Parking at Dranouter 2025: where to leave your car

There's nothing more frustrating than starting your festival day by driving in circles. Dranouter is a charming village, but during the festival, it fills up quickly. Street parking is limited, field car parks get occupied early, and traffic patterns change constantly. Arriving unprepared may result in hassle or a long walk.

This guide will show you how to park easily and close to the festival grounds. Because smart parking is the start of a great festival day.

Parking at Festival Dranouter

Dranouter is a small, rural village without large car parks or major roads. During the festival, the centre becomes traffic-free, and a general parking ban applies to the surrounding streets. Therefore, parking is only allowed in the official festival car parks around the site. Those leaving their vehicles in the field car parks are kindly asked to follow the signage and purchase a parking ticket in advance.

Several zones are available

Several zones are available. Parking A is the closest to the classic Camping Zone. Parking B is near the Quiet Camping Zone and is also used for motorhomes and camper vans. Those arriving with a towed vehicle will receive a sticker upon arrival, granting access to a specific zone. Thanks to a partnership with Volvo, there's also a 'Volvo Only Parking' area. Only Volvo drivers are permitted to park there, and it's on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't forget to purchase your parking pass in advance through Dranouter's official ticket shop. It's not only more economical but also speeds up entry upon arrival.

Why choose SparkSpot in Dranouter?

SparkSpot offers you the opportunity to reserve your parking spot in advance. This way, you avoid the stress of a full car park or endlessly searching the surrounding streets. SparkSpot locations are carefully selected: close to the festival grounds, easily accessible, and situated on private property. That means more comfort, more peace of mind, and more certainty. Additionally, by using SparkSpot, you support the festival's mobility plan, which focuses on clear zones and sustainable distribution. This contributes to smoother traffic flow and benefits the environment.

Reserve a private parking space close to the site

With a SparkSpot reservation, you park possibly within walking distance of the entrance. Ideal for those who prefer not to rely on a bus or shuttle, or who simply want to arrive and depart at their own pace. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation with clear instructions and can easily locate your spot via GPS. Thanks to our collaboration with local residents, you’ll have a reliable private spot: safe, well‑maintained, and checked.

Festival Dranouter accessible by public transport or bicycle

You don't need a car to reach Dranouter conveniently. The organisation collaborates with De Lijn, which, in addition to the regular service, deploys extra buses between Ypres via Dranouter. Check the timetable in advance through official channels to know exactly which bus to take to the festival. Prefer cycling? That's perfectly feasible. From the Heuvelland or surrounding villages, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape as you pedal towards the festival. Bicycle parking is provided near the entrance and clearly signposted along the road. You can also reach the venue by train, alighting at Ypres station. From there, connecting buses are provided to the festival. This way, you arrive at your destination relaxed and without parking worries.

Parking for persons with disabilities

Visitors with disabilities can make use of designated parking spaces close to the festival grounds. To do so, it's mandatory to request a parking permit in advance through the organisation. You'll then be assigned a location where you can park safely and nearby. The accessibility of the site itself is also well‑managed. Think of adapted entrances, wheelchair‑friendly facilities, and volunteers who can assist you if needed. When making your request, indicate your preferences or specific needs to ensure a smooth and pleasant arrival.

Offer your parking space via SparkSpot

Do you live in or around Dranouter and have a driveway or piece of land that's unused during the festival? You can offer your parking space through SparkSpot. This helps visitors park conveniently and earns you some extra income. You don't need to deal with complex paperwork. SparkSpot makes it easy to offer your spot with clear agreements about price, availability, and timing. Ideal for residents who support the festival and convenient for visitors who prefer to park nearby without stress. You can register your space on the SparkSpot website. Clearly indicate how much space you have and when it’s available. Everything else is handled automatically.

Final checklist for your festival parking

Before heading to Festival Dranouter, it's best to check these practical matters:

Do you have a valid ticket for the festival parking?
Do you know whether you'll be in Parking A, B, or C?
Are you coming with a motorhome or camper van? Then you'll need an extra sticker.
Plan your route: avoid the village centre and follow the signage.
Don't forget to place your parking ticket on the dashboard.
Are you driving a Volvo? Don't forget your reservation for the Volvo Only Parking.

Information, tickets and contact

For all practical information about the festival and parking, visit the official Festival Dranouter website. There, you'll find an overview of available tickets, including day tickets, weekend passes, and parking tickets at discounted rates when purchased in advance.

Smart Parking is a smart start

If you want to enjoy Festival Dranouter without stress, it's best to make a thoughtful parking choice. By reserving a parking spot in advance, you avoid long searches and parking fines. You know where you're going, access the site more smoothly, and start the festival in the right mood. Using SparkSpot or an official festival parking? Well done. You're supporting the festival's mobility plan and ensuring a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. This way, everyone contributes.