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Renting a Car - Prior to Arrival?

Posted by (North Carolina, US) on

My husband and I are spending a couple weeks traveling Europe this fall. One of our stops will be in Prague and then we are renting a car and spending 3 days in Germany before heading back to Prague to fly into Paris. (It was cheapest this way)
I know about letting them know about crossing into Germany and all that, but my question is this:
Is it best to reserve a car ahead of arrival, or can you walk into the train station and rent a car?
We're looking to rent from Budget at the main train station in Prague (it's an easy walk from where we'll be staying) But I'm getting uneasy about reserving a car online. Is it a ridiculous idea to walk into the car rental agency the day of renting the car and set everything up?
I've seen a few bad reviews about renting online and with our schedule we can't afford for a whole lot to go wrong - which also worries me about waiting. Any thoughts or advice?
(please do not suggest the train - that has already been ruled out due to where we're headed)

Thanks everyone!!!

Posted by
1261 posts

Hi Jamie. Think of it the same as reserving a hotel. Yes, of course, you can just walk in on the day. The downside of that is they may or may not have a room / car available, and if so, you are pretty much at their mercy as to what they have available and what price they charge. You don't say why you are 'uneasy about reserving a car online'. Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
90 posts

Well I've read some bad reviews about how people make reservations online and then didn't have them when they got there or the company charging more than was quoted online at the time of pick up - things like that.
I am afraid of not having a car available if we just show up - I guess reserving online would be the best course of action...
I'm planning on the Budget rental at the main train station in Prague. I've seen mostly good reviews about that location. Most of the bad ones just say it was hard to find.

Yes, we are in the US. I am curious - why do you say we would want automatic? Both my husband and I drive manual now - is it different on European cars?

Posted by
420 posts

I was given a manual in Italy & Scotland. It was so sweet. I seriously considered switching back to a manual in the US. Then back home I got stuck in rush hour. The kind where you alternate between 1st & 2nd gear IF you're driving manual. I remembered very quickly why I don't drive a stick anymore. But next time I'm in Italy I'm getting a manual.

Posted by
2916 posts

I'd suggest going through Auto Europe or Kemwel. I almost always use them when renting in Europe. Their vouchers specify exactly what's included and what isn't, and give an estimate for those extras. It doesn't stop the rental car agent from trying to upsell you all kinds of stuff (GPS, extra "insurance," extra driver when you don't need one), but at least you'll know what's up. Also, AE/Kemwel can help when problems arise (like no car). When I've rented through those companies I've always gotten what I expected ... eventually. I always reserve an automatic, and the one time I was given a manual and went back to the office at the Lyon train station to tell them, they said there were no automatics there, but one of the agents drove us to the airport to get one there.

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