Top car rental destinations in Belgium
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Located in Europe, bordering France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany, Belgium is a small country with a lot to see! Its main international airports are located in Brussels, with Brussels Airport operating a large number of international fight departures and arrivals. Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located a little further from the city centre, operates international flights on a smaller scale, as do Ostend-Bruges International Airport and Antwerp International Airport (among others). As well as arriving by air, travelers can access Belgium by bus, train or car from mainland Europe and the UK thanks to the Channel Tunnel and the Eurostar. Train stations in Brussels include Bruxelles Central and Bruxelles-Midi. Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and a popular tourist destination; other popular visitor destinations in Belgium include Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent.
Thanks to its small size, Belgium is easily explored by rental car. Cars can be rented at various locations throughout the country, including at the airports mentioned above as well as in city centers – such as in central Brussels. Car rental companies operating in Belgium include Avis, Autoclick, Europcar, Thrifty and Hertz.
In Belgium, drive on the right hand side of the road and be aware that road signs may be displayed in both Dutch and French. The speed limit in Belgium must be adhered to: in towns and cities, the speed limit is usually 50km/h; on open roads, it's 70 - 90km/h; and on the freeway, it's 120km/h. However, this may vary so pay attention to road signs indicating the speed limit. When driving in cities it is also important to be aware of trams – these have right of way. Be sure to wear a seatbelt and do not use a cell phone while driving, unless it is in hands-free mode. The blood alcohol limit in Belgium is 50mg/100ml.
There are plenty of parking opportunities for drivers in Belgium, from covered parking lots to on street parking. If parking on the street, be sure to pay at the meter to avoid getting a ticket.
Planning to rent a car in Belgium? The country is easily explored by rental car and boasts a number of beautiful road trips to enjoy. From the capital city of Brussels to the Flemish city of Antwerp, discover three road trips to take in Belgium which will allow you to enjoy the country to its fullest!
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, and is a cosmopolitan metropolis with plenty to see and do. The famous Grand Place is a must-see, and is surrounded by beautiful building and traditional shops; nearby, the iconic Manneken Pis statue can be viewed. The modern Atomium, Royal Palace of Brussels and Cinquantenaire Park are also points of interest to visit in Brussels. Thanks to its location in central Belgium, a number of destinations across Belgium are easily accessible from Brussels by rental car. The nearby city of Leuven is a 19 mile drive from Brussels and boasts historic architecture such as Leuven Town Hall; breweries; and a plethora of places to eat and drink.
Located in northern Belgium, in the country's Flemish speaking region, Antwerp is a popular city with plenty to entertain visitors. The modern heritage museum of Museum Aan de Stroom; the charming old town with its Grote Markt square; and the fascinating Rubenshuis (Rubens House) are all worth a visit. Antwerp is also ideally located for a road trip around northern Belgium. The nearby city of Ghent is just 41 miles away by car, and boasts a lively student scene as well as stunning medieval architecture. The Gravensteen Castle, for example, dates back to the 10th century and is a must see in the city of Ghent.
Famous for its charm, chocolate and appearance in the film ""In Bruges"", the city of Bruges can be found in western Belgium, in the region of West Flanders. The Belfry of Bruges, Old St John's Hospital, and the Burg Square (overlooked by the impressive City Hall, are just some of the city's popular attractions. Once you've explored beautiful Bruges, drive your rental car to the Belgian coast. The coastal city of Ostend is just a 20 mile drive from Bruges, and boasts a beach, promenade and ocean views.