Compare cheap car hire at Linz Airport with pickup details, rental locations, driving routes and prices in Upper Austria.
Linz Airport (Blue Danube Airport Linz – LNZ) is a small regional airport located around 12km southwest of Linz city centre in Upper Austria. It serves both business and leisure travellers, with a mix of scheduled and seasonal routes.
Hiring a car at Linz Airport is a practical choice if you plan to explore Upper Austria, the Danube region or travel into neighbouring areas such as Salzburg or Bavaria.
Getting Your Rental Car
The airport is compact, making the pickup process straightforward. Car hire desks are located inside the terminal building near the arrivals area.
Vehicles are collected from the car rental parking area directly outside the terminal, just a short walk from the exit.
Airport services and maps are available on the official Linz Airport website.
Direct Flights from Ireland
There are currently no regular direct flights from Ireland to Linz Airport.
Travellers typically reach Linz via connecting flights or by flying into nearby airports such as Vienna Airport or Munich and driving.
Car Rental Companies at Linz Airport
A smaller selection of rental providers operate at Linz Airport compared to larger international hubs.
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Buchbinder
Due to limited availability, booking in advance is recommended, particularly during peak travel periods.
Typical Car Hire Prices in Linz
| Season | Economy | Family Car | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €40 – €80 | €80 – €130 | €130 – €200 |
| April – June | €45 – €90 | €90 – €140 | €140 – €210 |
| July – August | €55 – €110 | €110 – €170 | €170 – €250 |
| September – October | €45 – €95 | €95 – €150 | €150 – €220 |
| November – December | €40 – €85 | €85 – €140 | €140 – €210 |
What Type of Car Do You Need?
Choice of vehicle depends on your travel plans across Austria.
- Compact cars – ideal for city driving and short journeys
- Family cars – suitable for regional travel and comfort
- Estate cars – useful for luggage and longer trips
- All-wheel drive vehicles – recommended for winter or Alpine routes
Driving from Linz Airport
The airport connects directly to Austria’s motorway network via the A1 (West Autobahn).
- Linz city centre – about 20 minutes
- Salzburg – around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Vienna – roughly 2 hours
- Hallstatt – about 1 hour 30 minutes
The A1 motorway links Linz with both Vienna and Salzburg, making it a key route across Austria.
If you are planning a broader trip, you can also compare pickup options at Salzburg Airport or Innsbruck Airport.
Driving in Austria
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Roads and motorways are modern and well maintained.
A motorway vignette is required for driving on Austrian motorways and is usually included with rental cars.
Further travel information is available on the official Austria tourism website.
Where to Go by Car from Linz
Linz is well positioned for exploring Upper Austria and beyond.
- Hallstatt – lakeside village and UNESCO site
- Salzkammergut region – lakes and mountains
- Salzburg – historic city and birthplace of Mozart
- Vienna – Austria’s capital city
The region is popular for both cultural trips and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Linz Airport?
The desks are located inside the terminal near arrivals.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Linz?
No, travellers usually connect via other airports.
Is Linz a good base for exploring Austria?
Yes, it offers good access to both Vienna and Salzburg.
How far is Linz Airport from the city?
The drive takes around 20 minutes.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, most rental providers require one.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manual vehicles are more common.
Is driving in Austria easy?
Yes, roads are modern and clearly signposted.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Linz Airport?
Yes, though availability may be limited.
Do I need to pay motorway tolls?
A vignette is required, but usually included with rentals.
Which motorway connects Linz Airport?
The A1 motorway connects the airport with major cities.
