Brussels car rental prices are mid-range for Western Europe — more expensive than southern countries, cheaper than the UK or Scandinavia. A compact car starts around €18-30/day when booked in advance. The advantage: Belgium has no motorway tolls. Drive anywhere in the country without paying a cent in road fees.
Why Rent a Car in Brussels?
Brussels Airport is one of Europe’s major hubs, with flights from across the continent and beyond. If you’re planning to explore Belgium or neighbouring countries, picking up here makes sense. The airport is well-connected to the motorway network — you can be in the Netherlands in 1 hour, Germany in 1.5 hours, France in 2 hours.
The rental market is competitive. International brands (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget) have significant presence. Belgian companies (Keddy, local independents) sometimes offer lower rates. The spread between cheapest and most expensive can be 30-40%, so comparison shopping matters.
One-way rentals work well from Brussels. Drop-offs in Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, or Luxembourg are common. Cross-border fees (€50-150) depend on the company and destination.
What to Expect When You Pick Up
Brussels Airport (BRU) has rental desks in the arrivals hall. Major brands are on-site; some budget companies use off-airport locations with shuttle buses. Allow 20-30 minutes for pickup during peak times.
What to bring:
- Driving licence (IDP for non-EU licences)
- Passport or EU ID
- Credit card for deposit
- Age 21+, sometimes 25+ for premium categories
Insurance excess in Belgium is typically €500-1000 — lower than Ireland or the UK. You can reduce this to zero by buying excess reduction at the counter (€10-25/day) or booking third-party insurance before travel.
Fuel policy is full-to-full. There’s a petrol station 5 minutes from the airport return. Take a photo of the gauge after filling.
Top Routes and Day Trips
Antwerp (45 minutes): Fashionable city with a cathedral, a Rubens museum, and excellent shopping. The E19 north takes you there. The harbour is one of Europe’s largest.
Leuven (30 minutes): University town with Belgium’s oldest university. The town hall is a Gothic masterpiece. Good restaurants and bars (Belgian beer, obviously).
Hasselt and Genk (1 hour): Eastern Belgian towns. Hasselt has a gin museum; Genk has a former coal mine turned into a cultural centre. The drive east crosses the border into the Netherlands.
Mechelen (30 minutes): Between Brussels and Antwerp. UNESCO-listed belfry and a carillon school. An easy half-day trip.
Luxembourg City (2 hours): Cross the border into the Grand Duchy. The old town is fortified and sits in a river valley. Combine with the Ardennes for a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest time to rent in Brussels? Winter (November-February) has the lowest rates. Summer (June-August) is peak. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices.
Are there any tolls in Belgium? No. Belgian motorways are toll-free. You only pay for fuel and parking. This makes Belgium excellent value for road trips compared to France, Germany, or Switzerland.
What about parking? Brussels centre is expensive (€2-4/hour). Smaller towns (Bruges, Ghent) have affordable parking outside the centre. P+R facilities are well-marked.
Related: Car Hire Belgium | Car Hire Brussels Airport | Car Hire Antwerp | Car Hire Charleroi Airport | Car Hire Ostend