In Belgium you can drive a hire car with a valid driver's licence from your country of residence, meaning that no extra paperwork is needed for you to collect a car in Brussels.
To drive in Belgium, you must be at least 23 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Brussels to Antwerp - 44kms (40mins)
Charleroi to Ostende - 168kms (1hour/40mins)
General Belgium driving information, laws, rules and regulations:
Driving in Belgium is done on the right-hand side of the road.
Seat belts when driving a hire car in Belgium are mandatory.
The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system.
Drivers are to carry a valid driver's licence, registration documents and insurance documents at all times while driving.
Petrol stations in Belgium open from 8am to 8pm with some stations in major cities and on the motorways open 24 hours.
There are no tolls in Belgium. The Liefenhoeks Tunnel, which you may drive through in Antwerp, does require a toll.
Most cities have parking metres along the street. However, there is also 'blue zone' parking. You will need to procure a time imprinted parking disc from a petrol station, tobacco shop or police station. Parking your car hire in a 'blue zone' is usually valid for 3 hours.
Domestic one-way car hire within mainland Belgium is free of charge with most vehicles. Some restrictions do apply. There are fees for international one-way rentals and not all vehicles are permitted.
When you hire a car in Belgium, it is important to have a look at some of the above Belgium driving information, rules and regulations about driving a car, in order to ensure you have the safest possible journey.