Australia
New Zealand
Other Countries
24/7 SupportRent a Car at Brussels Airport - Compare Prices
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
No Booking Fees
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Find Low Prices
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car hire deals at Brussels Airport (BRU). Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Pick up your hire car from on-airport counters in the Arrivals Hall, no shuttle needed and hit the R0 for quick trips to Brussels, Leuven and Antwerp. Filter by automatic, SUV or people mover and book early for summer travel or Friday afternoons when queues and prices often rise.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Airport Car Rental Facilities and Locations
| Rental Company | Location | Operating Hours | Fleet Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis/Budget | Arrivals Hall | 06:30-23:00 daily | Economy to luxury cars available |
| Hertz | Arrivals Hall | 06:30-23:00 daily | Many automatic cars available |
| Europcar/Keddy | Arrivals Hall | 06:30-23:00 daily | Eco-friendly cars available |
| Sixt | Arrivals Hall | 06:30-23:00 daily | Premium cars and SUVs available |
| Enterprise/National/Alamo | Arrivals Hall | 06:30-23:00 daily | Family cars and vans available |
Pickup Process
- Rental counters are in the arrivals hall.
- After baggage reclaim, follow signs for "Car Rental".
- Cars are in a dedicated parking area near the terminal.
- The parking area is a short walk from the counters.
- No shuttle bus is needed.
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- Skip airport pickup if you’re staying in Brussels first. The airport add-on is typically 10-20%. Take the €13 train into the city, then pick up in the city centre and avoid €15-25/day city parking on days you don’t need a car.
- Pick the smallest car that fits your crew. Compacts are cheaper and easier in Brussels garages. Upsize only if you truly need the space.
- Manual = cheaper. Manuals are about 15% less. If you need an automatic in summer or holidays, compare early because economy automatics sell out fast.
- Time your booking to the season. For June-Aug and Christmas/New Year, compare and book weeks ahead. In winter and shoulder seasons, prices are often lower and you can book closer to arrival.
- Refuel smart before return. Most rentals are full-to-full. Use Q8 on Grensstraat (1.5 km) or Total on Vilvoordelaan (2 km) to avoid refuelling fees.
- Compare return options. Domestic one-ways within Belgium are often low or free between major cities, but international one-ways add notable fees.
Car hire prices at Brussels Airport 2025/2026
Parking Options
| Type | Location | Cost (Approximate) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1/P2 Short-Term | Adjacent to terminal | Hourly and daily rates apply | Pickups/drop-offs, short stays |
| P3 Long-Term | 5-min walk to terminal | Long-stay rates available | Longer stays (3+ days) |
| Economy Lot | Shuttle service | Weekly rates available | Budget option for week+ stays |
| City Centre Garages | Various locations | Rates vary by garage | If staying in Brussels first |
Return Process Tips
- Allow extra time (30+ min) for car return during peak periods
- Fill up before returning - nearest petrol stations:
- Q8 station on Grensstraat (24/7, automated at night)
- Total station on Vilvoordelaan
- Return signage is clear - follow "Car Rental Return" signs
- Inspect car together with staff when possible
- Keep receipt until deposit is released
Why rent a car in Brussels Airport (BRU)
Get a rental to see:
- Brussels City – 12 km, 20-40 min
- Leuven – 20 km, 25 min
- Antwerp – 50 km, 40-50 min
- Ghent – 60 km, 45-60 min
- Bruges – 110 km, 1h 15min
- Ardennes Region – 100-150 km, 1.5-2 h
Local Rental Locations
FAQs
Can I change my rental car during my stay?
Yes, if a car is available. You should contact your rental company directly. You'll find the airport location is often more flexible than smaller branches.
Is there a grace period for returns?
Most companies give you a 29-minute grace period. After that, they may charge you for an extra day. You should call them if you're running late.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
You should give the company your flight number when you book. Rental companies usually watch flight arrival times and will hold your car for you.
Can I return to a different location than Brussels Airport?
Yes. You can sometimes return the car to another major location in Belgium for free. Otherwise, the company will usually charge a one-way fee. Returning the car in another country costs a lot more.
