As an European by birth and a N.American by location, I can tell you that despite our perception of a wonderful train system in Europe, the car beats the public transportation 99% of time. It gives you the freedom of movement, it allows you to be the master of your own time and destination. Not to mention things like the convenience of having as much/or as little luggage as you want, shopping, trips to the country or finding cheaper accommodations outside of downtown, etc. Driving is not more expensive than the train tickets. Certainly less expensive if used by two or more people. With the trains you have to pre-plan everything and constantly 'manage' your movements. Half of your time you spend on figuring out the train schedules and watching that you do not miss any! Schlepping the luggage up and down the platforms is difficult. Neither the train compartments nor the buses/streetcars/subways are designed for the trans-continental luggage (there is no room for them!). The cobble-stone streets look great on the postcards but are extremely hard on feet and the suitcases as well. No! Thank you! I'd take a car any time. Even if I'm staying downtown, I drive in, park the car at the hotel or the municipal parking, and then either walk or take public transport - but just in the city core. Everywhere else, I drive. Having said that, if one is able to travel with one small backpack, can walk for miles, is quite proficient in local language (for handling the schedules, tickets, phone calls, info etc), and is willing to do all the macro-managing, then I'd say take a train. ella