We need sporatic transportation while in spain with a group of 10 college age to adult, mixed group. Who do you recommend for the best prices for renting a 9 or 12 passenger van? We are thinking of renting it for two weeks rather than try to pick up and drop off vehicles three different times. Your opinion would be appreciated!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Look in to consolidators to save some euros. I just used Orbitz for my June trip and saved about 25% over www.autoeurope.com which is who I normally use.
But try www.autoeurope.com also as recently they posted some add. discounts.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Brian, check our the rates, and fees, using both Autoeurope.com and Kayak. AE is a broker, that handles all of the "majors". Kayak will also "shop" for you. Pay close attention to the details in your contract! Go to the AE website and play with all of the various pick-up location options. You will find that the cost goes way up if you pick up a car at an airport or train station. We got caught this year in Spain when we rented with Gold Car thru Auto Europe UK/EU. We had to pay a drop-off charge, and pay an extra $100 EU, up front for their terms "fill the tank up and bring it back empty". This is a rip off; we ran the tank dry and it only cost us $70 EU to fill it....and there is no way that you will use up most of the gas in your tank.
Posted by
Copenhagen, Denmark
265 posts
Unfortunately, you will probably not be able to rent anything larger than a 9 passenger vehicle in Europe due to legislation (this is 9 seats including the driver seat). Any vehicle larger than 9 passengers including driver is not categorised as a passenger car but as a bus and requires a special bus driver license. These vehicles are therefore not available for rent through the usual car rental agencies. Atesa in Spain rents a 9 seat Citroen Jumper, which is the largest you can get. The rules are more or less the same in all of Europe.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, WA, USA
4 posts
Thank you both so much. Do you know of any car rental companies that would not have a drop off charge. We would likely pick up in Leon, Spain and drop off in Madrid at the airport. I'm doing internet research now, but any leads would be appreciated. Best regards, Brian