We don't recommend renting a car if you plan to tour only Brussels during your stay. Because we planned to drive to Paris after our Brussels visit, we chose to rent a car. Parking charges were substantial, and overall it was a headache. Turns out, the train is a an easier option to hop from Brussels to Bruges, or even Amsterdam or Paris, and the bus makes it easy to reach outer-lying suburbs and districts.
Car Rentals in Brussels
If you do require a car, just be wary of parking charges in garages in the city center, which typically start at €12 a day and can get much higher.
If you plan to venture further from the city center, the bus can be your best bet for reaching outer-lying suburbs and districts. If you simply plan to hop from Brussels to Bruges or tack on a few days in Amsterdam and Paris, however, we recommend you take the train.
However, for day trips to Lieges or Antwerp-or especially if you plan to visit the American World War II monuments and cemeteries in smaller Belgian villages like Ardennes (these areas aren't typically accessible by train or bus)-a rental car is the way to go. Click here to check rates for Brussels for a specific date through our partner, AutoEurope.
Who can rent a car in Brussels?
Like most European countries, Belgium requires that you be at least 23 years old to rent a car.
However, for day trips to Lieges or Antwerp—or especially if you plan to visit the American World War II monuments and cemeteries in smaller Belgian villages like Ardennes (these areas aren't typically accessible by train or bus)—a rental car is the way to go.
Just be wary of parking charges in garages in the city center, which typically start at €12 a day and can get much higher. We made sure to seek out free spots or find hotels that offered parking on the premises for a reduced fee.
Who can rent a car in Brussels?
Like most European countries, Belgium requires that you be at least 23 years old to rent a car. In addition, the driver must have a valid license that was issued at least one year prior to renting the car. If you are under 25 years old, you will be charged a young driver surcharge.
How do you rent a car in Brussels?
To find the cheapest rental car prices, we recommend Auto Europe. EuroCheapo has partnered with Auto Europe to offer the guaranteed cheapest prices on rental cars in Brussels and Belgium. (Read more about cheap rental cars in Europe.)
Some rental car packages include unlimited kilometers while others don't. Some have insurance against theft or collision; again, others don't. Be sure to ask. Generally, be sure to get the details regarding insurance and accidents, as plans vary. Sometimes paying cash makes a difference in insurance coverage. An International Driver's License is recommended. For more information, visit the IDL (International Driver's License) Web site.
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