Car Hire in Mortsel, Antwerp

EU driving licences are accepted directly. If you're from outside the EU, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national licence. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge typically ranging from €20-30 per day for drivers under 25. Ensure your licence has been held for at least one year before renting.

Belgium uses the Viacard system on motorways—purchase a Viacard (from service stations or rental companies) and affix it to your windscreen for automatic toll detection. Alternatively, some motorways have ticket-based systems where you collect a ticket at entry and pay at exit. The E40 Antwerp–Brussels route is toll-free, but the ring road around Brussels (Ring 0) requires a toll. Electronic toll collection (e-Toll) is also available via the Monter pour V5 device.

Yes. Antwerp operates a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) covering the city centre and parts of the ring road. Vehicles that don't meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) emission standards face fines of €150-500. Check your vehicle's emission rating before entering. If renting, confirm with your provider that the vehicle complies, or consider parking at one of the P+R car parks on the city outskirts and using public transport into the centre.

On-street parking in the city centre costs between €2-4 per hour, typically operating from 9am to midnight, Monday to Saturday. Sunday parking is often free but limited to 2 hours. For longer stays, the Q-Park and Interparking facilities offer daily rates of approximately €20-35. P+R locations near metro stations (e.g., Mortsel, Berchem) charge a flat €4-5 per day including public transport access—highly recommended for budget-conscious travellers.

Winter tyres are not legally required in Belgium but are strongly recommended from November to March. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow or black ice is common, particularly on bridges and secondary roads. If you're renting a car in winter, ask about snow tyres or carry chains. Belgian motorways are generally well-maintained, but rural routes and Antwerp's numerous bridges and tunnels can become hazardous during cold snaps. Check the weather forecast and VAB (Automobile Association) reports before setting out.