Car Rentals From Amsterdam to Croatia

Hi Gina. I'm looking at my Hertz rental info from last summer and it says Slovenia is OK, but not Croatia. I think each rental company is different; you may have to check with each company. Enjoy your trip!

try www.gemut.com They guarantee the lowest rates.

There will be a breathtaking, stunningly large fee for renting in one country and dropping in another which will make you stop and reconsider. As an example, I was pricing rentals yesterday (smallest, cheapest car for a week) with a pickup in Slovenia and a drop-off in Croatia. The drop-off fee they quoted was over $1000.

Gina - what you seem to be looking for is a forum for RV enthusiasts in Europe. Not many of us here fit that bill. Perhaps though there is someone that can point you in the right direction - but your thread title isn't likely to grab them. As others have also said, unless you intend to drive back to Amsterdam, the drop off fees will be significant. Especially for a unique vehicle like a camper van. Also, since this will be your first European trip, I suggest you research the implications of driving versus public transportation systems. You don't say, but if your intent is to visit the major cities of Europe, driving is most definitely not the way to do it. Your plan sounds more like a scenic tour of small towns, mountain drives and rural vistas.

Thank you for all the suggestions. We are definately going off the beaten path and visiting places that are not the "norm". That is why we were thinking that driving would definately be the way to go. Has any one used Renault "Buy Back Lease"?

Driving to see the smaller towns and villages is definitely a good way to go if you want flexibility and spontaneity. I would really think about a big camper van however. You might be able to save on hotels if you plan to sleep in the van, but gas will definitely be a big expense and driving and parking a large vehicle on small roads can be a problem. I usually have a small vehicle but a few times have driven a large passenger van in France and there are certainly some issues. We had lots of people so needed the big vehicle and did not drive tons of miles. We stayed in one place and did day trips. I was able to take my car into Croatia... I rented in Italy. Drop fees can cost a bit, just check with all the companies, but if you want a trip by car you just figure it into the total cost as it allows you to see Europe the way you want to.

You will definitely have to search to find a car rental company that allows you to drive into Croatia, much less leave the car there. Just visit Autoeurope, Sixt, Gemut, Avis, etc, and plug in your dates and dropoff points. Also, be prepared for the shock of car insurance- at times it is much more than the rental and the fees. We wound up taking a train from Amsterdam to Prague because we could not drive into the Czech Republic a few years ago. Taking the train was much easier than that long drive! Then we rented a car in Prague, which really was easier than our original plan.
Also, since this is your first trip, you will need an International Driver's Permit. Hope you have a great time on your first trip.

Gina: With $8-9 gasoline, most people are traveling between cities/regions by train or taking European budget air carriers. Croatia is a long way from Amsterdam by road. When you want to rent a car in an "out of the normal" country, it's easier to rent the car at the other end and see the sights. Just don't try to take in too many cities on your first visit. It's too easy for your trip to be a blur. I used to drive as far as I could in 2 weeks, and see too many places. Now, I look for different cities relatively close together.