SparkSpot team
Ghent is one of Belgium’s most vibrant cities — but finding an affordable parking spot can be tricky. Narrow streets, busy traffic, and a mix of parking zones often lead to higher costs.
With the right strategy, you can still park cheaply or even for free. In this guide, you’ll discover where to find the lowest parking rates, how to use Park & Ride (P+R) facilities, and how digital tools like SparkSpot help you reserve parking without stress.
Ghent operates a colour-coded parking system. The closer you get to the city centre, the more you pay.
Zone | Rate (€/hour) | Max. time | Notes
Red zone | ± €3.00 | 3 hours | City centre, most expensive
Orange zone | ± €1.80 | 5 hours | Just outside the centre
Yellow zone | ± €1.20 | 5 hours | Surrounding neighbourhoods
Green zone | ± €1.00 | Unlimited | Cheapest paid zone
Blue zone | Free (with disc) | 2 hours | Active 9:00–18:00
After 7 p.m. and on Sundays or public holidays, parking in most zones is free.
In blue zones, use a parking disc — outside active hours, parking is usually unrestricted.
The entire city centre falls within a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Always check online if your vehicle is allowed to enter to avoid fines.
If you don’t need to park in the city core, Ghent’s Park & Ride (P+R) facilities are ideal. These areas offer free or low-cost parking, with easy tram or bus connections to the centre.
Top options include:
These P+R sites let you combine affordable parking with smooth public transport access — perfect for day trips or shopping visits.
Ghent has 19 parking garages, 13 of which are managed by the city. For drivers who prefer certainty or indoor parking, these facilities often cost less than on-street parking in the red zone.
Popular choices:
Booking online through platforms such as SparkSpot or ParkBee can save 10–25% compared to standard rates. SparkSpot also lists private parking spots in residential areas, giving you more options near events or crowded weekends.
Driving electric? Ghent is expanding its charging infrastructure rapidly.
There are over 450 public charging points throughout the city, and many car parks — including Kouter and Reep — now feature EV chargers.
With SparkSpot, you can filter for parking spots with chargers, ensuring your car can charge while parked. That saves time and offers peace of mind, especially on longer visits.
Some zones also offer reduced rates or free parking for EVs. Always verify the latest rules on the official Ghent city website.
Compared to other Flemish cities, Ghent remains relatively affordable, especially outside the inner ring (R40).
City | Central rate | Free P+R | Notes
Ghent | €3.00 | ✔️ | Good balance between price & access
Bruges | €3.50 | ✔️ | High tourist pressure
Ostend | €2.50 | ✔️ | Seasonal variation in demand
Ghent stands out for its excellent P+R accessibility, digital payments, and focus on sustainable mobility.
Through SparkSpot, you can also find parking in nearby towns like Drongen, Mariakerke, and Sint-Amandsberg — often cheaper than downtown options.
1. Avoid the red zone – Orange and green zones can be up to 60% cheaper.
2. Use a P+R – Free or low-cost, and outside the LEZ.
3. Book in advance – Platforms like SparkSpot show live availability and rates.
4. Park in the evening – After 7 p.m., many zones are free.
5. Use your parking disc – Essential for blue zones to avoid fines.
6. Check your LEZ status – Unregistered vehicles risk high penalties.
7. Combine transport options – Park outside and take a tram or shared bike.
8. Compare rates before arrival – SparkSpot and Interparking list all prices.
9. Use contactless payments – Bancontact, 4411, or Payconiq are faster.
10. Watch for free parking days – Sundays and holidays often come with reduced or zero rates.
• Choosing the wrong zone: staying all day in a red zone is costly.
• Forgetting your parking disc: leads to automatic fines in blue zones.
• Ignoring the LEZ rules: unregistered diesel cars risk fines up to €350.
• Driving around aimlessly: searching for a spot wastes time and fuel — booking ahead avoids that.
Can I park for free in Ghent?
Yes. P+R sites like The Loop, Muide, and Gentbrugge are free. Many green zones are also free after 7 p.m. or on Sundays.
Is parking in the city centre expensive?
In red zones, expect around €3 per hour. Outside the R40, rates drop to about €1 per hour.
How does digital parking work?
Payment is fully app-based via 4411, EasyPark, or ParkMobile. Your license plate is registered automatically — no paper ticket required.
Can I reserve a parking space in advance?
Yes. With SparkSpot, you can reserve private parking spots — often cheaper than commercial garages, with EV and covered options available.
Parking in Ghent doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By combining cheaper zones, free P+R options, and digital tools like SparkSpot, you can save both time and money.
With SparkSpot, you can easily find and reserve parking across Ghent and nearby areas — often at lower rates than on-street parking. Drive into the city confidently, knowing a parking spot is waiting for you.
