Car Hire at Brussels Airport
Welcome to Brussels Airport — the gateway to Belgium and beyond. Whether you’re here for the world-famous chocolate, the beer, the politics, or just passing through on your way to somewhere else, picking up a rental car at Brussels Airport (also known as Zaventem) is one of the smartest moves you can make. Belgium might be a small country, but it’s absolutely packed with things to see, and having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
The airport sits just 12 kilometres northeast of Brussels city centre, which means you can be in the heart of Europe’s capital in about 20 minutes (traffic permitting, of course). From here, you’ve got easy access to the entire country and even neighbouring nations — Antwerp is half an hour away, Bruges under an hour, and you can reach Amsterdam, Paris, or Cologne in two to three hours. Not bad for a starting point, eh?
Picking Up Your Rental Car
Right, let’s get practical. The car rental desks at Brussels Airport are conveniently located on the ground floor of the terminal building — just follow the signs for “Car Rental” after you’ve collected your luggage. Most major providers are represented here, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Budget, along with some local operators. The whole process is generally smooth, but I’d recommend booking in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and around Christmas markets.
Once you’ve sorted the paperwork (you’ll need your driving licence, passport or ID card, and the credit card used for booking), head to the car rental parking area. It’s just a short walk from the terminal — no need for a shuttle bus. Take a few minutes to inspect your vehicle properly before driving off. Check for any existing scratches or dents and make sure they’re documented. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the controls, especially if you’re not used to driving a manual transmission (automatics are available but cost a bit more).
One thing to note: Belgium uses a right-hand traffic system, same as most of continental Europe. If you’re coming from the UK, that’s something to keep in mind. The roads around the airport are well-signposted, and you’ll pick up the Brussels Ring Road (R0) quickly, which connects you to pretty much everywhere.
Where to Go
Brussels City Centre (20-30 minutes) — The obvious first stop. Park near the Grand Place and wander through the stunning medieval square. Don’t miss the Manneken Pis (yes, it’s tiny, but it’s iconic) and treat yourself to some proper Belgian waffles. Parking in the city centre can be pricey and tricky, so look for Park & Ride options on the outskirts and take public transport in if you’re planning a full day of sightseeing.
Bruges (1 hour) — Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is absolutely worth the drive. Take the E40 west and you’ll be there in about an hour. The medieval city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wandering the cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time. Pro tip: visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds, especially in summer.
Antwerp (35-45 minutes) — Head north on the E19 and you’ll reach Belgium’s fashion and diamond capital. Antwerp has a brilliant mix of historic architecture and cutting-edge design. The cathedral alone is worth the trip, and the food scene is fantastic. If you’re into fashion, the ModeMuseum is a must-visit.
Ghent (45-55 minutes) — Take the E40 west and discover what many travellers consider Belgium’s most underrated city. Ghent has a stunning medieval centre but feels more lived-in and less touristy than Bruges. The Gravensteen castle is brilliant, and the local specialty is a mustard called “Gentse mosterd” — worth picking up a jar.
Waterloo (30-40 minutes) — History buffs should head south to the site of Napoleon’s final defeat. The Lion’s Mound offers panoramic views of the battlefield, and the memorial museum provides excellent context. It’s a relatively quick trip from Brussels and makes for an interesting half-day excursion.
Tips for Driving in Belgium
Right, let’s talk about the actual driving. Belgium has a few quirks worth knowing about. First up, speed limits: 30 km/h in built-up areas (and many residential streets are strictly 30), 70 km/h outside built-up areas (though this can vary, so watch the signs), and 120 km/h on motorways. Unlike neighbouring countries, Belgium doesn’t have a general speed limit of 80 on rural roads — it’s 70 unless posted otherwise. Radar cameras are common, and fines can be hefty, so don’t push your luck.
One uniquely Belgian rule: the “priority from the right” (priorité de droite) is strictly observed in many areas. This means traffic coming from your right has priority, even on smaller streets, unless indicated otherwise. It can feel counterintuitive at first, especially at unmarked junctions, so stay alert. Thankfully, most major roads have clear priority signage.
Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone in the car, and children under 135cm need appropriate child seats. Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal — hands-free only. And here’s an important one: Belgium has strict rules about winter tyres. While not legally mandatory, if you’re involved in an accident during winter conditions and your car isn’t fitted with appropriate tyres, your insurance may not cover you. If you’re visiting between November and March, consider requesting winter tyres from your rental provider.
Belgian motorways are generally excellent and free to use (no tolls, which is a nice bonus). However, rush hour traffic around Brussels and Antwerp can be genuinely awful, particularly the R0 ring road. If possible, plan your journeys outside of 7-9am and 4-6:30pm. Sunday evenings also see heavy traffic returning to the cities.
Ready to explore Belgium and beyond? Book your car hire at Brussels Airport today and discover why having your own transport makes all the difference. From medieval cities to battlefield sites, chocolate shops to coastal towns, your Belgian adventure starts the moment you pick up the keys.