Antwerp

Antwerp might just be Belgium’s coolest city, and honestly, it’s a brilliant place to pick up a rental car. This diamond-trading hub has been one of Europe’s most important ports for centuries, which means it’s got excellent road connections in every direction. You’ve got the Netherlands border just 15 minutes to the north, Brussels an hour south, and the entire Belgian coast within easy reach. Whether you’re here for the fashion scene, the Rubens masterpieces, or just passing through on a wider European road trip, Antwerp makes a practical starting point.

The city itself packs in more than you’d expect — a stunning cathedral, a medieval castle right in the centre, and a food scene that’ll ruin you for anywhere else. But the real advantage of renting a car here is freedom. Public transport in Belgium is decent, sure, but try lugging bags of Belgian chocolate onto a packed tram, or explaining to your kids why they can’t visit that castle they spotted on TripAdvisor because the train doesn’t go there. With your own wheels, you can hit the road early, beat the crowds to Bruges, and still be back in time for a proper Belgian beer by the river.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

Most rental counters in Antwerp are clustered around two main spots: the airport and the train station. Antwerp International Airport is tiny compared to Brussels or Amsterdam — we’re talking a handful of gates and a terminal you can walk across in about four minutes. The rental desks (Avis, Budget, Europcar, and a few others) sit right in the arrivals hall, so there’s no shuttle bus nonsense. You’ll be in your car within twenty minutes of landing, assuming your luggage shows up.

If you’re arriving by train, head to Antwerpen-Centraal — and yes, that station building is worth a look before you rush off. Several rental companies have counters either inside the station complex or within a short walk. The downside? City centre pickup means navigating Antwerp’s one-way system immediately, which can be a bit lively if you’ve just stepped off a Eurostar. Consider taking a taxi to an off-airport location if you’d rather ease into Belgian driving.

Documentation-wise, bring your driving licence (obviously), a credit card in the main driver’s name, and your passport or ID card. If your licence isn’t in a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is a smart move. Belgian rental staff tend to be efficient but stick firmly to the rules — this isn’t the place to argue about that scratch you definitely didn’t cause.

Where to Go

Bruges is the obvious day trip, and for good reason. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes west via the E34, and yes, it’s every bit as picturesque as the photos suggest. The trick is arriving before 10am or after 4pm — midday Bruges is absolutely packed with day-trippers. Park at ‘t Zand or the train station car parks and walk in; the historic centre is mercifully car-free.

Ghent deserves more love than it gets, and it’s only 45 minutes southwest on the E17. Think of it as Bruges’ cooler, less touristy sibling — stunning medieval architecture but with an actual local population and better restaurants. The city centre has a low-emission zone, so check your rental’s registration before driving in, or park at the edge and tram it.

Brussels is 45 minutes to an hour south via the E19, depending on traffic. The capital’s worth a day if you fancy the Grand Place,Atomium, or some serious shopping. But be warned: Brussels traffic is proper city traffic, and parking is expensive. Consider leaving the car at a Park & Ride and taking public transport into the centre.

Amsterdam is roughly two hours north on the E19, making it doable as a (long) day trip. But honestly, if you’re heading to the Netherlands, consider stopping at smaller Dutch cities like Breda or Utrecht instead — they’ve got all the canals and charm with far fewer tourists clogging the streets.

The Belgian Coast — Ostend, Knokke, De Haan — is about an hour’s drive west. Perfect if you want to see the North Sea and eat mussels by the beach. The coastal tram runs the entire length if you fancy hopping between towns without re-parking every time.

Tips for Driving

Belgian driving is… let’s call it enthusiastic. Speed limits are 30km/h in residential areas (strictly enforced), 50km/h in built-up areas, 70-90km/h on rural roads, and 120km/h on motorways. Speed cameras are everywhere, and they don’t mess around with tolerance margins. If the sign says 50, do 50.

One quirk: Belgium still uses the ‘priority from the right’ rule on many smaller roads. If you’re on a main road and someone approaches from a side street on your right, they technically have right of way — unless there’s a yellow diamond sign indicating priority. It sounds confusing because it is. Just stay alert at junctions.

Headlights should be on whenever you’re driving, day or night. Winter tyres aren’t mandatory but are strongly recommended from November through March — Belgian weather can flip quickly, and summer tyres on icy cobblestones is nobody’s idea of fun.

Parking in Antwerp itself requires attention. The city centre has several underground car parks, but street parking is often limited to residents or paid zones with time limits. The blue zone parking disc system still operates in some areas — if you’ve not got one, most petrol stations sell them for a couple of euros.

Ready to hit the road? Book your Antwerp rental car today and start planning that Belgian adventure. The chocolate’s waiting.