Dropping rental car at Munich Hauptbahnhof

I would do things the other way around if I were you - pick up car in-town AFTER the rail journey just because they hit you with a significant tax for airport and train station pick-ups, but then again, I'm a pennypincher. Over the years I've learned to take the train into Munich where I do my sightseeing there using local transportation, then get a rental car downtown and head off into the countryside. No use paying for parking and letting the car sit when the excellent public transportation system is so easy to use.

That being said, the dropoff location depends on the rental company. When I used to pick up my car at the train station, the rental counters were inside the station, but you had to walk a block or two across the street to get to the lot where the cars were kept. Not far away at all, but you did have to cross a very busy street and walk into the least comfortable neighborhood I've seen in Munich. Perfectly safe, but kind of seedy and grafitti-covered. I assume that the car return would be at those lots.

The return may not be right at the station. It would be a good idea to get clear return instructions and an address when you pick up the car.

We had some fun (NOT!) with this last year. We rented from Europcar (via Autoeurope), and our rental contract clearly listed Munich Hauptbahnhof as the return location. We drove several times around the station and didn't see any sign for Europcar, so finally we just parked in the station's underground parking garage and then found the agent inside and upstairs in the station--and she asked us to take the car to another location a couple blocks away (not a long distance, but it wasn't a straight shot to drive there). We instead opted to leave the car where it was and have Europcar move it.

There are several underground parking garages around the Hauptbahnhof, the biggest one under the Karlsplatz S-Bahn station. The rental agencies offer must specify where the parking is located. If not just call them.

Thank you all. Hmmm...now I'm thinking that maybe we should find a different drop-off location. I don't want to deal with too much confusion. My husband is already panicking about the thought of driving in Munich and I don't want to add any more stress to that!

Otzi, we aren't really spending any time in Munich as we've been a few times before. Upon arriving we will be picking up our rental car and heading to Austria (St. Johann im Pongau) and then over to Mittenwald. We plan on dropping the car off in Munich and maybe having dinner before getting on the overnight train. We arrive in Munich later in the afternoon (3:30-ish) and want to get to St. Johann before it gets too late so picking the car up at the airport makes the most sense so we can be on our way.

Tracy

tc - ask the rental company what the procedures are for dropping off at the HB. If you don't like the set up, ask where else you can drop off that is close to an s or U-Bahn station. You can drive to the HB, drop the luggage, and then one of you can take the car to the other drop off locations and rail back ot the HB.

I figured you had a reason to do things in the order you mentioned. I was just throwing another option at you. I wouldn't worry about driving in Munich. Germans are the best drivers in the world. Traffic actually moves better in town than on the Autobahn.

I like Aramis' suggestion about dropping the others with baggage first, then returning the car. Definitely check with the car rental company. In the States Enterprise says they'll pick you up and take you to your rental.. Maybe in your case they'll park the car for you after dropping you at the Hauptbahnhof.

There are no Germans driving at Munich Hauptbahnhof. At least you hardly ever see one. But there are lots of people driving around there. Except for Sundays and at night, it's stop and go during the whole day.

Just run the address through on google earth. If you're renting it from a particular supplier, like hertz or avis, just plug that into the "find business section." If you're renting it from autoeurope, just plug in avis.

Hi Tracy,

Instead of driving to Munich from Mittenwald, you could drop the car in Garmisch, Germany, which is about 20 minutes from Mittenwald, and then train to Munich.

Paul

Thanks again everyone! Paul, I think I like your idea best, as it just seems easiest. I never thought about it for some reason. I'm going to look into that option.

Thanks!!
Tracy

Driving in Munich isn't too bad. So if you do decide to return the car in the city, just take your time.