Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Houston to Austin. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:
Starting from
US$ 79/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 109-US$ 118 | US$ 50 | US$ 200-US$ 231 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Medium | US$ 112 | US$ 50 | US$ 208 | Small families, light luggage |
| Large | US$ 116-US$ 347 | US$ 50-US$ 100 | US$ 210-US$ 814 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 121-US$ 549 | US$ 50-US$ 250 | US$ 237-US$ 306 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Premium | US$ 347 | US$ 100 | US$ 814 | Families, comfort seeker |
| Van | US$ 266 | US$ 100 | US$ 689 | Large families, groups |
| Pickup Truck | US$ 173-US$ 191 | US$ 100 | US$ 288-US$ 340 | Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage |
Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Refueling before returning the car is generally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.
Always keep the last receipt as proof of refueling.
Use gas stations near the drop-off location for convenience and to ensure a full tank.
The estimated average fuel price for the route is approximately $3.50 per gallon.
Maintain a steady speed of around 65 mph to optimize fuel efficiency.
Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.
Minimize air conditioning usage to conserve fuel.
Parking costs in downtown Houston range from $5 to $20 per day.
Street parking is available but may have time restrictions.
Consider using parking garages for longer durations.
Downtown Austin offers parking garages with rates averaging $10 to $25 per day.
Street parking is metered and may be limited during peak hours.
Look for park-and-ride options if staying outside the city center.
ParkMobile
SpotHero
BestParking
There are no tolls on the direct route from Houston to Austin.
There are no tolls on the direct route from Houston to Austin.
Stop in Brenham to savor the famous Blue Bell ice cream.
Explore Texas nature in one of the state's oldest parks.
Experience the cuisine of Elgin at this celebrated event.
Visit one of the top universities in College Station.
Plan Your Route: Choose the best route suited to your travel preferences, checking for construction and closures beforehand.
Refuel Smartly: Locate gas stations along your route to avoid low fuel situations in remote areas.
Start Early: Begin your trip in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures and lighter traffic.
Pack Snacks: Bring along your favorite travel snacks for long stretches between towns.
Inspect the Car: Ensure your rental car is in good condition before departure, checking tires, brakes, and lights.
Budget Your Trip: Factor in rental costs, fuel, tolls, and food expenses to stay within your budget.
In this guide, learn how to select the best car rental companies that offer reliable one-way rental services for routes between Houston and Austin.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | $$ | High | Excellent | Large vehicle fleet with varied options , Excellent customer service , Frequent promotions and discounts |
| Hertz | $$$ | High | Excellent | Wide network of locations , Latest vehicle models , 24/7 roadside assistance |
| Avis | $$ | Moderate | Good | Easy booking process , Flexible pick-up options , Loyalty program benefits |
| Budget | $ | Moderate | Good | Affordable rates , Multiple vehicle classes , Frequently updated deals |
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Rental centers typically operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though 24-hour services are available at major locations.
Locations are accessible at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and drop-off is available at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Complimentary shuttles run every 15-20 minutes from the airport terminals to the rental center.
Detailed instructions are provided at booking. Follow on-site signs for smooth processing.
To save time, opt for online check-in and upload your driver's license details before arriving at the rental center.
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