UK to Netherlands – Self-drive van hire

paperclap

Hi all,

Long story short, we’re moving from the UK to the Netherlands.

We’re wanting to hire a van (to drive ourselves) to take all our belongings over.

But ideally, wanting to drop the van off in the Netherlands. I know that would incur a fee – but would possibly work out cheaper, compared to driving back, getting another ferry, then having to fly back over to the Netherlands.

We’ve contacted all the big names (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc). They either don’t allow European travel at all, or don’t allow one-way.

Any recommendations for a one-way self-drive van hire company which allows driving in Europe?

Thanks in advance.

Robin9

What about a 2nd driver to travel with you and bring the van back -  would save the cost of a flight .

Emmia

paperclap said:

Hi all,

Long story short, we’re moving from the UK to the Netherlands.

We’re wanting to hire a van (to drive ourselves) to take all our belongings over.

But ideally, wanting to drop the van off in the Netherlands. I know that would incur a fee – but would possibly work out cheaper, compared to driving back, getting another ferry, then having to fly back over to the Netherlands.

We’ve contacted all the big names (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc). They either don’t allow European travel at all, or don’t allow one-way.

Any recommendations for a one-way self-drive van hire company which allows driving in Europe?

Thanks in advance.

Isn't this what removals firms are for?

paperclap

Emmia said:

paperclap said:

Hi all,

Long story short, we’re moving from the UK to the Netherlands.

We’re wanting to hire a van (to drive ourselves) to take all our belongings over.

But ideally, wanting to drop the van off in the Netherlands. I know that would incur a fee – but would possibly work out cheaper, compared to driving back, getting another ferry, then having to fly back over to the Netherlands.

We’ve contacted all the big names (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc). They either don’t allow European travel at all, or don’t allow one-way.

Any recommendations for a one-way self-drive van hire company which allows driving in Europe?

Thanks in advance.

Isn't this what removals firms are for?

They are, yeah. But we’d prefer to do it ourselves. Plus, would have thought self-drive would be cheaper.

Hoenir

paperclap said:

Emmia said:

paperclap said:

Hi all,

Long story short, we’re moving from the UK to the Netherlands.

We’re wanting to hire a van (to drive ourselves) to take all our belongings over.

But ideally, wanting to drop the van off in the Netherlands. I know that would incur a fee – but would possibly work out cheaper, compared to driving back, getting another ferry, then having to fly back over to the Netherlands.

We’ve contacted all the big names (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc). They either don’t allow European travel at all, or don’t allow one-way.

Any recommendations for a one-way self-drive van hire company which allows driving in Europe?

Thanks in advance.

Isn't this what removals firms are for?

They are, yeah. But we’d prefer to do it ourselves. Plus, would have thought self-drive would be cheaper.

Somebody will need to return the vehicle to the UK.  The vehicle hire company doesn't want it left overseas.

Emmia

Have you familiarised yourself with the customs and other paperwork requirements associated with moving your own goods from the UK to EU?

This is one of the reasons I'd probably use a company who should be au fait with the requirements.

eskbanker

paperclap said:

We’ve contacted all the big names (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc). They either don’t allow European travel at all, or don’t allow one-way.

Any recommendations for a one-way self-drive van hire company which allows driving in Europe?

It's not something I've researched but I do find it hard to believe that there'd be any market for hiring left hand drive vehicles in the UK, or right hand drive ones in Europe, so can understand why one-way between the two wouldn't appeal to the companies.

paperclap

Emmia said:

Have you familiarised yourself with the customs and other paperwork requirements associated with moving your own goods from the UK to EU?

This is one of the reasons I'd probably use a company who should be au fait with the requirements.

Looking at this again, it does seem that it’s best to do this. As, you then don’t need to pay import costs, I believe.

saajan_12

paperclap said:

But ideally, wanting to drop the van off in the Netherlands. I know that would incur a fee – but would possibly work out cheaper, compared to driving back, getting another ferry, then having to fly back over to the Netherlands.
.

Not really, as the company will just pay for an employee to do the same. The rental company 'branches' in different countries are separate enough plus the van being left hand drive won't be useful to keep in the Netherlands for any period of time, plus your trip is niche enough that they're unlikely to find someone wanting the reverse at the same time. So they'll just price that fee to cover 
- fuel to drive back
- ferry for return
- rental cost while van can't be rented
- flight / transport for driver come to Netherlands
- time / wages of driver for a full day (plus overtime if it can't be done in a day with flight / ferry times)

It might be cheaper to just fidn and pay someone to do the above. 

NoodleDoodleMan

Robin9 said:

What about a 2nd driver to travel with you and bring the van back -  would save the cost of a flight .

Sounds like a reasonable/workable option.