Wife and I (mid-30s) are spending a few days in Munich, then we're planning a day in Salzburg, a drive through Linz, a day in Cesky Krumlov, with the end destination of Prague. We would pick it up when leaving Munich, and drop it upon arrival in Prague, so we wouldn't have it in either or those locations. Seems to me like train travel isn't the right option for this route (and considering we want to stop in Linz and Cesky Krumlov), so are there any concerns for car rental with that route? We've driven in a few other European countries, but is there anything unique we should be aware of for that route? Does that route make sense? Appreciate it!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19115 posts
Seems to me like train travel isn't the right option for this route
I don't now where you get that idea. You can get from Linz to Chesky Krumlov by train with one connection in Chesky Budejovice and there are direct connections from Chesky Krumlov to Prague. The trip by train might take a few hours longer but you can get there, and it will probably cost less than driving.
Posted by
Monroeville, PA, USA
15 posts
We rented a car upon leaving Vienna, stopped in Melk for the afternoon and then stayed 2 nights in Chesky Krumlov before dropping the car in Prague. The less well maintained infrastructure going from Austria to CR was palpable but was quite easy thanks to GPS. As a family of 4, I thought avoiding the combination of hassles with train/bus connections was well worth the huge drop off fee for the car not being returned in Austria. Not sure if it would be the same for Germany/CR. I would also suggest if you can, a longer stay in Cesky Krumlov, it was absolutely fantastic. RS recommended Castle View Apartments steps from the town square and from our attic room a postcard view of the castle. One of our best short stays of many in Europe.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32919 posts
Have you checked on the - probably huge - cost of renting in Germany and dropping in Czech Republic?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10259 posts
Not only will there be a large fee for returning a car in another country, but you may have trouble renting in Germany and being allowed to drive in the Czech Republic. Last May I rented a car in Vienna and the contact specifically prohibited driving in Eastern Europe.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Czech Republic is not Eastern Europe but Central Europe. Actually Austria could be considered Eastern Europe more than C.R. Austria in their language Oesterreich = Eastern Empire. Capital of Austria Vienna is east of capital of C.R. Prague (and somewhat south). I don't know any reputable rental car agency in Austria which would not allow you to drive their car into C.R.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thank you, everyone! Really appreciate the feedback. Sounds like the train/bus options are our best bets for this trip. Appreciate it.