Compare car hire at Brussels Airport including rental companies, desk locations, prices, popular vehicles and driving tips for Belgium.
Brussels Airport (Brussels-Zaventem) is the main international airport in Belgium and a common starting point for travellers renting a car to explore the country. Picking up a vehicle here makes it easy to reach cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges.
The airport is located around 12 km northeast of Brussels city centre and the drive normally takes about 20 minutes. Travellers planning to explore more of the country can also see the guide to car hire in Belgium.
Airport transport information and facilities are available from the official Brussels Airport website.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
The main car rental desks at Brussels Airport are located in the Arrivals Hall. After completing the paperwork, vehicles are usually collected from the nearby airport car rental parking area connected to the terminal.
The airport sits beside the Brussels Ring Road (R0), which connects quickly with several major motorways leading across Belgium and neighbouring countries.
Driving regulations and road safety rules in Belgium are explained by the Belgian Federal Mobility Service.
Car Hire Companies at Brussels Airport
Several international rental companies operate at Brussels Airport.
- Hertz – Brussels Airport Arrivals Hall, Leopoldlaan, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium
- Avis – Brussels Airport Car Rental Desk, Leopoldlaan, Zaventem
- Budget – Brussels Airport Rental Centre, Leopoldlaan, Zaventem
- Europcar – Brussels Airport Arrivals Area, Zaventem
- Sixt – Brussels Airport Terminal Arrivals Hall
- Enterprise – Brussels Airport Car Hire Area, Zaventem
After signing the rental agreement, staff will direct you to the car rental parking area where vehicles are collected.
Best Cars to Rent at Brussels Airport
The type of vehicle travellers choose often depends on whether they are staying in Brussels or planning to drive to other Belgian cities.
Compact Cars for City Driving
Small hatchbacks are commonly rented because they are easier to drive and park in busy city centres.
- Volkswagen Polo
- Renault Clio
- Peugeot 208
- Opel Corsa
These vehicles work well for travellers staying in Brussels or visiting nearby towns.
Family Cars for Travelling Across Belgium
Visitors planning to explore more of Belgium often choose a larger compact or estate vehicle with additional luggage space.
- Volkswagen Golf
- Skoda Octavia
- Ford Focus
- Toyota Corolla
This category is comfortable for longer drives between cities such as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent.
Premium and Business Vehicles
Business travellers often rent premium cars for additional comfort.
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Audi A4
These vehicles are commonly available at airport rental locations.
Typical Car Hire Prices at Brussels Airport
Rental prices vary depending on the season, vehicle availability and demand.
| Season | Economy Car | Family Car | Premium Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €20 – €35 | €40 – €65 | €100 – €160 |
| April – June | €30 – €50 | €55 – €85 | €130 – €210 |
| July – August | €45 – €80 | €80 – €130 | €180 – €300 |
| September – October | €30 – €55 | €60 – €95 | €150 – €230 |
| November – December | €22 – €40 | €45 – €70 | €110 – €180 |
Driving from Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport connects directly to Belgium’s motorway network.
- E40 – route toward Bruges and the Belgian coast
- E19 – motorway linking Brussels with Antwerp
- R0 Brussels Ring – motorway around the capital
Travellers exploring neighbouring countries sometimes continue their journey toward destinations such as car hire in Amsterdam when travelling further north.
Popular Day Trips from Brussels Airport
Hiring a car makes it easy to explore several destinations within a short drive of Brussels.
- Bruges – historic medieval city about 1 hour from Brussels.
- Ghent – known for canals, architecture and historic buildings.
- Antwerp – major Belgian port city famous for fashion and diamonds.
Optional Extras with Car Hire
Rental companies at Brussels Airport often offer additional services that can be added during booking.
- Additional driver cover
- Child safety seats
- GPS navigation systems
- Mobile Wi-Fi devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to rent a car at Brussels Airport?
Yes. Several international car hire companies operate desks inside the airport arrivals hall.
How far is Brussels Airport from the city centre?
The airport is about 12 kilometres from central Brussels.
Which car hire companies operate at Brussels Airport?
Companies include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and Enterprise.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car?
Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are still common in Europe.
Is unlimited mileage included?
Many rental deals include unlimited mileage depending on the supplier.
What side of the road do you drive on in Belgium?
Drivers in Belgium travel on the right-hand side of the road.
Are toll roads common in Belgium?
No. Most Belgian motorways are toll-free for passenger vehicles.
Can I drive a rental car to neighbouring countries?
Many suppliers allow cross-border travel to nearby EU countries, but this should be confirmed in advance.
Should I book Brussels Airport car hire in advance?
Booking early usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
