Looking to book rather than read? See car rental for Austin events for the live fleet, daily rates and delivery, or compare every category on our cheap car rental Austin page.
Twice a year Austin fills up: SXSW in March and Austin City Limits in October. Hotels double their prices, the airport counters run out of cars, and rideshare surge pricing turns a ten-minute ride into forty dollars. A delivered economy car booked a few weeks ahead is the cheap way through both.
Book early, book the week
The $98 categories, the Toyota Corolla or similar and the Honda Civic or similar, go first. Three to four weeks ahead is enough; the week before is not. Book the whole festival week rather than day by day: the weekly rate is lower and the car is yours between events.
Where we deliver
To the hotel downtown, to the rental house in East Austin, Travis Heights or Mueller, or to the curb at AUS when you land. Groups of four or five sharing a house take the Honda Accord or similar or the Hyundai Santa Fe or similar and split the cost.
Parking during SXSW
The convention center garages fill by ten; the State garages on San Jacinto and the paid lots east of I-35 are the fallbacks. A compact car finds a space where an SUV does not, which is one more argument for the Corolla.
Parking during ACL
Zilker Park has no public parking during the festival. Park at the hotel or the house, use the official shuttles from Republic Square or the Palmer Events Center, and keep the car for the mornings: breakfast tacos in South Austin, Barton Springs before the gates open, the Hill Country on the off day.
Between the two
Nothing is added at delivery, there is no airport fee and no young-driver fee. The price on the fleet page is the price you pay.
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 ahead should I book a car for SXSW?
Three to four weeks. The cheapest categories go first and the airport counters run out.
Can you deliver to an Airbnb in East Austin?
Yes, to any address in Greater Austin, with delivery included, at the time you choose.
Is it worth having a car during ACL weekend?
If you are staying outside downtown or doing anything beyond the festival, yes. Zilker parking is limited, so plan to park at the hotel and use the shuttles for the park itself.
