Ghent is Belgium's best-kept secret — a medieval powerhouse of a city with a cathedral containing the Ghent Altarpiece (the most stolen artwork in history), a dramatic castle in the city center, and a student-fueled nightlife and food scene that Brussels and Bruges cannot match. The city's revolutionary car-free center makes it a joy to explore on foot, while a rental car opens up the Flemish countryside, WWI battlefields, and neighboring cities.
Ghent has no airport. Most visitors fly into Brussels Airport (BRU), 60 km east, which has a full range of international rental companies, or Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), 100 km southeast, popular with budget airlines. Car rental at Brussels Airport includes Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Budget, and Goldcar. Economy cars start from €22-€38/day.
Some visitors also use Lille Airport in France (75 km) or Antwerp as starting points.
Since 2017, Ghent has had one of Europe's most ambitious car-free circulation plans. Key facts:
The Flemish countryside between Ghent, Bruges, and the coast is beautiful flat cycling country that is equally pleasant by car:
Belgium has the highest concentration of good food per square kilometer in the world, and a car lets you hit the highlights. Ghent has the stoverij (beef stew) and its legendary vegetarian scene. Brussels (55 km) has the moules-frites restaurants of Rue des Bouchers (tourist traps) and the genuine bistros of Saint-Gilles. Liège (160 km) has the authentic Liège waffle (nothing like Brussels waffles). And every small town has a frituur (chip stand) with the real Belgian fries — thick-cut, double-fried, with dozens of sauce options.
Belgian motorways are toll-free but can be heavily congested, especially the Brussels ring (R0). Fuel costs €1.65-€1.85/liter. Speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 70-90 km/h on regional roads, and 50 km/h in towns. Belgian motorways are famously lit at night — visible from space. Cross-border trips to France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany are seamless within Schengen. Most rental companies allow free Benelux travel. Brussels has a low-emission zone; check that your rental has the required registration.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Ghent:
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Belgium — parking tips, toll info, and more.
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sint-Baafsplein / City Center | €2.50/hr | The historic center is a car-free zone (circulatieplan). Vehicles are physically blocked from entering most central streets. |
| Parking Sint-Michiels (Underground) | €14/day | Underground garage near Sint-Michielsbrug, within walking distance of all major sights. The best central option. |
| P+R Gentbrugge / Bourgoyen | €3-5/day | Park-and-ride facilities connected to tram lines. Best value for day visits to the center. |
Traffic note: Ghent implemented a radical traffic circulation plan in 2017 that made most of the city center car-free. The plan divided the center into sectors — you cannot drive from one sector to another without returning to the ring road (R40). Camera enforcement is strict and fines are €150+. This makes Ghent one of Europe's most pleasant cities for pedestrians and cyclists but requires careful route planning for drivers. The E40 and E17 motorways pass near the city. Belgian motorways are toll-free but notoriously congested around Brussels.
Compare car rental prices in Ghent → →Book your Ghent rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at BRU pickup locations.
The 'Venice of the North' — medieval canals, chocolate shops, Gothic architecture, and the famous Belfry tower. One of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities.
Belgium's fashion and diamond capital, with Rubens' baroque masterpieces, a stunning Gothic cathedral, the beautiful MAS museum, and one of Europe's most creative food scenes.
The WWI battlefields around Ypres (Ieper) include Tyne Cot cemetery, preserved trenches, and the moving Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate every evening at 8 PM.
Rental companies in Belgium charge $15-30/day for excess reduction at the desk. Standalone policies cover the same thing for a fraction of the cost — and you can buy before you go.
Reduce your excess to zero from $49/trip
Save up to 70% vs rental desk insurance
These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
Book now and get free cancellation on most rentals.
Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-27.
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Belgium — parking tips, toll info, and more.
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