Discover Bruges on Your Own Terms: Car Rental Guide and Tips
Bruges, with its enchanting medieval architecture and picturesque canals, is a city best explored at your own pace. Renting a car through Bookingautos gives you the freedom to discover this Belgian gem and its surrounding areas on your terms. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your car rental experience in Bruges.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
When selecting a car, consider these factors:
Size: Bruges has narrow streets, so a compact or mid-size car is ideal for easy navigation.
Fuel efficiency: Opt for a fuel-efficient model to save on gas costs.
Transmission: Most rentals in Belgium are manual. If you prefer automatic, book in advance.
Navigating Bruges and Beyond
While Bruges' historic center is best explored on foot, a car allows you to venture beyond the city limits. Visit the charming town of Damme, just a 15-minute drive northeast, or take a scenic coastal drive to Ostend, about 30 minutes away.
Parking Tips
Parking in Bruges can be challenging, but these tips will help:
Use parking lots on the outskirts of the city center, such as Station Parking or 't Zand.
Be aware of the blue zones where parking is free but time-limited.
Always check parking signs and restrictions to avoid fines.
Driving Rules to Remember
Key points to keep in mind:
Drive on the right side of the road.
The speed limit in city areas is typically 50 km/h.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
It's illegal to use a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system.
With Bookingautos, you can compare offers from various rental companies to find the best deal for your Bruges adventure. Remember to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and better rates. By following these tips and embracing the freedom of having your own wheels, you'll be set for an unforgettable journey through Bruges and its beautiful surroundings.
Video Guide to Must-Visit Locations
Where to Park Your Rental Car in Bruges
Bruges is a charming medieval city best explored on foot, but if you've rented a car, finding parking can be challenging. Here are some options for parking your rental car in Bruges:
Public Parking Lots
't Zand: Large underground parking garage near the city center
Station: Convenient for those arriving by train
Centrum-Zonnekemeers: Close to popular attractions
Park and Ride
For a more budget-friendly option, consider using one of Bruges' Park and Ride facilities:
Magdalenaparking: Free parking with shuttle service to the city center
Veemarkt: Affordable parking with easy access to public transportation
Remember to always follow local parking regulations and pay attention to time limits to avoid fines. It's often best to park your car and explore the city on foot or by bike to fully appreciate Bruges' beauty.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Budget
Most popular car class
Standard
Average price
35 € / Day
Best price
25 € / Day
Average cost per week of rental in Bruges
January
€141
February
€120
March
€132
April
€177
May
€192
June
€196
July
€261
August
€206
September
€169
October
€140
November
€145
December
€300
* The average cost of renting a car in Bruges for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
In August rental companies located in Bruges rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.
The best time to rent a car in Bruges is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €23 for a Compact car.
Convertibles are especially popular in summer. It is difficult to find a free car for rent, and you will have to pay more than usual for a trip with a breeze. Renting BMW 2 Series Cabrio during Summer period can costs €213 per day.
Bookingautos offers a wide range of cars of any class. In Bruges you can rent a convertible, SUV, sedan, minivan, as well as a business class car. Our rental fleet consists of new cars manufactured in 2024 year.
We offer reasonable and fully justified rates with no overpayments or hidden fees. The cost is calculated taking into account the class of car and the duration of the rental period. The longer the period, the lower the daily rate. For compact models of the middle segment the daily price starts from €18, the fee for a middle-class car is €37-€86 per day. Business class will cost more - you will have to pay for it from €52 and above. The cost of rent depends on the season. Moreover, during the peak period, the price increases significantly. Especially for convertibles and rare models. For a popular model among our customers BMW 2 Series Cabrio you will have to pay at least €74 per day.
Recently, in Bruges has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Bruges, select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be Tesla Model X.
Documents needed to rent a car
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
Top 10 Tips You Should Know
Download Google maps for offline access
All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.
Early Booking Discount
Bruges is a popular holiday destination and the car rental service is in great demand here. Therefore, it is recommended to book a car in advance. When booking online, you know exactly which car, for what price and under what conditions you will get in Bruges. The main advantage of early booking is the cost savings. The less time left before the start of the rental, the higher the cost of the rental becomes. The optimal period for booking in rental companies is 6 weeks before receiving the car. If you book early, two days before receiving the car, you can cancel the order without any penalties.
Which car to choose
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Citroen C1 or Ford Fiesta. These models are the most popular with our customers in Bruges.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. Opel Insignia Estate will cost €32 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance recommendations
Rental companies in Bruges may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Fuel prepayment terms
When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Bruges for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.
Rent without mileage limit
According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Bruges, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
How to choose a rental company
When renting a car in Bruges, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.
If we talk about the best companies in Bruges, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.
Car pick-up procedure
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
Our advantages
24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
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Car rental reviews: Bruges
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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