Parking at PortMiami and Port Everglades costs between $15 and $25 per day for standard parking, depending on which port you use and how far in advance you book
PortMiami (also called Miami Port Authority) charges $20 per day for standard self-parking in its main garages. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, about 30 miles north, charges $15 per day for standard parking. Both ports offer valet parking at higher rates — typically $25 to $30 per day — and both charge more if you book at the gate on the day you arrive rather than online ahead of time.
The total you pay depends on how long your car sits there. A seven-day cruise costs $140 at PortMiami or $105 at Port Everglades if you book standard parking in advance. Rates are the same whether you park for one day or fourteen, so the per-day cost matters most when you are deciding between ports or between parking on-site versus using an off-port lot.
Both ports sit in dense urban areas with limited free parking nearby, so parking at the port itself is usually faster and safer than hunting for street spots or using a distant lot and paying for a shuttle. The trade-off is that you pay more per day than you would at an airport lot an hour away — but you also save the shuttle fare and the time.
Key Takeaways
- PortMiami charges $20 per day for standard self-parking booked in advance; Port Everglades charges $15 per day.
- Booking parking online before your cruise date costs less than paying at the gate on arrival day.
- Valet parking at either port runs $25 to $30 per day and is worth considering if you have a long drive home after your cruise ends.
- Off-port parking lots near both ports charge $8 to $12 per day but require a shuttle ride to the terminal, which adds time and cost.
- PortMiami and Port Everglades are 30 miles apart; choosing Port Everglades saves money if you live in the Fort Lauderdale area.
PortMiami parking rates and how to book
PortMiami's standard self-parking garage is located at 1015 North America Way, directly adjacent to the cruise terminals. The rate is $20 per day when you book online through the port's website before your departure date. If you wait and pay at the gate on the day you arrive, the rate jumps to $25 per day.
To book, visit the PortMiami parking page, enter your arrival and departure dates, and choose between standard self-parking and valet. You will receive a confirmation email with a barcode to scan at entry. Arrive at least two hours before your ship departs — the garage fills up on busy days, and you need time to park, check in at the terminal, and clear security.
PortMiami also offers valet parking at $25 per day when booked online, or $30 at the gate. Valet is worth the extra $5 if you are tired after a cruise and do not want to walk through a garage to find your car, or if you live far enough away that the time saved matters.
Port Everglades parking rates and how to book
Port Everglades, located in Fort Lauderdale, has two main parking facilities: the Northport Parking Garage and the Southport Parking Garage. Standard self-parking at either location is $15 per day when booked online in advance, or $20 at the gate. Valet parking is $25 per day online or $30 at the gate.
Book through the Port Everglades website by selecting your cruise date and parking type. You will receive a confirmation with parking instructions and a barcode. The Northport and Southport garages are about 10 minutes apart by car, so check your cruise terminal location before you book — the port website lists which terminal your ship uses.
Port Everglades is the busier of the two ports and handles more cruise ships, so parking fills faster on peak days. Booking in advance guarantees a spot and locks in the lower rate. If you are driving from the Fort Lauderdale area, Port Everglades saves you $35 to $70 on a week-long cruise compared to PortMiami.
Off-port parking lots and shuttle services
Several private parking lots operate near both ports and charge $8 to $12 per day — significantly less than on-port parking. The catch is that you must take a shuttle to the cruise terminal, which adds 15 to 30 minutes to your departure and arrival. Common off-port options near PortMiami include Cruise Parking Spot and ParkWhiz; near Port Everglades, look for Parkway Parking and similar operators.
Off-port lots make sense if you are price-sensitive and have time to spare, or if you are dropping off a car for a long cruise and do not mind waiting for a shuttle. They do not make sense if you are arriving late or leaving early, because shuttle schedules may not align with your ship's timing. Always confirm shuttle hours and frequency before you book.
Some off-port lots also offer car wash and detailing services, which can be useful if you want your car cleaned while you are away. Factor that cost into your decision — a basic wash might add $15 to $25 to your total.
Comparing total costs across options
| Parking Type | Port | Per Day | 7-Day Total | Booking Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard self-parking | PortMiami | $20 | $140 | Online in advance |
| Standard self-parking | PortMiami | $25 | $175 | At the gate |
| Valet parking | PortMiami | $25 | $175 | Online in advance |
| Standard self-parking | Port Everglades | $15 | $105 | Online in advance |
| Standard self-parking | Port Everglades | $20 | $140 | At the gate |
| Valet parking | Port Everglades | $25 | $175 | Online in advance |
| Off-port lot with shuttle | Either port | $10 | $70 | Online in advance |
The cheapest option is an off-port lot at $10 per day, but you sacrifice convenience and time. The next tier is Port Everglades standard parking at $15 per day — a good choice if your cruise departs from there or if you live closer to Fort Lauderdale. PortMiami standard parking at $20 per day is the most expensive on-port option but offers the shortest walk to the terminals.
Booking online always saves $5 per day compared to paying at the gate. On a seven-day cruise, that is $35 saved. Even if you are unsure of your exact departure time, most ports allow you to modify or cancel your parking reservation up to 24 hours before arrival.
Tips for saving money and avoiding problems
Book your parking at the same time you book your cruise, or as soon as your cruise date is confirmed. Rates do not change based on how far in advance you book, but availability does — on peak travel dates, even on-port parking can sell out, forcing you to use a more expensive off-port lot or valet.
If you are driving a large vehicle — an SUV, truck, or van — confirm that the parking garage accepts it. Some older garages have low clearance or narrow spaces. Both PortMiami and Port Everglades accommodate standard vehicles, but it is worth a quick call to the parking office if you are unsure.
Plan to arrive at least two hours before your ship departs. This gives you time to park, walk to the terminal, check in, and clear security without rushing. On busy days, the garages can take 10 to 15 minutes to navigate, and the terminal lines can be long.
If you are returning late at night after your cruise, consider valet parking so you do not have to walk through a dark garage alone. The extra $5 per day is a reasonable cost for safety and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park for free at Miami cruise ports?
No. Both PortMiami and Port Everglades charge for all parking, including standard self-parking. There is no free lot or grace period. Some hotels near the ports offer free parking to guests, so if you are staying overnight before your cruise, that may be an option.
What happens if I lose my parking ticket or barcode?
Contact the parking office at the port before you leave. If you booked online, they can look up your reservation by license plate or confirmation number and issue a replacement barcode. If you paid at the gate, bring your cruise ticket or boarding pass as proof of your departure date.
Can I extend my parking if my cruise is delayed?
Yes, but you will pay an additional daily rate. Contact the parking office as soon as you know your ship will be delayed. Most ports charge the same per-day rate for extensions, so a one-day delay costs $15 to $20 depending on which port you use.
Is it cheaper to park at the airport and take a shuttle to the cruise port?
No. Miami International Airport parking costs $18 to $30 per day, and a shuttle to the cruise port costs an additional $20 to $40 round trip. You would spend more money and more time than parking at the port itself. The only exception is if you are flying out of Miami after your cruise and need to leave your car at the airport anyway.
Do cruise lines offer parking discounts?
Some cruise lines partner with parking companies to offer discounted rates to passengers, but the discount is usually small — $2 to $5 per day. Check your cruise line's website or your booking confirmation to see if a parking discount code is listed. Even with a discount, booking directly through the port website is often the same price or cheaper.