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Should I rent a car in Austin?

I’m headed to Austin for a trip this month, and I’m not sure whether or not to rent a car. Do I need a rental car in Austin, Texas? Is there a better way to get around town?

avatar
Jacqulyn Graber · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Whether or not you need a car for a vacation in Austin,
Texas
will depend largely on how long your trip is and what you hope to see. If your trip is short and you plan to stay in Austin’s city center, a rental car is an unnecessary expense. However, if you’ll be staying for a while and want to explore Central Texas, a rental car is probably the best option.
Austin
is served by a robust public transportation system called the CapMetro, which includes over 3,000 bus stops and a light rail. There are also a wide variety of boat tours, double-decker bus tours, and walking tours designed for visitors to see the very best of the city. Of course, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are a great way to get around the downtown area.
This means that, for a short trip to Austin’s city center, you won’t need a rental car. You’ll have access to plenty of cheap and convenient options when walking isn’t possible.
On the other hand, if you have extra time and want to explore Central Texas, a rental car is the most convenient way to get to the suburbs. Fewer bus stops service far-away areas, and while ridesharing is still available, the cost of frequent long-distance rides will add up fast.
If you do decide on a rental car for your Texas trip, make sure to use
Jerry
to find a
car insurance
policy that includes
rental car coverage
.
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