Renting a car in Belgium unlocks a completely different side of the country — the medieval villages, the Ardennes valleys, the coastal dunes, and all the places the trains don’t reach. This guide covers everything you need to know before you book in 2026: the age and licence requirements, how Belgium’s Low Emission Zones affect tourists, city-by-city parking rules, driving laws that catch foreigners off guard, and exactly how to find the best deal. Whether you’re picking up at Brussels Airport, Bruges station, or anywhere in between — read this first.
Who can rent a car in Belgium?
To rent a car in Belgium, you must be 21 or older and have a valid European or International driver’s license issued 12 months before renting. Young drivers under 25 may face extra charges and limited vehicle options. Basic insurance is included, but it’s best to get additional glass-breaking coverage. Rental companies will require a deposit of 300€ to 800€, which can be paid in cash or credit card. After returning the car in good condition, you’ll receive your deposit back.
Why rent a car in Belgium?
Renting a car in Belgium is the perfect solution for tourists who want to explore the country’s cities, forests, and countryside. However, it’s important to consider your travel style and needs before making a decision. If you’re only planning to visit cities, the public transport system in Belgium is well-organized and can get you to your destination quickly and easily. On the other hand, if you’re interested in visiting the Ardennes forests, or planning a road trip, a rental car is the way to go.
Why you shouldn’t rent a car in Belgium
Although renting a car in Belgium offers many benefits, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Traffic in cities like Brussels and Antwerp can be congested during rush hour, and finding a parking space can be a hassle. Additionally, many cities in Belgium are introducing Low Emission Zones to reduce motorized vehicles in parts of the city, and cities like Ghent and Bruges have car-free city centers.
Car Rental in Brussels
When renting a car in Brussels, there are several options available. For travelers who fly to Brussels Airport, there’s a car rental pickup location in the airport terminal. Make sure to dubbelcheck which airport you’ll be landing, to avoid booking a rental car at Brussels-Zaventem Airport (BRU) whilst landing in Brussels-Charleroi Airport (CRL).
Travelers who arrive in Brussels by train can set their pickup location to Brussels South Station. This is also a great pickup destination for those who want to visit Brussels first before starting a car travel through the rest of the country.
Renting a Car at Brussels Airport
Belgium has two airports serving Brussels — a common source of confusion. Make absolutely sure you know which one you’re flying into before booking your rental car.
- Brussels-Zaventem Airport (BRU) — The main international airport, located 14 km north-east of Brussels city centre. All major rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Alamo are all present. No shuttle bus required — the rental desks are right in the terminal.
- Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) — Used mainly by Ryanair and other low-cost carriers, located 60 km south of Brussels near Charleroi. Rental desks are also present, but the selection is smaller. If you’re heading to the Ardennes or southern Belgium, this can actually be a more convenient starting point.
⚠️ Important: Booking a car at BRU when you land at CRL (or vice versa) is a very common and costly mistake. Double-check your confirmation email before you travel.
Picking Up in Brussels City
If you arrive by train (Eurostar from London, Thalys from Amsterdam or Paris), the most convenient pickup point is Brussels-Midi/Zuid station, which has rental desks from most major companies. Brussels-Central station is another option if you’re starting your trip from the city centre.
Note that driving within Brussels city centre is generally not recommended for tourists. Traffic is heavy, the road layout is complex, and parking is expensive and scarce. Consider taking public transport to explore Brussels and only activating your rental car when you’re ready to head out of the city.
Car rental companies in Belgium
There are many car rental companies in Belgium, including the most famous ones such as Avis, Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar. Each company offers different rental options, so it is important to compare prices and services to find the best option for your needs.
The best way to compare prices between different car rental companies is by using RentalCars. Use the widget below and select your pickup location to find the best deals for renting a car in Belgium
Types of rental cars in Belgium
The type of car you choose will depend on your needs and budget. In Belgium, you can choose from a range of cars, including small city cars, family-sized vehicles, and luxury cars. You can choose between manual or automatic gearbox. Nowadays most rental cars will also have airconditioning, but it’s always good to double check.
Do you want to ride green? Then you’ll be happy to hear that the fleet of hybrid and fully electric rental cars in Belgium is growing. However, make sure your accommodation offers a charging station for your EV.
Legal Requirements for renting a car in Belgium
Minimum age to rent a car in Belgium
The minimum driving age in Belgium is 18 years old, however all rental companies set a minimum age of 21 years old for renting a car. Drivers under 25 years might be charged a young driver surcharge. In addition, the choice of vehicles for young drivers under 25 might be smaller, since many car rental companies don’t allow them to rent expensive luxury cars.
Drivers licence requirements
In order to be able to rent a car, you’ll need to posses a valid European or International drivers licence. The issued date needs to be at least 12 months before renting the car. Some rental companies require you to have had your drivers licence for at least 2 years.
Insurance coverage
Basic insurance is included in the renting price. However additional insurance of breaking of glass, is always a good idea to minimize the risk.
Deposit requirements
Every rental company will ask you to pay a deposit, ranging from 300€ up to 800€, depending on the type of vehicle and length of the rental period. Deposits can generally be paid in cash or by credit card. When using debit card, it’s advised to inform on beforehand if your card will be accepted. After returning the car back in good condition, you will instantly get your deposit back.
Tips for renting a car in Belgium
- Book in advance — Rental prices can be 2–3 times higher if you walk up on the day. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best rates and widest vehicle choice.
- Compare prices — Use a comparison tool like RentalCars or DiscoverCars to compare rates across Avis, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar and others in one search.
- Check the fuel policy — Most Belgian rental companies use a full-to-full policy: you receive a full tank and return it full. Fill up yourself at a petrol station before returning the car — rental companies charge well above market rates for refuelling.
- Check your credit card for insurance — Many gold and premium credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) cover as a free benefit. If yours does, you may be able to decline the rental company’s expensive excess waiver. Check with your card issuer before you travel.
- Photograph the car before you drive away — Walk around the car and take photos of all existing scratches, dents, and marks before leaving the pickup location. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage on return.
- Check cross-border restrictions — Most rental agreements allow travel within Western Europe (Netherlands, France, Germany, Luxembourg) freely. Some restrict travel to Eastern Europe or require extra paperwork. If you plan to drive beyond Belgium, confirm this with the rental company at booking.
- Understand the deposit — A deposit of €300–€800 will be blocked on your credit card. Note that many companies do not accept debit cards for the deposit — bring a credit card to avoid problems at pickup.
- Consider an EV or hybrid — Electric rental cars are increasingly available in Belgium and are fully LEZ-compliant everywhere. If your accommodation has a charger (or you plan to stay near charging infrastructure), this can be a great option.
- Use Park & Ride (P+R) in historic cities — In Bruges, Ghent, and central Brussels, driving into the historic core is either restricted or simply not worth it. Park at a P+R on the outskirts for a few euros and take the tram or walk in. It’s faster, cheaper, and far less stressful.
Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Belgium — What Tourists Must Know
This is one of the most important things to check before renting a car in Belgium. Every major Belgian city now has a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), meaning older, more polluting vehicles are banned from driving in certain areas. If you rent a car and unknowingly drive into a LEZ with a non-compliant vehicle, you can receive a hefty fine — and rental cars are not exempt.
The good news: most modern rental cars (post-2015 petrol and post-2020 diesel) meet the requirements. Always ask your rental company to confirm your car is LEZ-compliant for the cities you plan to visit.
Brussels LEZ
Brussels has one of the strictest LEZs in Europe, covering the entire Brussels-Capital Region (19 municipalities). It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Non-compliant vehicles are automatically detected by cameras and fined. Tourists can apply for a limited exemption pass (maximum 8 days per year) via lez.brussels — but you must register before entering the zone.
Antwerp LEZ
Antwerp’s LEZ covers the ring road and city centre. It also operates 24/7. Diesel vehicles older than Euro 5 and petrol vehicles older than Euro 2 are banned. You can check and register your vehicle at stelplaats.antwerpen.be.
Ghent LEZ
Ghent has a circulation plan that restricts most car access to the city centre, in addition to an LEZ. Large parts of the historic centre are only accessible by foot, bike, or public transport. If you’re visiting Ghent, park at one of the P+R (Park and Ride) facilities on the outskirts and take the tram in.
💡 Practical advice: When picking up your rental car, tell the agent which cities you plan to visit and ask them to confirm LEZ compliance. If anything is unclear, check your vehicle’s number plate against the city’s online LEZ checker before driving in.
Driving Rules in Belgium (2026)
Belgium follows standard EU road rules, but there are a few specifics that catch foreign drivers off guard.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Standard Limit |
|---|---|
| Built-up areas (towns & cities) | 50 km/h (30 km/h in many city zones) |
| Regional roads outside towns | 70 km/h |
| Motorways (highways) | 120 km/h |
Brussels has introduced a 30 km/h speed limit across most of its urban roads. Antwerp and Ghent have also expanded 30 km/h zones significantly. Do not rely on your car’s navigation to catch every 30 km/h zone — always watch for signage.
Drink-Drive Limit
Belgium’s blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L (stricter than the UK’s 0.8 g/L). For professional drivers and drivers with less than 2 years’ experience, the limit is 0.2 g/L. Random breathalyser checks are common, especially on weekends.
Priority to the Right (Priorité à droite)
This rule confuses many visitors. In Belgium, vehicles coming from the right have priority at unmarked intersections — even if you’re on a main road. This applies in residential areas and many older city streets. Always slow down at unmarked junctions and yield to traffic from the right unless signage tells you otherwise.
Mandatory Items in the Car
Belgian law requires all cars to carry:
- A reflective safety vest (must be within reach, not in the boot)
- A warning triangle
- A first aid kit
Rental cars will have these items already. Still, it’s worth checking when you collect the vehicle.
Tolls
There are no tolls on Belgian roads for passenger cars, with one exception: the Liefkenshoektunnel near Antwerp, which costs approximately €6 for a standard car. Trucks and vans do pay a road charge (the “viapass”) but this does not apply to tourists in rental cars.
Motorway Vignettes
Belgium does not require a vignette (motorway sticker) for driving on its roads. However, if your road trip takes you into neighbouring countries: Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Czech Republic all require vignettes. Ask your rental company if cross-border travel is permitted, and ensure you have the right documentation.
Parking in Belgium
Parking rules in Belgium vary by city and sometimes by street. Here’s what you need to know to avoid fines.
Blue Zone Parking (Blauwe Zone / Zone Bleue)
Many Belgian cities use a Blue Zone parking system in residential and commercial areas. In a Blue Zone, parking is free but time-limited (typically 1–2 hours). You must display a parking disc (disque de stationnement) on your dashboard showing your arrival time. Rental cars sometimes include a parking disc in the glove box — check when you pick up. If not, you can buy one cheaply at any newsagent or petrol station.
Paid Parking Zones
In city centres, most on-street parking is paid. Look for pay-and-display machines (blue ‘P’ signs). Payment is usually by coin, credit card, or increasingly via parking apps (4411 and RingRing are the most common in Belgium).
Parking in Brussels
Brussels is the most challenging city for parking. On-street parking in the city centre is expensive (often €3–5/hour) and scarce. Underground car parks (Parking Brussels has several central locations) are a more reliable option. Expect to pay €4–6/hour or around €25–35 for a full day in a central car park.
Parking in Bruges
Cars are not allowed in Bruges’ historic centre at all. Tourists must use the designated car parks on the edge of the city, which are well-signposted. The ‘t Zand and Katelijnepoort car parks are the most central and cost around €3–4/hour or €12–14/day. From there, the old town is a 5–10 minute walk.
Parking in Ghent
Like Bruges, most of Ghent’s city centre is car-free. Use one of the P+R facilities outside the LEZ (such as P+R Bourgoyen or P+R Wondelgem) where parking is free or very cheap, then take the tram into the centre.
Parking in Antwerp
Antwerp has both paid on-street parking and several large underground car parks. The ‘t Eilandje area near the MAS museum has reasonably priced parking. Like Brussels, driving into the LEZ with a non-compliant vehicle risks an automatic fine via camera.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental in Belgium
