car drop off charges
 

We plan on traveling from Barcelona to Paris by car. We want to pick up the car in Barcelona and drop it off in Paris four days later. However, we cannot find a rental agency that does not charge a $500+ drop-off charge. Does anyone know of a car rental agency that does not apply such a charge or that has a lower charge?

Thanks.

I had the same problem last summer so I took the train from Barcelona to Perpignan and then picked up the car and saved the drop off fee.

It's highly unlikely you will find any car rental company that won't charge a whopping charge to drop off the car in another country. Obviously, it's costly and a hassle to get the car back to the country of origin.

A better plan is to do a combination train-car or two separate rentals.

Two years ago we rented a car in Barcelona (Avis or Hertz,I forget.) We were able to drop it in Perpignan and pick up another car with no drop fee. This was all arranged in advance, with only an hour detour on our way to Carcassone. Call Avis and Hertz and ask about this option. Also, AAA or AARP members get a discount. This year we are renting from AutoEurope, who had the best deal on renting a car in France and dropping it in Switzerland. (Only a $90 drop fee) Hope this helps.

I just went through Kemwel for my September/October trip. They got me hooked up with EuropeCar. I'm picking up the car in Frankfurt and dropping off in Milan. Their drop off charge was under $300, but I still am paying a hefty price for 16 days of car rental. But then again, how many times do I get a nice trip to Germany, France, Swizerland and Italy. I like the freedom a car affords me (side trips, leave when we want, find hidden gems). But since you are making a pretty quick trip from Barcelona to Paris, I would probably opt for the train. By the way, I tried every rental car company imaginable, and they all had drop off charges. So if someone does find one that doesn't, I would be interested, too.

Thank you all. These are very helpful ideas.

Sallye

I am having the same problem. Hertz wants $500 for a drop off fee. Two years ago we rented from Hertz and it was under $100 (I thought $55) for a drop off fee. The total for 30 days was less than $600, which is about what we paid 4 yrs. ago for 30 days, this year they are quoting me a total of $l900!
Has anyone had any problems with either AutoEruope or EruopeCar?

AutoEurope is our rental choice. Good service, low prices.