Parking in Ghent during the Christmas Market
It's important to keep in mind that the Christmas market can get very busy, especially in the evening. Planning your parking options in advance will save you unnecessary stress and ensure your visit starts off on the right foot.
Parking options in the city center
Parking in downtown Ghent during the Christmas market is not recommended, as spots are likely to be full. You can check availability on the City of Ghent's website and look for real-time updates on the signage boards around the city.
If you still wish to park near the Christmas market, you can try one of the paid underground parking garages in the center:
- Ramen
- Kouter
- Savaanstraat
- Reep
- Center Parking
- Vrijdagmarkt
- Sint-Michiels: Located about a 5-minute walk from the Christmas market.
- Gent Zuid: Located 15 minutes from the Christmas market and outside Ghent’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ).
Other parking options in Ghent
Fortunately, Ghent is well-prepared for large numbers of visitors, thanks to events like the Gentse Feesten and the Christmas market. Several Park & Ride (P+R) locations on the outskirts of the city provide an excellent alternative to avoid the congestion. These parking lots offer safe and affordable parking, with frequent shuttle buses and trams to the city center.
Most Park & Ride locations are easily accessible by public transport, with travel times to the center ranging between 10 and 20 minutes.
Paid Park & Ride options in Ghent:
- P+R Ledeberg: One of the best options for reaching the center quickly. Conveniently located near the highway exit, avoiding city traffic. A tram ride takes just 5 minutes to the center, or you can walk in 30 minutes.
- P+R Galveston: Parking costs €2 for 24 hours. From here, you can take the bus to the city center.
- P+R Sint-Pietersstation: The most expensive Park & Ride option, costing €26 for 24 hours, making it less recommended.
Free Park & Ride Options in Ghent:
One of the most popular free Park & Ride locations is at Watersportbaan, where you can park for free and take a bus to the center.
Here are some accessible free Park & Ride locations on the outskirts of Ghent:
- P+R Watersportbaan
- P+R Bourgoyen
- P+R The Loop Expo
- P+R Gentbrugge Arselaan
- P+R Moscou
- P+R Mariakerke Post
- P+R Muide
- P+R Maaltebruggepark
- P+R Lübeckstraat
Tip: Ghent is a bike-friendly city! If you have a folding bike, you can cycle from the Park & Ride to the center. This saves you from waiting for the bus or tram and helps keep you warm on the way!
Free shopping shuttle between the train station and city center
On the weekends listed below, a free e-shuttle runs between Gent-Sint-Pieters train station (Elisabethlaan / Van Monckhovenstraat stop) and the city center (Nederkouter / Savaanstraat stop):
- Weekend 1: November 30 – December 1
- Weekend 2: December 8 – 9
- Weekend 3: December 14 – 15
- Weekend 4: December 21 – 22
- Weekend 5: December 28 – 29
- Weekend 6: January 4 – 5
Shuttle route and stops:
- Elisabethlaan / Van Monckhovenstraat (5 minutes from Gent-Sint-Pieters station)
- Kortrijksesteenweg / Van Nassaustraat
- Nederkouter / Savaanstraat (3 minutes from the Veldstraat shopping area)
The service operates from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with shuttles running every 15 minutes.
Reserve a parking spot in advance
If you want to guarantee a parking space and avoid the risk of fully booked lots upon arrival, you can reserve your spot in advance.
With
SparkSpot, you can easily find and book available parking spots. This way, you can enjoy the Christmas market without worrying about parking.
Be aware of Ghent’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Ghent has implemented a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to improve air quality. Before visiting the Christmas market, check if your vehicle meets emission standards to avoid fines when parking in the city center.
For more information about the LEZ rules and to verify your vehicle’s access, visit
the City of Ghent’s official website.
With these parking options, you can plan your visit to the Ghent Christmas Market without parking stress!
