Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale has plenty of parking options, all located convenient to the cruise port itself. But that doesn’t mean you’ll pay the same price everywhere. In fact, you could save considerably just by picking the right cruise parking option. (Planning to stay the night in Fort Lauderdale fore your cruise? You can save money by booking one of these hotels with cruise parking.)
That said, the price charged by the port (now $20 per day) is reasonable when compared to other departure ports and it’s right at the ships. If you’re wanting a nice mix of value and convenience, then parking at the port is hard to beat.
Even so, there are less expensive spots to park during your cruise. We’ve rounded up your best options — including information about each — below. And for your convenience we’ve also created this easy table to help you compare all of your options.
Fort Lauderdale Cruise Parking Options
Port Everglades Official Parking
The official parking provided by the port is by far the most convenient. There are two main garages. The Northport parking garage (now called the Heron garage) has 1,800 spaces and serves cruise terminals 2 and 4. The Midport garage (now called the Palm garage) serves terminals 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29 with 2,000 spots. In addition there are surface lots available at the port with another 1,000 parking spots for other terminals and overflow parking. This includes a lot for Royal Caribbean’s Terminal 18.
Parking fares are $20 per day for a regular car; $25 for oversized vehicles. Keep in mind those rates are likely to give you garage parking, which makes the cost an even better value. As well, you can’t beat the location right next to the cruise terminals.
One note — if you have a Florida toll exemption permit, a specially modified vehicle (ramps or special controls) for the disabled, or a disabled veteran license plate (any state), then you can have your parking fees waved.
- Cost: $20.00 per day
- Distance: At terminal
- Website: https://www.porteverglades.net/cruise/parking/
- Phone: 954-523-3404
Park by the Ports
The cheapest option we found for parking in Fort Lauderdale for a cruise, this lot is located south of the airport and cruise port. While it is a little farther from the port than other lots, it is also among the cheapest. We found rates starting at just $9.99 per day plus taxes/fees.
The free shuttle (for the first four passengers in a car, $8 after that) to the port takes only about 10 minutes to ride to the ship. Note that there is no RV parking available at this location.
- Cost: $9.99 per day (plus taxes)
- Distance: 4 miles (free shuttle provided)
- Website: https://www.parkbytheports.com/
- Phone: 954-727-5566
Park ‘N Go
Park ‘N Go offers parking just a few blocks from the port, but for much cheaper than you’ll pay at official port parking. If booked online ahead of time, Park ‘N Go offers a discounted rate. In our search, we found rates of $12.00 per day, plus taxes and fees. That’s just over half the cost of parking at the cruise port.
If you decide to use this service, we highly recommend booking online before hand. While the Internet rate we found was around $12.00 plus tax, the drive-up rate was more expensive. Park ‘N Go also offers a free shuttle ride to the port.
- Cost: $12.00 per day (plus taxes) when booked online ($15 drive up)
- Distance: 0.75 miles (free shuttle provided)
- Website: https://www.bookparkngo.com/
- Phone: 888-764-7275
Tropical Airport Parking
Instead of a traditional parking lot, Tropical Airport Parking works with local hotels to use some of their parking lot space for passengers. So hotels get to fill up some of their empty parking and cruise passengers get discounted rates.
Our search found parking at several different area hotels — Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield Inn, Homewood Suites, and SpringHill Suites. All are relatively close to the port (10-15 minutes). Rates vary, but we found them starting around $7.45 per day. With taxes/fees, you can expect the price for a 7-day cruise to run about $60.
A shuttle runs to the port at specified times for $20 per person each way.
- Cost: $7.45-$11.99 per day (plus taxes)
- Distance: Varies ($20 pp shuttle provided)
- Website: https://www.tropicalairportparking.com/
- Phone: 954-278-1990
Self Park FLL
Located on the south side of the Fort Lauderdale airport, this parking lot is a bit farther than the rest of the lots we’ve covered. However, it is still plenty close and offers both covered and uncovered parking for both airport and cruise passengers.
During our search, we found rates of $8.95 per day for self-parking, which is uncovered. Including taxes and fees, that came to about $81 for a week-long cruise. Want to park in a covered spot? In that case it is $16.95 per day. That adds up to $144 for a week cruise after taxes and fees.
Note: This lot does have shuttle service to the cruise port. So once you park, you will need to arrange an Uber/Lyft to the port and back.
- Cost: $8.95 per day (plus taxes) outdoor, $16.95 for indoor
- Distance: 3 miles
- Website: https://www.selfparkfll.com/
- Phone: 844-727-5355
Individual Hotels
If you are staying in the Fort Lauderdale area, contact your hotel to see if they will allow you to park your car for the length of your cruise.
Many hotels cater to cruisers and have special daily parking rates. In some cases, parking can be as little as $5 per day. Here is a list of hotels in the area with cruise parking.
Fort Lauderdale Cruise Parking Cost
The price for Fort Lauderdale cruise parking will vary widely depending on where you want to park. Port Everglades itself has the most expensive option at $20 per day, but it is right at the cruise terminal, offering convenience. Park by the Ports charges just $9.99 per day during our search (plus taxes/fees), but requires a shuttle to get to the ship.
Keep in mind that lots will also have taxes and fees (prices are already included in the port’s official lots) that brings prices closer together. In total, expect to spend from around $65-$120 for a one-week cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Am I Being Charged for 8 Days of Parking for a 7-Day Cruise?
You’ll notice that lots charge by the day. For some, they count each day that you park there as a full day. So if you arrive a noon on Sunday for a 7-day cruise, that first Sunday is a full day. When to get back to port the next Sunday, you’ll also be charged for that day too, even though you will usually leave by 8-10 a.m. It can be frustrating, but that’s the way it is.
Is Free Parking Available Anywhere?
South Florida is densely populated, which means parking space is at a premium. The only place that will have free parking are some hotels that offer park and cruise deals to entice guests. Everywhere else will charge you to park.
If you are disabled, then you might qualify for free parking at Port Everglades. Those with toll exemptions permits, specially modified vehicles or disabled veteran plates can get free parking.
What’s the Cheapest Fort Lauderdale Cruise Parking?
The cheapest lot we’ve found is hotel parking with Tropical Airport Parking. They offer rates around $7.50 per day for a cruise. That’s hard to beat and is significantly less than the cost of parking at the Port Everglades cruise terminals. Just note that the shuttle is $20 per person, each way.
Are Reservations Required?
Reservations for parking depend on the lot. If parking at the port itself, then reservations are not required (nor are they accepted). You simply show up and park. For independent parking lots, it’s a good idea to book ahead of time. Not only does this give you a guaranteed spot, but it often provides a discount off the drive-up rate as well.
More on Cruising From Port Everglades
Getting to Port Everglades — Transportation options from airports and the area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.
Port Everglades Cruise Parking — Parking at the port? We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts.
Port Everglades Park and Cruise Hotels — If you plan to stay in the area the night before your cruise, look at this list of hotels that offer cruise parking with a one-night stay.
Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)
Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
Popular: 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies
Note: rate for parking at the port garage is now $20/day.
Hi there
We are arriving on the Marella Discovery cruise ship at the beginning of June and wondered how easy it is the walk from the terminal into downtown Fort Lauderdale especially around the canals and waterways
It’s not easy. You’ll want to get an Uber/Lyft or taxi into town.
Has anyone taken a 12 passenger van to the port and used the parking garage? or has anyone used the surface parking near the garage?
I have done Park ‘N Go a few times, but have not done the Port Everglades Official Parking. So I wonder if your statement that “The official parking provided by the port is by far the most convenient” is true. Park ‘N Go (and maybe other off-site facilities) offer a valet service where you pull-in, unload your luggage (or sometimes they unload it for you), and you get transported to the front steps of the port terminal. I suspect there may be a lot more walking involved at the official parking, and if you didn’t drop off your luggage beforehand, you’ll be hauling it from your car to the terminal. That doesn’t seem as “convenient” as the off-site parking options. The only thing inconvenient is the shuttle ride, which pales in comparison to dragging your luggage through the parking lot.
We think parking literally across the street from the ship is most convenient. Plus, you don’t have to wait on shuttles coming or going. Get off the ship, walk to your car, and you’re off.
That said, we typically opt for independent lots when we cruise due to the cost savings. But in our mind parking at the port is much more convenient.
You list the price of Park by the Ports as $6 per day, but when I went to make the reservation, the price was $8.99 per day for a regular size car. That’s a 50% discrepancy. A huge difference! Please update your information.
Thanks for letting us know. Keep in mind that rates can and do change based on season, economic conditions, etc.
We parked in the cruise ship lot on Monday 7/22 and due to medical problems we had to leave cruise on Wed 7/24. How do we retrieve our vehicle from parking lot before return of cruise ship on Sat 7/27??? Val
Sorry to hear that. You should call the port directly and explain the situation. You can reach the port at 954-523-3404
What is the closest to the port everglade to park and go .
Hi
I am looking for some info please. I am a crew member who will be sailing on the Zuiderdam from Dec 6 and am wanting long term parking at the port Everglades port (Month to month) as I will be docking there every 10/11days and will need access to my car. How do I get monthly rates ? Thanks in advance
Brent, we’d suggest calling the parking lots directly. They will likely let you park at a discount for the long stay.
Park By the Ports is charging 9.99 per day for a regular sized car.
Read your recomendation for cruise parking at ft lauderdale for park n go, your article states that park n go charge $8 per day,
Just been on their website and they are charging $15 per day, or $13.5 per day if booked online.
Thanks for letting us know. We looked into it. You’ll find cheaper rates for booking farther in advance. Rates are higher if booking closer to the cruise date.