Is it better to use the train or rent a car? There are 5 of us (3 adults 2 children) and we will be in the Tuscan Hills for a week. Then going from Venice to Germany - Better to fly or train
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
Depends on where in Germany. Munich? Train or rental car Bremerhaven? Fly
Posted by
Bellevue, WA, USA
811 posts
train or bus in italy is cheap compare to germany, so you're better off to rent in germany for your group.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19240 posts
What are the age of the children. Under 15 are free for most fares in Germany. There is a direct Eurocity train from Venice (13:34) to Munich (20:25). With advance purchase online from the Bahn, the fare for three adult and 2 children would be as low as €117. (Actually you could book to other cities, eg Frankfurt or Nürnberg, for that same €117. BTW, if you are traveling on a weekday in one state (eg, Bavaria), a Länder-Ticket (eg, Bayern-Ticket) will cover HO-HO travel all day (after 9, weekdays) on regional trains, for €29. You can't rent a car for that price.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10557 posts
You will definitely want a car in Tuscany. Get the smallest car you can manage with your group. Some roads are very narrow, and parking spaces are small. Depending on where you are going in Germany will dictate whether you should fly or take the train. You DO NOT want to rent a car in one country and return to another. That is very expensive. Also, to drive in Italy you are required to get an International Drivers Permit, which translates your State driver's license into various languages. They won't ask for one at the rental counter, but if you are stopped or have an accident you will receive a fine if you don't have one. You can get one at AAA for $15. You will also need a passport sized photo, which they can take at AAA if you want.