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We (4 adults) will be finishing a river cruise in Basel this June and will then travel independently to Munich where we will continue our vacation. I have looked at the train vs plane vs rental car options and was surprised to see that a one-day rental car was actually cheapest. The non-stop flight was ridiculous ($900) and one-stops took longer than the train. That being said, we still might prefer the train as we won't need the car once in Munich and obtaining and returning a large car with automatic transmission can only be done at each city's airport, which I know will add to the inconvenience.
Questions:
1. How does one get from the dock to the train station? What kind of cab fare are we talking about if that is the best option?
2. How does one get from the dock to the airport? What kind of cab fare are we talking about if that is the best option?
3. Cost aside, would you recommend driving or taking the train?
Thanks,
Frank

Dukey1

Are you saying there is no drop charge for the rental car?

Phil

Frank:

You have obviously checked Lufthansa's one-way fares. You could book return air tickets from Basel to Munich and only use the outward journey. I have done this occasionally and haven't had any problems.

Discounted return fares BSL-MUC start at approximately $245 (CHF 224.00).

Train journeys from Basel to Munich take about 5 hours and there is at least one transfer necessary.

If you decide to go by train, make sure to book online (http://www.deutschebahn.com/en/start...ave1-boesleben) 92 days prior to departure. This will enable you to get tickets at the lowest price. Be sure to give "Basel Bad Bf" as starting point. Bad Bf is considered to be a German station, thus reduced fare tickets not available in Switzerland can be ordered.

2nd class one-way fares from Basel to Munich start at $40 (€29) and go up to $122 (€91).

Now to your questions:
Public transport is available from the dock to either the airport or the train station, but transfers are necessary. So a cab will be the best option, I think that a cab ride to the airport will cost around $45 (CHF40) and to the Bad Bf rail station around $22 (CHF 20).

When taking a cab, tell the driver to go to "Badischer Bahnhof" (BUD-isher BUN-hof), otherwise he will drive to the Swiss station.

Personally I would go by train, by air being second choice and driving last.

Hope this helps,

Enjoy your trip

Phil.

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Dukey1: from the autoeurope website:
Important One Way Information
Certain restrictions may apply when picking up and dropping off at different locations, including additional fees. If the one way is permitted, we will contact you to advise of any restrictions and/or applicable fees. A voucher will also be sent for your review. You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund if done so with three days advanced notice.
So, the rate quoted for a VW Golf Plus at $180 likely does not include the drop off charge. Any idea what that is?

Phil: thanks for all the great info!

Frank

Phil

Frank:

I have checked with Europcar (www.europcar.de): a one-day one-way rental of a VW Golf from Lörrach to Munich is quoted at $63, drop-off charge included, standard LDW.

Lörrach is a neighboring city to Basel just across the German border. It is far cheaper to rent from that place, as it does not involve a border-crossing rental. Best way to get to Lörrach is by cab. I estimate it will cost you also about CHF 40 ($45).

Cheers

Phil.

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Thanks again, Phil - though I was lost in Deutschland until I figured out that I had to change the website to http://www.europcar.com/ for English and spell the city with an "e" (Loerrach) to find it on the English site.