What's best for traveling in Europe — rental car or train? (2024)

The type of traveler and where you are planning on going dictate your choice of rental car or train.

I spent much of my youth living in Europe as a military brat. One of the big bargains then was the Eurailpass. I clickity-clacked through Europe for months. I never thought of a rental car or train. Then my traveling changed.

In those days, few bargains were as dramatic or romantic as the Eurailpass. It was once the cheapest mode of transportation short of lacing up your hiking boots or sticking out your thumb. Car rentals were rare and very expensive. However, today, Eurailpasses cost far more and have restrictions galore. For many travelers (especially those traveling in a group to out-of-the-way places), the best bargain may be a rental car.

The truth be told, there’s no “best way” to travel through Europe. Traveling by rental car or train is a tough decision. Sometimes it’s better to rent a car, and sometimes it’s better to hop on the train. It becomes a question about what kind of traveler you are and the cost.

Here are 10 European travel situations, with advice on which way to go when deciding whether to select arental car or train.

Five reasons to take a train

• Traveling alone. Rail is almost always the better deal for the solo traveler, especially if you can use a discounted train pass. In most cases, the cost of a rental car, tolls, and gasoline will be about twice as much as the cost of the train.

• Visiting only a few major cities. Train travel between the major cities of Europe is generally fast and easy, while getting into and out of the cities by car can be a chore. In town, stick with local transportation. Compare the cost of rail passes and regular train tickets carefully; the train passes are not always the best deal if you visit only a handful of cities.

• Visiting only one major city. Never rent a car if you intend to stay in one city. Parking is near impossible or expensive in almost every European capital, and driving through the old city centers is often tortuous and confusing. Besides, Europe’s urban mass transit systems are excellent.

• Traveling through Switzerland. The deciding factor here is the difficulty driving on mountain roads, which takes concentration and sometimes real skill. Trains allow visitors to see the spectacular mountain scenery. Moreover, the Swiss train system links to the Postal Bus system, which reaches every nook and cranny of the country.

• Traveling on the day of arrival. Many people think they can bully their way through the day after their overnight flight to Europe, but I can’t recommend it. (I have 20+ stitches on my head as a harsh reminder of when I fell asleep at the wheel in Switzerland.) Take a train from the airport to the first stop on your itinerary; you’re more likely to arrive safe and rested. If you want, rent a car a few days later.

Five reasons to rent a car

• Exploring small towns and the countryside. A car is the only way to reach many small towns, inns and castles, historical sites, natural attractions, roadside shrines, and other exciting places not served by timely train transportation. And, except in Switzerland, a car is the only efficient way to wind one’s way through Europe’s mountains.

• Traveling with family. Whenever four or more people travel together, a car becomes the most economical way to get around Europe. After arriving in a city, park the car and take public transportation. If the kids are determined to ride a train, take them on a short excursion.

• Rambling. Timetables! What if you don’t want to leave Rome at 6:40 p.m.? Or arrive in Paris at 9:10 in the morning after a sleepless night on the train? What if you’re going to ramble? Travelers who want to wander according to their whims need a car, as do travelers who like to decide on their destination at the last minute.

• Eating and drinking off the beaten path. Many of the top restaurants and vineyards of Europe are well off the rail lines; in fact, the Michelin Red Guides list hundreds of eateries and lodges that are not reachable by train. Vineyards and wineries are even more secluded, and many see no public transportation.

• Escaping other tourists.Travelers with cars can steer clear of crowded tourist centers and so have the opportunity to discover parts of Europe that American tourists little visit.

Train or car? It depends. The actual options are costs, where you are going, and how you like to travel.

After traveling to Europe, searching for bargains, and renting a car for almost two decades, I recommend AutoEurope. They are rental car consolidators based in the United States (in Portland, Maine). They guarantee the lowest rental car prices. AutoEurope provides renters toll-free European numbers in case of any problems. They stand behind their customers in case of conflicts with rental car companies in Europe. Contact them by telephone at 1-800-223-5555 or on the Web at www.autoeurope.com. (AutoEurope also helps with virtually every available train pass and city card.)

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