UK to Netherlands – Self-drive van hire

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.

Comments

  • Robin9
    Robin9 Posts: 12,664 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    What about a 2nd driver to travel with you and bring the van back -  would save the cost of a flight .
    Never pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill
  • Emmia
    Emmia Posts: 5,131 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    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
    paperclap Posts: 775 Forumite
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    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
    Hoenir Posts: 6,709 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    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
    Emmia Posts: 5,131 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    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
    eskbanker Posts: 36,687 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    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.
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