FRA - Exit Strategies???

I assume "Term Hertz counter" is a typo, and that you really mean "Term 1 Hertz counter vs Term 2 Hertz counter". According to the FRA site, www.frankfurt-airport.de, US Air uses Terminal 1. I always just carry on, and I have never encountered customs.

Thanks for noticing my typo, and I further refined my posting to state "immigration/passport control" instead of customs.

I am aware that USAirways gates are in Term 1, but Hertz has counters in both Terminals. Being a frequent USA business traveler, rental car garages can be to one side of an airport or off-site. I'm looking for the quickest route from the plane seat to the rental car seat!

It’s been a couple of years since I last flew in and out of FRA, but I recall that the car rental desks for both terminals were very near the baggage claim areas. If memory serves, US Airways’ gates are in Terminal 1, so you should use the Hertz desk there. I’m Hertz Gold but just used their regular desk, as there was nobody in queue there (although I believe there is a Hertz Gold desk if you need it). The cars are parked in an underground garage right at the airport…you simply walk to the car. Access to Autobahn is very easy…easy to get out of airport. As far as passport control is concerned, it should be fairly straightforward, but I cleared in Reykjavik so I can’t say for sure. FRA is big but very modern and quite efficient. I don’t think you’ll need a special strategy to exit efficiently. Happy travels!

This probably goes without saying, but you are carrying-on vs. checking luggage right? That will save you at least a half-hour and probably close to twice that (not waiting for bags,getting to the lines before the rest of the crowd and having little to inspect/slow you down).

OK, you'll get into Terminal 1. The Terminal 2 Hertz counter is out of question as it would take you at least 30 minutes to get there (once you've reclaimed your luggage). T1 has got completely new rental car desks which now are one level below baggage reclaim. There are brand new direct escalators right to it. Hertz is one of the least popular car rental companies in Germany and while I was waiting in line in front of a Sixt counter I've always seen bored Hertz staff. So don't worry about it. The airport is right by the intersection of Autobahn A3 and A5. Where do you need to rush to?

Thanks so much for the info. We need to be at CERN (Geneva)for one of their bi-weekly English speaking tours. It's a long drive, I know. However, Tom is a retired physics teacher and this is a must on his list of things to see. Would have preferred to fly into Geneva or Zurich, but we're using FF miles with USAirways and FRA was my only option that met our criteria.

Right after leaving the car rental car park you'll see blue freeway signs saying "Basel". All you have to do is follow those. There is construction going on on the first 10-15 miles of the freeway but since you're going "out of town" traffic should be ok. Do make sure you tune into AFN (American Forces Network) Radio for traffic advisory as from Darmstadt to Walldorf (home of SAP and that's also the Walldorf where Mr. Astor, who opened that famous hotel in NYC came from) you have to parallel running freeways (A5 and A67/A6). USUALLY A67/A6 via Mannheim is much less congested than A5 via Heidelberg...

Andreas - thanks so very much for the tips. I'll be sure to use them!

In addition: It's been said many time before. But think about what kind of car/engine you want. Diesel engines are most popular in Germany for their acceleration and good milage. Also Diesel fuel is about $1 per gallon cheaper than regular - in Germany. In Switzerland both fuels are about the same price - still Diesel gets a better milage. In France Diesel is a bit cheaper than regular, too. But before returning your car in Frankfurt you'd have to fill it up and - again, Diesel is significantly cheaper in Germany than regular. Also let Hertz know that you'd prefer a car that already comes with a Swiss freeway toll sticker (Vignette). Otherwise you can buy it at any freeway rest area/gas station along the German freeway once you're South of Karlsruhe. You MUST have it fixed to the windscreen before entering Switzerland. Since there is no more border control between Germany and Switzerland you no longer stop the car upon entering the country. You'll have to keep it rolling.

Again, thank you Andreas for the info. I am sure others will find it most useful, as I have!