is renting a car in germany worth it

Especially with large trucks or tractors (yes, tractors!). Its a decent way to see many countries in Europe if you dont have a lot of time. Rental cars are slapped with Germanys 16% Value Added Tax (VAT), registration fee, and airport fees (but rates do include the required third-party liability insurance). Renting a car in Europe and self-driving is a great way to experience the EU. The car only had 200 km on it when we got it so it might have been brand-new. It is important to know that an IDP does not replace your Drivers License or passport; it supplements your Drivers License. It translates your license and is required in Austria. We did not have to worry about 4 people trying to catch the train. When parking in a garage, there is a kiosk near the entrance/exit. I would absolutely triple check with CITI about your insurance coverage. For most places people would want to see outside the city on such a short visit, a car is probably in 90% of the cases also more bother than help given our national public transport system. Our website uses cookies. Things that looked like private driveways, were actually streets. Although public transport would take Sandy to all the stops mentioned, I'm sure she'll enjoy the freedom of driving and stopping for photo ops, picnics, and anything that looks interesting. Maybe rent a car for your onward travel. Cheap Car Rental in Germany $18+/day - Discover Cars Vignettes are required for cars in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. If you see one and buy your ticket and display it on your dashboard. So we were wondering if a car is recommended in these areas. Similar to the US and most parts of Europe, cars drive on the The most relevant for anyone renting a car in Germany are Switzerland, Austria and Czech Republic: It is mandatory in Germany for kids over three years old to travel in the rear seats of the car. It is more expensive to pick up a car in one country and drop it off in another. One nice thing - the car had a GPS built-in so that was included at no additional charge - we did have to change the language to English, but that was easy. EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more great ideas on where to go in Europe, check out our article 30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe and the 20 Best Hikes in Europe. Countries that require you to have an IDP are Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. I would definitely rent a car for the areas you listed - you'll see a lot more and not have to wait around for public transport. The good news for rental car drivers in Germany is that the Autobahn network is not tolled for cars. Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal. Early spring can be a good time to visit Germany - statistically, March is one of the cheapest months to rent a vehicle Despite the common assumption, there are speed limits on about 50% of German autobahns. Start in Munich and go southwest toward Fuessen. WebSave. We recommend avoiding the outside (leftmost lanes) in sections with unrestricted speed limits as these will have the fastest moving traffic. Once you understand the rules of the road and the signage, driving in Germany is surprisingly easy, even in cities. Have you rented a car in Europe? It helps to prevent break-ins if thieves cant see your stuff. Have a fun trip! Categories Europe, Road Trips, Travel Tips, Home Europe Everything You Need To Know Before Renting A Car In Europe, Hawaiis Grand Canyon: Visiting Waimea State Park On Kauai, 2023 Expert Vagabond | Adventure Travel & Photography Blog Travel Blog | About | Policy Page | Contact. However, you can be charged extra when driving into or between non-EU countries. Just returned from a 14 day driving trip of Bavaria, Switzerland and the Salzburg area - we were very happy with having a car available I think you'll be happy with your choice. If you can pick up the car in Munich itself, not at the airport, you can also avoid the significant surcharge for renting at an airport. They just allow you to reserve a category, like economy (small), compact I always make a stop at the market and get breads, cheese, salami, paprika chips, German pickles, Mezzo mix , fruit and whatever else looks good at the moment. Have fun! These fees are even more expensive if you want to drop the car off in a different country which can add a few hundred Euros to the price. Should You Do It? 3. Cheers, Tim, Your email address will not be published. Lee, there were times I wished we had a car. WebRenting a car is the best way to take in the astonishing scenery. 5. WebIs renting/owning a car worth it? Parking discs are widely used throughout Germany for the management of on-street parking. Some companies may forbid you from driving into specific countries. Renting a car in Germany I'm guessing that it might be the same if you rely on Visa insurance. Renting a Car in Germany tip: If you are travelling with young children we highly recommend packing window blinds to protect them from the harsh sunlight. Another nice thing about having a rental car was the ability to store luggage in the trunk, so you can explore cities with small travel backpacks rather than lugging a giant suitcase everywhere. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance for your vacation! Some times what looks like free parking is not free parking. Figure $100 every time you fill up the tank. I need to rent a car in Frankfurt, should I rent at the airport or downtown? WebThe process for renting a car in another country is like renting a car in the United States, except that you should also consider applying for an International Driving Permit. In Italy they are called ZTL Zones (but each country may have a different term for them). There are frequent fuel and rests stops dotted throughout the Autobahn network and we never had any issues finding fuel stations. Ask the cc company yourself. rental car I have CDW coverage from CITI so I am not worried about that part of it. WebI have done a fair amount of research on renting cars in Germany (and found some very informative posts like this one ), so I know that it is quite straightforward even for an Our best advice: Do it ahead of time! Picking up, driving out of the airport and returning the car to the airport in Munich is a breeze. But there may also be some factors that you are not aware of. Renting a Car for Travel in Germany and BeyondWorth It? There are only two tolls in the entire country, the Herren and Warnow Tunnels located in the north of the country. Eventually end back in Munich Airport for car drop off. Diesel cars will often save you some money on gas. Renting a car in Germany tip: All our rental cars have had one included when we picked up, but make sure to check at pickup. You've hardly got time for Paris, itself, let alone lots of trips out of town. Weve had numerous road trips around Germany, including road trips from Berlin and Munich, and loved the flexibility that a rental car provides. renting a car in Germany (probably Frankfurt I agree with the previous poster, if Munich is on your schedule, pick up the car as you leave the city. We always get one, never been asked for it. Dont book a car without reading company reviews. However, there are some things to know about renting a car in Europe. When you pick up your rental car, confirm what type of gas you will need to add. Find more info in our disclosure policy. Taking cars on ferries or the Eurotunnel car train can cost a lot. 8 Mistakes Tourists Make in Boston, Plus Local Tips - Insider WebEnjoy easy booking with thousands of airport and city locations near you. Make sure you have the specific address and directions of where to drop the car off. I just followed your two-week Italy itinerary last year and couldnt have come up with a better way to see the country! 2023 Car Rental Guide Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece, and for good reason! Look for that button first. You can travel at your own pace, stop frequently to take in the view, and get to some places that are difficult to reach with public transportation. Canadians and Americans usually just need a drivers license and passport to rent a car. When we visited Switzerland and Italy, we did not feel the need to rent a car since everything was so well connected. Our rental car did come with a navi system, but the owner's manual was entirely in German so we only really used it to know about restricted speed zones on the autobahn. And finally, those smaller shops also have reduced hours. I recommend renting a car with an actual trunk that can hide your luggage from prying eyes. Rent We recommend getting the ones that stretch over the entire window as they are easier to use. I think what Tom says about being able to see places that pique our interest (besides the touristy places) is more convenient if we rent a car. It seems, we might be flying into Milan and rent the vehicle once we are ready to leave the city. The discs are split into 30-minute intervals, so set the time correctly or you may get a parking fine. August 17, 2022 Amsterdam might be a city of cyclists, but that doesnt mean you should shy away from driving to, from, or in the Dutch metropole. Julie Last updated: February 12, 2023 Travel Advice 109 Comments. That being said German authorities have a very low tolerance for speeding, even breaking the limit by 3 km/h or above can be enough to secure a fine so you need to pay attention to the speed limits. The only other tolls to be aware of only apply if you are crossing the border into a country that requires a vignette, such as Switzerland or Austria. True adventure, with no set schedule or timetable. Ben Robles. We've rented our cars through Andy Bestor at www.gemut.com for our last 4 trips to Germany and Austria, picking up and returning at Munich airport. When getting an estimate for different pick-up and drop-off locations, you have to decide if the extra money you will spend is worth saving the time and extra driving. I almost always rent and one of the most fun things about a road trip through Germany is being able to stop at many beautiful locations and have a car picnic. Your Guide to Traveling Around Germany with a Rental Car Im expecting the driving to be something similar. We actually picked up the car off of the airport to avoid the 20% 'surcharge' so I guess to be 'honest' I should add a $20 taxi ride onto the cost. The reason for the car rental company that you use the most is because of trustworthiness. Some countries in Europe require private cars to display a vignette. If shifting gears with your opposite hand concerns you then make sure you select an automatic car when you make your reservation. Or, you may have to pay a fee for crossing those borders (mentioned earlier). Have your rental car company put the GPS into english. Car sharing and ride sharing services in Germany | Expatica In the mountainous SE corner of Bavaria, the rail system is augmented by the RVO bus system (a Bahn subsidiary) with almost 7000 miles of bus routes. We have always found parking to be very easy and affordable in Germany, even in cities like Berlin and Munich. WebGermany car rentals Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Germany Same drop-off Thu 7/6 Noon Thu 7/13 Noon Search Cheap car rentals in Sometimes it makes sense to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at a different location. The only thing that was complicated about the whole process was that we picked up our rental car in downtown Munich, and had to navigate out of the city. They have a higher volume of cars, so youre less likely to be stuck waiting for a car or stuck with a car class you didnt reserve (like in the photo above). Also read the online advice from folks - it was helpful. What Americans call gas, Europeans call essence, petrol, or benzine. Having a car provides a lot of freedom and convenience when traveling through Europe. You mentioned an issue with rental vehicles and toll roads to ask the rental companies before departure. Guide to Traveling Around Germany with a Rental Car Inevitably, though, you're going to see something that's not in your guide book (particularly the fairly limited number of sites highlighted in the RS book). I tend to use Sixt or Europcar the most as their prices were always a bit better for the periods when I use a car. Car rental in Germany - Frankfurt Forum A car will make it much easier to adjust on the fly. Will they place a large hold on my credit card in general or because I decline their CDW? A U.S. rental company may be simplest. Here are some important tips we learned from our MANY experiences renting a car in Europe, to help you save money and stay safe while driving here! We made a reservation through National as Rick suggested but ended up picking the car from Europcar. The minimum driving age in Germany is 18, however you will need to be at least 21 to rent a car. I'm hoping that this would include Visa cards by Chase and that this insurance would be sufficient for our stay there. Drop south into Western Tyrol and come east into Innsbruck. Fuel prices in Germany are on the higher side; it costs the average driver in Germany 1.24% of a typical salary. While you can often save money booking your car with a travel credit card that includes car rental insurance, you REALLY must read the fine print, because many people wrongly assume their card covers them everywhere. Credits cards are widely accepted and you may also pay with cash. Prices are listed in liters, so it may look cheap, but one gallon of gas costs roughly 7 in Europe. Home prices fell nationally in late 2022, but they have begun to rebound in recent months, Thats a great question and I dont know the answer. WebUber does not exist in Germany. Car sharing Can you be a little more specific what to ask for? Keep in mind drivers over 70 years old may have trouble renting a car in countries like Czech Republic, Great Britain, Greece, Northern Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey. CDW typically does not include tire, cracked windshield, or undercarriage damage either. But definitely NOT for anything you are planning in Munich. We paid about $375. Most pickup locations, especially the main airports, have numerous rental car agencies so there is compeition for good prices. The unrestricted sections of the Autobahn are usually located in rural sections of the countryside. Renting a Car in Germany tip: It is usually not possible to obtain an IDP once you leave your home country so make sure to pick one up before you leave. Comment below and let us know! If you opt to use your own credit card insurance, some companies in Europe will charge you an admin fee of about 20-30 EURO. We took the train for the first part of our trip, then picked up the car about half way through, when we were heading a bit more off the beaten path, and that worked well for us. As Germany has cameras and will send the rental car company the speeding ticket which they send to you. When you go to pick up your car they will ask to see your confirmation number, drivers license, passport, and credit card. I made reservations at places that had parking available. Driving in Germany is much the same as in the US; if you rent, read up on the rules of the road and you should be fine. It will be a liability, not a help. 11 years ago. Worst case, these machines usually have a button that rings the attendant if you need help. Picking up a Rental Car at an Airport or Train Station Adds an Extra Fee. I could not agree more. It takes practice, but youll get the hang of it. 15 Tips for Renting a Car in Germany in 2023 (we did not have this happen, but a friend of ours did). However, if you drive a rental car into a country that requires a vignette, you will have to purchase it. If you can pick up the car in Munich itself, not at the airport, you European car seat regulations are slightly different too, and if youre using an American style car seat, and get pulled over, there is the potential to get a ticket. The color depends on the emissions level of the vehicle, however you should check that your rental car has one of these stickers if you wish to drive into any green zones in Germany. Use public transport!!! It takes extra time to price out five companies, but prices can vary widely depending on promotions and supply and demand, and it has been worth it to do this extra work in order to save money. I want to rent a car in Germany at the end of the month and the prices are quite decent but Im not sure whats the situation with deposit. If you rent a car in a country that requires a vignette, you will already be covered. Should I expect a similar upcharge in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland? We took pictures of the car when we rented it and when we turned it in at Stuttgart airport - just in case. Dont be scared of them, yield to other cars already inside, but keep up with the flow of traffic inside, and remember to signal when you want to exit the roundabout. With 451 stations, Europcar Germany has the most pick-up points in Europe. Once you're free and easy behind the wheel of So keep that in mind. We get the loss damage waver. Vignettes are like a toll cost for using the roads in these countries. WebBy Rick Steves Renting a car in Europe isn't much more complicated than in the US, except for some byzantine insurance options. sidewalk parking allowed, perpendicular parking on the sidewalk. Car rental in Germany - Frankfurt Forum - Tripadvisor All of a sudden you feel like a newbie driver again. We always purchase this additional insurance and recommend it for two reasons: We were unlucky enough to have our car damaged in Berlin in a parking lot while we were away shopping. Renting a Car in Germany tip: If you are an avid user of Google Streetview then unfortunately youre out of luck in Germany. I hope everything works out! An IDP translates your Drivers License into 10 different languages. Driving on the autobahn and in the Black Forest was easy. worth renting a car Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar are the four rental car companies I have used the most in Frankfurt. But what should you look for in a rental car? Inspect your car thoroughly and record video on your smartphone pointing out damage before you leave. A compact car will be fine for 2 adultsany suggestions or input? (It is always fun to get a parking ticket added to your rental car fee :( ) Frei which also means free but as in open spaces. Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. Its required in just a handful of countries, including Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, and Montenegro, just to name a few. This will be included in the base price of your rental agreement, however we highly recommend purchasing fully comprehensive cover with your rental car. If you encounter a slow moving vehicle, and they have their blinker on, it might be an indication that they want you to pass them. There are the obvious factors that determine price, such as duration of the rental period and the size of the vehicle. Does it get you further? Once you pass, move back into the right lane. And some countries have more aggressive drivers than others. (right lane traffic goes about 100kph/62mph, left lane is the chance to really open it up- I'd go with a car that's got some engine power instead of the cheap Fiat option just to have a little legal fun on the road). Due to Germanys location in the centre of Europe, it is common for visitors to take rental cars across borders into neighboring countries. THANKS You will likely have one in your rental car and its worth knowing how to use them.
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