Finding a car hire in Belgium is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Belgium with no booking fees. Popular Belgium car hire locations include Brussels Airport, Charleroi Airport, Brussels Midi and city centres, with easy drives to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and the Ardennes. Automatics can be limited, so compare early for summer and consider city pickups for lower base rates.
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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Brussels Airport (BRU) |
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Brussels City Centre |
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Charleroi Airport (CRL) |
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Brussels Midi Train Station |
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On average, car rentals in Belgium cost around €49 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €14 per day.
Compare pickup spots: City depots in Brussels or Antwerp often beat airport rates. Check opening hours and automatic availability. Compare any one-way fees, especially cross-border.
Book smart for peak vs off-peak: For July–August and Christmas/New Year, book 3+ months ahead. In winter, prices are lowest, so 4–8 weeks out is usually fine. Mid-week pickups can be cheaper, and spanning a Saturday night may unlock lower weekly pricing.
Right car = lower cost: Pick a compact manual if you’re comfortable. Automatics are limited and typically €5–15/day extra. For long highway runs like Brussels–Ardennes or Luxembourg, a diesel can cut fuel costs.
Trim the extras: Extra driver, GPS and child seats add daily fees. Use your phone for navigation and only add drivers you’ll actually use. Bring your own child seat if practical.
Avoid return penalties: Fill up before drop-off to skip fuel service charges and return on time to avoid an extra day. Budget extra time for Brussels ring road traffic.
Use budget parking: In Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent, park at P+R and hop on transit. In Bruges, use the train station parking and free shuttle to the centre instead of pricey garages.
Location | Parking Options | Estimated Costs (Approx.) | Tips |
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Brussels |
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Use P+R lots on outskirts (Kraainem, Ceria) and take metro into centre |
Bruges |
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Park at train station and use shuttle to the centre |
Antwerp |
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Low Emission Zone in city centre. Most hire cars qualify for entry. |
Ghent |
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Historic centre is largely car-free; park outside and walk in |
Parking Rules:
Driving Rules:
Speed limits:
Hire a car to see:
Flanders cities – Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp
Ardennes – La Roche-en-Ardenne, Bouillon, Han-sur-Lesse
Meuse River valley – Namur, Dinant
Belgian coast – Oostende, Knokke-Heist, De Haan
Heritage sites – Waterloo Battlefield, Villers-la-Ville Abbey
Cross-border day trips – Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Lille
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Belgium?
No, you just need a valid licence from your country if you're visiting from most countries. Belgium generally accepts non-EU licences for short stays up to 6 months.
Can I take my Belgian hire car to other countries?
Yes, most hire companies let you drive to nearby countries like France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. They often don't charge extra for this. Just make sure you tell the company when you pick up the car.
Do I have to pay tolls on Belgian highways?
No, you don't have to pay tolls for passenger cars on Belgium's highways. You only need to pay a toll for the Liefkenshoek Tunnel in Antwerp.
What should I do if I get into an accident?
You need to fill out the European Accident Report form. You should find one in the car's glove box. If anyone is injured or the cars are badly damaged, you should call the police on 112. Always tell the rental company what happened as soon as you can.
Do hire cars come with winter tyres?
Not always. If you are travelling in winter, especially to the Ardennes region, you should ask for winter tyres when you book your car. The hire company might charge you an extra fee for them.