Please sign in to post.

Car Seats in Rental Cars in Europe

Posted by (USA) on

Hello!

I will be traveling through Germany, Switzerland, and Italy this May with my husband and 11 month old son. I have two questions / thoughts that I would like advice on:

1) We are going back and forth between renting a car or just using the trains. I have traveled via train in Europe multiple times and are leaning towards this, but we also see positives in having a car with our baby.

2) How reliable are car seats through the rental companies (i.e. will a car seat actually be available if I request one, will it be the correct size, condition of the car seat, etc.)? I would rather not have to bring a car seat / I have read that US car seats are not legal in Europe?

Our plan is to go from Munich --> Interlaken or Grindelwald --> Lake Como --> Verona --> Munich

Thank you so much!

Posted by
4879 posts

I've no experience with car seats in European rental dars, so can't comment on that. There aren't many situations where a car rental pros outweigh the cons. Especially since your itinerary is well served by trains.

Posted by
1441 posts

I have read reviews from other forums about this issue. It's safest for you to bring your own. Car dealerships can run out of car seats, even if you reserve one. You don't want to risk finding out the wrong way when you are in Europe. All they say is sorry.

Posted by
1016 posts

I think it’s a risk to rely on a rental car seat. They often don’t have the right size available in my experience.

It is true that US car seats aren’t legal in Europe but I think it’s unlikely anyone would notice what seat you’re using. Another idea is to just buy one when you get here. You could order online and have it delivered to your first hotel. The cost of renting seats is so high this would probably be equal cost or cheaper.

Posted by
32795 posts

the seat fixings here - ISO-Fix - are different than those on US seats.

Posted by
115 posts

I can’t speak for Germany, Switzerland, Italy, but brought my daughter to England when she was 11 months. I paid for her own seat on the flight and used it there. We were staying with friends and drove everywhere.
I didn’t have her on a train with it, but I did have her on buses as well. I didn’t have exactly this one, but something similar so I could just wheel it around, with her in it if need be.

https://buybuybaby.com/products/britax-car-seat-travel-cart?variant=46553118998848&gbraid=0AAAAADLRKDxnNdxWz0mifn9oNNTteZCn_&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhomtBhDgARIsABcaYyn1AqcjqxHQNAztVb1p6IYvwdf_s8getCBRPcKLZYShpv-zJ9EllaQaAjpBEALw_wcB

I wouldn’t trust rental seats. You don’t know who’s had them where and if they’re still as good as new or not.
I’m not sure why they wouldn’t be “legal” , maybe someone else can chime in.

Posted by
32795 posts

they are not legal (or safe) if not secured to the car by ISO-fix fixings, and US seats don't come that way. Babies under 15 months should be in a rearward facing seat.

There are no requirements for a baby seat or child seat on trains.

Posted by
10228 posts

I rented a van in Frankfurt and added two car seats to the rental for my cousin’s twins who were 23 months old at the time. You don’t need a car for your trip, but if you decide to get one I would buy a car seat in Munich. I wouldn’t pick up the car until you’re leaving there. I’ve been to Munich with a car and it sat in a parking garage for the 3 days we were there. Personally I would take the train.

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.