How To Get To Pukkelpop: 8 Best Travel Options

Taking the Train to Hasselt or Kiewit

Rail travel is the most popular choice for reaching Pukkelpop due to its efficiency. The Belgian national railway, NMBS/SNCB, provides special festival tickets every year. These tickets offer a significant discount for return journeys from any station in Belgium. Using the train helps reduce the carbon footprint of the event significantly.

Travelers must choose between two main stations: Hasselt and Kiewit. Hasselt is the larger hub with more frequent connections and direct shuttle bus links. Kiewit station is within walking distance of the camping grounds but handles fewer passengers. Many visitors find Hasselt more convenient for accessing city hotels and main shuttle lines.

Day tickets (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) cost €134 and include public transport by train as a built-in partner benefit via NMBS. Combi tickets at €287 also include train travel from any Belgian station. Check the NMBS website for late-night return schedules if you are not staying at the campsite.

1. Step 1: Purchase your NMBS Event Train Ticket
   • Buy your ticket online using the unique code provided with your festival pass.
   • This return journey is bundled with day and combi tickets — no separate train purchase needed.
   • Avoid buying at the station to ensure you get the discounted festival rate.
2. Step 2: Travel to Hasselt or Kiewit Station
   • Board a train heading toward Hasselt from Brussels, Antwerp, or Liège.
   • The trip usually takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on your starting point.
   • Check the late-night return schedules if you are not staying at the campsite.
3. Step 3: Board the free De Lijn shuttle
   • Look for the blue festival buses parked directly outside the Hasselt station exit.
   • These shuttles are free for all ticket holders and run until the early morning.
   • Be prepared for short queues during peak arrival times in the late afternoon.
4. Step 4: Enter the festival via Kempische Steenweg
   • The shuttle drops you off within a short walk of the main gates.
   • Follow the marked paths to reach the wristband exchange and security checkpoints.
   • Keep your digital ticket ready on your phone to speed up the entry.

Using the Free Shuttle Bus Services

The De Lijn network manages the festival shuttle system. These buses provide a seamless link between Hasselt Station and the Pukkelpop grounds. Service begins early in the morning and continues well after the final headline set. You do not need a separate bus ticket if you have a valid festival pass.

Buses depart every few minutes during the busiest parts of the day. This high frequency ensures that crowds move quickly even after the biggest performances. Special night buses also run to nearby municipalities for those staying in local villages. Always verify the last departure time for your specific route at the info desk.

The shuttle route is dedicated to festival traffic to avoid the worst congestion. Most trips between the station and the site take approximately 15 minutes. On Sunday and the final night, extra trains and buses are added so that everyone can return home safely. Final timetables are published on official platforms from 30 July each year.

Official Pukkelpop Car Parks and Pricing

Driving to Pukkelpop is a viable option for those bringing heavy camping equipment. Official car parks are located within a reasonable walking distance of the main entrances. The pricing for these lots follows a tiered structure based on your stay duration. A single day costs €17, two days costs €20, three days costs €24, and a four-day pass is €30.

A unique rule for Pukkelpop is that parking tickets are not sold online and cannot be purchased digitally. You must pay on-site when you arrive at the designated parking area. This policy helps prevent digital scams and ensures only actual attendees use the space. Never pay anyone selling "digital parking tickets" before the event — they do not exist.

The car parks are operated by vzw Kiewit, and all proceeds go directly to their affiliated local associations. VIP parking vouchers are available for a flat rate of €28 and are booked via the festival ticket site. These spots are closer to the main stage and offer faster exit routes. Remember that parking on grass verges or in residential streets will lead to fines and possible towing.

Alternative Parking and Private Options

Some local residents in Kiewit rent out private garage boxes or driveways during festival week. This can be a great alternative if the official lots are nearing capacity. Expect to pay similar rates to the official parking for these private spots. Residents renting these spaces are required to account for a 12% VAT on their earnings — a detail worth checking if you are arranging something informal.

The city of Hasselt implements strict traffic zones during the festival dates. Only residents with special access permits can enter certain streets near the Kempische Steenweg. Non-residents attempting to bypass these blocks will be redirected by traffic marshals. Businesses, carers, and emergency workers in the affected area must also apply for a permit from the city in advance.

If you are looking for other logistics, see how to get to Tomorrowland for comparison. Finding a spot in the city center and taking the shuttle is often easier. Hasselt has several underground parking garages that offer safe, long-term options. These city lots are usually less crowded than the ones directly adjacent to Kiewit.

Cycling to the Festival (Free Bike Parking)

Cycling is arguably the most efficient way to reach the site for local visitors. The festival provides a massive, free, guarded bicycle parking area a few hundred metres from the main entrance. This facility is well lit and clearly marked, and it often includes basic repair tools for minor issues. Biking allows you to skip all vehicle traffic and arrive exactly when you want.

Well-lit cycle paths connect the center of Hasselt directly to the Kiewit grounds. The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the Grote Markt area. Many locals prefer this method to avoid the crowded shuttle buses after midnight. Ensure you have working lights on your bike for the return trip in the dark.

Electric scooters and mopeds can also be parked in the bicycle zone. Lock your bike properly and do not leave valuables behind — you park at your own risk. For those traveling light, consult our European music festival packing list. Cycling remains the fastest way to exit the site once the music ends.

Drop-off Points and Kiss & Ride Zones

If a friend is dropping you off, use the official Kiss & Ride zones. These areas are designed for quick stops to keep the main roads clear. The primary drop-off point is usually located a short distance from the camping entrance. Do not attempt to drop passengers off on the Kempische Steenweg itself.

Police will move vehicles along quickly to prevent dangerous bottlenecks on the road. The Kiss & Ride is also the best place to meet for your return journey. Cell phone signals can be weak, so agree on a specific meeting time beforehand. Expect a 10-minute walk from the drop-off zone to the actual festival gates.

Taxis and ride-share services have their own dedicated lane near the site. Wait times for a taxi can exceed an hour during the peak departure window. Booking a private transfer in advance is recommended for those not using public transit. If you enjoy rock music, see our best rock and metal festivals in Europe.

Accessibility and Disability Parking

Pukkelpop provides reserved parking close to the main entrance for visitors with a disability. Access requires both a valid festival ticket and an official disability parking card. Companions travelling with a disabled visitor are permitted to use these spots as well. The route from the reserved area to the festival entrance is flat, paved, and clearly marked.

A separate room for disabled persons is located near the entrance for rest and support. A limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed on-site, though bringing your own is strongly recommended. Help is available at information points throughout the weekend. More details on ADL assistance are published on the official Pukkelpop accessibility page.

If you are travelling by public transport, the shuttle buses between Hasselt station and the site operate with festival staff on hand to assist. Contact the festival in advance at hello@pukkelpop.be if you have specific access requirements. Planning ahead for this detail avoids unnecessary stress on arrival day.

What to Avoid When Getting to Pukkelpop

Parking on grass verges or roadside areas outside designated zones is strictly prohibited during the core festival days from Thursday to Sunday. Police and wardens are on patrol throughout and violations result in fines or towing. Do not assume a quiet side street is fair game — residential zones are actively enforced. If you arrive and see no official signage, move on and find a designated lot.

Never buy parking tickets from third-party vendors or social media sellers. Pukkelpop does not sell digital parking tickets at all — if someone offers you one online, it is a scam. Pay only on-site at the official car parks upon arrival. Similarly, never purchase festival tickets via social media for the same reason.

Avoid arriving by car on Friday and Saturday afternoons without a clear parking plan. Traffic near Kempische Steenweg peaks between 14:00 and 18:00 on those days. If you are driving, target a Thursday arrival or use a city-center parking garage in Hasselt and take the shuttle. Groups without prior arrangements should also avoid designating an on-street meeting point — use the dedicated Kiss & Ride zone instead.

Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival

Arriving at Pukkelpop requires a mix of good timing and the right gear. The festival gates typically open at 11:00 for most ticket holders. Thursday is an exception, with an 18:00 opening for combi and Friday ticket holders. Getting there early helps you secure a better camping spot in Camping Chill or Camping Relax (each costs €43–€45).

Note that from 1 March 2026, camping tickets are subject to 12% VAT instead of the previous 6%. This is worth factoring into your total trip budget when comparing transport and accommodation costs. A €15 Recycling Deposit is also added to camping tickets — you get it back in full if you return your waste to a Recycling Point before leaving. The deposit is refunded to the ticket buyer's account by 30 September.

Always keep a digital and printed copy of your transport tickets. Battery life is a common issue, so a portable power bank is essential. The weather in Belgium can change rapidly, so prepare for both rain and sun. Following the official Pukkelpop social media channels provides real-time traffic and transit updates.

• Items to prepare before you leave
  • Valid festival ticket for shuttle and entry access.
  • ID card or passport for train ticket verification.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the dusty festival site.
  • Power bank to keep your mobile tickets accessible.
  • Small amount of cash for emergency parking payments and on-site tokens (€3.60 each, or 20 for €72).
  • Rain poncho in case of typical Belgian showers.
• Troubleshooting common travel problems
  • Missed the last train back to your city: check for late-night festival trains or local hostels.
  • The official parking lot is full: head to overflow zones near Hasselt station or city-center garages.
  • Your shuttle bus is stuck in heavy traffic: remain patient — buses have a dedicated lane.
  • Lost your train ticket or festival pass: visit the help desk at the station or entrance.
  • Bicycle has a flat tire after the show: use the tools available at the free bike parking station.