Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Best car return place in Italy before travelling onto Switzerland

Best car return place in Italy before travelling onto Switzerland

Old Jul 30th, 2010, 08:24 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Best car return place in Italy before travelling onto Switzerland

We are a family embarking on our first European vacation in two weeks' time. We are hiring a car for our trip from Naples to Tuscany then onto Asti. We have arranged for Swiss Rail pass for our eight days in Switzerland beginning with our first night in Vevey so here's the question: Are we better to return the car in Milan then get fast-train to Montreux or to drive closer to the border (eg Como) return the car, then just train it from there?
Any recommendations very much appreciated.
island_dreaming is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2010, 07:13 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ASti does have an office--we have used it---for AE.
We have also returned in Como---you can get to the train line by taxi from there that will takw you to Lugano etc.
bobthenavigator is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2010, 11:55 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Bobthenavigator for your reply - great to have your help! Having a Swiss Pass for rail once in Switzerland - is there any economical advantage in returning to either depot? I guess I mean is the swiss leg of the fast train Milan to Montreux able to be covered by our Pass or because it originates in Italy not covered. For a family, this might be a reasonable saving.
Sorry, what does AE mean??
island_dreaming is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2010, 03:32 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
AutoEurope--here is more !


DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE

Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors

Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.

Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.

OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.

NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
bobthenavigator is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2010, 05:52 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
marking for latter comment
PalenQ is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
misterfuss
Europe
16
Oct 19th, 2014 12:12 PM
Jill
Europe
9
Jul 22nd, 2014 06:46 AM
socalamy
Europe
4
Apr 7th, 2014 02:42 PM
GAJayhawks
Europe
8
Apr 23rd, 2013 06:03 AM
swellsurfer
Europe
8
Apr 17th, 2012 02:14 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -