We will be going from Venice to Slovenia (alps, etc) and Croatia, and then I imagine going back through Venice (returning car and catching train) to get to the airport in Milan. Is it fairly easy to rent a car in Venice and drive to Slovenia, or does it make more sense to rent from a different city outside of Venice? We do not have to return to Venice, but that seems the logical train route back to Milan. Just not sure if there are a lot of tolls or any other complications (excess traffic, etc) getting in and out of Venice that may add to expense or delays? We will be there at the end of June. We were thinking of renting a mini4 for our family of 4 (husband 6'4", and two young kids). We will just have a backpack each. We usually rent small cars, but have not rented a mini before. Will we fit? Will the mini have the power to drive in the mountains?
Thanks!!
Posted by
Green Bay
21379 posts
There are several rental locations outside the Mestre train station, among them Hertz, Avis, Sixt. Check their hours to make sure they are open on your pick-up and return day/times. I am not sure what a mini-4 is, but it should have enough power to get you over the passes. From Mestre, trains every hour (at least) to Milan.
I believe (but not 100% sure) you will need to buy a vignette (toll sticker) in Slovenia and of course make sure they are OK with driving the car there. Each driver should have an International Drivers Permit to rent the car in Italy.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16239 posts
Rent thru the consolidators (part of same Corp but check both):
www.autoeurope.com
www.kemwel.com
They work with major rental companies, like Europcar, Hertz, etc. I usually end up choosing the Europcar rental because often have the best price.
Your pick up location (if you are staying in the historical center of Venice) is PIAZZALE ROMA.
Given your plan to visit the Dolomites and fly back from Milan, the more sensible choice for the rental return is MILAN MALPENSA AEROPORTO (I presume you fly from there). No reason to back track to Venice and take a train to Milan from there. There are generally no extra drop off charges for returning the car at a different location, as long as it's in the same country.
Specify that you will be traveling to Eastern Europe, as there might be restrictions by some companies due to the high theft rate.
All rental offices in Venice are on Piazzale Roma at the Autorimessa Comunale (one of the huge parking structures there). From there you will cross the bridge (Ponte Della Libertà) into the mainland. No reason to go to Mestre to pick up your car unless u are staying in Mestre. On the bridge observe the speed limit as there are automatic cameras. Follow the green signs to AUTOSTRADE (freeways). You will be taking the A4 East toward Trieste, it's a toll freeway, but tolls are not that expensive, under 10 cents/km on avg.
Renting a Mini doesn't guarantee a Mini as all rental contracts say "X model OR SIMILAR", so you might get a different model in the same category.
The biggest problem with small cars is not the power under the hood but the cargo space in the trunk for your luggage, so keep that in mind when you pack.
Any compact model, including a Mini, will get you through the passes, especially if it's a diesel, as Diesel engines have more torque. Mountains in Slovenia and Croatia are steep but not as steep. I traveled all over there (and the Dolomites) with a Fiat Uno, many years ago, which had an engine with a displacement of only 1000cc. I think the Mini has at least 1600cc so you'll be fine.
Posted by
Green Bay
21379 posts
Of course returning it to the airport will then involve figuring out how to get the bus from the airport to Mestre station to get that train to Milan. Not to difficult really, but an added chore.