We've visited Germany and Switzerland many times, but have only rented a car once, in Germany, years and years ago (we also drove through some of Austria on that trip). All other visits have been via train.

This year (December) we're toying with the idea of driving from Munich to Kitzbuhel, staying a few nights there, then continuing on to Scuol (or Sils) for several nights, then possibly on to Ascona for three nights, then up to Ilanz for several nights and then back to Munich for one night before departure, thereby making a loop.

We're starting in Munich instead of Zurich as I'll already be in Germany the week prior to the road trip.

It looks like a varied drive on paper, and the distances don't seem too terribly long. I'm not sure what the roads will be like, but we do have winter driving experience.

As we've never rented a car in Switzerland before, I'm curious to hear from anyone who has. I realize we'll need to purchase a vignette for Austria and that there will be potential parking considerations in a few areas (Ascona?), but we'll be visiting small towns for the most part and avoiding the cities.

Pros? Cons? General thoughts?

Hi Melnq8,

Use the viamichelin site to get good estimates of the costs, including gas & tolls. Make sure to check how much parking will cost at the hotels you choose.

When I was planning my trip through Germany in June, I considered driving (at 62, I am soooo tired of hauling suitcases, especially when trains are late or have mechanical trouble, and my careful plans become moot), so I used those tools to see what the costs would be. I was surprised how high they were, and I decided to train it again. The difference in cost was more than double --

Have fun as you plan!

s

I have taken some awesome road trips, and I fully appreciate that having a car can offer a freedom not otherwise available and – in most countries -- a chance to see places that are not readily visited via public transportation. But I can’t imagine using a car in Switzerland, where the public transportation options are so reliable and comfortable. And as someone with extensive experience driving on mountain roads in winter weather, I would be particularly averse to trying to drive in snow or sleet or hail or even cold rains when I could hop on a train or bus. JMO.

Among the other disadvantages to having a car that I consider are:

- Some of those “oh, doesn’t that look charming!” places aren’t actually that charming, and by the time you get back on the road, you can end up with less time than might be ideal for visiting the places that were your priorities.

- Driving can be stressful – and I say that as someone who loves driving! But some roads are challenging, unexpected detours or GPS failures can be a bit daunting, and driving into cities (and finding parking) can make the last part of a long trip less than pleasant.

- Driving – or at least responsible driving – can also pose constraints on the driver. For example, the driver may be unable to truly enjoy spectacular scenery, as s/he needs to pay attention to the road -- sometimes, very careful attention! And depending on how much one eats and one’s size and and how long one relaxes over a meal, even a glass of wine with lunch may carry risks.

- Driving is generally not a particularly green choice – and for some of us, that is a worthy consideration.

AND IME, one of the best things about taking public transportation: It can sometimes give you wonderful opportunities to interact with people from the area, or gain insights into local norms and traditions.

Just some things to consider....

swandav -

More than double? Wow. My husband keeps telling me it'll cost less. I hear you on the hauling luggage - last month in Switzerland I blew out my knee hiking. Suddenly those walks to/from train stations, up and down stairs/ramps at platforms and steps onto/off trains became unbearable, especially with luggage!

Thank you very much for the tip - I will take a look at that site. So far we're planning to stay in apartments, two of which we know have free parking, but it's definitely a consideration.

kja -

I share some of your opinions, which is why I'm questioning the whole driving thing - we've been to Switzerland a gazillion times and have never rented a car, and never planned to until now.

One advantage that we've discussed is the driving route will allow us to incorporate Kitzbuhel, a place we've wanted to visit for some time. We can get there fairly easily from Munich by car, whereas if we take a train, it'll add several hours, and therefore probably be crossed off the list.

And then there are hills - seems every apartment I find is up a steep hill

I appreciate your comments though, and I will certainly take them into consideration. A lot to think about.

Another advantage - if we choose to stay in Sils, we'll not have to deal with the bus, which only runs every two hours in December (I think).

We used the viamichelin site and came up with the following:

173 Euro in gas (not including local trips)

8.90 Euro x 2 for a vignette in Austria (x 2 because they're only good for 10 days and our trip is 17, and we have to drive a wee bit through Austria on both ends)

40 CHF for a Swiss vignette (good for a year)

Undetermined parking costs

Approx 450 Euro for the car rental

Possible gondola/funicular/cable cars to access winter hiking trails

Via the train:

Munich to Kitzbuhel - approx 34.90 Euro x 2

Kitzbuhel to border town in Switzerland - not yet priced

15 Day Swiss Travel Pass - 458 CHF x 2

or 1/2 Fare Card 120 CHF x 2, + half fare, TBD

Border town of Switzerland back to Munich - not yet priced

Time for a spreadsheet!

I have driven a lot in Switzerland. At least until I reached my destination - the drive from my part of Germany was (is) long, but taking the train was not an option in the past (schedules, fares).

Frankly, driving in Switzerland is not difficult as long as you avoid the cities. I got totally lost in Bern once, twice in Basel and so on. Driving mountain roads is fun - can be fun even in winter. I enjoy really enjoy driving on snowy roads, though, am used to it from home.

However, I must say I prefer public transportation in Switzerland. It gives the designated driver a break, I almost never missed a connection with public transportation but I got stuck in traffic jams or held up by road works on driving, and in the end I was late. Once I had a reservation for a small postal bus that was supposed to take me up from Sfazu to Alp Rifugio Saoseo in Val da Camp where I wanted to hike. (Bernina pass region) But I missed the bus because I drove and underestimated the time it took me to drive the cury mountain roads, was stuck behind slow cars/trucks. Bummer! It would not have happened if I had taken the RhB train and another postal bus to Sfazu - because the small bus would wait for the bigger one.

Anyway, it's up to you, Melnq8, and I understand that you feel more freedom with a car. I am wondering why you think Kitzbühel isn't doable by train from Munich. Cannot be that long.

Btw, buses run hourly in Sils in December. And apartments in Sils are not on hills

Hi Ingo -

<<And apartments in Sils are not on hills>>

That's encouraging! If there's a hill I seem to find it. Annaberg-Buchholtz comes to mind

I'm actually leaning towards the train, but my other half has pointed out that to get from Kitzbuhel to Scoul for instance involves at least one bus, and getting to Ascona will involve two trains and two buses, which is enough to make me consider giving it a pass.

As for Munich to Kitzbuhel, the drive time is showing much shorter than the train, but it's not a deal breaker, just a consideration.

Mel,

Annaberg - LOL! That's an extreme example. All the streets there seem to go uphill But the wide valley floor in the Upper Engadine is flat as a frying pan.

Sure, Kitzbühel to Scuol involves two trains and two buses, too. I forgot that the Austrian buses only run to Martina since recently, there you must change to the Swiss bus. But it's under 4 hours, not too bad!

Anyway, it's your decision!