Car Rental at Brussels Airport

Airport travel guide

The capital of Belgium and the European Union is more than just a political powerhouse — it is a historical city with lots of character and heritage. Quite different from its nearest neighbors, Paris and Amsterdam, it has plenty to explore, especially if you’re ready to scratch beneath the surface. Here are six travel suggestions for your trip:

• Cinquantenaire Museum. Also known as Jubelpark after the public green area in which it is located, this is a unique cultural institution dedicated to keeping ethnographic objects from around the world. In addition to classical European civilizations, the museum also has specialized exhibits on Islamic culture, Polynesian art, and much more. The Cinquantenaire Museum is part of the Royal Museums of Art and History complex that operates cultural institutions around Brussels.
• Parlamentarium. Located just a 15-minute walk from Cinquantenaire, this is the visitor’s center of the European Parliament. Interactive and available in all of the two dozen languages of the European Union, visiting here can be a surprisingly entertaining experience. Visit the museum’s official website to learn more about opening hours; entry is free.
• Grand Place. If Brussels is the metaphorical heart of Europe, this mighty square is the heart of the city. Known as Grote Markt in Dutch, it is home to landmarks like the Brussels City Hall, King’s House (although no longer the residence of the Belgian monarchs, it is home to the City Museum), and about 40 other listed heritage buildings.
• Manneken Pis. Located close to the Grand Place, this statue of a peeing little boy is one of Brussels’ most famous tourist attractions. There are many legends associated to this statue, but the most famous one is that it’s dedicated to a little boy who saved Brussels from a fire by urinating on it.
• Atomium. This is a giant molecule that was built for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958 (Expo 58). It was supposed to be here for only 6 months but it got so popular that the authorities decided to keep it. Inside, there is an exhibition space that tells the story of the Atomium and there’s a viewing platform on top.
• Leuven. A lively student city, Leuven is located just a 30-odd minute drive east of the Belgian capital. A lot of its cultural life revolves around the city’s university which will celebrate its 600th birthday in 2025, but Leuven is also known for beautiful, well-preserved architecture that includes its Gothic Town Hall which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top international routes

• London
• Madrid
• Frankfurt
• Barcelona
• Geneva
• Munich
• Rome
• Vienna
• Istanbul
• Malaga

Main airlines

Brussels Airlines, TUI fly Belgium, Ryanair, Alitalia, Air Arabia Maroc, and easyJet

Terminals

Brussels Airport's single terminal building is divided into Pier A, which serves flights to and from Schengen countries, and also Brussels Airlines flights to and from Africa, and Pier B, which handles flights outside the Schengen Area. You can easily walk between the two piers.

Location

Brussels airport is about 12 km (7.5 mi) northeast of downtown Brussels. Léopold III Laan, Houtweg, Rue Laurent Vandenhoven, Rue Stroobants, and Rampe du Lion are the main streets connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $26 per day
• Medium cars - from $27 per day
• Large cars - from $29 per day
• Station wagons - from $29 per day
• SUVs - from $31 per day
• Premium cars - from $88 per day
• Vans - from $85 per day

Car rental desks

All car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall.

Services and facilities

You’ll find several cafés, bars, snack kiosks, restaurants, and a pub. For shopping, try one of the many stores and a duty-free outlet that’s available to passengers leaving the EU. There are also ATMs, baby changing rooms, a pharmacy, a hairdresser, and places of worship for different denominations. The luggage storage service is in the shopping area of Pier A. The airport is well-equipped for travelers with reduced mobility, and it also provides special assistance, but you should contact your airline at least 48 hours before you arrive if you’d like this service. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Shell, located at Leopoldlaan 23, is right next to the airport and can be reached in about two minutes. There are many other gas stations near the airport and in Brussels.

Popular one-way rentals

• Amsterdam (201 km / 125 miles)
• Ghent (65 km / 40 miles)
• Antwerp (45 km / 28 miles)
• Bruges (108 km / 67 miles)
• Charleroi (70 km / 43 miles)
• Rotterdam (140 km / 87 miles)