The 5 Most Expensive Flemish Cities for Parking

Parking in Flemish cities can be stressful—finding the right spot, dealing with parking meters, and, most of all… paying the price. While some cities remain relatively affordable, others see parking costs in the city center rise quickly. But which Flemish cities are the most expensive?

Here’s an overview of the most expensive Flemish cities for on-street parking in the city center, why the rates are so high, and whether there are smart ways to reduce parking costs.

Ghent

Ghent is a charming city, but parking in its historic center can be costly. The red zone has the highest rates, as it’s the closest parking area to major attractions like the Korenmarkt, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and Gravensteen Castle.

Strict rules apply here: parking is paid from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with a maximum parking duration of 3 hours between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Outside these hours, from 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM, and on Sundays and public holidays, parking is free. Additionally, drivers can use two free 20-minute parking sessions per day, which is convenient for a quick stop.

Rates in the red zone (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM):

• 1 hour: €3
• 2 hours: €7
• 3 hours: €11.50

Apart from the expensive red zone, the orange zone offers a more budget-friendly alternative. This zone is just outside the historic center but still within walking distance of key attractions. It’s ideal for those willing to walk a little to save on parking costs.

In the orange zone, you can park for up to 5 hours between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Parking is free outside these hours and on Sundays and public holidays.

Rates in the orange zone (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM):

• 1 hour: €1.80
• 2 hours: €3.60
• 3 hours: €5.40
• 4 hours: €7.20
• 5 hours: €9.00

Between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM, the rates are lower, but parking remains an expensive option for longer visits. If you still want to park in Ghent, consider Park & Ride options, which are located slightly further from the center but are often much cheaper.

Want hassle-free parking? Reserve your spot in advance, in the heart of the city, with or without a charging station, through SparkSpot.

Check out our parking options

Antwerp

Antwerp is a vibrant city full of shops, restaurants, and cultural highlights, but parking can be challenging, especially in the city center. On-street parking is completely prohibited in the historic center, meaning drivers must use other zones.

In the shop & go zone (orange zone), you can park for a maximum of 30 minutes at a rate of €3.80—ideal for a quick errand but far from affordable. For longer parking, the red zone is an option. Parking here is paid from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a maximum duration of 3 hours.

Rates in the red zone:

• 1 hour: €2.30
• 2 hours: €3.40
• 3 hours: €5.70

For those parking further from the center, the light green zone offers a slightly cheaper option. Here, the cost is €1.20 for the first hour and €1.60 for each additional hour, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

While parking in Antwerp is not budget-friendly, Park & Ride facilities at the city's edge combined with public transport can be a cost-effective solution, allowing visitors to enjoy the city without worrying about high parking fees or traffic congestion.

Brussels

Brussels is known for its heavy traffic and high parking fees, especially in central zones. The red zone is the most expensive area to park, including locations like Bockstaelplein, where parking is limited to 2 hours from Monday to Saturday, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Rates in the red zone:

• First 30 min: €0.50
• Second 30 min: €1.50

While these costs may seem lower than in other cities, the strict time limits are a significant downside. For longer stays, drivers often need to look for parking in surrounding zones or use parking garages, which can be significantly more expensive.

Zaventem Airport

When it comes to pure costs, Zaventem Airport is by far the most expensive place to park in Flanders. The pricing reflects the premium services the airport provides for travelers.

• Hourly rate: €8
• Full-day rates: €31 - €36

For frequent travelers or longer stays, alternative parking providers near the airport are highly recommended. Planning in advance and parking further away can result in significant savings.

Leuven

Leuven, known for its lively student life and historic charm, has largely restricted car access in its city center. While this makes the area more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly, visitors arriving by car must park at the city's edge.

The pink and red zones are just outside the city center and are ideal for visitors willing to explore Leuven on foot. Paid parking is required from Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM, with a maximum duration of 2 hours at a rate of €2.50 per hour.

Although parking in Leuven is limited, the city strongly encourages the use of Park & Ride locations or public transport. Planning ahead is essential to avoid unexpected parking challenges.

Bruges

Bruges attracts visitors year-round with its picturesque canals and historic architecture. However, parking in this stunning city is not cheap and can be a challenge, especially in the inner city.

Unlike other cities, Bruges requires paid parking every day, including Sundays and public holidays.

Street parking is limited to a maximum duration of 4 hours, meaning long-term visitors or day-trippers must look for alternatives.

Rates for street parking:

• 1 hour: €2.50
• 2 hours: €6.00
• 3 hours: €10.50
• 4 hours: €16.00 (maximum fee)

This makes Bruges one of the most expensive cities for on-street parking in Flanders. Visitors planning to stay longer will find parking garages or Park & Ride facilities on the city's outskirts to be more affordable and practical options.

Why Is Parking So Expensive in Flemish Cities?

High parking rates in Flemish cities result from various factors in urban areas. A major reason is the limited availability of parking spots in historic city centers. Cities like Ghent, Bruges, and Leuven were designed long before cars existed. Their narrow streets and small spaces were not built to accommodate modern traffic, leading to high demand and limited supply.

Additionally, cities use high parking fees as a tool to regulate traffic. By making city-center parking expensive, municipalities encourage alternative transport options such as public transport, cycling, or Park & Ride facilities. This approach helps reduce congestion and maintain livability in busy downtown areas.