Driving in Europe

[fz30_user]

Hi All,

We are planning a trip to Europe this coming May and we intend to drive from Paris to Frankfurt Germany. On the way we would like to drop by in Brussels and Switzerland. We are budgeting for 20 days.

Anyone have that tried this before and can share some insights? Importantly, we need a recommended car rental company.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kelccm]

20 days will give you plenty of time to explore around that region of Europe. Driving in France, Belgium, Germany & Switzerland is relatively easy and simple. Do allocate some time to stop by some of the small towns along the route

 

[Octarine]

Anyone have that tried this before and can share some insights? Importantly, we need a recommended car rental company.

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt ... But do check the terms and conditions online. Especially if you intend to return the car in a different country. Returning to a different station within the same country is no issue.

 

[voxies09]

sounds like a movie - eurotrip

 

[Tango Wasp]

Firstly, make sure every driver has an International Licence. Some of the car rental companies won't rent it out if they don't see it.

Secondly, Europeans like their manual gear cars. They tend to be cheaper to rent (sometimes at half the price). I personally like the auto gear because you have the stress of driving on the other side of the road, need to read road signs, radio is on, car companions, etc.

Thirdly, practice driving long distance. We are used to driving for 45 mins (Tuas to Changi Airport) and some more in city traffic. See if you enjoy driving from here to KL (~380km) and back (~380km) in one day. Or practice Sin - Malacca - Sin. Then ask yourself, if you enjoy doing it everyday for 20 days.

Suggestion (only): The train system in Europe is good. Why not drive + train + drive? At least you will enjoy your holiday instead being stuck behind the steering wheel? Unless of course if say that you really enjoy driving.

Anyway, enjoy your holiday.

 

[ConnorMcLeod]

Hi All,

We are planning a trip to Europe this coming May and we intend to drive from Paris to Frankfurt Germany. On the way we would like to drop by in Brussels and Switzerland. We are budgeting for 20 days.

Anyone have that tried this before and can share some insights? Importantly, we need a recommended car rental company.

Thanks in advance.

last time used to have business trips to europe often. once we drove from brussels to paris for a day trip, amsterdam to luxemberg day trip etc.

driving is usually fairly easy. however, take note around brussels they have signs in french and dutch (?) I waste ~1hr the first time I went ot brussels because the sign says bruxelles iso brussels. Hertz is pretty good and also can provide you GPS (neverlost) if you dont have a GPS yourself.

if you are in brussels, you may also consider visiting rotterdam and amsterdam (and maybe other cities in netherlands) since you are already in Belgium. Brussels is just ~3 hrs drive from amsterdam.

make sure your car rental allows driving to other countries.
Once I was told we were not suppose to drive from netherlands to belgium so do check if such clause on your rental contract.

I would recommend to fuel up often. once on my way back from luxemberg to amsterdam, the stretch did not have gas station and I only manage to find one on the highway after the red light was on!

 

[Octarine]

Suggestion (only): The train system in Europe is good. Why not drive + train + drive? At least you will enjoy your holiday instead being stuck behind the steering wheel? Unless of course if say that you really enjoy driving.

:thumbsup:
Check with local travel agencies. There are tickets for Europe (or single countries) which are not available there (cause supposed to be only for visitors) and they are really cheap. Some limitations might apply (group of 6 pax minimum, certain days are off). Some of these tickets are cheaper than a single trip ticket bought in Europe.
Usually train stations are located in the center of cities, well connected to public transport.

 

[NineEleven]

Try to get a diesel if you're on a budget & it's a popular choice there. Most of the major rentals are listed here & you can usually drop it off @ the next station in Frankfurt. The last time I used AA Sg which is affiliated & gave me a discount. Also, get the comprehensive insurance, 20days is a long trip & the car might just get nicked!

Be careful with speed in some countries. I still have a fine that I haven't paid for in Swiss :embrass: & they are very strict!

Get a good GPS & best with one from local that you're familiar with but load the latest EU map. I used to drive by reading the map & street signs which is not too bad but go slow near exits!

I could be driving there in May as well, maybe we'll meet :angel:

 

[Deadpoet]

Hi All,

We are planning a trip to Europe this coming May and we intend to drive from Paris to Frankfurt Germany. On the way we would like to drop by in Brussels and Switzerland. We are budgeting for 20 days.

Anyone have that tried this before and can share some insights? Importantly, we need a recommended car rental company.

Thanks in advance.

Paris to Frankfurt and dropping by Brussels and Switzerland?

Are you sure? Better check map. Yes, you can do it in the number of days you want to spend on this trip, but, you are crisscrossing western Europe, why?