Europe > 🇧🇪 Belgium
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Belgium can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Belgium; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Belgium?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Belgium?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Belgium
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Antwerp | ANR | |
| Brussels | BRU |
Should You Rent a Car in Belgium? 🚗🍟🍫
Belgium may be compact, but it’s packed with medieval cities, canals, castles, breweries, and countryside charm. Its public transport system is one of the best in Europe, yet driving offers extra flexibility if you want to explore villages and nature. So, should you rent a car in Belgium? Let’s look at the pros and cons depending on your travel style.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
Belgium’s train network connects major cities quickly and easily. Most top tourist destinations are walkable once you arrive.
✅ Ideal for Car-Free Travel
| Destination | Why You Don’t Need a Car | Best Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | Metro, trams, buses, taxis | Public transport & walking |
| Bruges | Very walkable historic centre | Train + foot |
| Ghent | Trams and canals | Train + tram |
| Antwerp | Efficient urban transport | Train + metro |
| Leuven & Mechelen | Close to Brussels | Frequent trains |
➡ If you plan a city-hopping trip, you can easily skip the car and enjoy stress-free travel.
🚗 When Renting a Car Adds Value
Once you go beyond the cities, you’ll find scenic countryside, castles, abbeys, and small villages that trains don’t reach directly. A car gives you total flexibility.
✅ Great Reasons to Rent a Car
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Visit small towns at your pace |
| Scenic routes | Ardennes forests and viewpoints |
| Cultural stops | Trappist monasteries & breweries |
| Off-the-beaten-path | Castles, caves, and river valleys |
🗺 Top Regions Best Explored by Car
| Region | Highlight Sites | Travel Time from Brussels |
|---|---|---|
| Ardennes | Forests, hiking trails | 1.5 hours |
| Dinant | Cliffside citadel, river views | 1.5 hours |
| Namur | Castles & scenic riverbanks | 1 hour |
| West Flanders villages | Peaceful countryside | 1 hour |
➡ These areas feature limited train access, so a car makes your trip smoother and more rewarding.
🚦 Driving in Belgium – Good to Know
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You drive on the right-hand side
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Roads are modern and clearly marked
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Expect traffic around Brussels
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Parking garages are common in cities
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Fuel stations are easy to find
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trains | Main cities & airports | Fast and frequent |
| Trams & buses | Urban travel | Extensive coverage |
| Bicycle | Flemish region | Flat terrain and bike lanes |
| Guided tours | Day trips | Easy option for countryside |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City explorer | ❌ No | Excellent public transport |
| Food & beer lover | ❌ No | Trains take you between culinary hotspots |
| Castle & countryside explorer | ✅ Yes | Remote areas lack direct train routes |
| Adventure & hiking fan | ✅ Yes | Ardennes is best explored by car |
| Weekend visitor | ❌ No | Cities are compact and close together |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Belgium?
👉 If you plan to focus on cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, you don’t need a car at all—Belgium’s trains make travel fast, easy, and relaxing.
👉 However, if you want to explore castles, forests, abbeys, and countryside towns, renting a car lets you go beyond the tourist trail and experience the country’s quieter charms.
