i made our air and then started on a car rental and was floored at ahow much a drop fee between countries is. To p/u car in barcelona and drop in zurich is $1200. of this is a 600.00 drop fee b/c it is another country. now we are stuck w/ air out of zurich but the
boys are starting in barcelona. we know nothing about railpasses or if this is even an
interesting option for them
?????confused in kansas

Yes, picking up a car in one country and leaving it in another is almost always a major expense unless the rental company happens to have someone lined up to drive the car back, which is highly unlikely.

A railpass isn't likely to do you any good. You'll probably do better finding a cheap intra-Europe flight. You can start by checking www.whichbudget.com and www.edreams.com.

How old are the "boys"? Is everyone making this trip or just them?

check out www.raileurope.com or www.elipsos.com

>> we know nothing about railpasses or if this is even an interesting option for them


Oh, dear. Better read up on that!

This isn't Kansas...you might be a bit overwhelmed.

Many Europeans do not drive often (and some do not drive at all)...and there's a reason why.

But I do agree with StCirq about finding a cheap intra-Europe flight as an option.

Depending on how the trip is planned... drop car in Spain, train to France and pick up a car where convenient. Drop it on the French side of Geneva airport and pick up a Swiss car on the other side.

Hassle? Yes? Worth saving 1,200 bucks? Probably.

give more details -- How long do they have between Spain and Switzerland? Is this a "road trip" to see lots along the way, or was the car just for travel between Barcelona and Zurich?

That is a very long distance and your other threads don't give much info.

It sounds like the 4 of you are going to Madrid and Barcelona at Christmas and then the 'boys' are driving to Zurich.

Besides the cost, driving some of that route in Dec/Jan would be difficult, not to say loooong. Plus them both being under 25 means there may be other surcharges/insurance expenses.

So - tell us more: Planned itinerary, how many days, etc . . . . It is very doubtful driving makes any sense.