Train or Car Rental - 16 day Itinerary in Switzerland, Alsace and The Black Forest

Posted by Christopher (Birmingham, AL) on 06/16/25 06:40 PM

We are in the process of confirming an itinerary from Oct 1-15, 2025. Here is the brief layout:
Fly to Zurich 9/30-10/1
Transfer directly from Zurich airport to Lucerne hotel 10/1-10/4
Transfer to Murren hotel 10/4-10/6
Transfer to Alsace hotel (looking at Equisheim) 10/6-10/10
Transfer to Black Forest hotel (looking at Gengenbach) 10/10-10/13
Transfer to Zurich hotel (likely old town area) 10/13-10/15
Return to ATL 10/15

We've received great information in the forum regarding navigating the trains for most of the above. We had already planned to rent a car for the Alsace portion, and possibly the Black Forest portion. The question is, would it be worth considering using a rental car in lieu of trains for the whole itinerary on the continent, or perhaps for more than just the Alsace and BF portions?

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

06/16/25 07:07 PM

6542 posts

I'd recommend you maximizing your time in the Alps- three nights in Murren isn't enough, as no one is ever ready to leave. Also, mountain weather is fickle, so more days increases the chance of clear days. I'd decrease the time in Zurich, also. You have the glorious Alps, but have yourself spending most of your time in Swiss cities.
Many rental cars won't let you take them across borders, require vignettes, pollution zone passes, etc. Gas, the euro, parking, and tolls are expensive. One-way drop offs are really costly, especially cross borders. Murren is car free, as is much of old town Lucerne.
You have a world-class rail system in Switzerland - enjoy it!
Wishing you a wonderful trip in these beautiful areas.

Posted by Kenko

Citizen of the World

06/16/25 07:27 PM

3235 posts

I agree with Pat— take the trains so you can fully relax and enjoy your journey. The trains will take you everywhere on your itinerary in 3 hours or less. The train ride from Lucerne to Interlaaken through the Brunig pass en route to Murren is spectacular, and not to be missed.
I also agree you might want to add a night to Murren. That could easily be done by swapping in one of the three nights you have carved out for the Black Forest and Gengenbach—which are far less scenic than Murren and the Berner Oberland, IMO.
A car is a good idea for the Alsace-Lorraine’s Route du Vin to get between the medieval villages. I would pick up the car and return it in Colmar, which is just 5 miles from Eguisheim. Buses do link Colmar to Eguisheim & Turckheim along with Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Ribeauville— all towns well worth a visit. However, the bus service is infrequent and seeing a few towns each day is much easier done by car or bicycle.
You can pick up a car at Colmar’s train station.
www.AutoEurope.com is highly recommended.

Posted by jaimeelsabio

Mid-Atlantic area

06/16/25 08:51 PM

7821 posts

We had a rental car for the Alsace and Black Forest areas. Which you choose might depend on whether you’re staying in the towns or taking day trips from them.

In Gengenbach we stayed at Stadthotel Pfeffermuhle. It was a few minutes walk to the town center. In Equisheim we stayed at Le Hameau d’Eguisheim. By staying there we got a free wine tasting. It also had washing machines for guest use that were free to use. It even provided the detergent. Both hotels had free parking; Gengenbach’s was right at the hotel while Eguisheim’s was in a lot outside the restricted driving area, but only about a five minutes walk away.