We are travelling to Europe later this month. I was wondering what the best way would be to get around 2 or 3 countries (Switzerland, and Holland in 5 days) from Frankfurt, Germany. As I like my freedom, I am leaning towards renting a car. Is driving easier/cheaper than say, train travel? Do train passes include local travel as well? Are point-to-point trains cheaper than rail passes?
How hard is it to drive in Europe anyway?
Re: Travelling in Europe
Rental companies heavily discourage international travel with their cars. From UK I couldn't get any of them to let me take the car out of that country. So had to rely on public transport.
Re: Travelling in Europe
wm, get a Europass.
Re: Travelling in Europe
In the Netherlands you can get a day pass for the rail network for the entire country.. I think 35 euros.. I used that to goto Rotterdam, the Hague, Harlem, Utrecht.. they are all within 90 minutes of Amsterdam
Re: Travelling in Europe
So driving isnt a good idea?
I just booked a car in Frankfurt with a rental company here.. and they said people book cars in europe all the time.
With the europass can you use any transport with the pass countries? How do you get to a place X from the train station?
Re: Travelling in Europe
Who--me, if u can get unlimited mileage then car is better, but it comes with different speed limites zones etc ... but I think shouldn't be a big deal.
From UK you cannot take a car in another country, in other EU countries its not a big deal, makes sure u get Green insurance card from the rental compnay (stamped by them). Once u have a green insurance card u can take car to Turkey too. Its only brits screwed head ones others dont care, plus British cars are useless on small roads in Europe because of being right hand drive.
Train is another option but a little expensive (if u are three or more persons) plus u dont have an option of go where ever u want. Public transport in almost whole Europe is great.
Re: Travelling in Europe
Try to return the car at the location from where you get it, because the "drive-back" charges are quite high in Europe. Other than that there is no issue driving around Europe if you have the Green insurance card.
Have fun.
Re: Travelling in Europe
for the netherlands you shouldnt get a car... trains, busses and trams will take you everywhere! easiest way and you wont get lost ;-)
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Trains are also good option but when you are visitng to see EUROPE. then take a car.
Europa Car has good service, though as said by Umer its up to you if you want to give the car at another country to the same company or you will return to the country where you got it. Money matters.
But I am sure you will not get lost with car too. NAVIGATIONS speaks!
Re: Travelling in Europe
Swiss rail also have day pass from 0700hrs to midnight you can anywhere in Switzerland and valid on most of the trains except mountain or tourist trains. See www.sbb.ch or www.cff.ch for more details.
There is a direct train link from Geneva to Holland.