Hertz Car Hire
Austin

After exiting the main airport road, follow the large, well-lit overhead signs for 'Rental Car Return'. Austin–Bergstrom International Airport has a consolidated rental car facility separate from the main terminal parking, where all rental companies are located. The signage is clear and guides you into a dedicated garage where you'll find the Hertz desk and vehicle pick-up area. This centralised location is designed to be straightforward even for first-time visitors arriving after dark.

The rental car facility at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is conveniently connected directly to the terminal via a covered walkway. You will not normally need to wait for a shuttle, which simplifies the process considerably. The walk itself typically takes only about five to ten minutes at a normal pace. During a busy weekend, the primary variable will be the queue at the rental counter, not the time it takes to get to the building.

For the most direct and least complicated drive to downtown, take TX‑71 West from the airport. Continue for about five miles and then follow the clear signs to merge onto Interstate 35 (I‑35) North. This route is a major artery and is generally the most straightforward path with well‑marked exits for downtown destinations like Cesar Chavez Street or the Convention Centre. Using this primary highway helps you avoid navigating smaller, more complex surface streets right after picking up your car.

A great option is the airport's cell phone lot, located just a minute or two from the rental car facility. It's a safe, low‑traffic area with plenty of space to park temporarily. This allows you to connect your phone, adjust mirrors, and input your destination into your satnav without feeling rushed. Alternatively, there are several petrol stations and convenience stores along TX‑71 just outside the airport grounds where you can pull into a parking spot.

To reach South Congress Avenue efficiently, take TX‑71 West from the airport. Instead of heading north on I‑35 toward the downtown exits, continue on TX‑71 West (which is also US‑290 West at this point). Look for the exit specifically for South Congress Avenue. Taking this exit lets you approach the popular SoCo district from the south, bypassing the congestion of I‑35 and the downtown core.

The interchange where I‑35 and US‑290 meet can be challenging for newcomers due to its multi‑level ramps and lanes that merge and split quickly. The key is to use your GPS and know which lane you need to be in well ahead of time. Pay close attention to overhead signs, as exits can appear suddenly. Drivers in this area often change lanes with little warning, so maintain a safe following distance and be predictable with your own movements for a smoother experience.

MoPac Expressway, or Loop 1, is a major north–south artery known for its relatively short entrance and exit ramps. This requires you to get up to speed quickly when merging into traffic. Be prepared for exits that may have a dedicated lane that appears abruptly on the right. Also be aware of the variable toll express lanes in the centre; stay in the general‑purpose lanes to avoid them unless you intend to use the toll service.

Frontage roads in Austin run parallel to major highways like I‑35 and MoPac, providing access to businesses and local streets. To use them effectively, you must exit the main highway well before your actual destination. The most common mistake is missing your exit and having to travel a significant distance to the next U‑turn. Always use your navigation app and pay close attention to the exit number for your destination to ensure you get onto the correct frontage road.

The key to a low‑stress visit to Zilker Park and Barton Springs is to arrive early, especially at weekends. The main access is via Barton Springs Road, which can get very congested. Instead of trying to find the closest possible spot, consider using one of the larger car parks further east toward Lamar Boulevard and enjoy a pleasant walk into the park. This often saves time compared with circling the lots nearest the pool entrance.

Driving downtown to the Moody Theater can be tricky due to the prevalence of one‑way streets like Lavaca and Guadalupe. Visitors often get confused when their GPS tells them to turn only to find it's a one‑way going the wrong way. The best approach is to input the address of a specific car park, such as the one connected to the W Hotel or the City Hall garage, directly into your navigation. This gives you a clear target and helps you anticipate the final turns needed to enter the garage.

To visit the Texas State Capitol, aim to arrive on a weekday between 09:30 and 11:00. This window lets you miss the morning rush while getting there before peak lunch and afternoon crowds. The most convenient place to park is the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage, located east of the Capitol building. Programming your satnav directly to this garage will provide the most straightforward route and eliminate the stress of searching for on‑street parking in a busy area.

The most challenging area to navigate by car is Guadalupe Street, known as 'The Drag', which runs along the west side of campus. This street is packed with pedestrians, buses and scooters, and has specific turn restrictions. Inner campus streets like 21st and 24th are also tricky due to one‑way sections and the constant flow of students. It's best to drive slowly, yield to pedestrians, and plan to park in a garage on the periphery rather than attempting to drive through the heart of campus.

For a major event like a UT football game, plan to be in the vicinity of the stadium at least three to four hours before kick‑off. Traffic becomes extremely heavy and many streets close to through traffic as game time approaches. Having a pre‑purchased parking pass for a specific garage or lot is highly recommended. If you don't have one, arriving this early gives you a better chance to find private parking options, though expect a considerable walk to the stadium.

The Domain, located in North Austin, is most easily accessed from the MoPac Expressway (Loop 1). Use the exits for Braker Lane or Burnet Road and follow signs for The Domain or Domain NORTHSIDE. Once there, choose a car park and remember its name or colour code, as the complex is very large. The car parks are well signposted and generally easy to navigate, but making a mental note of your location will save time when you're ready to leave.

The area around the Congress Avenue Bridge becomes extremely congested right after the bats emerge. A smart strategy is to park south of the Colorado River, perhaps near the Long Centre for the Performing Arts or in the Bouldin Creek neighbourhood. From there you can take a short walk to the bridge to view the bats. This allows you to easily return to your car and drive away from the main traffic bottleneck that forms on Cesar Chavez Street and Congress Avenue.

A great approach is to park once for both activities. Find a parking spot in the morning near Auditorium Shores or the Long Centre on the south side of Lady Bird Lake. This gives you direct access to the hike‑and‑bike trail for your morning walk. Afterwards, the heart of the South Congress shopping and dining district is just a short, pleasant walk up the hill, allowing you to enjoy both destinations without the hassle of finding a second parking spot.

Rainey Street itself is often very crowded and sometimes closed to vehicular traffic, making direct drop‑offs difficult. The best strategy is to use a nearby cross street, such as Driskill or Davis Street, for your drop‑off. Pull over safely on one of these less‑congested side streets to let passengers out. This allows them a very short walk to their destination while you can easily drive away without getting stuck in the pedestrian and rideshare congestion common on Rainey.

Driving in or near downtown Austin during the SXSW festival in March is exceptionally challenging and generally not recommended. Many streets are closed to traffic, detours are frequent, and the area is saturated with pedestrians and rideshare vehicles. If you must drive, check the official city and SXSW websites for daily road closure maps. Plan for significant delays and consider parking in a car park well outside the festival's core and walking the rest of the way.

On Fridays, rush hour starts early, often around 14:00, as people leave work for the weekend; I‑35, MoPac (Loop 1) and US‑183 become heavily congested in both directions. Sunday afternoons and evenings see significant inbound traffic, especially on I‑35, as people return to the city from weekend trips. To avoid the worst of it, try to schedule your travel on these days for late morning or after 19:00.

The most frequent mistake is misjudging the one‑way frontage roads when trying to cross under I‑35. Drivers often find themselves accidentally forced back onto the highway instead of crossing to the other side. To avoid this, use major, signal‑controlled cross streets like Cesar Chavez, 6th Street or Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Be patient at these intersections, as they are designed for safe and clear passage between East Austin and downtown.

When visiting a large mall like Barton Creek Square, the best approach is to note the major department store or entrance you park near. The mall has multiple access points from MoPac (Loop 1) and Loop 360. When leaving, follow the overhead signs for 'Exit' carefully. Some exits lead directly to the highway, while others loop you through the property, so paying attention to the signs will prevent you from getting disoriented in the large car park.

To have a smooth day trip to Fredericksburg, plan to depart Austin before 08:00 to miss the morning commuter traffic on US‑290 West. The drive through the Hill Country is scenic once you are out of the city. For your return, aim to re‑enter the Austin metro area after 19:00. This will help you avoid the peak afternoon rush hour, making the end of your trip much more relaxing.

The most direct and easiest route is to take Interstate 35 (I‑35) South for the entire journey. This is a major, multi‑lane highway with clear signage pointing you towards San Antonio. Along the way you'll find numerous large, well‑equipped travel centres and rest areas, particularly in San Marcos and New Braunfels. These provide predictable and convenient opportunities to stop for fuel, food or a break.

The stretch of I‑35 between Austin and Waco is known for ongoing construction, which can cause significant delays. To minimise your chances of getting stuck, it's best to travel during off‑peak hours. On weekdays this is typically between 10:00 and 14:00. Before you leave, always check a real‑time traffic app to see the current conditions and any new lane closures along your route.

The drive to Lake Travis typically involves scenic but winding two‑lane roads like RM 620 and RM 2222, so it's important to drive attentively. Popular viewpoints, such as The Oasis, have large dedicated car parks, though they can fill up around sunset. Marinas and public parks often have limited parking that usually requires a fee, especially on weekends. Arriving earlier in the day gives you the best chance of securing a convenient spot.

The most critical factor for visiting Hamilton Pool is that you must have a pre‑purchased reservation for a specific time slot to enter. The drive involves narrow, winding country roads, so proceed with caution. Your reservation guarantees you a parking spot, but the lot is small and access is strictly controlled. You will be turned away without a valid timed reservation, so planning well in advance is essential.

The drive from Austin to Enchanted Rock is straightforward, mostly along state highways through the Hill Country. The primary challenge is that the park often reaches capacity and closes to new visitors, particularly at weekends and on holidays. To ensure you get in, plan to arrive very early, ideally before the park officially opens. Check the park's official social media for real‑time updates on its status before you make the journey.

The roads around Dripping Springs are often two‑lane rural highways and farm‑to‑market roads that can be dark and winding at night. Drive with caution and be vigilant for wildlife crossing the road. Street lighting is minimal in many areas, so use your main beams when appropriate. Always have a designated driver, as the drive back to Austin requires your full attention after an enjoyable day.

Lockhart's famous barbecue restaurants are centred around its historic town square. While you might find on‑street parking directly in front of the restaurants full, there is typically plenty of free public parking just a block or two away. The best strategy is not to fixate on the closest spot; instead, park on one of the less‑crowded side streets and enjoy the very short walk through the charming downtown area.

For the best experience, plan your trip for a weekday morning, leaving Austin around 09:30 to miss the morning rush on I‑35 South. When you arrive at the large outlet complex, look at a directory map first and decide which section you want to visit. Park in the lot closest to that area to minimise walking. This targeted approach helps you navigate the huge space efficiently and avoid peak crowds that arrive in the afternoon and at weekends.

A key point for visitors is to watch out for school zones, which have significantly reduced speed limits during specific morning and afternoon hours. These zones are indicated by signs with flashing yellow lights. When those lights are flashing you must slow to the posted speed. These areas are strictly enforced, so being observant is crucial to avoid a fine and to ensure the safety of pupils.

While there isn't a single definitive list, many intersections in the downtown core, especially along major streets like Congress Avenue, Lavaca Street and Cesar Chavez Street, have 'No Turn on Red' signs. These are particularly common where pedestrian traffic is heavy or at complex intersections with multiple lanes. The best practice for any visitor is to pause and actively look for these signs at every red light downtown before attempting a right turn.

Austin has several toll roads, such as SH 130 and express lanes on MoPac, that use electronic, cashless tolling. Most rental vehicles are equipped with a tolling transponder for your convenience. When you use a toll road, the system automatically records it and the charges are handled through your rental agreement after your trip. For more information on the specific programme, you can always ask for details at the Hertz desk when you pick up your car.

To avoid accidentally entering a toll or express lane, pay close attention to road markings and overhead signs. These lanes are typically separated from the general‑purpose lanes by solid double white lines, which you should not cross. Signage will clearly indicate 'Express' or 'Toll' well in advance of the entrance ramp. Staying in the main right‑hand lanes will almost always keep you in the non‑tolled section of the highway.

For an early flight, plan to arrive at the airport's rental car return facility about three hours before departure. Allow roughly 15–20 minutes of that time to refuel the vehicle at one of the petrol stations on TX‑71, just before the airport entrance. The signs for 'Rental Car Return' are prominent as you approach the terminals. This timeline provides a comfortable buffer for traffic, the return process, and getting through security.

The most efficient method is to drive to the upper‑level departures curb of the main terminal first. Here you can drop off all passengers and their luggage, leaving just the driver in the car. After everyone is safely on the curb, the driver can then follow the signs to the separate rental car return facility. This avoids the hassle of managing luggage through the rental car centre and walkway.

You will find several major‑brand petrol stations conveniently located along TX‑71, the main road that leads directly to the airport. These stations are situated within around two miles of the airport entrance and are designed for easy access, with large entrances and exits. They are a popular choice for travellers returning rental cars, so you can refuel quickly before following the signs for the rental car return garage.

Austin is susceptible to flash flooding, so exercise extreme caution when driving in heavy rain. Never attempt to drive through a low‑water crossing that has water flowing over it, as the roadbed can be washed away and currents are deceptive. On highways and city streets, be aware of water pooling in the lanes, which can cause aquaplaning. Reduce your speed significantly and increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react.

The airport's cell phone waiting lot is an ideal spot for this task. It is located just a minute or two from the rental car facility and is a calm, low‑traffic environment. You can park here for free for a short time, giving you ample space and peace to install your car seat correctly and safely. This allows you to ensure everything is secure before you merge onto busier highways.

A great way to structure your trip is to group your destinations geographically. On day one, focus on the central and southern areas. Start your morning downtown visiting the Capitol or museums, then in the afternoon drive the short distance to South Congress for food and shopping. On day two, dedicate your time to North Austin by taking MoPac (Loop 1) up to The Domain. This approach prevents you from repeatedly crossing the city and dealing with downtown traffic more than necessary.