By car to Brussels: Brussels parking, the Low Emission Zone and other practical tips

Travelling to Brussels by car? Check out these tips about the Low Emission Zone, vehicle registration and other practical information about parking in Brussels Centre.
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By car to Brussels: Brussels parking, the Low Emission Zone and other practical tips

13-03-2019

Updated 23-05-2023: Brussels is a city not to be missed, with its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.


Brussels is a perfect stopover on any European road trip. A visit to Brussels is worthwhile not only because the city is the administrative centre of the European Union (EU), but also because it is easily accessible by car from neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France and has so much to offer.


Are you considering going by car to Brussels? This guide will tell you everything, such as the low emission zone (LEZ), parking and other useful things you need to know!





Parking in the centre of Brussels


Brussels is divided into different parking zones. Each zone works differently. The maximum parking time also depends on the zone, for example, the maximum parking time in the Pentagon (city centre) is 4.5 hours.


To avoid having to worry about this, we recommend booking a parking space in the centre of Brussels with Mobypark.


This not only saves you time and money when looking for a parking space, but also gives you the opportunity to plan your trip perfectly in advance.


Speaking of planning, there are other topics you need to consider for your trip!



Brussels Low Emission Zone


Besides Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent are also Low Emission Zones (LEZ). But what does that mean now?


To be allowed to drive in Brussels, vehicles must meet a certain emission standard. This is prescribed by the LEZ (Low Emission Zone). To check whether your vehicle meets the requirements, you can use the website lez.brussels.



Car Registration in Brussels


It is also compulsory to register your car before driving to the capital of Belgian. If you fail to do so before, you risk a fine of 150€. If you own a car, van (up to 3.5 t) or minibus, you must register your vehicle. The only exception is vehicles registered in the Netherlands.



Parking outside the LEZ


You may have just discovered that your car is not allowed in the LEZ: What now?


  • To double-check if you are affected by the LEZ zone, you can find a map showing the boundaries of the LEZ zone below.


Photo Source: LEZ Website


  • If you are already in Brussels, you can recognise the LEZ zone by the street signs.


Photo Source: LEZ Website




Are you ready to go to Brussels?


A trip to Brussels is probably longer than what you and your car are used to. Therefore, it is important that your car is in good condition. Check your tire pressure and stop by a petrol station if you need gas. If you want to be absolutely sure, you can even have your car checked by a mechanic.



Plan activities in Brussels


This dynamic city has something for everyone, whether you love history, food, or art. Here are some must-see sights and activities on your itinerary when visiting Brussels.


  • Start your trip at Brussel's famous Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the beautiful design of the City Hall and the guild buildings that line the square. Visit the square at night when the buildings are beautifully illuminated, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
  • Also, visit the bustling street market Place du Jeu de Balle in the beautiful Marolles district to buy small antiques and regional specialties.

  • The numerous galleries and museums in Brussels will delight art lovers. Admire the works of Flemish masters such as Bruegel and Rubens during a visit to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. Pay attention to the Magritte Museum to immerse yourself in the fantastic world of René Magritte.

  • The Atomium is a unique experience, as this architectural marvel embodies the essence of Brussels. Visit the exhibitions inside and take the lift to the top for a panoramic view of the city.


YouTube videos can be a very useful tool for trip planning. Check out travel vlogs and guidebooks for a visual overview of the city's highlights, local insights, and recommendations.





Public transport in Brussels


If you are traveling by public transport, we recommend the official website. Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB-MIVB) provides public transportation services in Brussels. The website offers information on routes, timetables, fares, and ticket options for buses, trams, and metros operated by the company. It also provides news and updates on service disruptions and changes.





Get ready for your trip to Brussels!


Once you have registered your car, planned your route, reserved a parking space and have a rough idea of what you want to do in Brussels, it is important to make sure you have everything you need for a fun trip.


Don't forget the following:


  • Entertainment during the car trip to Brussels, so make a playlist of your favourite songs to listen to during the journey.
  • Take several water bottles with you
  • Pack some snacks for the car trip to Brussels, such as fresh fruit and vegetables with hummus, popcorn, sandwiches, sandwich bread, or rice cakes with avocado.
  • Your favourite person/s


Mobypark wishes you a wonderful trip by car to Brussels!


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Simon

Creative Design & Communications