Car Hire Austin

Parking information

• Austin Convention Center 2nd Street Garage is useful for Downtown, Rainey Street, and event-area stops, with around 1,000 spaces.
• Palmer Events Center Garage works well for Auditorium Shores, South Congress access, and event visits, with over 1,200 spaces.
• Seaholm Garage is convenient for the library, Shoal Creek, and west Downtown stops, with about 505 parking spaces.

Key roads in Austin

• Interstate 35: The main north-south route through central Austin, useful for Round Rock, Downtown, San Marcos, and San Antonio.
• Loop 1 / MoPac Expressway: A useful west-side route for Zilker, Barton Springs, North Austin, and quicker cross-city movement.
• US 290: Helpful for Hill Country drives toward Dripping Springs, Johnson City, and Fredericksburg.

Electric car hire

Want a lower-emission way to explore Austin? Hertz electric car hire in Austin gives you a quieter, cleaner option for city drives, airport pick-ups, business trips, and planned routes beyond the city. With EV charging becoming more accessible across Austin and major Texas travel corridors, hiring an electric car can be a smart choice for travellers who want flexibility with a lighter local footprint.

Charging points

Austin-Round Rock has around 2,140 public charging stations, including 291 DC fast chargers, giving EV drivers useful coverage across the wider metro area.

Congestion charges

Austin does not implement a congestion charge. But, the main costs to plan for are parking, toll roads, and rental toll-payment options. Austin-area toll routes include MoPac Express Lanes, 183A Toll, 290 Toll, 71 Toll, 183 Toll, and SH 45SW

Travel routes

Getting from Austin to Fredericksburg

From central Austin:

• Head west toward US 290.
• Continue through Dripping Springs and Johnson City.
• Stay on US 290 toward Fredericksburg.
• This route works well for Hill Country wineries, small towns, and weekend drives.

Getting from Austin to San Antonio

From central Austin:

• Head south toward I-35
• Continue on I-35 South toward San Marcos and New Braunfels.
• Stay on I-35 for San Antonio city access.
• Allow extra time during peak travel periods along this corridor.

Best hotels in Austin

Hotel Saint Cecilia

112 Academy Drive, Austin, TX 78704

A stylish South Austin stay with a private, music-inspired feel.

Carpenter Hotel

400 Josephine Street, Austin, TX 78704

A relaxed Zilker-area hotel close to Barton Springs and South Lamar.

Commodore Perry Estate

4100 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78751

A refined estate-style hotel north of the University of Texas area.

Popular restaurants in Austin

Birdie’s

2944 East 12th Street, Unit A, Austin, TX 78702

A casual East Austin restaurant known for wine, seasonal plates, and a lively neighbourhood feel.

Intero

2612 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78702

A farm-to-table Italian restaurant with house-made dishes and a warm East Austin setting.

Nixta Taqueria

2512 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78702

A creative taqueria known for masa, bold flavours, and a colourful East Austin atmosphere.

Best places to visit in Austin

Barton Springs Pool

2201 William Barton Drive, Austin, TX 78746

A spring-fed pool in Zilker Park and one of Austin’s classic outdoor stops.

Blanton Museum of Art

200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78701

A central museum stop near the University of Texas campus.

Mount Bonnell

3800 Mount Bonnell Drive, Austin, TX 78731

A hilltop viewpoint for Lake Austin, city views, and a short scenic stop.

FAQs

1. What do I need to bring for a car rental in Austin?

Keep your licence, ID, passport, and main payment card ready at the counter. If your driving licence is not in English, make sure to carry an International Driving Permit.

2. What are the age rules for car hire in Austin?

At most Hertz locations in the US, drivers can rent from age 20. If you are under 25, an Age Differential Charge and some vehicle limits may apply.

3. What payment types are accepted?

A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually the easiest option. Debit cards may be accepted, but Hertz can apply extra checks, holds, and vehicle restrictions.

4. Does the rental come with a full tank of fuel?

Hertz gives you refuelling options at pickup. You can return the car with the same fuel level, prepay for fuel, or let Hertz refuel it after return.

5. What is Hertz’s cancellation policy in Austin?

Pay Later bookings can usually be cancelled for free before pickup. Prepaid bookings have separate terms, including possible cancellation or no-show fees.