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Hertz car rental in Salzburg
Salzburg is known for its baroque streets, riverside views, and the kind of Old Town you can enjoy at a relaxed pace. You can spend time around the historic center, visit classic sights, and take in the city’s music and culture, then step out to quieter areas when you want more space. Just beyond Salzburg, you’ll find lake districts, rolling countryside, and alpine roads that are ideal for day trips.
Having a car makes the journey much simpler. You can travel on your own schedule, stop for viewpoints or small towns along the way, and reach places that are harder to fit into a fixed timetable.
With Hertz car rental in Salzburg, it’s easy to keep plans flexible. Hire a Hertz car in Salzburg for quick city driving or longer routes, and choose a car that suits your trip style with Hertz.
Pickup locations in Salzburg
Benefits from day one.
- 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.
Driving guide: Car rental in Salzburg
Parking information
- Raiffeisengarage is a handy 24/7 parking option in central Salzburg, close to the Salzburg State Theatre, Mozarteum University, and Dreifaltigkeitskirche, with the riverfront at Elisabethkai just nearby. It offers around 200 parking spots and includes electric charging, making it a practical choice for both city visits and EV drivers.
- Unipark Nonntal is a simple 24/7 parking option with around 100 spots, located near Universität Salzburg – Unipark, JUFA Salzburg City, and the ARGEkultur Salzburg venue. It works well if you’re visiting the Nonntal area or heading toward the riverside paths along the Thomas-Bernhard-Promenade.
- Barmherzige Brüder is a handy 24/7 garage with around 296 parking spots, located by Kajetanerplatz and close to Rudolfsplatz and the Salzach riverside. It’s a convenient pick if you’re visiting the nearby Barmherzige Brüder Salzburg area or heading toward the Old Town. Multiple payment options are available, so parking stays straightforward.
Key roads in Salzburg
- A1 Westautobahn: Salzburg’s main motorway link toward Munich and Vienna, and the quickest way to reach the city from wider Austria and southern Germany.
- B1 (Wiener Straße / Münchner Bundesstraße): A major arterial road running through Salzburg, useful for getting between suburbs, shopping areas, and main access points without staying on the motorway.
- B150 (Hellbrunner Straße): An important city route heading south toward Schloss Hellbrunn, green outskirts, and routes that continue toward the Salzkammergut direction.
Electric car rental
Explore Salzburg with a quieter ride and a lighter footprint. Hertz makes it easy with electric car hire in Salzburg, so you can enjoy smooth, silent driving while cutting down on emissions. Choose from the latest models through our electric car rental in Salzburg and experience the city with zero tailpipe emissions.
Our electric fleet lets you hire a car in Salzburg that matches your sustainability goals without giving up comfort or convenience. It’s a simple, modern way to travel: clean, quiet, and economical.
Charging Points
Salzburg now offers around 330 public EV charging points, giving drivers plenty of flexibility when planning routes in and around the city. Austria’s wider charging network continues to expand as well, so the number of available stations is only increasing over time.
One of the most convenient options is the Moon Charger Station on Sterneckstraße, known for being one of Salzburg’s top fast-charging facilities. It’s modern, reliable, and even has a restaurant right next door, perfect for grabbing a meal or coffee while your car powers up.
With this growing infrastructure, renting an electric vehicle from Hertz in Salzburg feels more practical than ever. Whether you’re keeping your trip focused on the city or heading out toward the lakes, mountains, or scenic alpine routes, finding a place to recharge fits naturally into the journey.
Congestion Charges
If you’re planning to get a car rental in Salzburg, there is no congestion charge for driving around the city. Salzburg follows Austria’s national IG-L low-emission framework, which mainly applies to lorries and certain commercial vehicles on specific motorway sections during air-quality alerts. Standard passenger cars used for normal city and regional driving are generally unaffected.
This means getting around Salzburg by car remains straightforward, whether you’re staying within the city or heading out toward the lakes and alpine areas. Hertz also offers EV rentals in Salzburg, making it easy to choose a low-emission option for a more environmentally conscious drive.
Getting from Salzburg to Vienna
From Salzburg, it’s a straightforward drive to Vienna and usually takes around 3 hr 20 min in normal traffic (about 296 km, depending on your exact destination in the city).
- Start in Salzburg and follow Vogelweiderstraße to join the Westautobahn (A1).
- Stay on the A1 (Westautobahn) heading east for the main part of the trip.
- As you reach Vienna, follow the signs toward Wientalstraße (B1) to enter the city area.
- Continue on B1, then follow local roads into central Vienna, heading toward Seilergasse.
Getting from Salzburg to Hallstatt
It’s a scenic drive from Salzburg to Hallstatt and usually takes around 1 hr 25 min in normal traffic.
- Start in Salzburg and follow Paris-Lodron-Straße and Schallmooser Hauptstraße to reach Linzer Bundesstraße.
- Join B158 (Österreichische Romantikstraße) and stay on it as you head toward the Salzkammergut region.
- Continue on B158 until you reach Hallstättersee Landesstraße (Österreichische Romantikstraße) near Hallstatt.
- Follow the Österreichische Romantikstraße for the final stretch, then continue to Wolfgangsee to arrive in Hallstatt.
Why Hertz?
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A quick guide to Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Schwarzstraße 5/7, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
A classic riverside stay with a very central location, ideal if you want to walk the Old Town and still have easy access to main roads when you head out by car. It’s a good choice for travellers who want comfort and a calm base after busy sightseeing days.
Hotel Stein
Giselakai 3, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
This is a stylish, design-driven boutique hotel with one of the best riverfront settings in the city. Set right along the Salzach River, it offers easy access to the historic Old Town, with landmarks like the Mozartplatz, Getreidegasse, and Mirabell Palace all just a short walk away.
Sheraton Grand Salzburg
Auerspergstraße 4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
A practical, well-connected hotel close to Mirabell Gardens and with straightforward access for drivers. It works well if you want a bit more space, easy arrivals and departures, and a convenient setup for exploring Salzburg plus nearby routes by car.
Bärenwirt
Müllner Hauptstraße 8, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
A good choice for traditional Salzburg food in a relaxed, rustic setting. It’s the kind of place that suits a proper sit-down meal after a day of sightseeing, with hearty local dishes and a warm, classic atmosphere.
Wirtshaus zum Zirkelwirt
Pfeifergasse 14, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
A well-known local-style wirtshaus near the Old Town area. It’s simple, welcoming, and ideal when you want familiar Austrian flavours without anything too formal. Great for an easy dinner that still feels very Salzburg.
Imlauer Sky
Rainerstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
A rooftop option that’s worth it for the views as much as the meal. It’s a nice pick for a more special lunch or evening, with city panoramas and a quieter, more polished feel. Perfect if you want a memorable dining stop before or after your drive plans.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
One of Salzburg’s most famous sights, sitting high above the Old Town. It’s worth visiting for the castle interiors, museums, and the panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains. It’s a great first stop because it helps you understand Salzburg’s layout from above.
Mozart’s Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus)
Getreidegasse 9, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
A must for music and history lovers, right in the heart of the Old Town. You’ll see personal items, period rooms, and exhibits that give a clear picture of Mozart’s early life and the Salzburg he grew up in. It’s an easy visit to fit between walks, cafés, and shopping streets.
Schloss Hellbrunn
Fürstenweg 37 5020 Salzburg
A lighter, more playful side of Salzburg, known for its gardens and the famous trick fountains. It’s a good choice when you want a break from museums and churches, and it’s especially enjoyable in warmer months. Having a car makes it simple to reach, and you can pair it with other stops outside the city centre.
FAQs about car hire
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Salzburg?
It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially if you’re travelling in summer, around Christmas markets, or during festival season. You can reserve online in a few steps: choose your pick-up location, add your dates and times (plus the driver’s age), pick a car, enter your details, and confirm payment.
Do I need a driving permit to hire a car in Salzburg?
You’ll need a valid driver’s licence to rent and drive in Salzburg. If your licence isn’t in English, you may also need an International Driving Permit. Keep your licence (and permit, if needed) with you whenever you’re driving.
Can I pick up a rental car in Salzburg and return it to a different city in Austria?
Yes, you can. This is a one-way rental, and it lets you pick up in Salzburg and drop off in another Austrian city, depending on availability. If a one-way fee applies, it will be shown clearly when you book.
What is the best time to book a Salzburg car for hire?
Car hire is available year-round, but prices and availability can change quickly during holidays and busy travel weeks. If you want a wider choice of cars and more stable pricing, booking ahead usually helps.
Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Salzburg?
You can drive within Salzburg and across Austria without any issues in most cases. If you plan to take the car outside Austria, extra terms and a cross-border fee may apply. When using Hertz car rental services in Austria, it’s best to check the rental conditions during booking if you’re planning an international road trip.
Will I be penalised for a late return on a car hire in Salzburg?
Late returns can lead to extra charges, so it’s best to return the car by the time on your reservation. If your plans change, check your rental terms and update your booking as early as possible.
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Salzburg?
You must be at least 19 years old to rent in Salzburg. If you’re under 25, a Young Renter surcharge may apply, and some vehicle categories may be restricted. You’ll see the exact details under Rental Qualifications during booking.
Can I pick up my Hertz rental in Salzburg and drop it off elsewhere?
Yes. You can set a different drop-off location when booking to arrange a one-way rental to another Hertz location. A one-way fee usually applies and will be included in the total price shown before you confirm.
What additional insurance options does Hertz offer in Salzburg?
Your rental includes standard third-party liability cover. If you’d like extra peace of mind, you can add options like SuperCover to reduce your financial responsibility, or Personal Insurance for added protection. You’ll see what’s available during checkout.
Does Hertz provide child seats for rentals in Salzburg?
Yes, child seats are available and can be added to your booking. Since availability can be limited during peak travel periods, reserving in advance is recommended.