Renting a car in Italy driving to Austria advice
 

We are planning to fly into venice,stay a few days then rent a car to go to verona for an opera. My husband wants to go to Salzburg and then fly home from milan. Does anyone know if we will have a problem driving a rental car from Italy to Austria?

We've never had any problems crossing borders all over Europe. Just make sure you return it to the same country where you picked it up.

Not a problem, but you do need a vignette on your windshield in Austria---you can buy it at any station after you enter AU.

You will also need an IDP in Italy.

Thanks! Do you know if the drive from verona to Salzburg is a very mountainous?

You drive through the Brenner Pass, but the highway stays mainly near the foot of the mountains, along rivers, etc.

What time of year? Were you going to drive the same route in both directions? I would prefer different scenery, but I don't know how much time you have.

Also when you rent a car in Italy, you need to buy CDW.

Have you considered using the train for this trip? You're going to towns and cities where it's expensive and difficult to park your car in the center. A train would allow both of you to enjoy the scenery.

We drove a good portion of the Verona to Salzburg route last month and fortunately had beautiful weather. As mimar said, though, you may want to consider the train. We both found it hard to drive and try to enjoy the scenery.

You'll need the IDP for Italy and Austria, and a vignette for Austria. In Italy tolls are based on distances traveled; the machines accept cash and bank cards. Near Innsbruck you will also have to pay a "special highway" toll, even with a vignette.

Hi Oz,

Have you considered www.trenitalia.com?

((I))

As Mimir said, you need to buy CDW.

Just make sure you buy CDW with NO EXCESS. Deductable will probably be $200 dollars.

If you buy CDW WITH EXCESS, it means your deductable will most likely be over $1000 dollars.

Visit www.carrentals.com enter your dates and read the fine print.

Thank you everyone. I would love to train but husband enjoys driving. We will be going at the end of July beginning of August for about 7 days. I am leaning toward staying in Italy and going to Chianti region.