I am planning a trip for four to the Netherlands and Germany. We are thinking of spending four nights in Haarlem, and then doing an overnight in Dordrecht to see Kinderdijk on the way to Cochem, Germany. We are going to use public transportation in the Netherlands and eventually rent a car to drive through Germany to Southern Bavaria and end in Munich. Its seems straight forward to get to Dordrecht via train. However, when making the next leg to Cochem, the trains take much longer than driving since you have to backtrack, and the bus still takes 7 hours. By car, it only takes 3 plus hours. Is this the time to rent the car, or is there a better option?
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
The seasoned travelers here always say renting a car in one country and dropping off in another is not an expense you want.
Posted by
Green Bay
21155 posts
You can get a train in as little as 2 changes (Arnhem and Duesseldorf) in 6 1/2 hours. Advance nonrefundable tickets are 24.90 EUR if bought well in advance.
Or one with 5 changes taking 5 3/4 hours with advance nonrefundable tickets for 19.90 EUR.
Posted by
OP
Laguna Niguel, CA, USA
37 posts
Thank you! The people on this site always come through with good suggestions.
Posted by
613 posts
Car is likely to be least expensive for 4 even with drop off fees. Cost it out. Also compare cost of dropping it off at Munich airport vs in the city.
Most people I've met who have traveled both the Rhine Gorge & Mosel VAlley (Cochem) prefer the Mosel. Me too. Done it 5 times. However, Cochem is just the start. Top sights in the Mosel, in older: 1. scenery; 2. Bernkastle 3. Trier 4. Burg Eltz 5. Cochem
The ROmantic Road is more interesting than the BLack Forest.
Posted by
Green Bay
21155 posts
If you rent a car, rent it in Germany to avoid huge international drop fees. Also, a German rental car should have an environmental sticker so you can drive it in big cities like Munich.