Car rental Spain to France

Old Jun 30th, 2015, 10:04 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car rental Spain to France

In October my partner and I wish to hire a car from Barcelona to travel to Perpignan in France (one way).
We believe it will cost extra because we are not returning the car to Barcelona. Does anyone have an idea of the extra cost for this? We don't want any nasty surprises.
We are seniors and this will be our first time driving in Europe. We hope to take a train from Perpignan to Paris, as the traffic in Paris looks chaotic.
Any advice about travelling in Spain & France by car or rail would be appreciated.
Jackie342 is offline  
Old Jun 30th, 2015, 11:05 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You can get that information by calling autoeurope.com

Take the train, you will save money.
Michael is offline  
Old Jun 30th, 2015, 11:31 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You will need an IDP to drive in Spain if you are not European.
Hire a car in in each country and train across the border to save on repatriation fees.
ribeirasacra is offline  
Old Jun 30th, 2015, 11:39 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There is really no need to ask people for "idea of the extra cost for this." You can easily do this on your own.

For example, at www.autoeurope.com, enter 10/11-10/17 Barcelona to Perpignan economy car, basic rate, and pronto, it comes back with the following message
<i>One Way Car Rental Information
For this rental the estimated one way fee is EUR 500.00, which will be paid locally (not included in rental rate below). </i>

While some folks make car/train decision in vacuum, more rational way is to consider where you are heading to and compare pros and cons of each means of transport with that itinerary.

Also consideration is if you are heavy packers, a small car may not be able to conceal your luggage when you park, and it would attract car prowlers. Heavy packers also complicates train travel as you need to manage your luggage at stations and into and out of the trains. However, if you have reduced the luggage size, it also helps you manage luggage elsewhere, e.g. hotels, planes, etc.
greg is offline  
Old Jul 1st, 2015, 04:35 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The only way to know the cost is to try several agencies for prices, being sure you have picked a car that is large enough to hold your luggage. (The smallest cars are minute.)

Also do realie that most cars are standard transmission. If you need an automatic you will be charged more, it may only be available in larger cars and your best chance of getting one is to rent at an airport or other very large location.

$500 sounds kind o a lot to me for a tiny car - but would expect at least that for a larger or automatic.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Jul 1st, 2015, 07:36 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
<i>$500 sounds kind o a lot to me for a tiny car</i>

The fee may be standard as it has to do with getting the car back to Spain and regardless of size of car, the cost is similar.
Michael is offline  
Old Jul 1st, 2015, 07:41 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
<i> We hope to take a train from Perpignan to Paris, as the traffic in Paris looks chaotic.
Any advice about travelling in Spain & France by car or rail would be appreciated. </i>

Paris traffic would not be a reason for not renting a car in France. The car can be dropped off in various locations close to Paris.

What is more important is why you would choose the car over the train. Do you plan to visit locations that are not conveniently accessible by train? Then a car is in order. If you just want to get from Perpignan to Paris, the train is the better option.

Tickets purchased three months in advance (non-exchangeable, non refundable) are considerably cheaper than tickets purchased at the last minute.
Michael is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cheryl_b
Europe
36
Jun 26th, 2013 03:48 AM
chanke
Europe
11
Jul 31st, 2006 09:22 AM
kitraveler
Europe
7
May 4th, 2004 12:23 PM
insight
Europe
17
Jun 4th, 2003 07:00 PM
Gayle
Europe
15
Apr 25th, 2003 06:24 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 -