Parking at port canaveral cruise terminal royal caribbean

Looking for Port Canaveral parking during your cruise? The good news is that you’ll have plenty of choice across all price ranges.

These days, Port Canaveral has turned into one of the busiest — and most popular — ports in the entire nation. Millions of passengers each year take cruises from the terminals near Orlando.

Of course, that means millions of people each year have to make their way to the port and many drive their vehicle. And since these folks need a place to park, a number of parking lots have sprung up to offer you a spot while you enjoy your cruise.

One thing you should know — the port sits in a large complex on its own, meaning space for third-party parking lots right next to the port is sparse. However, the port does offer parking of its own at your ship, but it can be expensive.

There are other options that are more affordable, as long as you don’t mind a shuttle ride to the terminal. Most shuttles are quick trips (less than 10 minutes) and can drop you off right at the ship. Parking lots include these rides for free in their rates.

Below, we cover your parking lot options, along with details of each lot to help you find the right spot for you.

Port Canaveral Parking Options for a Cruise

Note: Most lots in the area charge parking fees for both the day you arrive and the day you leave. So if you take a 7-day cruise (e.g., departing Sunday afternoon and returning back the following Sunday morning), you will be charged for eight days of parking.

Rates below are estimated (including taxes/fees) and are subject to change. 

Port Canaveral Official Parking
Parking at the port is by far the most convenient. Parking lots and garages are next to each cruise terminal, making for a very short walk to check-in. For that convenience, however, you will pay a higher price — $17 per day, including both the day of arrival and departure. 

Parking is payable via credit card. Disabled parking is free of charge, if your vehicle has special equipment such as ramps or foot/hand controls, have a Florida Toll Exemption Permit, or have a Florida Disabled Veteran license plate. More details are here.

Given the proximity of the lots to the cruise terminal, we wouldn’t blame anyone for paying the higher prices. However, cheaper options are available if you’re looking to save.

• Cost: $17 per day
• Distance: At terminal
• Website: https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Cruise-Parking,-Directions-Rates

Park Port Canaveral
Located about three miles (5-minute drive) from the cruise terminals, Park Port Canaveral is one of your many options for off-site cruise parking. Rates are very fair. We found a daily rate of $12.95 plus tax, but there are additional fees tacked on. The lot also offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the port. Like other lots, Park Port Canaveral charges both for the day of arrival and the day of departure.

• Cost: $12.95 per day, plus taxes and fees
• Distance: 3 miles (free shuttle provided)
• Website: http://www.parkportcanaveral.com

Park N Cruise Port Canaveral
Park N Cruise is located right before you cross the water to the port and it’s only a few miles from the terminals. The rate is $11.95 per day for most cars. Keep in mind that as with most lots you will need to pay for the day you arrive and the day you leave. All told, with taxes and fees the rate runs about $108 for a week cruise.

Looking for a discount? There are a number of specials with discounts of 5-10% for veterans, public service workers, AAA members, and AARP members.

• Cost: $11.95 per day, plus taxes and fees
• Distance: 3 miles (free shuttle provided)
• Website: https://www.parkncruiseportcanaveral.com/

GoPort
The parking package from GoPort has a different spin — they charge not by the nights you park, but by the number of people in your party.

Rates start at $80 for a single person and add $5 for each additional. So a couple traveling would pay $85 to park. A family of four would pay $95 to park. The rate doesn’t change whether you are on a quick 3-day trip or a week-long cruise.

Given the pricing structure, the best value will be for those traveling on longer cruises.

The lot itself is about 10 minutes away from the cruise ships. There are shuttles that run regularly back and forth from the terminals. 

• Cost: $80 base rate for single traveler, additional $5 per person
• Distance: 5.5 miles
• Website: https://www.goport.com/port-canaveral-cruise-parking/

Port Canaveral Parking
Port Canaveral Parking is located on Merritt Island, just about 10 minutes from the cruise ships. It charges rates of $11.95 per day for parking, which is roughly $5 cheaper versus parking at the cruise terminals. There is also covered parking available, starting at $13.95 per day. A shuttle is provided to the cruise port until to 2 p.m. One other feature to note is the parking lots 100% refund policy with no questions if you cancel no later than the day of your cruise.

• Cost: $11.95 per day ($13.95 per day for covered), plus taxes and fees
• Distance: 6.5 miles (free shuttle provided)
• Website: https://portcanaveralparking.com/

Cruisetime Parking and Shuttle
Cruisetime is located southwest of Port Canaveral, on Merritt Island. It’s only about 8.5 miles from the port and the ride to the terminal takes about 15 minutes. Parking rates are simple — $8.99 per day, but that includes the day of your arrival and departure.

So it is $72 for a 7-day cruise and $54 for a five-day trip. Cruisetime also offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the port that’s included with your parking.

• Cost: $8.99 per day
• Distance: 8.5 miles (shuttle provided)
• Website: https://www.cruisetimeparking.com

Individual Hotels 
In addition to cruise parking lots, another option is parking at a hotel. Port Canaveral has lots of hotels near the port and many also offer free or discounted parking if you stay the night before your cruise. As well, they will often have a shuttle to the port on cruise day.

Note that some hotels require you to book a package to receive parking. Due to the health crisis, some packages may be paused temporarily until cruises return in full.

If you are staying in the Port Canaveral area, see our list of hotels that will allow you to park your car for the length of your cruise.

Port Canaveral Parking Lots (Paused Operations)

The following lots offered service before the pause in cruising and may or may not return to service.

528 Port Cruise Parking
While currently not showing rates on its website, before the pause in cruising the lowest parking rate we found from 528 Port Cruise Parking for a weeklong trip was $60.93, or $8.70 per day. At that rate, passengers will pay about $8 per day less than parking at the port.

Note that rates can be higher on a per-day basis for shorter cruises. The parking lot is located on the mainland, just before heading over the causeway to Port Canaveral. A complimentary shuttle runs regularly to the port, which is included for up to four passengers with your parking fee

• Cost: $8.70 per day, plus taxes and fees
• Distance: 10 miles (shuttle provided)

Canaveral Cruise Parking
Located south of the cruise terminals, this parking lot offers one of the closest spots to park, but is also among the least expensive. Rates for parking run $6.95 per day, meaning on a week-long cruise you can park for around $60. Compare that to $136 at the port.

In addition, a shuttle is included to get you back and forth from the ship, leaving every hour. 

• Cost: $6.95 per day, plus taxes and fees
• Distance: 3 miles (shuttle provided)

Lots of Honor
Lots of Honor is located right before you cross the water to the port and it’s only about 3.5 miles from the terminals. The parking lot says it offers 24/7 security, as well as a shuttle to the port. The rate is $10.95 per day for most cars. If you are a veteran or first responder, you’ll pay only $7.95 per day. Note that there is an additional $5 port entry fee and 7% tax.

• Cost: $10.95 per day, plus taxes and fees
• Distance: 3.5 miles (shuttle provided)

Frequently Asked Parking Questions

Is there free Port Canaveral parking?
Yes, if you are disabled, then you might receive free parking at the port. For ports in Florida, cars for disabled passengers that have special equipment (like ramps, lifts, or special controls) can get free parking for their cruise.

As well, Port Canaveral’s official lots offer free parking for disabled veterans with a Florida license plate with that designation.

Where should I park?
If you are driving in, your parking decision rests mainly on if you want to save money or want convenience. For those looking to save, we suggest parking at an off-site parking lot. Their rates are considerably less and you can still take the shuttle right to the cruise ship. The downside is that you have to wait for the shuttle going to and from the ship.

If you want the most convenience, check out parking at the actual port. Yes, it’s more expensive, but you can walk right to the ship without worrying about finding (or waiting) for a ride to your car. It also makes it easier to get back home when you return from your trip.

Why am I being charged for 8 days for a 7-day cruise?
One thing we’ve noticed is that parking lots in the area charge an extra day for your cruise. Say you have a 7-day cruise that leaves Sunday afternoon and returns the following Sunday morning. In total, you were gone for seven full days. However, by the clock, your car was on the lot for eight different calendar days counting both the day you arrived at the parking lot and the day you depart. Even if you pick your car up first thing on Sunday morning, the parking lots charge for an additional day.

Can I park at a hotel for cheaper?
Yes. As a perk to entice cruise passengers many hotels in the area have parking packages. Simply stay a night and the hotel will allow you to park your car and provide a shuttle to the port. It’s an easy way to save if you plan to stay in the area beforehand. See our list of Port Canaveral park and cruise hotels here.

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