Parking in Mechelen: Above-ground and Peripheral Car Parks
Mechelen is a lively city that attracts visitors for its rich culture, heritage and shopping opportunities. For those coming to Mechelen by car, the city offers several parking options, both above-ground and underground. On this page, I will guide you through the various above-ground parking alternatives, including handy tips. Your questions like“Where can I park for free in Mechelen” or“How much does parking cost in Mechelen“, these and more may well be answered here.
Above-ground parking in Parking Tower
Parking in the City Center
Above-ground parking is possible in the centre of Mechelen, but it is limited in time. In most places you can park for a maximum of 2 hours. The rates and parking options are indicated at the payment machines. You can easily pay via a payment machine or via text message. Please note: streets that are only accessible to residents are monitored by cameras. If you drive here without a permit, you risk a fine of €58. The streets with cameras are clearly marked.
Peripheral Car Parks: Affordable and Within Walking Distance of the Centre
Douaneplein
Douaneplein is a free perimeter car park just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. Here you can also make use of bike lockers and covered bike sheds, ideal if you want to leave your car and continue cycling. These facilities are managed by vzw ‘t Atelier. For pedestrians, there is an easy walking route to the city centre via the Monuments Route.
More info on Parking Douaneplein
Parking Zandpoortvest
This covered car park with 622 spaces is located close to the city centre. On weekdays you pay a favourable rate from €1 per hour, and outside working hours, on weekends and public holidays parking is even free.
More info on Zandpoortvest car park
Parking Nekkerhal (Shopping Shuttle)
The car park at Nekkerhal is ideal for visitors wishing to use the free Shopping Shuttle to the city centre. This car park is available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and during shopping Sundays. You will receive a free exit ticket when you use the Shopping Shuttle.
Shopping Shuttle opening hours:
- Wednesday: 13:00-19:00
- Friday: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday: 9am-24pm
- Shopping Sunday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking Keerdok
Coming from Antwerp or via the E19? Then Parking Keerdok is a good option. This car park is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. The Children’s Route (Kinderroute) offers a pleasant walking route towards the heart of the city. Parking here is charged on weekdays, but free on Saturdays and during shopping Sundays. Near the car park you will find McDonald’s and the famous Hotel Van der Valk, ideal for a short stop. Tip! With the Shopping Boat Shuttle, you can sail along the Dijle to Haverwerf for free. More info about Parking Keerdok
Photo Chargemap
Parking Retail Partners
Dhe perimeter car park is only available to Shopping Shuttle users on Saturdays and shopping Sundays. The Shopping Shuttle provides a comfortable and smooth ride between a peripheral car park and the centre of Mechelen. You can easily leave your car in one of the 335 free parking spaces and get off a bit further on at the Shopping Shuttle stop, which takes you to the Hoogstraat.
Parking Mechelen-Nekkerspoel
Ontvoeringsplein 12. Parking Mechelen-Nekkerspoel is an open-air car park with 95 parking spaces.
Tariffs Train Passengers Max 24h 5.00 € / Tariffs Non-Train Passengers Max 24h 5.00 €
More info website
Useful Tips for Parking in Mechelen
- Follow the signs along the approach roads to find the nearest parking facilities. These signs also indicate how many spaces are available.
- Avoid unnecessary fines by paying close attention to the signs, especially in streets with resident cards and camera surveillance.
- Use the peripheral car parks for inexpensive and often free parking, and if possible use the Shopping Shuttle for a quick connection to the city centre.
More Information
For more details on underground and paid parking in Mechelen, check out our page
Share Your Experiences and Suggestions about Above Ground Parking!
Have you recently gone above-ground parking in Mechelen? We would love to hear your opinions and recommendations! Your insights help us keep our tourism page up-to-date and improve it. your feedback is invaluable. Share your experiences and suggestions with verschueren.eddy@gmail.com and help others get the most out of their visit to the city. Together we will create the ultimate guide to Mechelen!