Hello, we will be in Brussels the end of March. staying at a hotel by the Grand Place. We would like to rent a car to drive to Bastogne, then to Luxembourg and back to Brussels airport. Where should we rent a car for the easiest to get to the rental place and the easiest to get out of Brussels - Gare Midi / South station or the airport. I see its a 15min taxi ride to the airport. do you think the taxi can take us directly to the Sixt car rental? For us to get to Gare Midi / South station, we would walk to Bruxelles Central for a 10min max ride to Midi. However, the drive out of Brussels looks more complicated than from the airport.
Thank you for all your time and advice!
Kellly
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2628 posts
Brussels is a tricky city to drive in. You must know how to use the lanes, especially when there are bus and trolley specific lanes. And there is a lot of construction going on in the city, causing issues with directional guides like Google Maps. Plus the roads kind of suck; cobblestones, potholes, etc. I spent 3 days driving around the city last weekend and there were times i got frustrated, and I've been driving in Europe for decades.
Use public transport to go to the airport and rent the car there. The trams, busses, and underground are easy to use, and you can just use a debit card to tap and pay. Each trip is 2.70 euro, no matter on the conveyance.
Be advised that the roads in Belgium itself are among the worst in Western Europe. You will notice a difference when you cross into Luxembourg. Plan on snow and rain. And you want to check if the museums in Bastogne will be open. The American Monument is closed and fenced off due to reconstruction.
Posted by
Sydney, Australia
307 posts
Hi, there are a couple of things to know about driving in Belgium - one is priorité à droite, priority to the right. That means that any cars coming out of small streets on the right side of the road have priority. This catches new drivers in Belgium all the time. The other thing is a good thing: all the highways in Belgium have street lighting across the whole country (condition of roads notwithstanding). I believe it's the only country in the world to do this, or at least, it used to be. So if you drove to Bastogne and were driving at night, you will see your way.
I agree with KGC, leave from the airport. Easier to get on to the open road. It might be a little further, but you might get some bonus points from the rental car agency for taking a car back to its origin.
Lavandula
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9305 posts
We rented at Brussels Midi station, it just worked so much better for where we were going and where we arrived at (Brussels Midi). We really had no issues getting out (to the Southwest and West) or returning (from the South from Bastogne). Personally, I think the commonly voiced concerns about getting out of town from Brussels Midi are overstated.
That said, seeing that you want to get back to the airport, then renting there would be as easy. just some added miles to get around Brussels and on your way to Bastogne.
Posted by
Belgium
356 posts
Very wise and correct words from Paul.
I think that to pick up your car at the airport, you always have to report to the SIXT office firstly. This is located in the Arrivals hall (level 2).
Taxis will drop you off at the entrance of the departure hall (enter and use escalator or lift to go down one level). Or ask them if they can drop you off at the arrivals hall (no idea if they will do this). Then enter, turn left and walk to the end.