Katiemay

We are thinking about renting a car in
Antwerp when returning from Amsterdam. We
want to see some of the countryside.
Would Antwerp be a good place to rent it
and then return it to the Airport?
It would be for about 3 days.

DonTopaz

That's an excellent idea: the countryside and seaside is pleasant and easy to drive.

You might want to check if there is a drop-off charge when renting in Belgium and dropping off in the Netherlands. If so, you could save yourself some money by taking a short train ride from Antwerp to Roosendaal or Rotterdam, and picking the rental car up in either of those cities. (Avis has offices in both places. I haven't checked, but Avis city locations are typically near train stations.)

Katiemay

My post wasn't too clear. We are taking
a train from Amsterdam to Antwerp and
would rent a car there and then return
it to Brussels a/p.

MyriamC

That's an excellent idea!
Do visit the city first before renting your car. You don't need it within the city and parking is expensive.

Katiemay

Yes, we will do that. I hope it will
be easy to get out of the city. We
may still take trains because of the
fares for seniors. Too many decisions.
Thanks

MyriamC

Katiemay,
In case you want to visit the main cities (Gent, Brugge, Brussel) it might indeed be wiser to travel by trains. Our rail system is pretty good (although I never take the train myself quot;> ). Even the smaller cities like Mechelen, Leuven, Lier, or the Belgian seaside if you care for it are easily reachable by train.
If you want to explore the countryside you will be better off with a car.
Is there anything in particular that you would like to see in Belgium?

Katiemay

WE will be in Brugge for 3 nights when
we first arrive and probably to Gent
for a few hours.
I haven't looked too much at the other
towns, yet. I really like small villages. WE do like the flexibility
of having a car.

MyriamC

I can relate to that! We also like the flexibility of having a car.