Port Canaveral Cruise Parking: What You Need to Know

If you’re cruising out of Port Canaveral, cruise parking could be important if you are driving to the cruise port. Currently, there are just five Port Canaveral cruise parking companies operating and we offer full details on them all. We compare distance to port, shuttle availability and price so you can see at a glance which is the best cruise parking option for you.

Another good option for Port Canaveral cruise parking is a hotel Stay, Park and Cruise package. We have plenty of options to suit all budgets. Situated 53 miles east of Orlando, close to Cocoa Beach and Space Coast attractions, there are plenty of good reasons to stay a few days in Port Canaveral.

If you want to extend your cruise vacation by staying in the area for a few days, a Stay, Park and Cruise hotel package with free cruise parking can save you money. In the winter, this area is particularly popular due to the dry sunny climate and there is plenty to see and do.

As well as Port Canaveral cruise parking lots and hotel parking we also cover everything you need to know about disabled cruise parking. You’ll find plenty of useful tips for getting to the Port Canaveral cruise terminals and our summary of cruise parking rates will certainly save you time and money!

Port Canaveral Cruise Facts

Port Canaveral is the second busiest cruise port for passengers after Port of Miami, serving over 4.5 million passengers each year. After expansion of the port facilities in 2004, Port Canaveral cruise port became one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

The commercial port handles container ships, naval support ships, naval submarines, bulk cargo ships and cruise ships from five top cruise lines.

There are 6 cruise terminals numbered 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10 and they are all served by onsite Port Canaveral cruise parking lots. Check out the map of Port Canaveral cruise terminals to see where your cruise ship is located. The recent construction of the CT-3 terminal includes an elevated cruise parking facility for an additional 1,800 vehicles.

Much of the revenue generated by the port comes directly or indirectly from the cruise lines. Cruise parking makes up 18% of the gross income, making it a significant part of the port income.

Rest assured, if you are going on a cruise out of Port Canaveral and need cruise parking, the port is fully equipped to provide a smooth and efficient experience from car, hotel or airport to the ship, and vice versa.

Which Cruise Lines Sail from Port Canaveral?

Port Canaveral is the home port of several cruise ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and the latest addition, MSC Cruises.

The port’s 7-story Exploration Tower provides over 550,000 sq.ft. of exhibition space, a 72-seat auditorium, café, gift shops, and superb views from two observation decks – one enclosed and one outside.

Visitors wanting to view cruise ships arriving and departing can visit Jetty Park. Owned by the port, it is a popular attraction in the area with a fishing pier, fishing charters, beach and picnic area.

Essential Facts About Port Canaveral Cruise Parking

There is an access fee for vehicles entering the port. If you choose off-site parking, the $5 fee is usually added to your total parking fee.

Cruise parking charges are always calculated per day or part day. If you are taking a 7-day cruise from Saturday to Saturday, for example, you will pay for 8 days parking to cover the part days of your arrival and departure.

Getting to Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal

Port Canaveral cruise terminal is located on Florida’s East Coast, 53 miles east of Orlando and 214 miles north of Miami. It is just 17 miles from Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.

The A Terminals (5,6,8 and 10) are on the north side of Port Canaveral on Charles Rowland Drive. From SR528 take Exit 54A.

The B Terminals (1 and 3) are on the south side of Port Canaveral. Terminal 1 is on Discovery Road and Terminal 3 is on Christopher Columbus Drive. From SR528 take Exit 54B.

The cruise port is easy to reach via the east-west SR 528, SR 520 and SR 50 which connect with the north-south US-1, Interstate 95, the Florida Turnpike (toll) and Interstate 4.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 45 miles west of Port Canaveral cruise port. Take the North exit from the airport. It is a direct and easy drive along SR 528 and SR 410. Tolls will apply and the journey takes about 45 minutes. Once in the port, follow signs to the Cargo Piers and Cruise Parking Lots.

Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is 25 miles south of Port Canaveral. Travel north on US-1 then east on SR 528 for 10 miles, crossing the Indian River, Merritt Island and the Banana River to reach the cruise terminals at Port Canaveral.

Sanford International Airport (SFB) is 60 miles northwest of Port Canaveral. Exit south from the airport on the Central Florida Greenway (toll road 417) and travel south before joining the SR 528 east to Canaveral Cruise Port.

Cruise Terminal Parking at Port Canaveral

The most convenient cruise parking at Port Canaveral is onsite at the official cruise parking lots next to each terminal. It is just a short walk to the cruise ship so there’s no need to arrange shuttle transport or taxis to and from the cruise ship.

However, you will pay a higher parking fee ($17 per day) for the convenience. Payment is made onsite by credit card; cash is not accepted.

Port Canaveral cruise terminal parking includes a point where drivers can drop off their baggage and/or passengers. From there, porters will assist with heavy baggage. Drivers will then be directed to a parking facility nearby.

On your return after your cruise, you can walk to the onsite parking lot with your baggage, or the driver can retrieve the vehicle and pick up passengers and luggage from the terminal entrance.

The new modern Port Canaveral cruise parking facilities can accommodate larger vehicles and RVs. Onsite Port Canaveral cruise parking lots are secure and patrolled 24/7.

• Distance from port: 100 yards approx.
• Address: Terminals 5,6,8 and 10 are on Charles Rowland Drive.
• Terminal 1 is on Discovery Road
• Terminal 3 is on Christopher Columbus Drive
• Price per day: $17

Port Canaveral Cruise Parking for Disabled Passengers

Disabled travelers meeting certain criteria can obtain free parking at the official cruise terminal parking lots at Port Canaveral.

The disabled parking facilities are extremely convenient and wheelchair-friendly. Special disabled parking spaces are available at each terminal, close to the ship walkway.

The daily fee is waived for those who meet certain criteria, such as:

• Passengers with vehicles that are equipped with ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls specifically for disabled users
• Passengers in vehicles that display a valid Florida Toll Exemption Permit as per Florida statute 316.1964
• Passengers of vehicles displaying a Florida Disabled Veteran license plate

Best Off-Site Port Canaveral Cruise Parking

You can save money by choosing off-site cruise parking away from the port. All the following Port Canaveral cruise parking lots include a free shuttle to the cruise port.

Park-n-Cruise at Port Canaveral

Park n’Cruise has a fleet of shuttle buses to efficiently transfer cruisers between the parking lot and the ship. In business since 2011, this reliable company charges $11.95 per day parking if booked in advance.

It includes free shuttle transport for up to 4 passengers. Extra riders are charge a one-time $5 fee for the return trip. You can also rent a mobility scooter for onboard use for the duration of your cruise for around $20 per day.

• Distance from port: 2.7 miles
• Address: 1700 Sea Ray Drive, Merritt Island
• Tel: 866-706-8999
• Price per day: $11.95
• Shuttle: Free

Park Port Canaveral

Park Port Canaveral offers secure cruise parking just a 5-minute shuttle ride from Port Canaveral cruise terminal. It’s very easy to get to. There’s a welcome booth and luggage drop-off point before self-parking your vehicle. Prepaid parking starts at $10.95 per day and the shuttle is free.

• Distance from port: 2.9 miles
• Address: 500 Thurm Blvd, Cape Canaveral
• Price per day: $10.95
• Shuttle: Free

Cruisetime Parking and Shuttle to Port Canaveral

Cruisetime Parking at Port Canaveral charges $8 per day for pre-booked parking and the shuttle for up to 4 cruisers is free. Extra passengers are charged a one-time fee of $5. The price rises steeply to $18 per day for same-day reservations. The secure parking lot is on Merritt Island and the journey time is around 15 minutes to the port. This company also offers cruise parking for RVs.

• Distance from port: 7.9 miles
• Address: 350 Fortenberry Rd, Merritt Island
• Tel: 321-591-0854
• Price per day: $8
• Shuttle: Free

Best Off-Site Port Canaveral Cruise Parking with Shuttle Fee

Go Port Canaveral

Go Port Canaveral has a slightly different method of charging cruise parking as they charge per head regardless of the length of your cruise. It could work out cheaper for single travelers and those taking a longer cruise of up to 15 days.

They offer a Port Canaveral cruise parking package which includes free parking for any length of cruise. Transfers to and from the cruise terminal are included in the package price.

The company has air-conditioned shuttle buses and a secure parking lot. What’s more, you park your own car and keep your keys with you. The staff has no access to your vehicle at any time.

• Distance from port: 5.5 miles
• Address: 3345 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island
• Tel: n/a
• Price flat rate: $80 for a single traveler plus $5 per person

Eg. For a couple cruising 7 to 14 nights, cruise parking would cost $85 including shuttle transport to and from the ship.

Covered Cruise Parking at Port Canaveral

There is no covered cruise parking near Port Canaveral.

Best Port Canaveral Hotels with Stay and Cruise Parking Packages

If you are taking a cruise from Port Canaveral, you might want to extend your vacation by spending a few days pre- or post-cruise in a hotel. You can enjoy Cocoa Beach, tour the Kennedy Space Center and visit Orlando theme parks. By choosing a hotel that offers Park-and-Cruise packages, it can be surprisingly cost-effective.

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson is the closest hotel to Port Canaveral with cruise parking. Prices at this 3 star hotel are from $142 and include a free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, pool and free shuttle to the port as part of your Stay and Cruise package.

• Distance from port: 2.5 miles
• Address: 9009 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral
• Tel: 321-784-8500
• Price: $142
• Shuttle: Yes

Best Western Cocoa Beach

Close to Cocoa Beach pier, Best Western Cocoa Beach offers packages from $216 that include cruise parking and free shuttle transport for 2 guests. Additional guests are charged $14 each for the return shuttle transport.

• Distance from port: 4.9 miles
• Address: 5600 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
• Tel: 1-800-568-8520
• Price: $216
• Shuttle: Yes

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Cocoa Beach

Holiday Inn and Suites has excellent amenities including heated outdoor pool and spa, fitness center and complimentary breakfast buffet to set you up for the day. Prices for Cruise and Stay packages are from $226 and include shuttle transport.

• Distance from port: 4.9 miles
• Address: 5575 N. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
• Tel: 321-868-2525
• Price: $226
• Shuttle: Yes

Budget Inn Cocoa

Just off I-95, Budget Inn Cocoa has Park-and-Cruise rates from $63. Rooms are very basic but include free Wi-Fi, HBO and pool. There is transport to Port Canaveral for a nominal fee.

• Distance from port: 14 miles
• Address: 4150 King St, Cocoa Beach
• Tel: 321-632-5721
• Price: $63
• Shuttle: Yes

Cheapest Port Canaveral Cruise Parking – Summary

If you’re taking a short 3-4 day cruise or traveling as a group, check out Cruisetime Parking. If you are disabled, check if you are eligible for free parking at Port Canaveral Cruise Parking Lots onsite.

If you are taking a longer cruise, Go Port Canaveral is definitely the cheapest option. It offers parking for up to 15 days for a fixed price of $80 for a solo cruiser; $85 for a couple and $95 for a party of 4.

If you want the most convenient cruise parking at Port Canaveral, pay more and enjoy the convenience of parking a short walk from the ship with the official Port Canaveral Cruise Parking.

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