Ghent

Parking Ghent - Cheap Parking Spots

car parking ghent city centre
Photo by Tomas Serada © via Canva.com

Car Parking in Ghent

Ghent has taken a firm stance on cars in the centre. Large parts of the city are restricted or outright off limits, and the circulation plan catches a lot of visitors by surprise. Park on the edge and take the tram in. The P+R sites are cheap, well connected, and honestly the least stressful way to visit. A few central garages exist for those who need to get closer. Below you'll find the best options and current rates.

Street parking in Ghent

street parking Ghent

Ghent uses several tariff zones. In the red zone, parking is paid from 9:00 to 23:00 and is limited to 3 hours between 9:00 and 19:00. The orange zone also runs from 9:00 to 23:00, but allows up to 5 hours between 9:00 and 19:00.

The yellow and green zones are paid from 9:00 to 19:00, while the blue zone is free with a parking disc for up to 2 hours. Since 1 April 2026, Sundays and public holidays are also paid in the red and orange zones.

Zone Hours What to expect
Red zone 9:00 to 23:00 Most central, max. 3 hours between 9:00 and 19:00
Orange zone 9:00 to 23:00 Max. 5 hours between 9:00 and 19:00
Yellow and green zones 9:00 to 19:00 Less central than red and orange
Blue zone 9:00 to 18:00 Free with parking disc, max. 2 hours

Street parking in central Ghent is mainly useful for shorter stays

Ghent itself advises longer-stay visitors to use a car park or P+R instead of trying to stay on the street in the centre.



Cheap car parking in Ghent: how to do it

cheap parking Ghent

Ghent has official park-and-ride sites on the edge of the city. P+R The Loop/Expo is one of the best-known examples and is meant as a classic P+R for visitors heading into the centre.

If you still want to park centrally, the city centre has around 15 car parks with nearly 9,000 spaces.

Street parking Ghent

Paid by zone Red and orange are the most central

Lower-cost option

P+R parking Best if you do not need to drive into the centre

Practical central option

Public car park Usually better than long street parking

Our advice for car parking in Ghent

Parking in Ghent is manageable once you know the zones and the pedestrian area. For a longer visit, a public car park or P+R is usually the easiest choice.

Based on official City of Ghent and Visit Gent information about street parking zones, Sunday parking changes, city-centre car parks and P+R.

Events in Ghent

Some of the biggest events in Ghent include:

  1. Ghent Festivities: This 10-day festival takes place in July and features a variety of cultural events, concerts, and street performances throughout the city.

  2. Gent Jazz Festival: This popular jazz festival takes place in July and features performances by both international and local artists.

  3. Light Festival: This biennial event takes place in January and features light installations and projections throughout the city.

  4. Ghent Film Festival: This international film festival takes place in October and showcases a variety of films from around the world.

  5. Floralies Ghent: This floral exhibition takes place every five years and features stunning floral displays, garden designs, and floral art throughout the city.

Popular tourist Attractions in Ghent

  1. Gravensteen Castle: This medieval castle dates back to the 12th century and offers a glimpse into Ghent's rich history.

  2. Saint Bavo's Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral is home to the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of medieval art.

  3. The Belfry and Cloth Hall: This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of a 14th-century belfry and a 15th-century cloth hall, both of which played important roles in Ghent's history.

  4. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb: This altarpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck is one of the most important works of art in the world and can be seen at Saint Bavo's Cathedral.

  5. Graslei and Korenlei: These two picturesque quays in the city center are lined with historic buildings and offer great views of Ghent's canals.

  6. Saint Nicholas' Church: This stunning Gothic church is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and ornate interior.

  7. Ghent City Museum: This museum is housed in a former monastery and offers a comprehensive overview of Ghent's history and culture.