We "have heard" that driving in Hungary and the Czech Republic can be rather difficult. Our trip will take us from Budapest to Prague to Munich. Would love advice from those who have been there.

I have not driven in Hungary; there is the language barrier, of course, but I would be surprised if main route driving is difficult. I have driven from Vienna to Prague to Jelenia gora (Poland), back to Prague/Cesky Krumlov and then onward to Graz (Austria) - - essentially no different from other parts of Europe.

While this might go without saying, you would want to exercise due caution with regard to "hitchhikers" you encounter in short skirts and high heels, at/near the Czech border(s).

And likewise, be aware that you would likely face a hefty surcharge if you are thinking to rent in one country and return the car in another.

Best wishes,

Rex

MarcoPolo: I have driven all over Hungary and the Czech Republic and it is easy. The main roads are well paved, signage is at least adequate, plenty of gas stations and you can almost always find someone that speaks at least a smattering of English (can be more difficult in the Czech Republic).
The trip following the Danube is deightful; rolling hills, quaint towns, farms, forests.
Depending upon how much time you have, there are excellent stops, towns, cities, etc. along the way.
Of course, the driving in Germany is excellent on virtually all roads.
Depends on what you like to do, but if you like to stop whenever there is something to see and take the roads that appeal to you, there is nothing like driving. Have a great trip.

We took the train last June from Vienna to Prague and then on to Munich, and loved it. So much more relaxing than trying to follow directions and deal with a car in the cities. Plus you have bathrooms onboard and a club car.
We bought the Prague Pass and it saved us a bunch of money. Check it out on Euraide.com. You need someone who understands the pass to buy it for you, because it only goes to the border of the Czech Rep.. You need point-to-point tickets from Budapest to the border and from the border to Munich. Euraide.com knows how to do it.
Enjoy your trip. Either way you'll have a ball.

<<deal with a car in the cities>>

This is a valid point; a car is a parking (cost) liability in Prague. We had a deal arranged for us by the landlady of the apartments where we stayed. It's a cost that shouldn't be ignored - - paying perhaps as much as $30 a day for something you can't use (and you're also paying to rent, unused).

I think that a car in Munich is reasonably useful, and not a hard city to get around.

If you do have a car in Munich, check out the Hotel Uhland-- it offers free parking. We loved this boutique-type hotel, across the street from the Oktoberfest park in a very nice quasi-residential neighborhood of old mansions. Newly renovated rooms. Nice breakfast buffet. Free internet and complimentary coffee in a room off the lobby. Friendly service. A great hotel.