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With emphasis on car rentals, driving in Europe, rail travel, currency/money issues, and hotels.
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Boardwalk :: Forum List Europe Travel Advice and Reviews Renting a Car in Europe
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Renting off-airport
Date: 2007/04/11 23:33 By: nikki Status:  
 
I've heard that it's often much less expensive to rent a car in the nearest city or town, rather than at the airport when traveling in Europe. Curious whether any Gemütlichkeit travelers have recently compared prices and found this to be true?
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Re:Renting off-airport
Date: 2007/04/12 09:10 By: annv Status:  
 
I don't know of an airport in Europe that doesn't charge a fee for car rentals that commence there. In France, it is “only” about $45, but in Germany it's 19% of the total rental. Italy, Swtizerland and Austria are almost as high. My advice: take public transport to an off-airport location and at the end of the rental return the car to the airport.
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Re:Renting off-airport
Date: 2007/07/02 14:28 By: traveldroid0503 Status:  
 
Hi Nikki - Yes, airport fees vary by country, and often it is well worth the extra effort to avoid airport pick-up. In most countries there is no fee for airport return. Use the link below to view airport fees for your destination....(this would be a link to our FAQ page)
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Re:Renting off-airport
Date: 2007/07/03 00:13 By: rbestor Status:  
 
Andy, who does most of the European car rental bookings for Gemut.com, can suggest rental offices near airports in various cities. This will enable you to avoid the tax. Call him at 800-521-6722. It's important to remember that the airport fee is always charged for rentals that commence at airports. You can always return your car there for no extra charge.
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Re:Renting off-airport
Date: 2007/07/14 13:51 By: basketman Status:  
 
Do the rental companies provide a shuttle to these off-airport locations?
Basketman
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Re:Renting off-airport
Date: 2007/07/14 13:57 By: bbestor Status:  
 
Unfortunately, no. Virtually all European airports, however, have excellent public transportation options; rail, bus, and taxi. Of course, some rental companies such as Thrifty don't have an airport presence in Munich or Frankfurt and so you must take a shuttle a couple of miles or so both when you pick up and return the car.
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Boardwalk :: Forum List Europe Travel Advice and Reviews Renting a Car in Europe

Gemütlichkeit: The Travel Letter for Germany, Austria, & Switzerland