AUS Airport Car & Van Rental Deals | Airport Van Rental

• What: Convenient rental cars and vans at Austin’s main airport (AUS) compare multiple suppliers in one search and book the best deal.
• Why: Get on the road as soon as you land. Renting at AUS means you can explore Austin and Central Texas without waiting for shuttles or rideshares perfect for tight schedules or spontaneous adventures.
• Price: Daily rates start around $25 for an economy car at AUS. We highlight the cheapest options from national brands, all with pay-at-pickup and unlimited mileage.
• Perks: Short walk to the rental car center (no lengthy shuttle rides). Reserve now, pay later. Free cancellation on most bookings up to 48 hours in advance. Plus, no hidden fees see airport taxes and totals upfront.
• Best For: Flyers arriving in Austin for business meetings, family vacations, UT Austin campus tours, or major events like SXSW or F1 races basically anyone who wants a quick, hassle-free transition from tarmac to Texas roads.

Why rent a car at Austin Airport

Flying into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport? Lock in a great car rental deal at AUS in minutes. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: enter “Austin (AUS)” as your pick-up location, choose your dates, and hit Search. Our system instantly scans dozens of rental companies at and around the airport to bring you the lowest prices from budget-friendly compacts to spacious vans. With Airport Van Rental, you’ll see all your options in one place and can book in a few clicks. Most rentals don’t require prepayment, and what you see is what you pay (no surprise charges). Need to make a change or cancel? No problem free cancellation is available on most bookings up until 48 hours before pick-up. We’ve made renting a car at AUS quick, easy, and worry-free, so you can focus on your Austin trip, not transportation logistics.

Search and Book with Ease: Here’s how to secure your Austin Airport rental car smoothly:

• Pick-up Location: Select Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) as your pick-up to see cars available right at the airport’s Rental Car Facility. At AUS, all major rental agencies are located together in a dedicated center directly adjacent to the terminal just a short walk across a parking garage from baggage claim (no long shuttle bus needed!). If you prefer an off-airport or city pick-up to compare prices, you can also search those, but renting at AUS is super convenient when flying in.
• Dates & Times: Enter your flight arrival and departure times. The AUS rental car center is open late (many counters operate 24/7 or extended hours), so even if you land at midnight or depart at dawn, you can pick up or drop off your vehicle. Pro tip: if you have a very early flight, some agencies allow after-hours drop-off just park and leave the keys in a drop box. Make sure your reservation times match your travel schedule, and leave a little cushion in case your flight is delayed.
• Vehicle Type & Supplier: Filter results by car category (Economy, SUV, Minivan, 12-Passenger Van, Luxury, etc.) or by rental company. You have a wide selection from compact cars for solo travelers to 15-passenger vans for big groups. Compare rates and inclusions side-by-side. Looking for a specific feature like a GPS or child seat? Check the filters or rental details many providers let you add extras during booking.
• Hit “Search”: Our platform will display the cheapest available deals for your dates in seconds. You’ll see clear pricing, including estimated taxes/fees, so you can choose the best value. Booking is straightforward no tedious forms. Just select your car, enter basic info, and confirm. No pre-charge on your card (unless you opt for a special prepaid rate). You’ll get an instant confirmation email with all the pickup instructions and details you need.

Why Book Austin AUS Rentals with Airport Van Rental?

When you rent with us at Austin’s airport, you get more than just a car you get peace of mind, value, and flexibility. Here’s what sets Airport Van Rental apart:

• All the Brands in One Place: We bring together major and local brands on one screen. This means more choices and better chances to snag a deal. Whether you need a budget car or a specialty 12-passenger van, our platform shows you who has it available. You won’t miss out on a lower price because we’ve done the comparison shopping for you.
• Guaranteed Low Rates: By aggregating deals from over 100 suppliers nationwide, we often secure exclusive prices at Austin Airport. Our rates are frequently lower than if you walked up to the counter or even found on big travel sites, because we pass bulk savings on to you. If you somehow find a cheaper rate for the same car and terms, let us know we’ll match or beat it. We’re confident we have some of the best Austin car rental deals around, and we back that up with a best rate guarantee.
• No Prepay & Free Cancellation: Plans changed? No sweat. Most AUS rentals on our site require no pre-payment you simply pay at the counter when you arrive. And if you need to cancel or modify, you can do so for free on the majority of bookings as long as it’s a day or two in advance. This flexibility is clutch, especially if you’re coming for an event like SXSW or a business trip that might shift. We believe in not boxing you in lock in a great rate now, and you can always adjust later without penalties (on eligible rentals).
• Transparent, Honest Pricing: What you see is what you pay. Austin’s airport rentals will include a few extra fees (airport concession fee, facility charge) and Texas rental tax (~10%). We clearly itemize all these in your quote upfront no hidden surcharges sneaking in later. You’ll know the total cost before you book. Thinking of a one-way rental, say dropping the car in Houston or Dallas? Our system immediately shows any one-way fee, so you can weigh your options. No surprises at the rental desk, just straightforward pricing.
• Unlimited Mileage on Most Rentals: Don’t feel confined almost all standard rentals at AUS come with unlimited miles. That means you can drive to San Antonio, Dallas, or even out to New Orleans without watching an odometer. We’ll highlight if any vehicle has mileage caps (typically only exotic or specialty cars might). For the typical traveler, unlimited mileage means one less thing to worry about as you explore Texas. Go ahead, plan that extra side trip you won’t pay extra for the miles.
• Specialty Vehicles & Vans Available: True to our name, Airport Van Rental excels at finding you vans and larger vehicles that other sites might overlook. Need a 12 or 15-passenger van for a music tour or church group arriving at AUS? We’ve got you covered. How about a pickup truck to really feel local or haul equipment to an event? Those are often in our inventory too. From minivans to cargo vans, we cater to group and specialty rentals. If it’s available at AUS, you’ll see it here. No more calling multiple agencies to hunt down a large van just search and book.
• 24/7 Support & Local Tips: We’re here for you around the clock. Have a late arrival and can’t find the rental center? Need to extend your rental a day? Our customer support is available 24/7 to assist. Plus, we know Austin and we share that knowledge. Our confirmations and website include Austin driving tips (see below for some handy ones) and even recommendations for things like best routes to avoid traffic or where to find gas before returning the car. We want you to feel taken care of from the moment you book to the moment you drop off the keys.

Top Austin (AUS) Car Rental Deals

• Economy Car, from $21/day Example: Chevy Spark or similar. Perfect for solo travelers or couples packing light. Easy to maneuver through Austin’s downtown streets and ideal for short hops from the airport to nearby hotels. Great fuel economy for driving out to the Circuit of the Americas or making multiple trips across town without breaking the bank on gas.
• Full-Size Sedan, from $30/day Example: Toyota Camry or similar. A comfortable 4-door with plenty of trunk space good for business travelers or families who need extra room. Smooth on the highway if you’re driving from Austin to Houston or Dallas. Also nice for cruising Hill Country roads in comfort, with a bit more legroom and power.
• SUV Rental, from $40/day Example: Nissan Rogue or similar (5-passenger SUV). A versatile choice with extra cargo space for luggage or gear. Popular for families visiting Austin who might venture out to state parks or need to ferry kids to activities. Higher seating gives a commanding view of Texas highways. Many models are AWD, useful if exploring off the beaten path or just tackling a rainy day.
• Minivan, from $55/day Example: Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Pacifica (7-passenger). Ideal for group travel whether you’re in town for a conference with colleagues or on a family vacation. Lots of space for people and bags, and sliding doors for easy in-and-out at the airport curb. Planning to hit up Austin’s outlets or shopping at The Domain? A minivan will fit all your finds with room to spare.
• 12-Passenger Van, from $85/day Example: Ford Transit 350 or similar. When you have a big crew (band touring for a gig, sports team, or an extended family reunion trip), these vans are a lifesaver. Seats up to 12 adults plus some luggage. Despite the size, they’re not much harder to drive than a large SUV and you’ll save a lot by renting one van instead of three separate cars. These tend to book up during major events (like university graduations or ACL Festival), so snag one early if you need it.

Prices above are base rates (per day) recently found for rentals at Austin-Bergstrom Airport. They exclude taxes and fees. “From” pricing is subject to change with demand and season for example, rental costs can rise during spring festival season or holidays. Always start a search to get the most accurate, up-to-date quote for your dates. Keep in mind, all the deals listed include standard unlimited mileage drive as much as you need around Austin and beyond.

Driving Tips for Austin Airport Travelers

Navigating Austin by car is pretty straightforward, but a few airport-specific pointers and local insights can make your drive even smoother:

Exiting the Airport: Austin’s airport is on the southeast side of the city, about 7 miles from downtown. From the Rental Car Facility, you’ll follow signs to exit the airport area via Presidential Blvd, which connects to TX-71 the main highway leading west into Austin or east toward Houston. If you’re heading downtown or to the University of Texas campus, you’ll likely take TX-71 West to I-35 North, which is about a 15-minute drive without traffic. Alternatively, if you’re staying in South Austin or heading toward suburbs like Round Rock or Pflugerville, consider taking the TX-130 toll road north from TX-71 it bypasses downtown congestion and reconnects to I-35 further up (bonus: it has an 85 mph speed limit for a good stretch). Just remember it’s a toll road (see toll tips below).

Airport Area Traffic: Traffic around AUS is generally light to moderate, but it can spike when multiple flights arrive or during major events. The airport access road (TX-71 and Hwy 183 intersection) sees rush hour slowdowns on weekday mornings (inbound to city) and late afternoons (outbound). If you land during peak times (or right after a big event like a Formula 1 race weekend or SXSW closing day), expect a bit of a wait leaving the airport. Once on TX-71 or 183, use your navigation app to choose the quickest route to your destination Austin has some quirky interchanges, and the new toll lanes might save you time.

Returning Your Rental at AUS: The rental car return entrance is on the airport grounds, typically accessed via Spirit of Texas Drive off 71 or via Airport Blvd depending on direction. Look for signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport they’ll guide you straight to the garage where you picked up. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes for return procedures, especially during early morning flights when many people are dropping off cars. After returning the car, you can walk directly to the terminals; it’s a 5-minute covered walk to the main Barbara Jordan terminal. If you need to refuel before returning: there’s a gas station (Exxon) on Airport Blvd near the rental center entrance, but prices there can be higher. There are cheaper options a couple of miles away (for example, along Highway 71 or 183) if you have time.

Toll Roads & Fees: As mentioned, Austin has several toll roads near the airport. Besides SH 130, there’s the 183 South toll lanes that can speed up your trip northbound (it runs parallel to the old Hwy 183 and feeds into downtown). If you plan on using any toll roads frequently, it might be worth opting into the rental car’s toll program you’ll pay a daily fee (often ~$3–5 on days you actually incur a toll) plus the tolls, but you’ll breeze through toll plazas. If you don’t opt in and still use a toll road, you’ll get billed by plate later (the rental company will charge your card with an extra admin fee per toll). The cost isn’t outrageous for an occasional toll, but multiple tolls without a plan can add up due to those fees. Alternatively, you can often avoid tolls by using I-35 or surface roads, but during heavy traffic the toll routes are a lifesaver. Tip: If you’re driving to San Antonio, there’s no need for tolls (I-35 is free) — but if you’re driving to Houston, taking the toll Grand Parkway (TX-99) around Katy can skip some traffic, just something to consider if your travels extend beyond Austin.

Road Conditions & Construction: Austin is a city constantly under construction roads included. Be aware that I-35 through central Austin is undergoing a long-term improvement project. This means occasional lane closures or detours, usually at off-peak hours, but it can still cause delays. Similarly, sections of Hwy 183 and I-35 near Round Rock are being expanded. Keep an eye on orange signs and slow down in work zones (fines double, and APD does patrol them). Your navigation app will usually alert you to construction slowdowns. If you encounter detours late at night (some exits close for overnight work), don’t panic follow posted detour signs or your GPS’s reroute; it might send you along the frontage road until you can re-enter the highway.

Downtown Navigation: Once you drive into downtown Austin from the airport (typically via E. Cesar Chavez St or Riverside Dr if coming by I-35 or 71), be prepared for one-way streets. The grid is relatively easy, but streets like 5th and 6th are one-way pairs, as are others in the core. Watch the signs and arrows, especially at night when it’s harder to tell direction. Also note that on weekend evenings, some entertainment district streets (like Rainey Street or parts of 6th) may be closed to cars for pedestrian safety your GPS might not know if a street is temporarily pedestrian-only, so heed any barriers or police directing traffic.

Fueling Up in Town: If you’re driving a lot, you’ll find gas stations convenient throughout Austin. Prices in Texas are lower than many states. You can expect to pay around $3 and change per gallon for regular unleaded as of 2025, but it varies. Typically, stations on the outskirts (near suburbs or along highways) are a bit cheaper than those right downtown or by the university. If you need an early-morning fill-up, most gas stations in the city proper open early (some 24 hours), except maybe small neighborhood ones. A quirky local tip: if you find yourself on the east side, you can fuel up at the H-E-B Plus grocery on East Riverside they usually have good prices and it’s on the way to the airport from downtown. And if you’re heading out for a long drive, consider topping off the tank before leaving Austin small towns in the Hill Country sometimes have only one gas station with higher prices due to lack of competition.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well prepared to handle both Austin’s city streets and the open Texas highways beyond. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Austin!

Road Trip Ideas from Austin

One of the perks of picking up a car at Austin’s airport is that you’re already on the edge of town and ready to hit the open road. Here are a couple of road trip ideas that start at AUS and showcase the best of Central Texas and beyond:

• BBQ and Bluebonnets Trail After grabbing your car at AUS, head east on TX-71 then south on US-183 to Lockhart (about 35 miles from the airport). Lockhart is the Barbecue Capital of Texas indulge in mouthwatering brisket at Kreuz Market or Black’s BBQ. Continue south another 20 miles to Luling for even more BBQ at City Market (why not make it a tasty compare-and-contrast tour?). From Luling, drive west on TX-80 toward San Marcos, then take the scenic route up through Wimberley (via RR 12). In spring, this drive is blanketed with wildflowers. Wimberley is an artsy Hill Country village where you can stroll the square or dip your toes in Blue Hole Regional Park. Loop back to Austin by taking RR 12 north to Dripping Springs (stop at a winery or the famous Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood if you somehow still have room!) before rejoining TX-71 east back to the airport area.
  Total Distance: ~150 miles round-trip. You can do this in a full day of feasting and exploring, or stretch it to a relaxed weekend by overnighting at a B&B in Wimberley.
  
  

Highlights: Legendary BBQ joints (bring your stretchy pants), picturesque small-town squares, rolling Hill Country landscapes, and seasonal bluebonnet fields (March–April) especially along country roads between Lockhart, San Marcos, and Wimberley.

Tips: Go early to BBQ spots they do sell out of popular cuts by afternoon. Many BBQ places are cash only, so have some on hand. The wildflower season draws Sunday drivers, so drive patiently and be ready to pull over for photos (safety first use designated pull-offs, not the highway shoulder). Also, Wimberley’s Jacob’s Well natural spring requires advance reservations if you plan to swim.

• Dallas via Waco (Texas Two-Step Northbound) If your journey continues beyond Austin, a classic Texas road trip is to Dallas, with a fun stop in Waco along the way. From AUS, hop on I-35 North. Waco is about 100 miles (1.5 to 2 hours) up I-35. Stretch your legs at the famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, a must-see for fans of Fixer Upper and home decor enthusiasts it’s right off the interstate. Grab a cupcake at Silos Baking Co. or a sweet tea from a food truck in their garden. Also in Waco: the Dr Pepper Museum (celebrating the iconic soda born in Texas) and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame if you’re into history. Continue on I-35 to Dallas (another 100 miles). In Dallas-Fort Worth, you’ll find a whole new set of adventures (see our Dallas page for ideas) from the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas (JFK history) to the Fort Worth Stockyards for a taste of cowboy culture.
  Total Distance: ~200 miles one-way to Dallas. Best done over 2–3 days so you can enjoy stops.
  
  

Highlights: Waco’s Magnolia Silos and quirky museums, plus the chance to experience two big Texas cities (Austin’s cool vibe to Dallas’s big-city glitz) in one trip. If you have extra time, detour to Salado (just north of Georgetown) for small-town shops, or swing through the Czech Stop in West, TX for delicious kolache pastries.

Tips: I-35 between Austin and Dallas is heavily trafficked and under perpetual construction in some sections. Leaving early in the morning can help beat traffic around Austin’s northern suburbs and Waco. Keep an eye out for sudden lane shifts or reduced speeds near Temple and Waco due to road work. Fuel up in Waco if needed; there’s a long stretch with fewer services between Waco and the southern DFW outskirts. Once near Dallas, be aware of multiple highways and interchanges a GPS is almost required in DFW’s maze of tollways and loops. Also, Dallas has toll roads (like the President George Bush Turnpike); if you haven’t opted into toll coverage, set your GPS to avoid tolls or be prepared for a bill later.

These are just a start from Austin you could also venture to Big Bend National Park (for the ultimate West Texas adventure), or east to the piney woods of Bastrop State Park and beyond. With a rental car, you have the freedom to make Austin your launchpad to explore the rich variety of Texas landscapes and cities.

Happy travels, and enjoy the ride!

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