Weekend in Austria: Step-by-Step Rental Car Plan

Want to hit the road from Prague in a rental car to Austria or Germany? We'll walk you through what to arrange beforehand, why assistance is mandatory, how to get motorway vignettes, and what documents to bring.

7 November 2026 · 4 min read
Weekend in Austria: Step-by-Step Rental Car Plan

You can take a car from JJ Rent Car to another EU country, but only after prior agreement with the rental company. Call or email before making a reservation, specifying your destination country and travel dates. When travelling abroad, assistance service is mandatory. Motorway vignettes and other tolls are the driver's responsibility and depend on the route. Below you'll find a plan based on a four-day trip from Prague to Austria.

Example: Four days, Prague – Salzburg – Vienna – Prague

Imagine a small group or family wanting to explore Austria over four days. The route might take you from Prague to Salzburg, then to Vienna and back. Such a loop covers roughly a thousand kilometres, which is easy to underestimate when planning.

Our vehicles have a daily limit of 250 km for rentals of 2–5 days. Over four days, this adds up to roughly a thousand kilometres total. We recommend measuring your route in advance using a navigation app and building in extra for side trips, parking, and finding accommodation. Short-term rentals are covered in more detail in our article on short-term car rental in Prague.

Step 1: Prior Agreement

You cannot handle a foreign trip on delivery of the keys. The procedure is straightforward:

  • Contact the rental company by phone at +420 703 149 146 or by email at [email protected] during or immediately after making your reservation.
  • Specify the countries you'll be driving through and give approximate departure and return dates.
  • Note that travel is only permitted to EU countries.
  • Have the terms confirmed, including assistance cover, and clarify what to do in case of breakdown or accident abroad.

You'll find our general rental terms on the rental terms page and additional information on our services page.

Step 2: Mandatory Assistance

When travelling abroad, assistance service is mandatory. In practice, this means factoring it into your travel plan from the start rather than hunting for it just before departure. Ask how to arrange assistance and who to contact in case of breakdown.

All our vehicles have compulsory third-party liability and comprehensive insurance. In case of accident, the client pays the deductible according to the insurance type. Before departing, clarify what deductible applies to your case; related details are in our article on insurance add-ons at the car rental.

Step 3: Motorway Vignettes and Tolls

Rules differ from country to country and change frequently. Always verify the current conditions with the road operator in your destination country before travelling.

It's generally useful to know that:

  • some countries use electronic motorway vignettes purchased online based on the vehicle's registration plate, which you'll know only after the specific car is confirmed,
  • in some countries, you pay separately for road sections, tunnels, or bridges,
  • elsewhere, motorways are free but other rules may apply—for instance, city zones or parking fees.

Vignettes and tolls are not automatically included in the car rental. Ask how to proceed for your specific destination.

Step 4: Documents for the Road

On your trip, bring:

  • a valid driving licence,
  • proof of identity (when travelling outside the Czech Republic, a passport or national ID card according to your destination country's rules),
  • the rental contract and vehicle documents, which we'll hand over when you pick up the car,
  • contact details for the assistance service and the rental company,
  • confirmation of any motorway vignette you've purchased.

The minimum rental age is 21, the same as for driving within the Czech Republic. When picking up the car, inspect it carefully with us, take photos of the bodywork condition, and check the equipment so nothing is overlooked when you return it.

Which Car to Choose for a Trip to Austria

For longer motorway drives, it makes sense to choose a comfortable car with navigation and an automatic gearbox:

  • The Škoda Superb Combi with a 2.0 TDI engine, automatic transmission and navigation is ideal for longer drives with luggage for five people. We have more details in our article about the Superb Combi.
  • The Škoda Kodiaq with 4x4 drive suits hilly routes or unpredictable weather.
  • For a smaller crew and shorter routes, the Škoda Octavia Combi with a 1.6 TDI diesel and manual gearbox will do, though it lacks built-in navigation which you can arrange separately.

For electric vehicles, think through charging options along your route beforehand and discuss everything with us when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a rental car outside the EU?

No, trips abroad are only possible to EU countries and by prior arrangement.

Do I need assistance even if I'm only going for one day to a neighbouring country?

Yes. Assistance service is mandatory when travelling abroad, regardless of trip length.

Who buys the motorway vignette?

The driver, depending on the route. Verify current conditions in your destination country beforehand, and we'll discuss any specific questions about the car when booking.

Does the mileage limit change if I drive abroad?

No, the same limit applies based on rental duration. For 2–5 days, it's 250 km per day, so we recommend calculating your route in advance.

Book Your Car for the Trip

Choose your car, check the terms in detail and let us know about your planned trip. You can make a reservation on the /rezervace page, and for any questions, get in touch via our contact page—we're happy to help you work through your route.

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