Belgium car rental

Bruges is not a great place to have a car, and definately more of a hassle than a benefit in the city... but as I recall from your previous posts, you plan to use the car to explore the countryside. So, maybe I can suggest some pros and cons of each option.

Renting at the Brussels airport: Pro- Easy access to multipe rental car agencies. Con- Most flights from the east coast arrive in Belgium just as morning rush hour begins. Realize that you will be quite jet-lagged, and the traffic around the Brussels beltway, which you will need to navigate to get to Bruges, is some of the worst in Europe. I don't like driving here even when I'm well rested! Con- Rail access from the airport to Bruges couldn't be easier. You can catch a direct train from the airport. It will pass through Brussels, but you don't have to change trains.

Renting in Bruges: Pro- You'll save yourself from the suicidal jet-lagged drive around Brussels. Con- You don't need a car in Bruges. Parking is scarce and expensive (but a car would be very useful for daytrips into the countryside). Con- I'm sure there are rental agencies available, but I've not seen any readily noticable. You may have to explore a little to find one.

Auto Europe lists three pick-up locations in Bruges.

Thanks very much for your very detailed response. It was very helpful.