Should I Rent a Car in Austin? | Budget Car Rental

Should I Rent a Car in Austin?

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Should You Rent a Car in Austin?

Yes—most visitors should plan to rent a car in Austin. There are exceptions for those with very limited itineraries, like if you’re sticking to downtown or South Congress, but most will probably want the freedom to go to restaurants and attractions outside of those areas. 

While relatively compact, especially compared to more sprawling metro areas, Austin is designed for car travel. 

Austin Infrastructure

Austin features core districts that include downtown and South Congress—the most walkable part of the city. You might be okay going car-free in those zones, although you’ll probably be looking at the priciest hotels.

Beyond that center area, you can find neighborhoods extending on all sides. You may have heard the slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” a nod to the many distinct neighborhoods with their own vibes (East Austin, The Domain, Zilker, and more). These areas are worth visiting and part of the whole experience, but they aren’t close together.

Of course, the good news is that the weather is generally great if you end up waiting around for a bus stop, although it can get pretty hot in the summer. 

Are there toll roads in Austin?

Yes. If you rent a car for vacation in Austin, you’ll almost certainly run into some good old-fashioned Texas toll roads. You might be okay if you stick to downtown, but popular destinations like the suburbs and airport make tolls hard to avoid.

Comparing Vacation Transportation Options in Austin

Certain areas are walkable, especially those around college campuses, but to traverse the majority of Austin, you do need a car. The city has a Walk Score of 42, which means most inhabitants are dependent on a vehicle. That guideline holds true for visitors, too, unless it’s a brief trip confined to a single trendy neighborhood.

Austin public transit exists, but it’s not robust. Walk Score gives it a 35, which isn’t particularly high. It means that there are a limited number of routes, but renting a car in Austin is a good idea for most visitors. 

There is one commuter rail line that connects north/northwest Austin with downtown. Most people need to rely on buses. The majority of city public transit is run or organized through CapMetro.

Traffic is a mixed bag. TomTom gives Austin an average congestion level of 27%. Out of 100 large cities across the country, WalletHub ranked Austin the 9th best city to drive in. That’s pretty good!

But trips around the city can still take some time, especially during rather extended rush hour periods. Avoiding I-35 whenever possible is a pretty good strategy for hanging on to your sanity.

Bottom Line: Should You Rent a Car in Austin?

At the end of the day, public transportation simply doesn’t provide the availability that most visitors will need in Austin. Unless you’re sticking to downtown or one of the campus areas, walking everywhere isn’t an option, either. Renting a car is your best bet if:

  • You want to explore the suburbs or go across town looking for the best live music.
  • You intend to go hiking or appreciate nature at places like Pedernales Falls State Park. 
  • Your itinerary takes you off a college campus or out of downtown Austin.

Renting a car just makes sense—and renting from Budget saves cents. Get a great deal on one of our rentals from any of our Austin area rental lots, including Budget at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.