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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
