Landing at Vienna International Airport is the start of an unforgettable Austrian adventure. Whether you’re exploring Vienna, heading to Salzburg, or driving through the Alps, renting a car at the airport gives you freedom, comfort, and full control over your schedule. Booking in advance through trusted platforms like Final Rentals makes the process faster, more reliable, and often more affordable. With your vehicle ready, you can bypass taxis or trains and hit the road immediately. Understanding where to find the rental desks, what documents to bring, and how the process works ensures a smooth, stress-free start to your journey.
Vienna International Airport is Austria’s main international gateway and is located 18 kilometres southeast of Vienna’s city centre in the town of Schwechat. Because it serves millions of passengers each year, the airport has a fully organised car rental centre inside the main terminal building. Renting a car here is extremely convenient because you do not need to leave the airport or arrange additional transport to another location.
One of the main advantages of renting at the airport is the wide selection of vehicles. Airport branches receive newer cars first and offer more automatic options, which are often limited elsewhere. You can choose from small economical cars, spacious family vehicles, or larger cars for long-distance travel. With direct access to the A4 motorway, which connects the airport to Vienna city centre in around 20–25 minutes under normal traffic, renting a car at the airport is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to start your trip.
The most important step you can take is to book your car before your flight. While there are rental desks at the airport that accept walk-in customers, prices at the counter are often higher, and vehicle availability may be limited, especially during peak travel months such as June, July, August, and December.
When you book online, you can compare vehicle categories, prices, and features more easily. For example, if you plan to stay mainly in Vienna, a compact vehicle is ideal because it is easier to park in the city’s narrow streets and underground garages. However, if you plan to drive long distances or into mountain areas such as Tyrol, a larger vehicle may provide more comfort and better performance.
Booking online also allows you to confirm whether the car is automatic or manual, which is important because manual transmission is standard in Austria. Platforms like Final Rentals allow travellers to reserve vehicles in advance and prepare everything before arrival, making the pickup process much faster.
After landing at Vienna International Airport, proceed through passport control and collect your luggage at the baggage claim area. From there, head toward the main arrivals hall on the ground floor of the terminal, clearly marked as “Arrivals.” For car rental, head to the car rental centre located on level 0 of the multi-storey Parking Garage P4, which is directly connected to the terminal.
Follow the overhead signs labeled “Car Rental” with black and yellow lettering to reach the desks. Most rental companies are grouped near the airport information desk, opposite the baggage claim exits, so you can complete all paperwork without leaving the building. Once at your rental desk, provide your reservation details and documents to the agent to start your rental.
When you reach the counter, the rental agent will first ask for your driving licence. This licence must be valid, original, and issued in your name. Photocopies or digital licences are usually not accepted. If your licence was issued outside Europe and is not in English or does not use Roman letters, you will also need to present an International Driving Permit. Next, the agent will ask for your passport. This is used to confirm your identity and match your booking details. The passport must be valid and must match the name on your reservation.
You will also need to present a credit card in your name. Even if you prepaid for the rental online, this card is required to secure a deposit with the rental company. The deposit is not a payment but a temporary hold on your card to cover any potential damage or additional charges. The amount of the hold usually ranges from €500 to €1500, depending on the type of vehicle you are renting, and your card must have enough available credit to cover this amount.
After verifying your documents, the agent will print your rental agreement. This contract includes specific details such as the exact pickup date and time, return date and time, vehicle category, insurance coverage, and fuel policy. It is very important to check the return time carefully. For example, if your pickup time is 10:00 am, your return time will also usually be 10:00 am. Returning the car even one hour late may result in an extra day charge.
You should also confirm that your contract includes unlimited mileage, which allows you to drive without distance limits. Most rentals at Vienna Airport include this, but it is important to confirm. The agent may also explain the fuel policy. The most common policy is full-to-full, which means you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full.
Once you sign the contract, the rental company will place a security deposit hold on your credit card. This deposit hold is not an actual charge but a temporary amount reserved to cover possible damage, fuel differences, or late return fees. The exact deposit amount will be written in your rental agreement.
After the deposit hold is processed and the paperwork is complete, the agent will confirm your assigned vehicle and provide the exact parking section and space number. At Vienna Airport, most rental cars are parked in Parking Garage P4, which is directly opposite the terminal. Follow the airport signs for car rental pickup, go to the correct section, and you will find your vehicle ready for collection in its assigned space.
When you enter Garage P4, you will find sections dedicated to different rental companies. Each section has signs displaying the company name and parking rows. Your rental agreement will list the exact parking space number. Before driving away, walk around the vehicle slowly and carefully. Check the front bumper, rear bumper, doors, mirrors, roof, and wheels for scratches, dents, or marks. These should match the damage diagram in your contract.
You should also take photos and videos of the entire vehicle using your phone. This provides proof of the car’s condition at pickup and protects you from being charged for existing damage. Inside the car, confirm that the fuel level is full and that the dashboard shows no warning lights. Adjust your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel for comfort before driving.
After leaving Garage P4, follow the signs for “Exit” and then follow the motorway signs for A4 Wien. This motorway connects directly to the Vienna city centre. The drive usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
All Austrian motorways require a vignette sticker, which is already attached to the windscreen of rental cars at Vienna Airport. This allows you to drive legally on highways without buying anything extra. Always follow speed limits and road signs, as Austria uses speed cameras frequently.
When returning your vehicle, follow the signs for “Car Rental Return” as you approach the airport. These signs will guide you back to Parking Garage P4. Enter the garage and park in your rental company’s return area. A staff member may inspect the car immediately, or you may need to return the keys at the desk inside the terminal. The deposit hold on your credit card will usually be released within several days after the inspection is completed.
To make the experience even more convenient, download the Final Rentals mobile app, which allows them to manage bookings, view details, and make reservations quickly. The app is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Using the app makes it easier to rent a car, track your booking, and stay organised during your trip.
Choosing to rent a car in Austria at Vienna International Airport gives you complete independence and makes your journey easier from the very beginning. Because the rental desks are located directly inside the arrivals hall and the vehicles are parked just a short walk away in Garage P4, the process is simple and efficient.
By booking in advance, bringing the correct documents, and understanding the rental agreement, you can avoid delays and enjoy a smooth experience. Having your own car allows you to explore Austria’s cities, mountains, and countryside comfortably and at your own pace. To make your trip even easier, you can book a car with Final Rentals and enjoy a reliable, convenient, and stress-free start to your journey.
Yes, the rental desks are located inside the arrivals hall on the ground floor, near the main exit and information desk. Clear overhead signs marked “Car Rental” guide you directly to the area.
The main rental car park, Garage P4, is directly opposite the terminal and only about a 2 to 4 minute walk across a covered pedestrian walkway.
If you booked in advance and have all your documents ready, the process usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes, including paperwork and walking to the car.
Yes, if your rental uses a full-to-full fuel policy, you must refill the tank before returning the car to avoid additional charges.
Yes, Vienna Airport connects directly to Austria’s motorway network, allowing you to easily drive to cities such as Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck.
