Ronda

We will be dropping off a car rental at the train station in Montpillier. Someone just told me that it was very difficult to drop off a car there. Does anyone have any experience doing this? Any enlightening info? Thanks

Christina

I think it's difficult just because it's in the center of an urban area, and it can always be tricky driving in cities you don't know. You never know when some street may be blocked, etc.

Did this person tell you WHY it was so difficult? That could mean anything just from logistics to something peculiar to the company they rented from. You should probably ask them why.

I rented a car there and left, but I suppose it's about the same in reverse. I had a good map and am good with directions, so didn't have any trouble, and I wasn't in a hurry as of course, traffic can be bad right in a city.

It may just be the one-way streets around there, you just have to plan your trajectory in advance and study that. I don't know your company, but I rented from Europcar and they are on a one-way street which you can't just turn onto if you were coming in on Cours Gambetta, for example. IN fact, Cours Gambetta branches off and it would be a bit roundabout. And rue Grand Jean in front can't be used to turn onto it if you come from the opposite direction, you have to kidn of go around the block.

That's the only thing I can think of, you just have to plan your trip and check the map. And different car companies have different locations, also, so my experience might be different from yours.

kerouac

I picked up a car in Montpellier two years ago and that seemed strangely difficult even though I arrived by train and rented at the train station. But it was because the entire train station area was being rebuilt. I would assume that these things are now finished.

How old is "someone's" experience?

Sarastro

I drive several times a year in Montpellier and I usually end up somewhere other than where I want to be. It´s much more confusing to drive there than it need be, probably because cars are not allowed in the center of town. Getting anywhere requires oddball reroutes. Signage could also be much better.

If there were ever a town where a GPS would be helpful, Montpellier is it.

There has been ongoing construction at and near St Roch, the train station, and the rental returns have changed locations numerous times. I would check with the agency from whom you rent. They should have the latest information on the return at Montpellier.

Ronda

"This person" is a very reliable source. They speak French. Have been to France many many many times. They just had this difficult experience. Only If you HAVE returned a car at Montpiellier recently, please respond. Guessing as to why it was difficult does not help me. The car rental and return are in two different places to begin with. And yes the streets were difficult. So IF you have first hand concrete information to offer it will be appreciated. Thanks so much.

Ronda

We are renting from Autoeurope.

Ronda

Yes, Sara, that is what we intend to do. When we pick up the car we will get instructions front agency as to return. Maybe even walk over and take a look see.

kerouac

You are <b>not</b> renting from AutoEurope, so only if you know what you are actually doing should you blow people off.

And lots of stupid people speak French.

janisj

>>We are renting from Autoeurope.<<

Autoeurope has no cars -- your are renting <i>through</i> Autoeurope but getting the car from an actual rental agency. So which one???

Robert2533

Auto Europe uses Hertz, Avis, Europcar at Gare De Montpellier Saint-Roch TGV station. The offices should have opened at their new locations in July of this year, Place Auguste Gibert.

http://www.gares-sncf.com/fr/gare/fr...duels/location

There is also a Europe car office at 152 Rue Ettore Bugatti, while the other Hertz, Dollar, Budget and the (overpriced) Avis rental offices can be found at the airport.

Sarastro

It would make your life a lot easier if you would determine the company actually supplying your rental, it is not Autoeurope.

The rental company information is contained in your Autoeurope voucher. You should also read and be very familiar with the terms and conditions of your rental, specifically what is NOT included. Expect a number of items to be charged at drop off. There can be a number of fees and taxes you may need to pay which are not included in Autoeurope´s invoice.

Ronda

Europcar through Autoeurope. We have rented cars in Europe many times before. I just asked a very simple question.

Odin

<<Expect a number of items to be charged at drop off. There can be a number of fees and taxes you may need to pay which are not included in Autoeurope´s invoice.>>
Everything is prepaid with AE except CDW to reduce your deductable to zero and that is an additional extra you may wish to choose. I rent from AE 4-5 times a year for several years now and have not had a situation where I was charged unexpected fees.

Sarastro

<i>Everything is prepaid with AE except CDW </i>

Autoeurope quotes do NOT include:

Road tax
Environmental tax (on automatics)
Additional driver fees
Location surcharges
Administration fees in the even of any damage
Administration fees for Préfecture inquiries (if you get a ticket)
Cleaning fees can be assessed if the car is returned particularly dirty.

These types of expenses are charged locally when the car is dropped off. Of course none of these fees is unexpected if one reads the pickup voucher.

Odin

I have NEVER been charged any of the above. Probably because this is included:-

road tax is included

I do not rent automatics but when I have been upgraded and got an automatic. I have never been charged an additional tax.

Additional driver IS AN OPTIONAL EXTRA - NOT AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE FEE unless you only decide on the additional driver when you pick the car up. Even then, the rental company depending on what side of the bed they got out that morning, doesn't always charge it.

If I do an one way drop off, then AE will tell me what the additional is and I can choose to go ahead with the booking or not.

location surcharge is included eg airport location

Admin fees in the even of damage ONLY HAPPENS IF THERE IS DAMAGE

Never been charged a cleaning fee even when returning the car dirty after driving in snow. If the car is so dirty inside, then they are entitled to charge me a cleaning fee. Why would anyone expect that to be included in the cost of a rental?

If I get a ticket I just pay it locally and have done so when parking in wrong places. So far I haven't received a speeding ticket after the event, but if I did I would expect an admin fee.

Sarastro

Odin - I would assume you are not renting from North America. The Autoeurope contracts are country specific. In what country do you reside?