Linz — Austria’s third-largest city and European Capital of Culture 2009 — sits on the Danube between Vienna and Salzburg. Often overlooked by tourists rushing between those more famous destinations, Linz rewards those who stop: a beautiful old town, cutting-edge art, and the perfect base for exploring Upper Austria. Cheap car hire in Linz gives you the freedom to explore the Danube Valley, the Austrian Lake District, and the Bohemian Forest, with prices starting from just €22/day.
Why Rent a Car in Linz?
Linz has decent public transport and is well-connected by train. So why rent a car?
The Danube Valley awaits. Drive west along the Danube towards Passau, or east towards Vienna. The river scenery, medieval castles, and vineyards are accessible by car in ways they aren’t by train.
The Austrian Lake District (Salzkammergut). The stunning lakes and mountains that inspired artists and emperors are within an hour’s drive. Hallstatt, Wolfgangsee, and Bad Ischl are reachable as day trips.
Cross into Czech Republic. The Bohemian Forest and Cesky Krumlov (UNESCO World Heritage) are just across the border. A car opens up this beautiful region.
Industrial heritage and innovation. Linz is transforming from steel city to cultural destination. Having a car lets you explore both the city and its industrial outskirts, plus the beautiful countryside that surrounds it.
Car Hire Locations in Linz
Linz Airport (Blue Danube Airport LNZ)
A small regional airport about 12 kilometres southwest of the city centre. Car hire desks are in the arrivals hall. Pickup is quick, and the drive to central Linz takes about 20 minutes.
Note: Linz Airport has limited flights. Many visitors arrive via Vienna Airport (200 km, 2 hours by car) or Munich Airport (250 km, 2.5 hours).
Linz Main Station (Hauptbahnhof)
If you’re arriving by train — from Vienna (1.5 hours), Salzburg (1 hour), or Munich (2.5 hours) — the Hauptbahnhof has car hire desks nearby. Convenient for picking up after a city stay.
City Centre Locations
Several rental offices operate in Linz’s city centre. Consider these if you want to spend a few days exploring the city before heading out into Upper Austria.
Best Budget Cars Available in Linz
Economy cars (€22-32/day) — The Fiat Panda, Volkswagen Up, or similar are ideal for city driving and short trips to nearby towns. Easy to park and economical on fuel.
Compact cars (€28-42/day) — A Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf provides comfort for drives to the lakes or Czech Republic. Better motorway performance and luggage space.
Family cars (€38-58/day) — The Skoda Octavia or similar offers space for families on longer trips to Salzkammergut or Passau.
SUVs (€48-75/day) — Useful for winter trips or exploring the Bohemian Forest’s rural roads.
Day Trips from Linz by Car
Salzkammergut Lake District (50-80 km, 1-1.5 hours) — The Austrian Lakes are spectacular. Hallstatt is the famous one, but Wolfgangsee, Traunsee, and Attersee are equally beautiful. A car lets you visit multiple lakes in one day.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic (70 km, 1.5 hours) — A UNESCO World Heritage medieval town. One of Europe’s best-preserved historic centres. The drive crosses the Bohemian Forest.
Passau, Germany (80 km, 1 hour) — The “City of Three Rivers” — where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz. Beautiful Baroque architecture and a stunning riverside location.
Salzburg (140 km, 1.5 hours) — Mozart’s birthplace, Baroque architecture, and Alpine views. A direct motorway connection makes this an easy day trip.
Steyr (30 km, 30 minutes) — A beautiful medieval town where two rivers meet. Gothic architecture and one of Austria’s prettiest town squares.
Enns (20 km, 20 minutes) — Austria’s oldest town, with Roman history and a beautiful medieval centre.
Driving in Linz — What to Expect
Linz is easy to drive. Smaller than Vienna, less touristy than Salzburg, Linz has straightforward roads and less aggressive traffic.
Parking is manageable. The city centre has paid parking zones, but rates are reasonable. Underground car parks are available and affordable.
Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on open roads, 130 km/h on motorways.
Vignette required: Austrian motorways require a vignette. Available at petrol stations, border crossings, and online. Around €10 for 10 days.
Winter tyres: Mandatory from November to April. Most rental cars have them fitted during winter.
Requirements for Renting a Car in Linz
- Age: Minimum 21 years for most vehicles. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver surcharge.
- Driving licence: A full licence held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted directly; others need an International Driving Permit.
- Credit card: Required for the security deposit.
- Insurance: Basic coverage included. Consider additional insurance for cross-border travel.
Cross-Border Travel from Linz
Most rental agreements allow travel to Germany and Czech Republic. Always confirm when booking.
Popular cross-border trips:
- Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic: 1.5 hours
- Passau, Germany: 1 hour
- Munich, Germany: 2.5 hours
- Prague, Czech Republic: 3 hours
Best Time to Visit Linz
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and reasonable prices. Perfect for drives to the lakes and countryside.
Summer (June-August) is warm and busy, especially around the lakes. Car hire prices peak during this period.
Winter (December-February) is cold but atmospheric. Christmas markets, cozy cafes, and easy access to ski resorts. Car hire is cheapest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to drive in Linz?
Yes. Linz is smaller and less congested than Vienna or Salzburg. Roads are well-maintained and signage is clear.
Do I need a vignette for Austrian motorways?
Yes. Austrian motorways require a vignette. Available at petrol stations and online. Prices start at around €10 for 10 days.
Can I drive to Czech Republic from Linz?
Most rental agreements allow travel to Czech Republic. Check your specific terms. The drive to Cesky Krumlov is beautiful and takes about 1.5 hours.
How far is Hallstatt from Linz?
About 80 kilometres, or 1-1.5 hours by car depending on the route. Well worth the drive.
Is Linz worth visiting?
Absolutely. Linz has a beautiful old town, excellent museums (Ars Electronica Center, Lentos Art Museum), and great restaurants. Plus it’s the perfect base for exploring Upper Austria.
Explore More of Austria by Car
- Car Hire Salzburg — Mozart’s city and gateway to the Alps
- Car Hire Vienna — the imperial capital
- Car Hire in Austria — complete guide to driving across the country
- Car Hire Hallstatt — the famous lakeside village
- Car Hire Innsbruck — Alpine scenery and winter sports
Compare cheap car hire in Linz with 365 Car Hire. We search multiple providers to find you the best rates. Economy cars from €22/day. Free cancellation on most bookings. No hidden fees. Explore Upper Austria, the Danube, and beyond at your own pace.