Is it possible to rent a car in Lake Como in order to drive up to Switzerland? We had thought of renting in Milan when we arrive there by train from Florence, but the car rental prices are so expensive. We would really just need the car for driving into Switzerland. I already know about the vignette needed for driving in Switzerland. But there will be a large group of us and the other group has a car, so taking the train through Switzerland is not an option for us. It looks like, as well as paying for the car rental, I would have to pay hundreds of dollars for car insurance?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Melanie, It would help to have some idea on which town you'll be using as a home base on Lago di Como. If you're staying in Varenna, I suspect the car rental options will be a bit "limited". However, if you'll be in Como there will be some car rental firms such as Europcar or Auto Europe. Where are you planning to visit in Switzerland? Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Pleasanton, California
93 posts
Hi Ken, we will be staying in Argegno, but we would just travel down by ferry to Como to rent the car. I am frankly not sure where in Switzerland we would be going as it is my husband and brother-in-laws idea to go there. My brother-in-law lived in Italy for several years and is quite familiar with the area. How much car insurance do I need?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Melanie, Thanks for the additional information. You shouldn't have any trouble finding car rental agencies in Como. Regarding insurance I normally get the zero deductible CDW offered by the rental firm, although it's usually quite expensive. Especially in Italy, there's always the possibility of "nicks & scrapes", so I don't want any hassles or a huge bill when I return the car. Note that for driving in Italy, each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. (it's basically a translation of the terms of your D.L.). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! The IDP can easily be obtained at any AAA office for a small fee. One option for visiting Switzerland you might consider would be to travel to Stresa and travel by boat to Locarno. You could either return to Stresa by boat or take the scenic CentoValli Railway, which terminates at Domodossola (a short train ride from Stresa). There are lots of options! Cheers!