Hire A Car In Gent, Belgium: Competitive Prices, Clear Pickup Options

A practical, UK-focused guide to renting in and around Gent—compare airport vs city-centre locations, avoid common fees, and choose the right insurance for stress-free day trips across Flanders.

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Gent Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers

Gent is compact and easy to explore on foot, tram or by bike, so hiring a car is most valuable if you’re planning day trips across Flanders (e.g., Bruges, the coast, Ypres, Antwerp) or travelling with family and luggage. The main trade-off is city driving: Gent has a traffic circulation plan, limited-access areas and paid parking, which can make central pickup and hotel access less straightforward. For most UK travellers, the smoothest approach is collecting from a major airport (better opening hours and choice) or from a city-centre branch near Gent-Sint-Pieters station (easy public-transport access), then using park-and-ride or designated car parks when visiting the historic centre. Expect manual cars to be most common; automatics are available but should be booked early. Bring a photocard driving licence, a passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit.

Brussels Airport (BRU) – Car Rental Centre

Best overall for UK arrivals due to the widest fleet choice, long opening hours and competitive pricing. Car hire desks are in the arrivals area; vehicles are usually in the airport car parks with clear signage. It’s around 45–60 minutes to Gent by motorway. Pros: strong availability (including automatics), easy one-way options, good for late flights. Cons: airport surcharges and busy peak periods; factor in toll-free but potentially congested routes.

Gent-Sint-Pieters Station Area

One of the most practical city pickup zones, ideal if you arrive by train from Brussels Airport. Pros: easy to reach without driving into the historic centre; good onward road access; convenient for returning the car before heading back to Brussels. Cons: limited fleets compared with airports; parking nearby can be paid and time-limited.

Gent City Centre (Historic Core Edge Branches)

Best if you want to start within walking distance of central hotels, but it can be the least stress-free for driving. Pros: close to accommodation and tourist areas. Cons: circulation plan restrictions, narrow streets, paid/limited parking, and higher risk of accidental restricted-zone entry; allow extra time for pickup and return.

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Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

More Choice And Longer Hours From Nearby Airports

Airport collection (especially Brussels Airport) usually gives the widest selection of cars, clearer after-hours processes, and more competitive pricing due to higher competition. It’s ideal for UK travellers arriving with luggage, needing an automatic, or landing late. Do check for airport surcharges, fuel policy (often ‘full to full’), and the deposit amount before you book.

Car Hire Ratings in Ghent from Real Travellers

Browse honest reviews and ratings for car hire services in Ghent to help you pick a trusted provider for your journey.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	3.9 193+ reviews	$87	3.2 mi	$354 - $1,123	●Professional and friendly service staff ●Smooth pickup and return process ●Good value for money
	2.0 11 reviews	$79	1.9 mi	$608 - $804	●Smooth pickup and return process ●Competitive rental pricing ●Standard vehicle fleet available
	1.4 34 reviews	$75	1.7 mi	$608 - $754	●Clean cars in good condition ●Quick payment refund process ●Fast delivery service

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 12 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

A Stress-Free Guide to Refuelling Your Rental Car in Belgium

This guide provides essential steps and tips for refuelling your rental car in Belgium, covering station types, fuel identification, and payment methods to ensure a smooth experience.

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Ghent Car Hire Insurance Guide for Zero Excess Protection and Peace of Mind

Comprehensive guide to car hire insurance in Ghent and Flanders explaining CDW LDW TP excess and security deposit mechanics. Compare rental company zero excess premium cover versus third party reimbursement, learn common exclusions, real case studies and Belgian driving risks, and get practical tips to avoid costly surprises

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

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QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Brussels Airport dominates with 68% of rentals in Belgium; Gent city centre holds 25% share, with Sint-Pieters station capturing 15% of train-to-car transitions."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars lead Belgium at 35% share; SUVs growing 12% annually; summer bookings surge 42% above winter; renters book 2-3 weeks ahead on average."

Customer Pain Points

"63% of car rental complaints in Belgium involve insurance confusion, particularly CDW vs Super CDW coverage terms; 54% report hidden fee discrepancies."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Brussels Airport Official - Car Rental Statistics
Grand View Research - Belgium Car Rental Market Report 2024
Visit Flanders - Tourism Statistics
Statista - Car Rentals Market Forecast Belgium
Leaseurope - Annual Statistics 2024
6W Research - Belgium Tourism Vehicle Rental Market
European Consumer Centre (ECC-Net) - Car Rental Complaints Report 2024
CarHireExcess.ie Industry Analysis
Vrooem - 5 Mistakes When Renting a Car in Belgium

Popular Driving Routes & Day Trips From Ghent (Gent)

Top Self-Drive Routes:

Ghent to Bruges via Damme (Canals & Medieval Towns)

Scenic cultural route1 hr 15 mins driving (plus stops)

A relaxed, picturesque drive from Ghent to Bruges with a gentle detour through Damme. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting canalside scenery, historic centres and easy parking outside the busiest cores.

Ghent (Gent), Damme, Bruges (Brugge), Minnewater Park (Bruges), Belfry of Bruges area

Ghent to the Belgian Coast (Ostend & De Haan)

Seaside route1 hr 20 mins driving (plus stops)

A straightforward run to the North Sea for fresh air, promenades and seafood, with the option to break in charming De Haan for Belle Époque architecture before continuing to Ostend’s beach and harbour.

Ghent (Gent), De Haan, Ostend (Oostende), Ostend Promenade, Ostend Harbour

Ghent to Antwerp via Sint-Niklaas (City Break Loop)

Urban highlights route1 hr 10 mins driving one-way (plus stops)

A quick motorway journey to Antwerp for fashion, museums and riverside views. Good for a full-day city break, with a simple stopover in Sint-Niklaas for a coffee break and wide market square.

Ghent (Gent), Sint-Niklaas, Antwerp (Antwerpen), Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp), Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

Popular Short Trips (Half-Day to Full-Day):

Brussels (Grand Place & Museums)

45–60 mins each way driving (traffic dependent)

An easy day trip for landmark architecture, major museums and neighbourhood food stops. Consider parking at a P+R and using public transport to avoid city-centre congestion.

Ypres (WWI History & Menin Gate)

1 hr 10–1 hr 30 mins each way driving

A meaningful trip focused on First World War history, with museums, memorials and preserved landscapes in the surrounding area. Arrive earlier for easier parking and a calmer visit.

Dinant & the Meuse Valley

2 hrs 10–2 hrs 40 mins each way driving

A longer, rewarding day out to dramatic river scenery, clifftop views and classic Belgian countryside drives. Best in fair weather and with an early start to maximise time on the riverfront.

Ardennes Sampler: Durbuy

2 hrs 10–2 hrs 40 mins each way driving

A countryside escape to one of Belgium’s most charming small towns, ideal for a scenic drive, short walks and local cafés. Weekends can be busy, so plan parking and timings.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Ghent

Use P+R car parks for the city centre: Ghent’s core is traffic-calmed; park at a Park-and-Ride (P+R) and finish by tram/bus to save time and avoid restricted zones.

Watch for Low Emission Zone (LEZ) rules: Check whether your vehicle needs registration and confirm access rules before you drive into city centres in Belgium.

Choose the right car size: A compact car is easier for narrow streets and tight parking, especially in historic towns like Bruges and central Ghent.

Plan parking before you arrive: Pre-identify car parks near your main sights; city-centre street parking can be limited and time-restricted.

Understand fuel types and refuelling: Confirm petrol vs diesel at pick-up and refuel at larger stations near motorways for easier access and clearer pricing.

Review insurance and deposit terms: Check the excess, deposit hold, and what’s covered (windscreen/tyres). Photograph the car at pick-up and drop-off for peace of mind.

Avoid peak-hour traffic windows: Morning and late afternoon can be slow around Brussels/Antwerp corridors; adjust departure times to protect your day-trip schedule.

Use offline maps and live traffic: Download offline maps for rural areas and rely on live traffic routing to handle motorway incidents and urban diversions.

Driving in Ghent, Belgium: Complete Visitor's Guide

Everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in medieval Ghent, including road rules, fuel prices, and travel tips

LANGUAGES

Dutch, French, German

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+32

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$45 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

70-120 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (0.02% for novice drivers)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.08/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.52/L - $2.08/L

TRAVELER RATING

9.0 / 10

Gent Car Hire FAQs

Practical answers on driving rules, parking, tolls and insurance for self-drive visitors to Gent, Belgium

Can I drive in Belgium with a UK photocard licence, or do I need an IDP?

Yes, a valid UK photocard licence is accepted for short stays. No International Driving Permit is required post-Brexit. You must be at least 21, and drivers under 25 usually pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly €8–€15 per day. Always carry the licence and a passport-style photo ID at all times.

What are the speed limits and common camera-enforced traps around Gent?

Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70–90 km/h on regional roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. On the R40 ring road around Gent, average-speed cameras are widespread and enforce a strict 90 km/h limit. Fixed and mobile speed cameras are common near school zones and tunnel approaches, so keep within limits.

How do I pay for parking in Gent's historic centre, and what does it cost?

Street parking in the historic centre uses paid bays from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday, costing about €2 per hour. Pay at the orange ticket machines using coins, contactless card, or the 4411 app. Free parking is very limited; the P7 Sint-Pieters underground car park near the station is a safer option for overnight stays.

Are there toll roads in Belgium, and do I need a toll transponder?

Belgium has no general motorway tolls for cars; the entire network is free to use. The only paid section is the Liefkenshoek Tunnel near Antwerp, costing around €6–€8 each way depending on time of day. You can pay by card at the toll booth, so no transponder is required.

What insurance coverage should I add when hiring a car in Gent?

Basic third-party liability is included by law, but the excess on collision and theft waivers can exceed €1,000. To avoid a large credit-card hold, add a full zero-excess policy for €10–€20 per day. Glass and tyre damage is often excluded from standard waivers, so check if SuperCover or equivalent is offered at the desk.

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