Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Ostend
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ostend
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ostend
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ostend
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Ostend, a vibrant coastal city in Belgium, offers stunning beaches, historical sites, and delicious seafood. While public transport is available, hiring a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems in and around the city.
Explore the Coastline: With a rental car, you can easily drive along the beautiful Belgian coastline, stopping at charming towns like De Haan and Knokke-Heist.
Visit Historical Sites: Drive to nearby historical sites like the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum and explore the region's rich history.
Enjoy Culinary Delights: A car allows you to venture beyond the city centre and discover local restaurants and cafes offering authentic Belgian cuisine.
Before hiring a car in Ostend, ensure you understand the terms and conditions. These typically include age requirements, licence regulations, insurance policies, and fuel guidelines. Familiarise yourself with these aspects to avoid any surprises during your rental period.
Area
37.72 square kilometres (14.56 square miles)
Population
Approximately 71,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) & CEST (UTC+2) during summer time
Ideal for
Coastal and historical site exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Ostend require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some providers may have a minimum age of 23 or 25, particularly for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under a specific age, typically 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU citizens can use their national driving licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national licence if it is not in a language easily understood by the rental company. Always check the specific requirements with your rental provider.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals usually include basic insurance, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit is typically required, held on a credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals (returning the car to a different location), late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%.
Low season (November to February): Often provides discounts on car rentals.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Ostend involves comparing prices, selecting a vehicle, reviewing rental terms, booking in advance, and collecting the car with the necessary documents. Plan your rental to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Ostend is a charming coastal city in Belgium, known for its beaches, port, and historical significance. Exploring Ostend and its surroundings by car allows for greater flexibility and convenience.
Ostend, located on the Belgian coast, offers a mix of seaside relaxation and cultural experiences. With a car, you can easily explore nearby towns, historical sites, and the beautiful coastline. Driving in Ostend is generally straightforward, but it's important to be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Beach
Enjoy the sandy beaches and seaside promenade.
Fort Napoleon
Visit this historical fort with a rich past.
Mu.ZEE
Explore modern and contemporary art at this museum.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise parking garages for secure parking in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits when using on-street parking.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic in the city centre.
Gas Stations in Ostend
Main Fuel Chains
Find brands like Total, Shell, and Q8 throughout the area.
Refuelling Guidance
Plan your refuelling stops, especially if travelling outside the city centre.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Ostend
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for tolls and parking fees.
Watch for Cyclists
Be aware of cyclists, especially in pedestrian areas.
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra travel time during peak hours.
Check Local Regulations
Stay informed about local traffic regulations and speed limits.
Railway Stations
Ostend Railway Station
The main railway station providing connections to other Belgian cities.
Airports
Ostend–Bruges International Airport (OST)
Located near Ostend, serving both passenger and cargo flights.
Ferry Terminal
Port of Ostend
Provides ferry services to and from England.
Hiring a car in Ostend requires a few essential documents and meeting certain conditions. Here's what you typically need to hire a car in Ostend, Belgium.
A valid driver's licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not easily readable by the rental company.
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or another form of photo identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Ostend as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Exploring Ostend by car was fantastic! So easy to get around and discover hidden gems. The beaches were stunning, and the seafood was incredible. Highly recommend!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Ostend was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a car made exploring so convenient and effortless. Beautiful beaches!
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Ostend was charming, though the seafront felt a bit crowded. Renting a car was easy.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Relaxing beach town.
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 29.06.2025
Meh. Windy and bland.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Okay, but kinda pricey.
Kai Jensen
Reviewed: 14.11.2024
Chill coastal vibe.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 19.02.2025
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Ostend was lovely! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, and we saw so much of the coast. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 24.12.2024