Looking to book rather than read? See midsize car rental Austin for the live fleet, daily rates and delivery, or compare every category on our economy car rental Austin page.
The Hill Country starts twenty minutes west of downtown Austin and it is the best reason to rent a car here instead of relying on rideshare. These five trips each fit inside a day, leave from your hotel or your Airbnb, and work in any car in our fleet.
1. Fredericksburg and the wineries
US-290 west through Dripping Springs and Johnson City to the German main street of Fredericksburg, with twenty wineries along the last thirty miles. Ninety minutes each way. Take the Honda Accord or similar if four of you are going and someone is the designated driver.
2. Dripping Springs and the distilleries
Forty minutes out, the distilleries and breweries along Fitzhugh Road and the swimming hole at Hamilton Pool, which needs a reservation. A Toyota Corolla or similar is all you need.
3. Lake Travis and the 360 bridge
Loop 360 to the Pennybacker Bridge overlook, then FM 2222 and Ranch Road 620 to Lake Travis and the marinas. The Jeep Wrangler Sport or similar with the top off is the car for this one.
4. Enchanted Rock
North of Fredericksburg, the pink granite dome and the hike to the top at sunrise. Two hours each way and a parking reservation in season; the Hyundai Santa Fe or similar takes the cooler and the gear.
5. Wimberley and Blue Hole
An hour south on Ranch Road 12, the square, the Saturday market and the swimming hole. Easy in the Mazda CX-5 or similar or the Honda Civic or similar.
What it costs
From $98 a day, delivery included anywhere in Austin and at AUS. Book three days and the per-day rate drops; book the week and it drops again. Fuel on the Hill Country loops is the only extra, and in a Corolla it is a tank.
Pick a category and your dates on the Austin fleet page, or call or text 512-851-0490. We confirm by phone within the hour, deliver free, and there are no hidden fees: we confirm your exact rate before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Fredericksburg from Austin?
About 80 miles west on US-290, an hour and a half each way. It fits comfortably in a rental day.
Do I need an SUV for the Hill Country?
No; every road on these trips is paved. The Wrangler is the fun choice, the Santa Fe the comfortable one, and a Corolla does all five.
Is mileage limited?
Each rental includes a daily mileage allowance that covers these trips; tell us the plan and we confirm.
