Rental Car in Munich

Meredith, you will definitely save money by booking your car in advance from the US. On our trips to Germany, we have used both AutoEurope and Gemut.com. You can go to AutoEurope's website (www.autoeurope.com), plug in your rental dates, pickup location and type of car. You can then see the cars and rates available. They will show you the basic rental rate and the inclusive rate. Hover over the words basic and inclusive and it will show you what is included. Autoeurope is a rental car broker, not the company you will get the car from. It could be Hertz, Avis or some other car rental company. You prepay in US Dollars but can change or cancel at any time without penalty. You can also go to the Gemut website and fill out the rental car request form or call the 800 number shown. They are also a rental car broker and work like AutoEurope. They will also let you cancel or change for no penalty. At the bottom of this page on Gemut's website are numerous links with helpful information on renting a car in Europe. http://www.gemut.com/car-rental.html For comparison, you can also check out the major rental car companies such as Hertz, Avis, etc. There shouldn't be any hidden fees. Everything that is included should be spelled out as should any optional charges. Just be sure that you return the car with a full tank of gas because the rental car companies really charge alot if they have to refuel the car.

AutoEurope or Gemut; great choices. Both are brokers who will find you the best deal. We have used AE in the EU many times; and have been very satisfied. Gemut has great info on their web site for the 1st time EU auto renter. (How much insurance to buy, etc.) I really like the AE website. You can play with the different pick-up and drop off locations, car sizes, etc. and see the differences in price.

Why does an 11 month necessitate a rental car? Yes, I have kids and yes, I've rented cars and also taken the trains. I'm just curious as to your reasoning.

Make your reservation in the US before departing. We rented from the Sixt Car Rental Company in Central Munich on Seitzstrasse. Took the train from the airport into the city and were only 4 or 5 blocks from the rental agency. This may or may not work for you with your young child and the amount of luggage. We were headed directly to Salzburg and this location was near the entrance to the autobahn. No complaints about their service. Have a great trip. Dave

Hi Meredith, We've rented through www.gemut.com our last 3 trips to Germany. Twice we picked up at Munich airport, once at Frankfurt airport. We reserve and pay for the car at home in US dollars. We've never encountered any "hidden fee's". You should always ask when renting if the price includes everything... taxes, fee's, etc. Paul

You can save some money by renting in the US and arranging to pick up the car away from the airport. (there are large airport fees if you pick it up at the airport.) Riding the S bahn into Munich is very easy and we picked up our car about a block away. This also meant that we could enjoy Munich without the hassle of a car (which is not needed not wanted there) and we picked it up as we were leaving town. Gemut can help you with all of that including letting you know how much you will save by picking it up in the city. In 2008, we were able to return it directly to the airport with no additional charges.

You might consider using taxis instead of renting a car if you are staying in Munich. Everyone's advice above this post is exactly right, and if you are leaving the city a car might be perfect for your needs. I love driving in Europe, but not in the big cities. Someone has to drive, someone else has to navigate, and someone has to find and pay for parking.
There are babies and strollers on the subways and trains.