I have heard that there are additional charges when either picking up or dropping off a rental car at airports and/or train stations. Is this true? In April we will be picking up car in Amsterdam and dropping it off in May in Paris. Should we use airports and/or train stations to do this? Or, should we try other locations that do not charge an extra fee? Thanks, Dorsey
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
The following information is from www.gemut.com, a US based company that has some of the best deals available on European rentals. Try them before you rent your car.
"Avoid Airport Pickups
Commence your rental at a European airport and you're likely to pay a tax of 14% to 19%. Notable exceptions are France, Spain, Ireland, the U.K. and Holland where the airport charges are $30 to $40. In Germany, on the other hand, the midsize VW Passat you can get at an off-airport location for $262 costs $312 at an airport or rail station, thanks to a 19% tax. This so-called "premium station" fee also often applies to rail stations. It's worth noting there is no extra charge for dropping off a car at a "premium station."
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I always take my car at an off airport location to avoid the tax. Any tram fare or bus fare will be far less than the airport tax you pay when you take your car at the airport location.
I usually take my car at my hotel or another place I choose. Normally public transportation will get you from the airport to your hotel. Only inconvenience is handling your luggage.
After use I leave my car at the airport without additional charge.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The extra charges you mention will be peanuts compared to the hefty fee you will pay for picking up a car in one country and dropping it off in another. (I think I told you this on one of your other threads.)
Posted by
OP
Centennial, CO
189 posts
Thaks, all. Yes you did Tim and thanks again. Dorsey