Carefree Parking in Ostend

Parking in Ostend can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city or not aware of the parking rules and options. Here, you'll find everything you need to know about parking in Ostend so you can visit this popular coastal city without any worries.

Did you know that you can also easily find a parking space in Ostend through SparkSpot for the duration of your visit? Simply enter the date or time period you need a parking spot, and find the perfect match. This way, you can drive to Ostend with peace of mind.

Paid Parking Options in Ostend

Parking in Ostend can quickly become expensive, especially if you want to park near the beach or shopping streets.

There are several parking garages located in the city center. You can check real-time availability on Oostende.be or see it displayed on information boards when entering the city center.

City Center Parking Garages:

• Zeeparking: Leopold-II-laan, 8400 Ostend
• Kursaal 1: Monacoplein, 8400 Ostend
• Kursaal 2: Christinastraat 23F, 8400 Ostend
• Centrumparking: Christinastraat 18C, 8400 Ostend
• Zeedijk: Kapucijnenstraat near Zeedijk, 8400 Ostend (closest to the beach)
• Mijnplein: Mijnplein, 8400 Ostend
• Visserskaai: Visserskaai 25, 8400 Ostend
• Sky: Leopold III-laan 6, 8400 Ostend

Parking rates vary based on location. Zeedijk Parking, which is closest to both the beach and city center, costs approximately €2.80 per hour and €27.00 per day.

Street Parking in Ostend

In addition to parking garages, you can also park on the street. Ostend is divided into different parking zones, each with its own rules.

Parking Zones & Rates

• Orange Zone: (All days, including Sundays and holidays, 09:00 - 20:00)
  • Max. 2 hours | Rate: ± €1.40/hour
• Green Zone: (All days, including Sundays and holidays, 09:00 - 20:00)
  • Max. 4 hours | Rate: ± €0.75/hour
• Yellow Zone: (All days, including Sundays and holidays, 09:00 - 20:00)
  Max. 11 hours | Rate: ± €0.10/hour, €1.10 for 11 hours
• Seasonal Zone:
  • High season (April 1 - September 30): Max. 4 hours | ± €0.75/hour
  • Low season (October 1 - March 31): Max. 11 hours | ± €0.10/hour
• Pink Zone: Located in the Raversijde district. Visitors must register their free parking session at a parking meter, unless they have a residential permit.
  • Max. 8 hours (09:00 - 20:00) for visitors
  • No restrictions for residents
• Gray Zone: Located on Hendrik Baelskaai. Visitors must register their free parking session at a parking meter, unless they have a residential permit.
  • Max. 3 hours (09:00 - 24:00)/li>

How to Pay for On-Street Parking

• Use parking meters (electronic payment with a bank card only)
• Pay via a parking app (no cash payments available)

Free Parking in Ostend

Ostend provides several free parking options at the outskirts of the city. The latest information is available at: visitoostende.be

Free Parking Areas

• Maria Hendrikapark (300 spaces)
  • No time limit
  • Bus (€0.50 per ride) or free rental bikes available
• Oostoever:
  • Free ferry or public transport access to the city center

Free Street Parking in Residential Areas

• Hazegras (6-minute walk to the city center)
• Westerkwartier (near Wellington Golf)
• Indigo Park (Visserskaai or Mijnplein):
  • First hour free, then regular rates apply.
  • Weekend shopping rate: €1.70 for 4 hours (only on weekends, excluding holiday periods).

If you're visiting with a motorhome, be aware that parking is restricted in some areas. Spaces are available at Randparking Mercatorlaan or Diksmuidelaan.

Parking in Ostend for Second-Home Owners

If you own a second residence in Ostend, you receive 30 minutes of free parking on designated spots in the city. After a one-time digital registration of your license plate, you can use this benefit every time you park in an official space. Registration is done at the Ostend Economic House.

Parking in Ostend for Disabled Persons

Holders of a valid disabled parking permit can park for free on public roads, including paid parking zones. A one-time registration of the parking card is required via the parking office or digital parking portal. Even though parking is free, time limits still apply in short-stay zones or areas reserved for specific groups, such as residents or healthcare providers.

Parking in Ostend – Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park for free in Ostend?

In Ostend, there are several free parking options. You can park at Maria Hendrikapark Parking Lot, where there is no time limit, and you can easily continue your journey by bus or a free rental bike. Oostoever Parking also offers free parking, with the option to reach the city center quickly via a free ferry. Additionally, in the Hazegras and Westerkwartier neighborhoods, you can park for free on the street without any time restrictions.

How much does parking cost in Ostend?

The prices for paid parking in Ostend vary depending on the location. The average hourly rate is around €1.70 per hour, with daily rates ranging between €16 and €17 for central parking areas such as Station-Zee Parking Lot. There are also special rates available, such as weekend rates and discounts for train passengers.

How do the new parking meters in Ostend work?

The parking meters in Ostend are fully digital. You can pay with a debit or credit card, and contactless payment is also possible. Coins are no longer accepted. Once you enter your license plate number and parking duration, you will receive a confirmation on the meter. There is no need to place a ticket in your car, as everything is registered digitally.

Where is the yellow zone in Ostend?

The yellow zone in Ostend is located in various parts of the city and allows parking for up to 11 hours. The rate in this zone is very affordable, at just €1.10 for the entire duration. As in the other zones, payment via the parking meters is simple and processed electronically.