Why rent a car in Salzburg?
Salzburg is famous for its baroque architecture, musical heritage, and beautiful surroundings. Renting a car in Salzburg allows you to explore both the historic city centre and nearby natural highlights such as the Salzkammergut lakes and Alpine valleys.
With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like Hohensalzburg Fortress, drive to picturesque lakes such as Wolfgangsee, and explore charming villages throughout the region. Roads are well maintained, making driving comfortable and scenic.
If you plan to visit multiple destinations, you can also read more about car rental in Austria with all-inclusive coverage.
Exploring Salzburg and the Salzkammergut by car
Day trips and routes from Salzburg
Salzburg is one of the finest bases in the Alps for road trips into stunning lake and mountain scenery. The Salzkammergut lake district begins just 20 km east of the city, with Lake Wolfgang, Lake Mondsee and the famous village of Hallstatt all reachable within 30 to 60 minutes. Hallstatt, the UNESCO-listed lakeside village with its prehistoric salt mine, is approximately 75 km east via the B158 and B145 roads, a drive through some of the most beautiful lake and mountain scenery in Austria. The Berchtesgadener Land in neighbouring Bavaria, including the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) and Lake Königssee, is approximately 30 km south and just across the German border. Munich is about 150 km northwest via the A8 motorway. Note that Austrian motorways require a vignette toll sticker, so confirm your rental car includes one. For more destinations, see car rental in Austria.
Driving and parking in Salzburg
Salzburg historic centre is on the south bank of the Salzach river and has restricted parking. The main car parks are on the outskirts of the old town, particularly the Altstadtgarage and the large car parks along the north bank. The city is compact enough to walk between most major sights once parked. Salzburg Airport (IATA: SZG) is located approximately 4 km west of the city centre and is one of Austria’s busiest airports, with direct connections from across Europe. Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall.
Best time to rent a car in Salzburg
Summer (June to August) is the most popular season for visiting Salzburg, particularly during the famous Salzburg Festival in July and August when the city is very busy. Spring and early autumn are excellent for driving the Salzkammergut lakes, with fewer visitors and beautiful light on the water. Winter offers the possibility of skiing in the surrounding Alps, with several resorts within easy driving distance. The road to the Eagle’s Nest closes from November to May due to snow, so summer and early autumn visits are needed for that specific destination.
Car rental price in Salzburg
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Salzburg, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €306 |
| Mid-size car | from €328 |
| Large car / SUV | from €388 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
