Pros: Freedom to explore the countryside and set travel schedules and more lodging options
Cons: Expensive gasoline, hefty taxes and fees, congested cities and limited parking
In many ways, car rentals in Europe are similar to those in North America. Even some of the companies doing the renting have familiar brand names.
But there are some procedures that differ sharply.
Care to pay a $200 USD drop-off fee?
It can be done in Europe. How do you like the idea of a 19% tax on rentals originating on airport properties? That's what you'll find in Germany.
Check current gasoline prices in Western Europe. Prices are roughly double what is paid at the pump in the United States. Motorists in Europe consider $4/gallon gasoline a bygone bargain from a decade ago.
Many people immediately want to avoid these fees and make spot comparisons with the cost of train tickets. But you'll find that is a rather complex equation dependent largely upon your itinerary and personal preferences.
If you're making a tour of cities, trains might be the better option even in cases where they cost a bit more. If you want the thrill of driving Germany's autobahn or Italy's autostrada, it might be worth paying a small premium for the experiences.
Another variable: Parking in cities like Paris, Venice or Rome can be next to impossible to find and very expensive when it is discovered.
Border crossings can be an issue with car rentals in Europe.
The European Union was a step in the direction of a "borderless" continent. But insurance restrictions still divide driving between west and east. Some companies forbid travel into former Soviet bloc nations. Your quick trip to Poland from Berlin might not be possible with some rental firms.
What is possible with a car is the inexpensive overnight stay on the highway. Just as in the U.S. and Canada, there are "motor inns" outside of major population centers that offer cheaper rooms than their city-center competitors. These rather flavorless stops are good for budget relief and often prove elusive to train passengers, who are limited to inns within a short walk or cab-ride of the station.
More information: Planning a trip to Europe.
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