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| The car rental part of a Rail & Drive pass helps you wander farther off the beaten path. It's an especially good deal for two to four traveling together. |
Many countries offer a "Rail & Drive" pass that gives travelers a set number of days of car rental to mix in with a set number of days of train travel (e.g., any 4 rail days and 2 car days within a 2-month period). Train days are best spent on long hauls and going from big city to big city. Car days are most enjoyable when exploring the countryside.
Requirements: All you need is your U.S. driver's license, a major credit card, and a specified number of years of life experience (23 for Avis, 25 for Hertz). While not required, an International Driver's License is recommended in Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, and Eastern Europe (see Driving in Europe).
Before you commit: Call Avis at 800/331-1084 or Hertz at 800/654-3001 (or check their web sites) before you order your Rail & Drive pass to make sure you can pick up and drop off your car where you want. Car rental offices are located in virtually every sizable European city (often next to the train station).
What's covered by the Rail & Drive pass: The pass gives you a rail pass plus separate vouchers for each day of car travel. The car vouchers cover unlimited mileage for 24 hours, drop-off privileges at other offices within that country (and occasionally in a neighboring country), all taxes (except in Britain), and legal minimum insurance.
What's not covered: Gas; super-freeway tolls in France and Italy; highway stickers for Switzerland and Austria; and CDW insurance (see Driving in Europe).
Prices: All Rail & Drive prices shown are per person based on two traveling together, except that extra-car-day prices are paid by only one person. Solo travelers pay about $100 extra. Third and fourth persons sharing the car can buy just a regular rail pass. Prices are approximate.
Reservations: Rail Europe can book both train reservations and car rentals when you buy the Rail & Drive pass (and generally within two months of travel). If confirming cars on your own, this must be done by telephone with Hertz or Avis at least three days ahead. Car vouchers not accepted for same-day walk-ins. Reservations for specified car sizes are subject to availability.
Please Note: For details or to purchase Rail & Drive passes, call Rail Europe at 800/438-7245 or your local travel agent. Rick Steves' Europe does not sell Rail & Drive passes.
| Select Pass Drive | ||
| 5 days of rail travel + 2 days of Hertz car rental in 2 months in 3 neighboring countries | ||
| Car Category | 1st Class | Extra car day |
| Economy | $509 | $63 |
| Compact | $521 | $76 |
| Intermediate | $530 | $84 |
| Automatic | $554 | $109 |
| Longer durations available for 6 or 8 rail travel days. | ||
| BritRail Pass & Drive | |||
| 4 days of rail travel + 2 days of Hertz car rental in 2 months | |||
| Car Category | 1st Class | 2nd class | Extra car day |
| Mini | $572 | $397 | $48 |
| Economy | $580 | $405 | $57 |
| Compact | $588 | $413 | $65 |
| Compact Automatic | $620 | $444 | $96 |
| Intermediate Automatic | $634 | $459 | $110 |
| Minivan Automatic | $717 | $542 | $193 |
| 8 rail days also available for $238 more per person. More car categories available. | |||
| France Rail & Drive Pass | ||
| 2 days of rail travel + 2 days of Hertz or Avis car rental in 1 month | ||
| Car Category | 1st Class | Extra car day |
| Economy | $270 | $56 |
| Compact | $275 | $59 |
| Intermediate | $289 | $73 |
| Full Size | $302 | $86 |
| Premium Automatic | $310 | $95 |
| Van for 7 | $320 | $104 |
| Extra rail days (max 3) $33 each per person. More car categories available. | ||
| German Rail & Drive Pass | |||
| 2 days of rail travel + 2 days of Hertz car rental in 1 month | |||
| Car Category | 1st Class | 2nd class | Extra car day |
| Economy | $254 | $207 | $63 |
| Compact | $260 | $212 | $69 |
| Intermediate | $268 | $221 | $77 |
| Intermediate Automatic | $298 | $251 | $107 |
| Full Size | $350 | $303 | $160 |
| Extra rail days (max 2) about $52 each in 2nd class or $70 in 1st class. | |||
| Italy Rail & Drive Pass | |||
| 3 days of rail travel + 2 days of Hertz car rental in 2 months | |||
| Car Category | 1st Class | 2nd class | Extra car day |
| Economy 2-Door | $384 | $326 | $69 |
| Economy 4-Door | $392 | $335 | $77 |
| Compact | $413 | $356 | $98 |
| Intermediate | $441 | $384 | $126 |
| Economy Automatic | $422 | $364 | $107 |
| Premium | $548 | $490 | $233 |
| Includes theft insurance + CDW. Extra rail days (max 2) $30 each in 2nd class or $38 in 1st class. | |||
| Spain Rail & Drive Pass | |||
| 3 days of rail travel + 2 days of Hertz car rental in 2 months | |||
| Car Category | 1st Class | 2nd Class | Extra car day |
| Mini | $370 | $307 | $49 |
| Compact | $377 | $314 | $56 |
| Standard | $405 | $342 | $84 |
| Intermediate Automatic | $443 | $380 | $123 |
| Premium | $473 | $410 | $153 |
| Extra rail days (max 2) $36 each in 2nd class or $45 in 1st class. | |||
Rick Steves' Europe does not sell Rail & Drive passes. For more info, call Rail Europe at 800/438-7245 or your local travel agent.
