Miami Cruise Port Parking: Where to Park Guide

Be prepared with our full Miami cruise port parking guide with official and nearby lots, prices, and plenty of tips for getting to the port.

Most cruise passengers require parking for their vehicles so we’re here to provide an up-to-date round-up of cruise parking options near the Port of Miami, including comparative costs, distances, and shuttle information.

Port of Miami Cruise Parking Facts and Figures 

According to NAFTA, the top three busiest cruise ports in the world are all in southeast Florida. The busy Port of Miami leads the way, handling over four million cruise passengers in 2022, a figure that is steadily recovering since the Covid lockdown, according to the official website.

No wonder Miami is nicknamed the “Cruise Capital of the World”! Of course, many of these cruisers arrive by car and use the many options available for Miami cruise port parking.

PortMiami currently has nine passenger terminals serving 23 cruise lines, some using Miami as their home port. It has 466 cruises scheduled to depart from the port in 2023.

Exotic destinations include the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, as well as West Coast USA, Alaska and South America via the Panama Canal. It all means there’s a high demand for cruise parking space in Miami, especially in the peak winter season.

Miami Port is located on Dodge Island, south of Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach and east of Downtown Miami. There is limited cruise parking at the terminal, with further off-site cruise parking lots offered nearby.

The port is connected to the city via a causeway over the Intracoastal Waterway and via the undersea Port of Miami Tunnel to the nearby MacArthur Causeway on Watson Island.

Worth Reading: How to Get from Miami Airport to Cruise Port?

As you can imagine, the logistics of efficiently handling millions of cruise passengers and their vehicles arriving and departing from this island port in Miami are considerable.

Miami Cruise Parking Rates

As with most services, cruise parking rates vary depending upon the convenience to the port and the parking services included. The closer you are to the port, generally, the higher the cost of cruise parking. However, there are several alternative options that you might want to consider.

If you want a parking spot at one of the coveted cruise terminal car parks actually in Miami port, you will pay for the convenience. These cruise parking lots also need to be booked well in advance.

You will generally pay a lower rate if you choose cruise parking in Miami, which is further from the port. You will pay more if the parking is on-site, secure garage parking, or if you have an oversize vehicle. You should expect to pay at least $90 for seven nights cruise parking, including fees and taxes.

If you are planning to spend the night before departing on a cruise out of Miami, you can get low-cost (or even free) cruise parking at a Miami hotel. Stay and Cruise packages usually include a courtesy shuttle to and from the Miami cruise port. To give you some idea of comparative costs of Port of Miami cruise parking lots, the rates below provide a guideline cost per day.

• Miami Port Parking at the Cruise Terminal – From $22
• Royal Caribbean Terminal A cruise parking – From $25
• Premier Cruise Parking (covered) – $13
• Cruise Parking Miami Garage (covered) – $15
• Safe Cruise Parking – $12.99
• WePark – $9.99
• Miami hotels – Stay, Park and Cruise packages from $58- $289

NB. Many shuttles are free for up to 4 passengers and their luggage. Extra passengers may be charged each way for the transfer.

Onsite Port of Miami Cruise Parking

The best Miami cruise port parking is actually onsite, and there is parking within easy walking distance of each cruise terminal. The official lots have high security and is in a covered parking garage or on a secure parking lot. 

These sought-after Miami cruise port parking spaces need to be booked well in advance. Generally, drivers must pay the attendant on arrival at the Port of Miami car park (except Garage J, which requires pre-payment). Credit cards and checks are accepted, but not debit cards.

On cruise days, these parking garages are staffed with a parking attendant from 6 am to 5 pm. Generally, drivers who have no prebooked can pay on arrival and receive a decal to display in their car window.

Charges are calculated per night at $22 plus sales tax, so the cost of parking for the duration of your cruise will be at least $162 for a 7-night cruise and $324 for 14 nights. If you are on a shorter cruise of five days or less, the cost is $28 per night.

Cruisers sailing with Royal Caribbean can use their Terminal A car park. However, you will pay a little more for the convenience. Port of Miami cruise parking at Royal Caribbean Terminal A is $25 per night for sailings of six days or more. 

There are surcharges for oversize vehicles, including vans, RVs, and vehicles over 20 feet in length at an additional $22 per day. These larger vehicles can only be parked in Lot 2, opposite Terminal E. 

Clearance height at garages A, C, D, G, and J varies but can be as low as 6’8″, so if you have an SUV or higher vehicle, you should check the clearance of each garage and level before booking. 

Address: 1015 North America Way, Miami (parking lots are available at each cruise terminal)

• Distance from cruise port: onsite
• Shuttle? No
• Cost per day: From $22

Best Cruise Parking Miami for Disabled Passengers

Passengers with limited mobility will find the onsite Port of Miami cruise parking is the easiest and most convenient. Designated parking spaces are available for those with a disabled permit or license tag.

Standard cruise car parking rates apply; however, there are some exceptions. Vehicles with specialized equipment such as lifts, ramps, adapted hand and foot controls, or any vehicle displaying a State of Florida license plate for disabled veterans may park free. 

• Distance from cruise port: onsite
• Shuttle? No
• Cost per day: Free with certain conditions

Alternatively, disabled drivers can use one of the off-site or hotel cruise car parking options in Miami and get a taxi to the port.

Electric Vehicle Charging at Miami Cruise Port

There are currently no charging points for electric vehicles at PortMiami. However, some hotels nearby do offer EV charging stations. 

Best Miami Cruise Parking Options

Several companies offer a convenient and efficient off-site cruise parking service that includes shuttle transfer to and from the cruise port. These parking options are around half the price of the official Port of Miami cruise parking lots. 

Due to the hot sun in Florida, most cruise parking in Miami is in secure covered garages rather than on open lots. 

Premier Cruise Parking

If you are taking a longer cruise and want to keep your car out of the searing Florida sunshine, Premier Cruise Parking offers convenient Miami port cruise parking in a new cruise port parking facility at the MET3 parking garage in downtown Miami.

The garage allows cruisers to self-park. Clearance height is just 7 feet, which is unsuitable for RVs and larger vehicles. Premier Cruise parking costs $13 per night plus fees and taxes, so a 7-night cruise will cost $99 total. 

The cost includes a continuous complimentary shuttle service to and from Miami Cruise Port in a brand-new fleet of vehicles. The shuttle service runs from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm on cruise days and includes max of four passengers free per vehicle.

• Address: Met3 Parking Garage, 250 SE 3rd Ave, Miami
• Distance from cruise port: 2.7 miles
• Shuttle? Free
• Cost per day: $13

The Cruise Parking Miami

The Cruise Parking Miami offers secure cruise parking near the Port of Miami at a fixed price with no hidden extras. The 10-storey parking garage has elevators and security camera monitoring 24/7 for added peace of mind.

However, this company does not run a shuttle service, so you need to book a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to transfer you to the cruise terminal. This cruise parking garage offers valet parking so you drop your car at the entrance, unload your luggage, and wait for your taxi ride. 

• Address: 252/255 NE 1st St, Miami
• Distance from cruise port: 2.4 miles
• Shuttle? No
• Cost per day: $15

Safe Cruise Parking

Just 5 minutes from the Miami cruise terminal, Safe Cruise Parking offers reasonably priced cruise parking in a secure multi-story garage with a clearance of 7 feet. It is located about 2.5 miles from the port. 

The company has a fleet of complimentary shuttle buses to transfer cruisers and their luggage to the ship. Shuttles run every 30 minutes. The service includes luggage assistance if required.

Safe Cruise Parking also has onsite restrooms and refreshments. They offer free shuttle transport for up to six cruisers per vehicle. 

Pre-booking your Safe Cruise Parking is advisable and can be done by phone or online. On arrival at the gate, you will need to hand over your reservation receipt/email before parking. 

Prices are from $12.99 per day plus fees and tax. Remember, you will need to book eight days of cruise parking for a 7-night cruise to cover the part days when you arrive and depart, e.g., Saturday to Saturday, which will cost a total of $117.40.

Customers are given a yellow smiley face badge to keep safe. On your return to Miami, you must wear it so that drivers can easily identify their passengers for pick-up from the cruise terminal.

• Address: 189 NE 2nd St, Miami  
• Distance from cruise port: 2.5 miles
• Shuttle? Free
• Cost: $12.99

WePark

WePark advertises itself as the “most affordable parking in downtown Miami”. However, it does not have the best feedback from past customers. Just minutes from Miami cruise port, it combines a convenient option with a free shuttle service. 

Parking is in two secure covered garages. You can even book a car wash while you’re away on your cruise! Parking is $9.99 per day. For a 7-day cruise you will be charged $90.67 with additional fees and taxes.

It is advisable to book online ahead of time to secure a cruise parking space. 

• Address: 850 NE 2^nd Ave, Miami 
• Distance from cruise port: 1.8 miles
• Tel: 1-786-749-1227
• Shuttle? Free
• Cost per day: From $9.99

Best Miami Hotels with Cruise Parking and Shuttle

Many hotels in Miami offer Park and Sail Packages for Miami cruises. These can save you a fortune in cruise parking fees, especially if you arrive the day before your cruise departs and stay overnight. You might also want to extend your cruise by staying a few days and seeing the sights of Miami before heading home.

Some hotels include a shuttle service with their Port of Miami cruise parking packages while others require you to take a short taxi ride. It’s worth comparing prices to see whether this could be the cheapest cruise parking in Miami.

Related: Hotels NEAR Miami Cruise Port with Shuttle Service

We have listed some of the most convenient hotels near Miami cruise port that offer Park and Sail cruise parking packages.

However, you can contact any hotel in downtown Miami and ask about the cost of leaving your car on their lot for the duration of your cruise. It’s advisable to have your cruise parking arrangements confirmed before your arrival.

Doubletree Hilton offers luxury rooms with bay and marina views along with secure parking and shuttle transport to the cruise port. Prices vary according to rooms selected and seasonal demand.

• Address: 1717 N. Bayshore Dr, Miami
• Distance from cruise port: 1.9 miles
• Tel: 1-855-605-0318 
• Shuttle? Yes
• Cost: From $281

Runway Inn is 9 miles from the port, near Miami Airport. Updated rooms are from $58 per night plus a fee per day for cruise parking by prior arrangement. This budget hotel includes Wi-Fi and free breakfast. Transport to the port can be booked for a fee.

• Address: 656 East Dr, Miami Springs
• Distance from cruise port: 9.1 miles
• Tel: (305) 888-6411
• Shuttle? No
• Cost: From $58

Hyatt Place, Doral is close to the airport and about 13 miles from PortMiami. Look for special cruise parking packages which may include up to 14 nights parking and a night in a luxury hotel for around $287.

• Address: 3655 NW 82^nd Ave, Doral
• Distance from cruise port: 13.2 miles
• Tel: (305) 718-8292
• Shuttle? Yes
• Cost: From $287

Hilton Garden Inn Miami Airport West is about 12 miles from Miami cruise port. However, its Park and Sail packages start at $249 for a one night stay and up to 7 nights parking.

• Address: 3550 NW 74th Ave, Miami,
• Distance from cruise port: 12.3 miles
• Tel: (305) 629-7701
• Shuttle? Transfers by arrangement
• Cost per day: $249

Quality Inn Miami Airport is close to Miami Airport and 13 miles from the cruise port. This 2-star hotel charges around $92 for a night’s stay which includes breakfast. Ask about their Cruise and Stay package deals, including transport to the port and cruise parking for up to 7 nights.

• Address: 3959 NW 79^th Ave, Miami
• Distance from cruise port: 13 miles
• Tel: 786-533-3636
• Shuttle? Yes
• Cost per day: From $92

Cheapest Miami Cruise Parking at the Airport

If you are driving to Miami and need convenient cruise parking, one of the best places to find secure parking is at Miami International Airport, just 7 miles from the Port of Miami.

Worth Checking: What to Know About Miami Cruise Port Car Rental

What’s more, most cruise lines run regular shuttle services between the airport and the cruise port so it pays to think outside the box. Even if you’re arriving by car, you can still make use of these cruise parking services!

Getting to the Port of Miami Cruise Terminals

If you are driving to Miami from north/central Florida or from out of state, use the I-95 S, which runs down the east coast of Florida.

You can also opt for the Florida Turnpike which is a quieter option with regular tolls. It runs for 340 miles from Ocala in North Central Florida to Miami before dividing.

Ignore the Homestead Extension Florida Turnpike (HEFT) and join the I-95 at Golden Glades for the most direct route. Follow signs for the Port Miami Tunnel and continue to your designated Port of Miami cruise parking.

When arranging your Miami cruise port parking, make sure you know which terminal you will be sailing from and choose parking that is convenient to that location.

The Port of Miami has nine cruise terminals, with two more planned for completion in 2024. Terminals A-G are all located along North Cruise Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132. Once at the port, follow the local signs to your cruise terminal or onsite cruise parking lot.

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal from the Parking Lot

Most hotels and cruise parking lots serving the Port of Miami have their own cruise shuttle service. Taxis are widely available in Miami, but they can be expensive. Taxi fares between the Port of Miami and Bay Harbor Islands (14 miles) can cost around $100 in slow traffic conditions.

Express Shuttle could be a better solution. For one fixed price they offer private shuttle vans and share-ride services between the port, hotels and Miami Airport (where long-term cruise parking can be found at affordable rates).

Using a private vehicle service could work out cheaper and faster for groups than paying a per-head fee for a shuttle bus.

You can even book a private shuttle service to provide a shore-side Meet and Greet service. Call for a personal quote for this private transfer option to and from your cruise parking in Miami.

FAQs

How much is parking at the Miami cruise port?

Onsite Miami port cruise parking costs from $22 per night ($25 at Terminal A) with surcharges for oversize vehicles at an additional $22 per day. Veterans and some disabled drivers that meet certain conditions can park free.

What’s the closest parking lot to PortMiami?

The closest cruise parking at PortMiami is onsite. There are cruise parking garages serving all terminals.

Where to park for a Carnival cruise in Miami?

Carnival Cruise Line currently uses Miami cruise terminals D and E. There are onsite parking lots close to both these terminals. Book online via the official Port Miami website.

Is it safe to park near the Port of Miami?

The area around the Miami cruise port is generally safe for parking. The official Miami cruise port parking is secure.