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Car hire in Ostend - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Ostend

Ostend

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Ostend

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Ostend

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Ostend

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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.

Why Hire a Car in Ostend?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Ostend

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.

Car Hire Prices in Ostend – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Ostend?

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.

General Information About Ostend

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in Ostend

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.

What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Ostend?

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.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Ostend as

4.1

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.

Ostend was lovely! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, and we saw so much of the coast. Highly recommend!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 24.12.2024

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!

AG

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!

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 08.09.2024

Ostend was charming, though the seafront felt a bit crowded. Renting a car was easy.

AW

Ava Wilson

Reviewed: 21.05.2025

Relaxing beach town.

MD

Mia Davis

Reviewed: 29.06.2025

Meh. Windy and bland.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 08.05.2025

Okay, but kinda pricey.

KJ

Kai Jensen

Reviewed: 14.11.2024

Chill coastal vibe.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 19.02.2025

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