Parking at Pukkelpop: overview and alternatives

Pukkelpop is more than just a festival. It is four days of atmosphere, music and thousands of people gathering in Kiewit. But all these attendees need somewhere to park, which can often be a challenge. Traffic congestion, badly parked cars, long walks or confusing parking rules can quickly take the joy out of your day.

This guide explains where parking is allowed and where it is not. It shows the best ways to reach the festival, which zones require permits and what smart alternatives are available. Whether you travel by car, camper, bike or train, we provide all the practical info to help you leave without stress.

Where is Pukkelpop held and how to get there?

Pukkelpop takes place each year along the Kempische Steenweg in Kiewit, just outside the centre of Hasselt. The festival grounds are located next to Kiewit station and are easy to reach by train, bus, bicycle or car.

Those using public transport are best to travel via Hasselt or Kiewit station. From Hasselt, extra buses take you directly to the festival site. The main entrance on the Kempische Steenweg is well signposted and staff are available to guide you.

If you come by bicycle, you can use one of the secured bike parks near the venue. Night trains are also provided to make sure you can get home safely after a late show.

Official Pukkelpop car parks

Several official car parks are available close to the festival site. These are paid areas and are clearly signposted from the approach roads. Each car park is linked to a specific zone at the festival. Make sure to book a spot near your preferred entrance.

Parking tickets are available only on the Pukkelpop website. Once purchased, you will receive them by email. Entry is managed by your number plate or ticket. Be sure to book in time, especially from Friday to Sunday 17 August, when traffic will be at its peak.

Those staying at Camping Chill or other campsites have access to separate parking zones.

Free and paid parking near the festival

In addition to the official car parks, there are also parking alternatives nearby. In certain neighbourhoods around Hasselt, parking is forbidden or reserved for residents. Enforcement is strict. Parking violations may lead to fines or towing.

Street parking is often restricted or not allowed during the festival. It is safer to buy a parking voucher or reserve a space in advance through services like SparkSpot. This helps avoid long walks, police checks and last-minute confusion.

If you are looking for a closer spot or need a place with electric charging, private parking spaces can be a smart option. They often offer extra benefits such as shade or supervision. A good choice for festivalgoers who want to keep the mood light on arrival.

Where you cannot park in Hasselt and Kiewit

During Pukkelpop, a number of areas around Hasselt and Kiewit are blocked off to through traffic or have limited access. Temporary parking bans apply in residential zones and near the Kempische Steenweg. Police and wardens are on patrol to monitor parking and traffic.

Pay close attention to road signs. If your car is parked illegally or blocks the way, it may be fined or towed. Parking on grass areas or roadside verges outside designated zones is not allowed. This is strictly monitored during the core festival days from Thursday to Sunday.

Use official car parks or pre-reserved spaces from reliable providers only.

Access permits and traffic zones

Residents of Hasselt and Kiewit who live inside the festival zone must request a special access permit from the city. This also applies to businesses, carers and emergency workers. Without a valid permit, access to some streets and areas near the site will be denied.

For festivalgoers, this means certain routes may be rerouted. Follow all traffic signs and plan ahead. If you drive, you will be guided along set access routes to the parking areas. Cyclists should also follow marked paths, especially near busy crossings and entrances.

The Pukkelpop website shares an overview of these rules in advance.

Parking for Dreamville campers and day visitors

If you are staying at a site such as Camping Chill or Dreamville, follow the specific parking instructions for your location. Each campsite has an assigned parking area which can be booked with your ticket or reserved separately. This means you can park close to your tent and avoid dragging bags across long distances.

Day visitors should use the parking lots connected to the main entrance rather than the camping zones. This setup offers better traffic flow and fewer queues during check-in. Bring your ID and bank card, as these may be needed for verification.

If your ticket is transferred from another visitor, make sure it is correctly linked to your entry zone.

Travelling by camper or caravan

Festival visitors with a camper or caravan can book a separate part of the campsite. These spaces are suitable for large vehicles and come with facilities like electricity, water and toilets. Spots are limited and must be reserved in advance.

Open fires, sharp tools and personal generators are not allowed in the camper zone. Entry is controlled and your vehicle details must be registered before arrival.

Planning to stay until Monday or enjoy the final night? That is fine, as long as you respect the check-out times. The recycling deposit will be refunded after your space is checked.

Parking for visitors with a disability

Pukkelpop provides reserved parking close to the main entrance for people with a disability. These are available only with a valid access pass and an official disability parking card.

Accessibility is a top priority. From the parking area, the route to the entrance is flat, paved and clearly marked. Companions are also allowed to park here. Throughout the weekend, help is available at information points on site.

A few wheelchairs can be borrowed, though we recommend bringing your own if needed.

Public transport and shuttle services

Visitors using public transport can rely on smooth connections to Hasselt station. From there, free shuttle buses will bring you to the festival. The shuttle and night train schedules are adapted to the festival programme.

On Sunday and Monday, extra trains are planned so that everyone can return home safely. If you are travelling in a group, it helps to agree on a meeting point at the station or the drop-off zone.

You can find the final timetables on the official platforms from 30 July.

Bicycle parking and other options

Coming by bike is a smart move. Just a few hundred metres from the site, you will find large, guarded bicycle parks. These areas are well lit, clearly marked and free to use. Perfect for those staying nearby or within Hasselt.

Electric scooters, mopeds and similar vehicles can also be parked here. Lock your bike properly and do not leave valuables or sharp tools behind. If anything goes missing, the festival help desk can assist, although you park at your own risk.

Smart parking with SparkSpot

Looking to avoid stress and endless searches for a parking space? With SparkSpot you can book a comfortable parking spot within walking distance of the festival. Our locations sit just outside the busiest area, helping you avoid the worst of the traffic near the Kempische Steenweg.

Booking is easy. Choose your time slot, enter your number plate, pay online and receive all the details by email. On the day of arrival, just drive in. There is no need for a physical ticket or check-in. Everything is automated through number plate recognition.

For drivers who want to skip the chaos and avoid fines, SparkSpot is a reliable and efficient solution. You can cancel or change your booking for free up to 48 hours before arrival.

Tips for smooth and safe parking

Avoid last-minute stress by planning your trip carefully. Pick your route based on where you will park or camp. Keep in mind the temporary traffic changes, police presence and blocked roads from Thursday through Monday. Drivers without valid permits will be sent away.

If you are travelling with others, agree on a meeting point outside the festival zone. Make sure you have your ID and bank card with you, especially if using digital tickets or apps.

Are you staying at Camping Chill or leaving after Sunday? Then check beforehand where and when you can safely exit on Saturday or Monday. In wet weather, some car parks can be slippery or muddy. Always follow staff instructions and avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle.

For more details on getting to and from Pukkelpop, check: