Brussels car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Brussels
The best car rental companies in Brussels are Sixt, Europcar, Hertz. Prices start from €27/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 12%.
✓ Free cancellation options✓ No booking fee✓ Full-to-full suppliers✓ You book direct
Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Brussels
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Europcar
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#3
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#4
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#5
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€26/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€27/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Optimum Rent
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €220Min age 21Free cancellationDowntown
From€24/day
base rate
View Optimum Rent deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Brussels
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €27 | VW Polo | 4 |
| Compact | €33 | VW Golf | 5 |
| SUV | €49 | Škoda Karoq | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €66 | VW Touran | 7 |
| Luxury | €94 | Audi A6 | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Brussels
Airport — Brussels Airport (BRU)
BRU is about 12km northeast of the city center in Zaventem. Rental desks operate in a dedicated rental center a short walk from arrivals, with clear signage from the terminal.
Downtown — Brussels city center
Downtown desks near Gare du Midi suit visitors who arrive by Eurostar or Thalys and want a car only for day trips to Bruges, Ghent, or the Ardennes, avoiding the city's Low Emission Zone rules.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~12% of base rate | BRU airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €12–25/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €7–10/day | Per extra driver |
| Low Emission Zone registration | €0 (mandatory online registration) | Any vehicle entering the Brussels-Capital Region |
| LEZ non-compliance fine | €150–350 | Vehicle doesn't meet emissions standard or isn't registered |
| Refundable deposit | €200–500 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Brussels
- The entire Brussels-Capital Region is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) — every vehicle, including rentals, must be registered online before entering, or face fines of €150–350.
- Brussels hosts the EU institutions, so the European Quarter sees heavy traffic and diplomatic-plated vehicles, especially on weekday mornings.
- The Grand-Place and surrounding pedestrian zone bar vehicle access entirely — nearby paid garages run €3–5/hour or €25–35/day.
- Belgium's motorways have no tolls, unlike neighboring France and Germany, making road trips to Bruges, Ghent, or Luxembourg straightforward.
- Bruges and Ghent, two of Belgium's best-preserved medieval cities, are each about a 1-hour drive from Brussels and make popular day trips.
- The Ardennes region, with forested hills and driving routes, is roughly 1.5–2 hours southeast and popular for weekend road trips.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Brussels
Do you need a car in Brussels?
Not for the city center — the metro and trams cover it well, and the Grand-Place area is pedestrian-only. A car is most useful for day trips to Bruges, Ghent, or the Ardennes.
What is the Brussels Low Emission Zone?
Every vehicle entering the Brussels-Capital Region, including rentals, must be registered online (free) in advance. Rental agencies typically handle this, but confirm at pickup.
Should I rent at Brussels Airport or downtown?
BRU offers convenient rental-center pickup near the terminal. Downtown desks near Gare du Midi suit train travelers planning specific day trips.
Are Belgian motorways tolled?
No, Belgium's motorway network is toll-free, unlike France or parts of Germany — a rarity in Western Europe.
How far is Bruges from Brussels by car?
About 1 hour, making it one of the most popular day trips from Brussels.
Where can I park near the Grand-Place?
The Grand-Place itself is pedestrian-only. Nearby paid garages run €3–5/hour or €25–35/day.
What is the cheapest car type in Brussels?
Economy cars like a VW Polo start around €27/day. A 7-seat minivan starts around €66/day.
Nearby trips
