Do you need a car in Beglium
In Belgium, you don’t really need a car. Belgium’s public transport is affordable, reliable, and has good coverage. Most cities are easier to access by train. If you’re planning to visit the Ardennes, World War I sites, or the countryside, a car might be a better option.
Heavy traffic zones
Belgium is densely populated, and there is always a lot of traffic. In most countries, the roads are busy once you approach the city, but in between cities, they are much calmer.
In the area between Ghent, Antwerp, Louvain, and Brussels, the suburbs of one city are next to the suburbs of the next city. There is a lot of traffic in this zone. It’s best to avoid this area. Mechelen (Malines) is in the center of this area.
During peak hours there are often massive traffic jams in this area. It’s best to avoid Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. When you plan your route in Google Maps (or another route planner), make sure that you also put in the date and time of when you plan to travel.
Low Emission Zones
There are low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. You need to check in advance if your car can enter these cities. If not, you need to buy a permit. You need a separate one for each town. The rules for Brussels are different from those of Antwerp and Ghent.
Parking your car
In most Belgian cities, there are not enough parking spaces. When there are events, it can be challenging to find a parking spot. When you visit Belgium by car, it’s best to choose a hotel that has parking spaces.
The prices you pay for parking your car in a public garage can be very high.