To those considering renting a car in Europe...

From my perspective, the primary reason I travel as much as I do to Europe is so I don't have to use a car while on vacation. I live in an area where you have to drive everywhere to do absolutely everything, and when I go on holiday not only am I taking a vacation from work, I'm taking a vacation from my car. If I miss a few small sleepy towns because of it: cest la vie!

On the flip side, I'm sure there are folks out there who live in big cities, rely on public transit everyday, and when on vacation want to get away from all that and rent a car. Perfectly understandable, and that just leaves more room for me to spread out when riding the rails:)

I think it really depends on what kind of trip you are taking.

A multiple, large city trip across many countries, a car is probably not economical or feasible. There can be issues parking in downtown cores and the fuel costs can be prohibitive. Also, driving into some countries might not be permitted by the rental company.

However, if you are staying in one region that isn't serviced well by public transit, then renting a car probably does make sense. Otherwise you would be spending a lot of time on buses which can be slow and unreliable.

Best solution however, for having to drag luggage through train stations, in my opinion, is to use backpacks. It is great to be able to run by everyone who is lugging suitcases up stairs when you have a backpack on!

Thanks for your courage in posting, Sandi! I can see advantages and disadvantages to BOTH cars and trains but we often only hear in favour of trains. We have rented cars in Europe before GPS was popular and had a good trip. However, we prefer to investigate the smaller out of the way places and a car allows us the freedom and the timing to do so. Many posters here plan on trips to the big cities where (as has been mentioned MANY times) a car is just a bother. We have taken the train--but the choice between car or train depends on many things, some of which Jon has mentioned. Glad to hear that you had a good trip.

Most of our best Europeans vacations have been with a car. We just love the flexibility and have seen so many villages and sites impossible to visit using rail or bus. Besides we both love to drive. Thanks, Sandi, for your post.

Sandi, Do you need to have an International Drving permit to rent a car? I am planning to rent a car in Italy this october

It is mandatory in Italy for tourists with rental cars to have an Int'l Driving Permit. If you are stopped by the police for any reason and do not have one, you are liable for a stiff fine.

Driving in Italy is a big difference from driving in Germany and Switzerland. Depending on where you are traveling make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Many parts of Italy you couldn't pay me enough money to drive in. Naples would be one place. Traffic is horrendous.

Make sure you investigate the areas you are driving to/from and know what you are going to have to deal with.

There is no one "perfect" solution for every traveler.

Tim's right. I’ve done both, and as Jon suggests, it really does depend on your itinerary and a variety of other factors. If someone prefers to drive, it can be enjoyable, especially in more rural areas. In cities, however, you would be hard pressed to find any advantage a car has over rail travel. The key is to understand ALL of the pluses and minuses if you’re still on the fence with which way to go. If driving, you’ll need to consider things like insurance, driver’s license, driving regulations per country, parking, parking fees, fuel cost, emission control license, country restrictions, city center restrictions, radar cameras, tickets, theft, accidents, tolls, toll stickers, drop-off fees, towing, anxiety, and stress in addition to the costs quoted by the rental agency. If someone really wants to drive, I think they should do it when it makes sense as long as they are fully aware of the drawbacks going into it. My take is that it’s hard for many North Americans who haven’t been to Europe yet to fully understand and appreciate the rail system until they’ve had a chance to see it, use it, and experience it. I think that many first thoughts regarding transport are about driving…that’s what we’re used to. I like driving, and I may do it again someday under the right circumstances, but my family would kill me if I told them we were going to rent a car to get around in Spain later this year. Honestly and speaking from experience, rail (and public transportation in general) will win out every time for me personally. And, I'll always recommend rail over car rental when asked for my opinion in this area.

Hi Sandi.....Glad you had a good trip. We are folks that have never taken a train... except in and out of the Cinque Terre and up and down the Swiss alps. I guess it is all in the way you look at a trip. As you know we are photographers and try not to only go to big cities where the train goes. We want to meet the farmers and the vintners and see the Burgundy canal and the olive farms - not from a train, but on foot whether on our own or with a local friend we have met. I am not saying you cannot soak up local culture from a train.. just saying that, to us, driving gives us the freedom to explore many places you cannot get to by train.We love to backroad it and have a picnic in a lovely spot or return year after year to those special out of the way places that only a car can take you to.

Thank you very much Sandi for your post on car rentals. There is absolutely no doubt that rentals make sense depending on circumstances and the parts of Europe you intend to visit.

I think it's a crying shame that you had to be nervous about posting a topic that will be helpful to so many people who may be newbies or not a regular overseas traveller.

My next trip in September is England, Belgium, France, Spain and my transport will be air, train, bus, bike, shoeleather and car rental; the latter twice for 3 day periods over 2+ weeks. To do what I'm doing could not be done without the car rental unless I wanted to add at least 3 days to the trip and I'd still probably miss a lot of what I intend to see.

Sandi, I think it is great that you gave driving a try. We prefer driving over public transportation also although on our last trip we mixed it up since part of our trip was in Paris and no need for a car there.
We enjoy photography as someone else mentioned and with a car you can stop and/or turn around if you see or pass a nice photo op. Two years ago we also stopped in Liechtenstein(Vaduz) for about 2-3 hours and thoroughly enjoyed the short stay. I just don't find renting a car and the things that go with renting a car to be a hassle. I can see where it would be to those who do not like to drive or do not prefer to drive while on vacation. A lot of it boils down to the mental preparation to accept the challenges that can come with renting a car without getting frustrated over things such as parking etc. That is just part of the deal. It bothers some and doesn't bother others. It is really a good thing we all don't like the same traveling styles, interests, destinations, etc. Things could really get crowded if that were the case.

Tricia: Indeed, there’s a unique psychology around internet use generally, and it’s true that some of the comments here can be personal, rude, and unhelpful at times. Thankfully, that’s the exception. Sharing different opinions, on the other hand, is an extremely helpful way for travelers to broaden their horizons and, perhaps, think about things they might not have otherwise considered.

BTW, I neglected to ask those posters who prefer driving about commuting preferences when visiting large cities. Do you use public transportation, such as the Tube, Metro, U-Bahn, tram, bus, etc.? Do you prefer taxis or some other option when distance precludes you from walking? Trying to get a feel for whether or not drivers use public transportation in the cities.

Michael, mostly we walk, but take public transport. Paris the bus. Metro too many steps up and down and long walks underground. In Rome we mostly walked or took the bus. The Metro once, but too crowded. Lisbon public transport. Train to Sintra. Taxis maybe from train station to hotel, but never when we are without luggage. London walking and bus. Now to car rental. There are places, IMHO where you do need a car, unless you want to change from train to bus etc. and be on the road all day. Germany we never rent a car. Because public transport is terrific. The south of France we rent a car to get to the small places. Luberon for instance. Next year we will have a car to explore the Var region. In Portugal we had a car mainly to explore the Alentejo region. In Italy we had a car for Tuscany and Umbria.But we never have a car in big Cities or smaller ones for that matter, if we want to stay "put". Bamberg for instance we did not have a car. We are going again to Lake Konstanz, without a car. Happy travels, everyone. Karin

I guess the old idiom “different strokes for different folks” may be applied here. Individual opinions notwithstanding, there really isn’t a right/wrong or better/worse way to go. It depends. If you wish to drive, do it. Just study and be prepared, because while the process of renting your auto varies little from what you’re used to here, the tactical part of driving, as previously discussed ad nauseam, may be very different in Europe. It’s like anything else when traveling…you’ll have a much more enjoyable holiday when you’re prepared.

One additional thought…I don’t think anyone should ever feel nervous or apprehensive about posting something here. This is intended to be a helpline, not a criticism line. Post away.

Driving in Europe as an alternative to rail travel is a must to see the countryside - but a real headache, even with GPS, in the cities. You see, parking is time consuming and often difficult to do in the bigger towns, so if we can avoid having a car there, we do. We always rent cars in small towns to avoid crowds and the time it takes to exit a big city. But our biggest problem every time is when you return the car, such as at train stations. Where the car has to go and where the car rental counter is located is often a mile apart. And you "have" to know where the car goes before getting there. And why we never get a straight answer to that simple question is the biggest mystery of travel I have yet encountered. Arrangements for drops have to be made prior to returning and when no one is there to take the keys, we have to find someone to take them. Maybe it is just us, but this problem seems to happen often.

Michael, I agree with your posting -- "One additional thought…I don’t think anyone should ever feel nervous or apprehensive about posting something here. This is intended to be a helpline, not a criticism line. Post away."
However, I understand Sandi's hesitation since a few posters can be quite "opinionated"! ;)

Sandi:

Great post and I certainly share your feelings about some of the "transportation snobs" on this board.

There is not only one way to go that works for everybody.

I have traveled both ways in Europe and by and large I prefer a car (except obviously in the large cities). I like to wander - the car goes where I tell it to go and it goes when I want to go. I can get lost on purpose just for the sake of adventure.

Besides, some of my best memories are getting lost or wonderful undiscovered places or aggressive European drivers!

There is no steering wheel on a train and it goes where the tracks go.

The flexibility of European car travel works best for me. It does not hurt me one bit if others prefer the train - "each according to his likes" as my Dad used to say.

Have fun.

Thanks for Posting this...we are in a dilema...We need to go to Amsterdam as my husbands family is there, and this time (Finally!) we are going to see another country other than Holland. We intend to go to Italy, to see my roots, and are now torn. Driving to and from was the original plan, we will have from Aug15-Aug26...it was suggested we would spend too much time getting to Italy so we purchased one way tix to Rome thinking we would do a one way rental well yeah at 1700 a week....now we are back to the idea of driving round trip...I would like to see Rome, Venice and Florence of course....but if we can't we can't....any suggestions? My gut says drive it....being anywhere other than home and Holland would be delightful...that is my attitude...so I am open to hear from all you veterans....thanks

I'll try to summarize the topic, having driven thousands of miles in Europe and Australia and some train travel also. If you like to drive, driving is often the way to go, even if a train option is comparable. If you prefer trains, driving is perhaps best avoided. I don't see too many folks who like the driving experience saying, "Don't take the train, you should drive" but there seems to be no shortage of people saying, "Don't drive in ______! The people drive crazily, you'll get lost, etc." But as I've stated before in other threads, if you have to ask the question, it often means you don't necessarily like driving. If so, you might as well use the train which is a different experience than driving but probably less stressful. If you like to drive, you'll lean toward renting a car anyway. In which case you will get lost a few times, end up in some areas you specifically intended to avoid, engage in tragi-comic games of Charades with locals trying to get directions, and in general occasionally giving your comfort zone a wide berth.

Which is entirely expected, desirable, and the basis for much more entertaining stories. But again, it's not for everyone.

sandi,

What model GPS did you use?

Ralph

Well I think we like to drive, my husband drove a taxi in Amsterdam for many years and is currently a trucker in San Diego....I have a portable GPS I could take, though my husband the professional driver would not be caught dead with it! I will bring it just in case....so driving is desirable for us, though I was just on another thread here about a gentleman, Andy, who received 10 tickets for a few day stay in Florence...so should I assume the trick might be once you get in Italy park the car...only drive it when getting to another city? Perhaps the question I am asking is more along the lines of time...days spent to get from A to B...I have some books on order and maps, but I am trying to get my ducks in a row so to speak....

Mary....with only 11 days clear, driving will take up too much time if you want to concentrate on Italy. It's a thousand miles from Amsterdam to Rome...more than 800 from Amsterdam to Venice. And while there is wonderful scenery and places to visit along the way, you'd only have 7 days to visit Italy.
One solution would be overnight trains there and back. You could leave Amsterdam one evening and wake up in Venice or Rome....then do the reverse on the way back.
Another option would be discount airlines. The Netherlands has not been well served by discount airlines in the past, but I notice Easyjet is now flying Amsterdam-Rome, and Transavia flies Amsterdam-Venice (from Venice "Treviso," the discount airline airport just outside Venice.)Of course, a combination of those two would also work well.
Once you let us know which choices you want to consider, post again, and you'll get lots of assistance on where and how to look for tickets.

Norm....the 11 days is why my brother in law suggested we fly there...we have booked tix for Rotterdam to Rome, arriving on the 15th we would have the whole day as we land at 9:00 am...so we had thought we would visit Rome for 3 days and then get a car go to florence, tuscany and venice then head home...I guess we could fly back from venice? we like the idea of getting lost somewhere, even though this will be our first time in italy, seeing the big tourist things are not as important as being together and even enjoying some quiet time in a hillside somewhere...I mean do I want to see the Sistine Chapel, yeah and the coloseum and my hsuband wants to see the road of victory...but somehow I get the feeling being off the beaten path for the most part would suit us fine...that is why the car is so appealing....what do you think of renting car for a day or two and if so what areas would you suggest, then just book a flight from Venice to Amsterdam..Though I was looking forward to the drive through the alps...and as a side note, though my traveling is comparatively limited...my husband has travelled for years to many continents with the clothes on his back, and maybe a toothbrush so I am not too concerned about being a novice if we "get lost"...you know what I mean? So suggestion are so welcome, I think my husband is more concerned because he never travelled with anyone let alone a girl...no we are not that young....52 and 47 but this is pretty much our first big trip alone other than Cabo....

For us, cars, trains or buses outside of large cities. In large cities or getting to them, we use all public transportation, such as the Tube, Metro, U-Bahn, tram, bus, in addition to walking.

Most of our travels in Europe have been by car. Reasons included

• being in a group of four,

*going to rural areas (e.g. Brittany, Emmental, Tuscany ...)

• being able to borrow the car for free in some cases.

Our next trip will be done entirely by train even though once again we could borrow a car for free, i.e. only paying for gas and parking. Reason: we'll be visiting Berlin and maybe Leipzig/Dresden. All of them major cities where the car is more of a hassle. The trip to the Christmas market in Muenster will be done by train too - so we can warm ourselves with Gluehwein as much as we want ;-)

Should I assume that everyone here has unlimited funds and can afford to go to Europe whenever they want? That must be true, because no one seems to consider the added cost of renting a car, tolls, gas, etc.

I'm about to go on a trip to Bavaria, the Salzkammergut, and Italy. I will fly into Munich and spend the first 11 days traveling outside Munich and the last 3 days back in Munich. I've already priced the train and bus travel - about $300 including local transit in Munich the last three days.

I got a car rental quote from AutoEurope for $683 for a VW Golf for 11 days. Add gas (Michelin est.) plus tolls in Italy for another $236, and it would cost me over $900, three times what public transportation will cost.

Another way of looking at this, I expect the entire trip (meals, lodging, transportation) to cost under $2000, including airfare. Renting a car would add almost a third to the cost. By not renting a car, I can afford to go back a fourth time.

In addition, on the train I have the freedom of looking at the scenery if it is interesting, reading, working on my journal, whatever. If I take a car, that travel time is spent looking at the road and traffic.

Another thing, I will take the train from Innsbruck to Brannenburg, Germany, from where I will go to the top of the Wendelstein via the cog railway. Then I come down the other side by cable car to Osterhofen. My hotel and the railroad station are all within short walking distance of the cable car. From there, two days later, I will go on by train and bus to Mittenwald via Bad Tölz, Kochel and Wallgau. If I had a car, I would have to back track to get it at the cog rail station.

Well, I guess it helps to be able to find a cheaper car rental. For our last trip to Britainy, in May, our driving trip of eight days cost us the going price of gas to fill up the car, and the ghastly rental rate (Europecar) of....ummm... $87.00 US for the week.

One thing we have run into this year in Italy that we have not had before is un-airconditoned trains. Every train has been miserably hot -- even the Italian Eurostar. And on the trains with seat reservations, we were not allowed to change cars. And the windows on those "finer" trains don't open. We spent 4 miserable hours on a train from Rome to La Spezia with no AC. We were sure wishing for a good ole car. But -- the Cinque Terre was worth it. The trains to Florence were hot too. We go to Venice Saturday. I'm hoping for a cool spell.

Thomas, you reminded me of the one, really wild, arguement I had while travelling in Europe.

It was years ago in Italy, in July (!) and on a train. Back then, the windows could be pushed down to open wide. My wife was feeling ill and needed fresh air blowing on her while we took a train from Rome down to Naples and on to Pompei. So I pushed open a window. The guy behind me, wearing a wool coat, for crying out loud in 90+ heat, reached over my wife and pushed the window back up. Needless to say, it did not stay up. So he challenged me again. So I stood up. I am American football, tight-end sized. While just standing up made my point, he proceeded to say something apparently very derogatory to me that got all the delicate Italian ladies in the train car very animated and gasping in horror. A girl sitting with us from Malta did not translate what he said, but proceeded to say something back at this guy that shut him up for good before I could leap over the back of the seat to get at him. She then told me he won't be bothering us again, the window would stay open, and that I should "ignore him, he is a pig". He finally moved to another seat. Others in the car, by the way, had opened up windows as well.

Good times.

Lee,

if you're travelling solo or as a couple renting a car will almost always be more expensive than taking public transit. However, if you're travelling as a group you need to calculate a bit more carefully. In some cases (not always) renting a car will end up being cheaper!

Occasionally, having a car may also enable you to use cheaper accommodations in the outskirts of major (i.e. expensive) tourist centres that are difficult to access by public transit.

Some of this calculation will depend on the destination as in some countries like Italy rentals are more expensive than in others where great deals like the one John mentioed are available.

I don't think $87/wk is the cost most people pay.

Europecar wanted $155 MORE for a compact car. Now I would be spending almost $1100.

The car I was quoted was a compact. I think there is enough room in one for one or two people (maybe 3) and their luggage, certainly not four or five.

Add something to the car rental for a larger car. Also add something for more gas used by a standard car.

Most of my travel will be utilizing Länder tickets. Yes, a Bayern-Ticket Single is €20 and a Bayern-Ticket for four people is $28, about $11 more per day.

Occasionally, having a car may also enable you to use cheaper accommodations in the outskirts.

I don't think not having a car has ever added appreciably to my cost of accommodations.