Parking in Gent

Parking in Gent can be a challenge, especially with the different zones, tariffs, and the low-emission zone (LEZ). It is useful to be aware of your options in advance. Read here about all the parking possibilities so you can visit Gent by car without any worries.

Parking in the city centre or outside?

Depending on the purpose and duration of your visit, you can choose whether or not to park in the city centre. If you are staying in Gent for several days and do not need your car, costs can quickly add up, making a park-and-ride car park a better option. Park-and-ride facilities often offer free parking with convenient public transport connections to the city centre.

Are you planning an afternoon of shopping? Then a paid car park in the city centre may be the better option. This way, you are close to the shops and do not have to carry your purchases around. However, be aware that these car parks are not free of charge.

Gent has a low-emission zone

Like many other major cities, Gent has implemented a low-emission zone (LEZ) to improve air quality. Polluting vehicles that do not meet the requirements are not allowed to enter this zone.

Check in advance whether your vehicle is permitted in the LEZ to avoid the risk of a fine of up to €500.

For more information on the regulations and to check your vehicle, visit the official website of the City of Gent.

Paid parking in Gent

Most of Gent requires paid parking, except for designated park-and-ride facilities. Parking costs can add up quickly, so you can save a considerable amount by comparing options in advance.

On-street parking in Gent (+ parking rates)

On-street parking in Gent is paid, and the rates and hours depend on the zone where you park. Payment can be made via a parking meter; you no longer need to place a ticket behind your windscreen. Instead, simply enter your licence plate number when paying. Another option is to pay via mobile, using SMS or an app. In Gent, the following providers are available:

• 4411
• EasyPark
• Indigo Neo
• Yellowbrick
• ParkD

Always be mindful of residential zones, where visitor parking is not allowed. Parking in these zones without authorisation may result in a fine.

You can park for free for 20 minutes twice a day in the paid zones, but you must always register at the parking meter. This is particularly useful for short stops, such as loading and unloading.

Different on-street parking rates

You can consult the different parking zones on the City of Gent’s parking map. Gent has five different on-street parking zones:

• Red Zone
  Paid parking from 9:00–23:00 (€3/hour)
  Maximum parking time: 3 hours (9:00–19:00)
  Free parking from 23:00–9:00 and on Sundays & public holidays
• Orange Zone
  Paid parking from 9:00–23:00 (€1.80/hour)
  Maximum parking time: 5 hours (9:00–19:00)
  Free parking from 23:00–9:00 and on Sundays & public holidays
• Yellow Zone
  Paid parking from 9:00–19:00 (€1.80/hour)
  Maximum parking time: 5 hours (9:00–19:00)
  Free parking from 19:00–9:00 and on Sundays & public holidays
• Green Zone
  Paid parking from 9:00–19:00 (€1.00/hour)
  Free parking from 19:00–9:00 and on Sundays & public holidays
• Blue Zone
  Free parking
  Maximum 2 hours with a parking disc (9:00–18:00)
  Unlimited parking from 18:00–9:00 and on Sundays & public holidays

Overview of the different car parks in Gent

Gent has 19 car parks, 13 of which are managed by the City of Gent. All of them require payment, with rates varying depending on their location. Those in the city centre tend to be more expensive.

Paid car parks in the city centre:

• Sint-Michiel
• Ramen
• Savaanstraat
• Kouter
• Centerparking
• Vrijdagmarkt
• Reep
• Gent Zuid
• Sint-Pietersplein

Paid car parks outside the city centre:

• Tolhuis
• Ledeberg
• Het Getouw
• Gent-Dampoort
• Gent-Sint-Pieters
• Dok Noord
• The Loop

Reserve your parking space in advance with SparkSpot

If you want to be sure of a parking spot and park in Gent stress-free, you can also book a parking space in advance. This is especially useful during events or busy periods.

With SparkSpot, you can easily search for and reserve available parking spaces. This ensures your car is safely parked and guarantees you a spot upon arrival.

Free parking in Gent

The best way to park for free in Gent is by using the free park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city. On Sundays and public holidays, you can also park for free on the streets.

Park and ride (P+R)

There are several park-and-ride car parks on the city’s outskirts that offer an alternative to avoid congestion and high parking costs. The city centre is also often less accessible for motorhomes, lorries, or trailers. Park-and-ride facilities provide a good alternative for parking larger vehicles.

These parking areas offer a safe and affordable place to park your car, with good transport connections to the city centre. Shuttle buses or public transport make it easy to reach the city centre without worrying about parking space or LEZ restrictions.

A useful tip is to bring a (folding) bicycle to travel from the car park to the city centre. Gent is a cycling-friendly city, and the many cycling bridges make it easy to get to the centre safely. You will find numerous bicycle parking areas and public bike racks to secure your bike.

Free park-and-ride options in Gent:

• P+R Watersportbaan
• P+R Bourgoyen
• P+R The Loop Expo
• P+R Gentbrugge Arsenaal
• P+R Moscou
• P+R Mariakerke Post
• P+R Muide
• P+R Maaltebruggepark
• P+R Lübeckstraat

Paid park-and-ride options in Gent:

P+R Ledeberg: Costs €1/hour, max. €8/24 hours. The city centre is 5 minutes away by tram.

P+R Galveston: Costs €2 for 24 hours, with bus connections to the city centre.

P+R Sint-Pietersstation: Approximately €26 for 24 hours, making it less advisable.