Renting a car at the station: train + car for the last mile

The train drops you off in the heart of the city, fast and relaxed. But once you're on the platform, how do you reach that village on the outskirts, that client thirty kilometres away, or that family home with poor connections? Renting a car right next to the station solves the famous last mile — and on Vehado it happens between individuals, with no queue at the desk.

Why combine train and car

The train excels over long distances: no fatigue behind the wheel, no traffic jams, time to work or read. The car takes over as soon as you leave the main routes. By combining them, you get the best of both worlds.

This train + car intermodality is ideal in several situations:

• Weekends: reach a tourist region by train, then explore the surroundings freely by car.
• Business trips: arrive rested for a meeting, then string together several client visits in the same day.
• Poorly served areas: many towns have no metro or frequent bus after the station; the car fills that gap.
• One-off journeys: no need to own a second car that sits in the car park 350 days a year.

Instead of depending on uncertain bus schedules or an expensive taxi, you pick up a vehicle a few minutes' walk from your arrival.

Around the major Belgian stations

Belgium is a dense country where stations are genuine hubs. On Vehado, you'll find cars offered by individuals living right next to these arrival points.

• Brussels-South (Bruxelles-Midi): gateway for Thalys, Eurostar and ICE. Perfect for heading straight to Wallonia or the coast without passing through the centre.
• Antwerp-Central: one of Europe's most beautiful stations, ideal for then reaching across Antwerp province and the port.
• Liège-Guillemins: the Calatrava-designed TGV hub, a handy starting point towards the Ardennes and the Meuse valley.
• Ghent-Saint-Pierre (Gent-Sint-Pieters): at the centre of a dense network, to explore East Flanders and the Ghent area.

Around each of these stations, the density of available vehicles often makes instant booking possible, even at the last minute.

In France and across Europe

The same principle works beyond our borders. In France, the major TGV stations — Paris, Lyon Part-Dieu, Lille-Europe, Bordeaux Saint-Jean, Marseille Saint-Charles — concentrate a large offer. You step off the TGV and drive off towards the countryside, the coast, or a secondary town not served by rail.

Across Europe, the spirit stays the same: arrive in a well-connected metropolis, then reach a more remote destination by car. This logic of a connection from the station turns a simple train ticket into a door-to-door itinerary.

The benefits of peer-to-peer rental

Picking up a car near the station via Vehado isn't just practical — it's often more affordable than a traditional rental desk:

• Attractive prices: generally lower than classic rental firms, from a few tens of euros a day depending on the vehicle and city.
• Genuine proximity: the car is where its owner lives, often a few streets from the station, not in an out-of-town lot.
• Insurance included and assistance throughout the rental.
• Verified profiles: identity and driving licence checked for both renter and owner.
• Secure payment by card or Bancontact, with a deposit that isn't charged if all goes well.
• Photo condition report at departure and return, plus mutual reviews for a community built on trust.

No desk, no queue: you agree on a meeting point with the owner and collect the keys directly.

Our tips for a smooth train + car trip

A few simple habits make the experience seamless:

• Book ahead around major stations, especially in busy periods (holidays, long weekends, trade fairs).
• Check the exact meeting point: some owners wait in front of the station, others a few minutes' walk away. Locate the spot on the map.
• Confirm the timing: let them know if your train is delayed so you can adjust the key handover.
• Plan the return: on drop-off, leave a margin before your return train for the condition report and returning the keys.
• Travel light at the moment of exchange, and discuss fuel and expected mileage in advance.

These small adjustments turn the switch from station to road into a formality of a few minutes.

Ready to combine rail and road?

Your next journey can start on the rails and end behind the wheel, without a break. Browse the vehicles available near your arrival station and book your car on Vehado in a few clicks.

Live a stone's throw from a major station? Your car can help travellers and earn you extra income: discover how to list your car on Vehado and join our community of hosts.