Train vs car rental 1 month trip

You would need a van, for a family of seven: those are very expensive and not fun to drive around mountains. I would take the train, and half-fare cards do seem mile the way to go for you.

Why not a 7 seater mid size suv?

There are LOTS of places where parking is a real headache or car access is strictly prohibited. I understand the convenience of having a car in the US, but in Europe, it could be a nuisance.

Why not a 7 seater mid size suv? Europe models won't have enough luggage space for 7.

by law, the height and weight of the child, not age, determines if they need a booster or car seat. If they do they need to be in the correct one, and ISOFix anchors mean that they take up more space than normal. I think in that case a 7 seater won't be enough, and then you need space for the luggage. Most 7 or 9 seaters have close to zero luggage space if the seats are in use. They often back up to the back window.

Planning to just bring backpacks and carryon small items. Hoping we won’t need checked bags.
I’ve seen seven seater mid sized suvs in Europe that I think would accommodate. We plan to stay at one or two locations so being crammed shouldn’t be a big issue. Since we won’t be traveling with our bags very often.

You do not say where in Austria or Germany you are planning on. You asked for validation of your idea to rent a 7 passenger van, and it does not look like you received it. That's OK, but you might have 5 cranky kids on your hands for a month. If you keep your travel days with luggage to under 2 or 3 hours, you may survive with the kids holding their back packs on their laps.

it has been a while since I last wrote about this - but I'll reiterate now.

Having responded to auto accidents and seen the carnage, I want to say that luggage carried on laps is not safe. In the case of an accident or sudden stop items unsecured in the passenger area of a car fly forwards and seatbelts and airbags can't stop them. The heads of people in front of them in the car are vulnerable.

I was asking for advice about costs. Not locations. I think we’d be fine with purses on our laps. Never would I have hard luggage on anyone’s lap. Cranky kids are why I thought a car would be better. Less exposure for others…
I have a hard time thinking it would be impossible to do if we packed light, which we plan to.

Seems like sometimes people just want to pick apart and find flaws in message boards rather than give any helpful advice.
:)
I’m fairly certain most mini vans or SUV’s would have space in the back. That really wasn’t what I was asking about.

Have you considered using the train/buses/cable cars as your primary transportation supplemented by an occasional car rental as needed? Choose your locations wisely and this could work.

Your kids would probably love the freedom of movement traveling by train instead of squeezed into the back of a car/SUV. I feel bad for the kid stuck in the middle seat.

If you choose to drive, research parking carefully. Hotels often don't have their own parking. I've driven in Germany and Austria a few times and always have a plan (and sometimes a plan B) for where I'm going to park for every stop.

Have a great time whichever way you do it!

We would def consider doing a mixture and renting for a bit.

Train - just train.

The SBB system is so well connected that you'll do well with train tickets. Cars have their benefits but the drawbacks are many: parking fees, high petrol prices, and very strict speed limit enforcement.

You do have a large throng traveling but the train will probably be the better adventure.

I think you need to start penciling in your itinerary so you can see when and where the van would be needed. I do think you might need a 9-seater because of the car seats and boosters. But a combo of transportation methods seems like the best thing for your trip. I hope to see more posts from you as your plans firm up.

Our kids definitely look forward to trains and I used the trains a lot when I was there. My husband wants me to look into vehicles. He gets flustered with kids in public easier. Although we took our two youngest, one and two at the time, and bussed to Boston from the airport and walked all day. We were very pleasantly surprised at how happy everyone was to see young children. Everyone was very kind.

@ Abbey

There are 7plus-seater vans made by the major manufacturers in Europe. Mercedes, Fiat, Renault/Peugeot, and Skoda are examples. If needed be, I would visit dealerships in Melbourne and Sydney to eyeball these models for best purpose fit. Do not know your circumstances. A broad internet search brings up a number of rental businesses circa Switzerland/Austria with these type vans.

Aways pleasing to read about families planning to travel together.

Our experience with these larger, usually black Mercedes, vans has been confined to between airports and hotels. Did the job. My wife and I have at least 2/23kg suitcases between us, and I have a large backpack for laptops, satphone and an eclectic collection of other electronic nicknacks. Together with a few grandchildren and odd assortment of other paraphernalia have somehow always managed fitting into the vans comfortably.

My family and I have considered these at times. My sons and daughters decided that midsized SUVs gave the flexibility they need to do individual touring. Notwithstanding, it seems the larger vans give perfectly good options for you and your husband to consider. As to cost comparisons between rail and cars/vans, no idea. Use trains, busses very sparingly. A job for the family spreadsheet guru.

The airlines we have used have allowed the children to check a booster or even infant restraint as part of the hold luggage.

Trains V Cars. The judgement of Solomon. Only ever been one of him.

Anecdotal accounts strongly suggest that many have had issues with the driving laws and other foibles in Europe. You would do well to learn from their misadventures. Other than a stubborn brother-in-law picking up a well-deserved ZTL misdemeanour, we have escaped without mishap. So far!

Have always enjoyed driving in the Alps and Switzerland. Unfortunately, I appear to be an orphan. Have not driven a van there. Biggest car was one of these https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentley_T-series . RHD. Thought I handled it rather well. Must confess that my sons and daughters no longer allow me to drive with them in a car in Europe, referencing a Stelvio incident.

I have found that it is always prudent to take into account the mistakes and bad judgement of those who have gone before one. Just try not to repeat their mistakes.

Regards Ron