Please sign in to post.

Car Rental and Driving from Lake Como to Munich

Posted by on

I know there are absurd charges for renting when picking up in one country and dropping off in another but it looks like we have to do it. We'll be in Lake Como from 9-22 to 9-24 staying in either Menaggio, Belaggio or Varenna. I assume Varenna is the best place to leave from when going to Munich.

My main question is who is the best to rental company to rent from in Italy and drop off in Munich? Are some cheeper then others?

What is a good route to drive?

If possible we'd love to see the Neischweinstein castle enroute into munich. Any help is awesome!

Posted by
2906 posts

Hi,

I've never driven this route, not surprising, but according to www.viamichelin.com the drive is over 7 hours non stop, ideal conditions, no traffic, etc. You said in an earlier post you want to be in Munich by 6pm the latest, plus now you want to see Neuschwanstein on the way. You could accomplish this if you leave around 8am. If you get the car in Italy, be prepared to possibly buy the Swiss Vignette (35 Euro, mandatory toll sticker for driving on a Swiss highway) and the Austrian Vignette (8.50 Euro). Oddly enough, the Michelin.com recommended route goes right through Fuessen, Germany, a few minutes from Neuschwanstein. Good luck.

Paul

Posted by
32202 posts

seth,

For driving in Italy, keep in mind that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit. You'll also have to be vigilant to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas, should you stop anywhere, as hefty fines will result. The trip may also be longer by car than by train. You mentioned in your other post that you want to get to Munich by 5/6 pm. That may not be possible by car (especially if stopping at Neuschwanstein) unless you leave very early.

Posted by
2906 posts

Hi again,

I didn't say I'd do this kind of drive, but anything possible.

Posted by
11 posts

Ken,

5-6pm applies if we're flying or if by train.

With driving i ultimately don't mind if we arrive later because will be able to see the castle....this would save us 1/2 day from if we wanted to go on the 25th or 26th.

Posted by
2906 posts

Hi,

Keep in mind sunset is around 7pm in late September.

Posted by
8889 posts

An off-the-wall suggestion.
If you can get to Como town, that is on the main rail line Milan to Switzerland. You can then train it Como - Lindau (which is in Germany), you can then pick up the car there and avoid international one-way rental charges (and you can see the Alps from a train window. Depending on how many of you there are, this may or may not be an economic option.
Como - Lindau takes about 6½ hours by train, changing in Zürich. You could stay overnight in Lindau, giving you a whole day to drive Lindau - Neuschwanstein - Munich

P.S. Spelling : Neuschwanstein. Schwan = Swan, Schwein = pig. Not many castles are named after pigs :-)

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.