Looking to book rather than read? See UT Austin car rental for students and parents for the live fleet, daily rates and delivery, or compare every category on our economy car rental Austin page.
The University of Texas brings families to Austin four times a year: move-in in August, Family Weekend in the fall, football Saturdays and graduation in May. The campus garages are full on all of them and the airport counters know it. This is how to do the trip with a delivered economy car and no surprises.
Move-in
The Hyundai Santa Fe or similar with the seats folded takes a dorm room; the Mazda CX-5 or similar does a smaller one. We deliver to the hotel the night before so the first trip to Target happens at seven in the morning, before the lines.
Family Weekend and game days
A Toyota Corolla or similar or Honda Civic or similar is enough for two parents: dinner on South Congress, brunch in Hyde Park, the drive out to the Hill Country on Sunday. On game days park early at the Trinity or San Jacinto garages or use the shuttles from the Capitol area; the compact car is the one that still finds a space.
Graduation
The weekend sells out a year ahead for hotels and three weeks ahead for cars. Grandparents and siblings together take the Honda Accord or similar; two cars for a big family cost less than one van at the counter.
Delivery and return
Curbside at AUS when you land, or to the hotel at the time you choose. Return at departures or leave the car at the hotel. Delivery is free; the rate is the one on the fleet page.
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
Can you deliver to a hotel near campus?
Yes, to any hotel or address in Austin, including the ones on Guadalupe and along I-35 by campus.
Which car for move-in day?
The Hyundai Santa Fe or the Mazda CX-5 for the boxes; a sedan is fine for Family Weekend.
Do you deliver at Austin airport?
Yes, curbside at AUS with the flight tracked, included in the rate.
