We need transportation from the Basel airport to Triberg Germany, then from Triberg to Heidelberg then Heidelberg to Frankfurt or Mainz. We are also taking a train from Milan to Naples on July 26. If we stay in Frankfurt the night of Aug. 5 then we would need a train or bus from there to Mainz in time for a 9 a.m. Rhine day cruise too. The prices and not -so-handy times and stops are making me rethink a train ride and rent a car instead. We are planning on renting a car in Koblenz anyway, when we depart from a KD cruse on the Rhine on Aug. 6 then having it in the Mosel/ Aachen/Koln area until the 9th. I don't want to miss the beautiful Black Forest railway ride through the BF but...I also know there is a free cruise on the KD/Rhine for German rail pass holders. Can anyone help me decide if we should just stick to the trains (even maybe not picking up our car in Koblenz) or get a car from Basel or Triberg? Thanks.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
When renting a car in Europe you should make sure pick-up and drop-off takes place in the same country (doesn't have to be same city) as otherwise there're pretty high one-way rental fees. Also keep in mind that a gallon of gas or diesel is around $9 at the moment and since August is vaccation season it'll probably be closer to the $10 mark. If that doesn't scare you off go for a car as this allows you much more flexibility, especially in the Black Forrest where there is so much to see and do that you simply can't reach by train...
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
If you can afford it, rent a car. I always do because I like the convenience when compared with railroad.
Remember that fuel is more costly; so ask for a diesel engine. I always save money by renting a diesel car.
When I analyze your route I don't see any toll roads; so that is good. Be aware that driving and parking in larger towns is impossible. I always find a room in the suburbs and use public transportation into the center.
When you shop for a car, use the toll free phone number for the agency and talk with an agent so you can ask questions.
Call you credit card bank and ask about insurance coverage; don't take for granted you will be covered.
When you take your car be sure to read the contract fine print before signing.
Posted by
OP
Champaign, IL, USA
47 posts
Do you know if the Lander-ticket for German trains is 27 euro per person or 27 euro for the entire group? Also, the regions we are traveling in are Baden Wurttenberg and Rheinland Pfalz. The Lander-ticket will get us rides in one region for one set price but will it take us to another region so we can get off in that region and buy another Lander-ticket? Also, will this ticket or the Schones wochenende ticket get us from Basel to Triberg? Do you know if a bus from Basel to Triberg would be better?
Thank you for your help.
Paula Partin
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
Andreas and Carl offer good advice concerning pick up and drop off charges in the same country and about the diesel engine being more economical. If you do rent a car check with gemut.com and autoeurope for rates. Also, take a gps with Europe maps on it if at all possible. Cannot help with the train question but maybe Lee from Denver will weigh in with some tips for train travel and public transportation.
Posted by
Paradise
6663 posts
"Do you know if the Lander-ticket for German trains is 27 euro per person or 27 euro for the entire group?"
It's 27 Euros for a group of 5 on the Regional (RE, RB, IRE) trains.
"Also, the regions we are traveling in are Baden Wurttenberg and Rheinland Pfalz. The Lander-ticket will get us rides in one region for one set price but will it take us to another region so we can get off in that region and buy another Lander-ticket? Also, will this ticket or the Schones wochenende ticket get us from Basel to Triberg?"
You can buy the Laender tickets for Rheinland-Pfalz in advance online or at a DB ticket machine or DB ticket window in Basel or Baden-Württemberg. The BW ticket is good from Basel on but you need a ticket for Basel Airport to Basel. Here's a map of the lines for the BW ticket:
In Triberg your host will give you a "Konus-Karte" - a free rail and bus travel pass for the black forest region that will take you as far north as Durmersheim (just south of Karlsruhe) and around the rest of the Black Forest. It's good for your whole group. You can use it on your day of departure for Heidelberg or for daytrips from Triberg.
After Heidelberg, if you stay in Mainz instead of Frankfurt and travel via Mannheim and Ludwigshafen, your transport will be cheaper - 1 RP ticket will get you all from Mannheim to Mainz. Mainz is a nicer place to spend some time too.