Rental car desks at Brussels Airport (BRU) are Car rental desks are on level -1 of the terminal, accessible via escalators from the arrivals hall. The rental car park is in the adjacent P2 parking garage, connected by a covered walkway.. Major companies include Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt. The fastest transfer to Brussels is by Train (SNCB/NMBS) (17 minutes).
Car rental desks are on level -1 of the terminal, accessible via escalators from the arrivals hall. The rental car park is in the adjacent P2 parking garage, connected by a covered walkway.
Book your rental car at BRU at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices, especially during summer.
Compare prices from all companies at BRU to find the best deal:
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| Transport | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (SNCB/NMBS) | 17 minutes | EUR 14.40 | Direct to Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi, and Brussels-Nord; runs every 10 minutes |
| Airport Bus (Line 12/21) | 30-40 minutes | EUR 4.50 | STIB/MIVB buses to Brussels Schuman (EU quarter) and city center |
| Taxi | 25-35 minutes | EUR 45-55 | Metered fare to Brussels center; fixed rate during the day |
| Uber/Bolt | 25-35 minutes | EUR 25-40 | Ride-hailing available; cheaper than traditional taxis |
Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is Belgium's main international airport, located 12 km northeast of Brussels city center. It handles over 25 million passengers and serves as a hub for Brussels Airlines. The compact single-terminal design makes navigation straightforward.
While Belgium is excellently served by trains, a rental car from Brussels Airport is ideal for exploring at your own pace. The medieval jewels of Bruges and Ghent are within 1 hour, the Ardennes forest region (famous for its Battle of the Bulge history and outdoor activities) is 1.5 hours southeast, and the beer abbey of Orval is a delightful 2-hour drive south.
Belgium's central position in Europe also makes Brussels an excellent starting point for cross-border drives. Amsterdam is 2 hours north, Paris is 3 hours south, Luxembourg City is 2 hours southeast, and Cologne is 2.5 hours east — all easily reachable via Belgium's toll-free motorway network.
Yes, all Belgian motorways are toll-free for passenger cars. The only tolled road is the Liefkenshoektunnel near Antwerp (EUR 6).
About 110 km west, taking approximately 1 hour via the E40 motorway.
The Low Emission Zone covers the entire Brussels Capital Region. Vehicles must meet minimum emission standards. Check eligibility and register at lez.brussels — fines are EUR 350 for non-compliance.
Yes, Paris is about 310 km south (3 hours) via the E19/A1 motorway. Belgian roads are toll-free but French autoroutes charge tolls.
Requirements vary by rental company in Airports. Most major agencies accept a valid driving license from your home country for short stays, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended as a backup, especially outside major cities. Check with your specific rental company before traveling.
At minimum, you need Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Third Party Liability insurance. Consider adding theft protection if parking in urban areas. Many credit cards offer rental car coverage — check your card benefits before purchasing duplicate coverage from the rental company.
Many European countries use toll systems for highways and motorways. In Airports, toll costs can add significantly to your trip budget. Most rental companies offer electronic toll transponders — ask at the counter. Budget an additional 10-20% of your fuel costs for tolls on longer trips.
The minimum rental age in Airports is typically 21 years, though some companies require drivers to be 23 or 25. Young drivers (under 25) usually pay a surcharge of 10-25 per day. Maximum age limits also apply at some agencies, typically around 70-75 years.
Cross-border travel policies vary by rental company. Most major agencies allow travel within the EU/Schengen area with prior notification, but may charge a cross-border fee. Some restrict travel to certain countries. Always declare cross-border plans when booking to avoid insurance invalidation.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
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