car hire rentals belgium city bridge

Car Hire Belgium

Belgium has so much to offer the traveller, from its beautiful medieval towns to its bustling cities and one of the best ways to get around is by booking rent a car Belgium for your trip. There is so much to see and do in Belgium that you will want an uncomplicated way to get around. The roads are well made and maintained, so you can use your Belgium car hire to see everything from countless castles to Belgium’s museums. This is a place where the food, culture and people will amaze you at every turn. Whatever your reason to visit the country is, Belgium rent a car can help you see all there is on offer.

There are places of interest for the tourist in Belgium. Car hire Belgium lets you see the most amazing sights that this peaceful, yet hip country has to offer. From the capital of Brussels to the untouched countryside in the South of the country, Belgium is small country but has distinct contrasts for the tourist to explore. Rental car Belgium is popular, and you will need to book well in advance to get the dates and the type of car you desire.

A feel with the country you are visiting is really important so rent a car Belgium lets you take it easy along the roads of the country and also get from place to place in comfort and style. There are many options for car hire Belgium that you will want to decide early and get the most from your trip. It is easy to make a booking and the cars are modern and well-maintained, so don’t worry about your Belgium rental car experience – it’s just like driving your own car!

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The Country

Belgium is a country that has seen its battle scars from its fields to its cities. Site to some of the most brutal conflicts in modern history, the country draws in visitors that wish to remember, understand and mourn. The battlefield where Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo,  as well as both WW1 and WW2 sites have museums and memorials that sensitively honour the dead and keep their stories alive for future generations. Some of the other top activities in Belgium include:

  • Feast on Belgium’s world famous mussels and frites
  • Visit the Royal Palace in Brussels

There are other cities and sights, as we will see later in this guide.

The country is home to over 11 million people with to two main linguistic groups: the Dutch-speaking, mostly Flemish community, which constitutes about 59 percent of the population, and the French-speaking, mostly Walloon population, which comprises about 40 percent of all Belgians. Belgium has land borders with France, Germany, Netherlands and Luxembourg. It has been dubbed the ‘Battlefield of Europe’, due to Belgium serving as the battleground between many European powers. The country covers around covers an area of 30,528 square kilometres, so there is a dense population in the country.

Belgium lies right in the middle of Western Europe, the summer in Belgium are June, July and August, while the winter months are December, January and February. The weather in the country is temperate, with four distinct seasons.

The national language is Dutch, but a large portion of the population speak French and German. The country’s main sport obsession is football, though Belgium has produced many world-famous stars in other sports such as Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin who were both were Player of the Year in the Women’s Tennis.

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car hire rentals driving tips

Driving Tips

As with any new experience, you will need to know what you are letting yourself in for. Check all the rules of the road before you leave for Japan to ensure you stay safe. Here are some of the more important ones:

  • The driver is responsible to make sure all occupants of the car wear seat belts at all times
  • You cannot drive while under the influence of alcohol, fines will be imposed.
  • You must carry an international drivers licence with you at all times while on the road in Belgium
  • Children under three years old must always travel in a child restraint system suitable for their size and weight
  • Children under the age of 18 and shorter than 135cm must use a child restraint system suitable for their size and weight.
  • Trams have priority over all other users, whether on the right or on the left. In built-up areas you must slow down or stop for bus drivers who’ve indicated they intend to move away from the bus stop.
  • The Belgian Police are able to impose and collect fines on the spot for minor traffic offences.
  • They drive on the right-hand side of the road
  • The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system.
  • A warning triangle, reflective vests, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher must be carried in all vehicles registered in Belgium.
  • The major cities can be very busy at rush hour so leave plenty of time for your journey
  • On roads in towns and built up areas the speed limit is 50 kph / 31 mph
  • On an open road, the speed limit is 90 kph / 55 mph
  • On the motorway, the speed is- 120 kph / 74 mph

Make sure you know what to do when driving in Belgium to say safe and on the right side of the law.

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Airports in Belgium

Belgium has transport links to the rest of the world through trade and other activities. Here are some of the busiest airports in Belgium:

  • Brussels Airport
  • Brussels Charleroi Airport
  • Liege Airport
  • Ostend Airport
  • Flanders International Airport – Kortrijk Airport
  • Antwerp International Airport
  • Liège-Guillemins Airport

The best way to get the most from your car hire Belgium is to book from the airport so you know you have the transport you need. Do this in advance to get the best prices available.

When driving on the roads of Belgium, you want to be safe. You should research the rules of the road, as said before, but also have the number 112 programmed in your phone on case of emergency, this is for the police, ambulance and fire brigade.

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