: Top Rental Cars for Every Journey

From alpine adventures to wine country tours, discover the perfect vehicle to enhance your Austrian road trip experience.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Alpine Adventure

SUV

Conquer the Alps with Confidence
5
3
Auto

The SUV is the ideal choice for navigating Austria's mountainous terrain around Graz. With the Schladming ski resorts and the Gesäuse National Park just a short drive away, you'll appreciate the superior traction and elevated seating that lets you savor every scenic vista. Austrian mountain roads like the B76 offer spectacular views, and an SUV handles them with ease while providing ample space for ski equipment or hiking gear.

City Exploration

Medium

Graz Old Town Made Easy
5
2
Auto

The compact to mid-size sedan strikes the perfect balance for exploring Graz's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Navigate narrow medieval streets and find parking with confidence thanks to the car's manageable dimensions. The Jakominiplatz and Kunsthaus Graz are easily accessible, and you'll enjoy excellent fuel economy for zipping around the city while having enough room for two passengers with luggage for a weekend city break.

Wine Country Tour

Convertible

Cruise Through Styria's Vineyards
4
2
Auto

Experience the beauty of Austria's wine country in style with a convertible. The rolling hills of South Styria, with their renowned white wine production, are best enjoyed with the top down. Wind through vineyard-lined roads from Gamlitz to Leutschach, stopping at local heurigen for wine tastings. The relaxed driving dynamics and open-air experience capture the essence of a perfect summer road trip through Austria's premier wine region.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Rental
Downtown Rental
logo
City PerfectSmall
Citroen C3

Citroen C3

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$568.60
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City PerfectSmall
Peugeot 2008

Peugeot 2008

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$582.57
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City PerfectSmall
Mazda 3

Mazda 3

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$586.06
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Alpine ReadySUV
Opel Crossland

Opel Crossland

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$603.50
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Alpine ReadySUV
Suzuki Vitara

Suzuki Vitara

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$890.19
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Alpine ReadySUV
Seat Arona

Seat Arona

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$706.11
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family ComfortLarge
Toyota Corolla Estate

Toyota Corolla Estate

BudgetIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$718.37
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family ComfortLarge
Toyota Corolla Estate

Toyota Corolla Estate

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$890.19
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family ComfortLarge
Toyota Corolla Estate

Toyota Corolla Estate

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$890.19
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

Rent a Car in Graz GRZ - Top Rated Deals Await

Read genuine customer reviews and ratings for car rental suppliers at Graz. Make informed decisions based on real experiences from verified renters.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
SixtBest Overall
4.2
315+ reviews
$671.2 mi
$600 - $1,065
  • Friendly Professional Staff
  • Clean New Vehicles
  • Quick Easy Pickup Return
EnterpriseBest Overall
3.8
23932+ reviews
$68In terminal, Walk to counter
$876
  • Friendly and Professional Staff
  • Smooth Pickup and Return Process
  • Clean Vehicles in Great Condition
National
2.7
25 reviews
$72In terminal, Walk to counter
$876 - $1,167
  • Quick and friendly service
  • Easy pickup and drop-off
  • Clean, well-maintained vehicles
Europcar
2.4
9 reviews
$99In terminal, Walk to counter
$1,315 - $1,613
  • Smooth pickup return process
  • Clean well-maintained vehicles
  • Helpful staff assistance
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$64In terminal, Walk to counter
$876
  • Friendly professional staff
  • Clean modern vehicles
  • No hidden charges
Budget
1.2
5565+ reviews
$69In terminal, Walk to counter
$563 - $731
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Clean and reliable vehicles
  • Competitive pricing
Avis
1.2
4600+ reviews
$115In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Fast and efficient pickup
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Good quality vehicles available

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 12 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Rental car accident in Austria with QEEQ Complete safety and insurance guide
Learn exactly what to do if you have a rental car accident in Austria. This guide explains first safety steps with high visibility vests and warning triangle, when to call ambulance and police using emergency numbers 112, 144 and 133, how to document the scene with photos and the European Accident Statement, when police reports are required, and how to contact QEEQ for towing, replacement vehicle and insurance claims including CDW and deductibles, so you stay safe, legal and financially protected on Austrian roads.
View details
A Guide to Refueling Your Rental Car in Austria
This guide provides essential tips for tourists on how to refuel a rental car in Austria, including identifying fuel types, payment methods, and choosing the right gas stations.
View details
Renting a Car in Graz: Avoid Hidden Fees
This guide offers essential tips for renting a car in Graz, focusing on avoiding hidden fees, understanding insurance options, and navigating local regulations for a smooth rental experience.
View details
Car Rental Insurance in Graz — How to Avoid Costly Damage and Choose the Best Coverage
Definitive guide to car rental insurance in Graz: learn what mandatory TPL covers, how CDW/LDW and excess work, weigh rental-desk zero-excess vs third-party reimbursement policies, and follow practical tips and case studies to protect your trip and budget.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Graz Airport captures 35-45% of rentals as primary hub, Sixt leads with 25-30% market share, followed by Hertz at 18-22% and Avis Budget Group at 15-20%."

Booking Patterns

"Compact economy cars dominate at 35-40%, SUVs follow at 20-25% driven by Alpine terrain; summer peaks +35% above average while shoulder seasons drop -15%."

Customer Pain Points

"50-55% of customers report hidden fee complaints including airport surcharges and fuel policy disputes, making this the top pain point in Graz rentals."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • ACEA Car Rental Sector Report 2023
  • Sixt Annual Report 2023
  • Graz Airport Official Statistics 2024
  • Austrian Tourism Board 2024
  • Graz Tourism Board 2024
  • Hertz Europe Annual Insights 2024
  • European Car Rental Customer Experience Survey 2023 - ACEA
  • OEAMTC Austria Automobile Association 2024

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Graz

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Graz

Rent a Car in Graz, Austria - Explore the Heart of Styria

Discover Graz and beyond with affordable car rentals starting from $57/day - includes unlimited mileage, full insurance coverage, and 24/7 roadside assistance throughout Austria

LANGUAGES

German

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+43

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

100-130 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.14/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.99/L - $2.10/L

Graz Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and car rental FAQ for exploring Graz and Styria by car

Can I drive in Austria with my US driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
You'll need both your US driver's license AND an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Austria. The IDP acts as a certified translation and is mandatory for non-EU licenses. You can get an IDP through AAA before you leave the US (about $20). Without an IDP, you risk fines of €20-60 if stopped by police, and your rental company's insurance may become void.
Do I need to buy a highway vignette for Austria, and what's the cost?
Yes, Austria requires a toll sticker (vignette) for all的高速公路 and expressways. The 10-day vignette costs €9.60, the 2-month vignette costs €28.30, and an annual pass is €96.40. You can purchase at border crossings, gas stations, or tabak shops. Driving without a valid vignette results in fines starting at €300. If you're only visiting Graz from the airport on the A9 or A2, you'll still need one.
I'm 22 years old—will I face a young driver surcharge when renting in Graz?
Yes, most rental companies in Austria charge a young driver fee for drivers under 25, typically €25-35 per day. At 22, you're eligible to rent but will pay this surcharge. Some companies like Sixt or Europcar may have lower rates or waive the fee for longer rentals. Budget an extra €150-250 for a week's rental if you're under 25.
Are winter tires required in Graz during ski season, and can I rent a car without them?
Winter tires are legally mandatory in Austria from November 1 to April 15 on snow-covered roads. Most rental cars come equipped with all-season or winter tires at no extra charge, but always confirm when booking. If you venture into the nearby Alps (just 1-2 hours from Graz), you may also need snow chains—carry them in your car as police can fine you €35-60 for missing equipment during winter conditions.
How expensive is parking in Graz city center, and where can I avoid high fees?
City center parking runs €1.50-3.00 per hour in blue zones and parking garages. The Hauptplatz central square charges up to €2.70/hour. For free options, look for Park & Ride lots on the city outskirts (like Puntigam or Eggenberg) where you can park free and tram into center. Hotel packages often include parking—check before booking. Avoid parking in resident-only zones (marked blue with resident permits) or you'll face €30-60 fines.
What are Austria's speed limits and are speed cameras strict?
Austria's limits are: 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on expressways (Strasse), 50 km/h in urban areas, and 30 km/h in residential zones. Speed cameras are everywhere and unforgiving—10 km/h over the limit triggers a fine. Fines start at €20 for minor violations but can reach €2,000+ for major speeding. On the A9 toward Graz, cameras are particularly active. Rented cars typically have license plates that make rental companies liable, so fines often arrive via mail months later with an additional €15 admin fee.

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