Compare cheap car hire at Salzburg Airport with pickup details, desk locations, driving routes and prices.
Salzburg Airport (W. A. Mozart Airport – SZG) is a key gateway to western Austria, located just 4km from Salzburg city centre and close to the German border. It is especially popular in winter for ski holidays and year-round for city breaks and Alpine travel.
Hiring a car here is often the easiest way to reach ski resorts, lakes and mountain regions across Austria and nearby Bavaria.
Arrivals and Car Hire Setup
Car hire desks at Salzburg Airport are located inside the terminal building in the arrivals hall. After baggage reclaim, follow signs for “Mietwagen / Car Rental”.
Vehicles are collected from the car rental parking area directly opposite the terminal, within a short walking distance.
You can check airport facilities and maps on the official Salzburg Airport website.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Salzburg Airport has seasonal direct flights from Ireland, mainly during the winter ski season.
- Dublin → Salzburg (seasonal winter services)
Flight time is typically around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Available Rental Companies
A range of international car hire providers operate at Salzburg Airport, with increased availability during winter.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Booking ahead is recommended during peak ski weeks and holidays.
Price Guide for Salzburg Car Hire
| Season | Economy | Family Car | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| December – March | €60 – €130 | €130 – €200 | €200 – €320 |
| April – June | €35 – €70 | €70 – €110 | €110 – €170 |
| July – August | €50 – €95 | €95 – €150 | €150 – €220 |
| September – November | €30 – €65 | €65 – €105 | €105 – €160 |
Vehicle Options for Salzburg
The right vehicle depends on your travel plans and the season.
- Compact cars – suitable for city driving and short trips
- Family cars – comfortable for longer journeys
- Estate cars – ideal for luggage or ski equipment
- All-wheel drive vehicles – recommended for winter mountain driving
Driving Distances from Salzburg Airport
Salzburg is well connected to the Austrian and German motorway networks.
- Salzburg city centre – about 15 minutes
- Zell am See – around 1 hour 30 minutes
- Kitzbühel – roughly 1 hour 30 minutes
- Munich – about 1 hour 45 minutes
The A1 and A10 motorways connect Salzburg with major destinations across the region.
If you are planning a wider Alpine trip, you may also want to compare routes via Innsbruck Airport, Munich or Linz Airport.
Driving in Salzburg and Austria
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Roads are modern and well maintained, especially motorways.
A motorway vignette is required and is typically included with rental vehicles.
More information is available on the official Austria tourism website.
Winter Travel Considerations
Salzburg is a major winter destination, so driving conditions can change quickly.
- Winter tyres are required in certain conditions
- Snow chains may be needed for mountain roads
- Allow extra time for journeys during snowfall
Check local regulations and weather conditions before travelling.
Top Places to Visit by Car
Salzburg is a strong base for exploring both Austria and southern Germany.
- Zell am See – lakeside resort town
- Hallstatt – scenic village in the Salzkammergut
- Berchtesgaden – German Alpine region
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road – scenic driving route (summer)
Many visitors combine Salzburg with nearby Alpine destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Salzburg Airport?
The desks are located inside the arrivals hall of the terminal.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Salzburg?
Yes, seasonal flights operate during the winter.
Is car hire recommended in Salzburg?
Yes, especially for reaching ski resorts and surrounding regions.
How far is Salzburg Airport from the city centre?
The drive takes around 15 minutes.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, most rental companies require one.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manual vehicles are more common.
Is driving in Salzburg easy?
Yes, roads are well maintained and clearly signposted.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Salzburg Airport?
Yes, though availability may be limited in peak season.
Do I need a motorway vignette?
Yes, but it is usually included with rental cars.
Which motorways connect Salzburg Airport?
The A1 and A10 motorways connect Salzburg with the region.
