I wouldn't hesitate to drive a car in any of those countries. In fact, I already have. They all have

I will be traveling to Germany, Switzerland and Spain this summer and would appreciate any and all tips/ advise you can give me. This will be my first time in Europe and I hope to rent a car and drive through these countries.
Are you able to drive a standard transmission? That is, a shift car. Cars with automatic transmissions are considerably more expensive than standard transmissions. I agree with Adu that you should not consider driving a car in any city in Europe. Parking is hard to fine and is expensive.
I wouldn't hesitate to drive a car in any of those countries. In fact, I already have. They all have excellent roads, though minor roads tend to be narrower than in the States. This past summer in Germany I did encounter a good deal of construction on the Autobahns in Germany and Austria. If you're outside a big city during rush hour, you may encounter a "stau," that is a traffic jam. So try not to be outside Munich, for instance, at 5:00 p.m.
Be aware of driving customs in Europe. You absolutely keep to the right lane, as the left lane is for passing and for really, really fast drivers. If you're in the left lane and a Mercedes or BMW comes roaring up at 100 mph, he (It's always a man!) will flash his headlights, which means "Get out of the way!" Do it!
I'd just like to add something for you to think about -- using the excellent train service in Switzerland and Germany. I don't know if you're from North America or not, but many of us Americans are not used to having this great option. Trains run frequently, are convenient to everywhere you'd be wanting to go, and are quite a lot of FUN. I've been to Switzerland around 16 times, rented a car twice, and regretted it both times.
Germany passed some very strict aggressive driving laws, so don't flash your headlights at slow cars ahead of you, it is now illegal--even if others do it. It's also illegal to make "offensive" gestures at other drivers who upset you for some reason.
Glad I am starting now to gather info for our trip. We are flying into Frankfurt 6/28 and flying travel in europe out 7/12. I had this idea that it would be fun to drive through Europe at our own pace. I am reconsidering tht idea after reading your blogs and talking to friends who have been there. We plan on driving south from Frankfurt, over to Switzerland and originally travel in europe to France. My daughter travel in europe decided she wanted to visit her friends in Spain and I was Ok with that. Now to plan the route and make hotel reservations. I need all the help I can get from you guys. Looking for mid priced hotels or if it has really unique/special features will be willing to spend more. Thanks for responding . Mary
One of the best areas for first-time visitors in Switzerland is the Berner Oberland, which has tremendous Alpine scenery as well as really well developed infrastructure that makes it really easy to travel there. The one bad thing is that in July, you'll see lines of tour busses going down the streets with the offloaded passengers clogging up the sidewalks travel in europe and congregating at the doors of the shops.
One way to avoid the busses and all the hassle would be to stay in one of the car-free villages that I mention above. In addition to being away from the hordes, you'll be perched on the side of the Alps with incredible views over the valley. One great hotel I've stayed at twice is the 3-star Alpenrose
Another option would be to stay in Luzern, which is very close to Z rich. Luzern travel in europe has Alps and lakes and history, and many people consider it to have all of Switzerland in one place. So if you like to have some culutre, it would be a good stop. More information at
I've enjoyed driving vacations in Europe, and train vacations in Europe, and combination driving/train travel in europe vacations travel in europe in Europe. It just depends on where and when you are going and what you and your traveling companions want to experience on your trip.
Hi Mary; I think you should check your driving times, from Frankfurt travel in europe to a town in Switzerland. Then from that town to the town in Spain where you daughter would like to visit. Then from that town in Spain back to Frankfurt. Then you will know how much time you will be spending driving. Switzerland to France may be a better option. www.michelin.com
Hi, I'm also needing info and help as this will be my first time in Germany Re: Train from Frankfurt Airport to Hassfurt, which is about 2-3 hrs heading south from Frankfurt. Will be arriving on Singpore A/L about 11:30 am, then trying to find train at FRA Airport. HELP?
feature. Frankfurt through Switzerland to Madrid is over 2,000 km! Close to 1,500 just to Barcelona if your daughter's friend travel in europe lives in northern Spain... I just don't see how you can fit Spain into your itinerary with the time you have available.
And driving in Munich travel in europe or anywhere else at 5pm is problem free. In case you have to wait, just listen to the radio and WAIT. They will move eventually. If you were standing there and waiting for 30min, so what. Those who have to rely on a train are poor losers anyway. They don't have any personal space around then and are stacked on a train like cows. You want that? Driving is the best option for traveling travel in europe to anywhere in Europe.
100mph is totally relaxed and slow driving. Since I don't drive a BMW or Mercedes and going 100mph is a standard! driving speed in my foreign car, I know those German travel in europe made cars are going a LOT faster than just that.
Thanks for all the ideas. I am getting a better idea of what I want and what is available. I think I have decided to rent a car for Germany, train for Switzerland and spend time in the car free towns, travel in europe and car for France(not Spain) Keep sending advice. Thanks...if anyone is ever in Oklahoma, please get in touch.
We will be heading to Europe Monday...decided on the Eurrail Pass and will do Germany, Austria, Italy and France...could we take the fast train from Paris to London and try to visit Wimbleton...we are huge tennis buffs thanks for all your input
If your trip is focussed on small villages or rural areas, a car is a good idea. European trains travel in europe are wonderful but they don't get you to dinner and back if you are off the beaten track. If you're not comfortable driving a manual transmission, upgrade to an automatic - your brain and travel partners will all appreciate and understand the value of the additional expense. Get a GPS! Invaluable. But make sure you know how to use it before you leave the rental area. If all your time is in urban centers, stay with the train. If you wish, you can always get a car for just a couple days.
German travel in europe car rental agencies are becoming stricter on the need for an international driver's license. Can be done while you wait at any AAA office (I think $15, $25 if they do the photos). Be prepared.
If there would be a need for an IDP in Germany for Americans, they might become stricter. But since an IDP for them is NEVER needed in Germany, no car rental company will ever ask you for it in this country.
By law, Austria, Italy, and Spain do require that you have an IDP. Germany and France travel in europe do not. Most rental travel in europe car companies won't ask for it in Austria, Italy, and Spain, but a policeman might if you are involved in an accident or traffic violation.