Port Everglades, located in Fort Lauderdale, is one of three busiest cruise ports in the world. The cruise lines that typically sail from Port Everglades include: Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Ritz-Carlton, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, and Viking Ocean.

If your next cruise departs from Port Everglades, and you are planning to drive to the port, we answer all of your questions about parking for the Port Everglades Cruise Port.

Why Drive to Port Everglades?

Flying seems like a logical choice for getting to a cruise port, but driving might save both time and money. Have you looked at the cost of airfare recently? Don’t you hate it when you spend almost as much on airfare as you do for your cruise? The cost benefits may be worthy of considering a drive to Fort Lauderdale.

Time savings may also be worthy of opting to drive to Port Everglades. Add up the time from leaving home to driving to the airport, finding a parking spot, waiting for a shuttle, and then going through the check-in process. Think about the hassle of security lines or hearing that your flight is delayed.

When you finally reach your destination, don’t forget about the time waiting for your luggage. When you finally see your luggage on the belt and breathe a sigh of relief that it wasn’t lost, you now need transportation to your hotel or to Port Everglades.

Thus, adding up all the time it takes to fly and the cost, you may conclude that driving is a perfect alternative. But where do you park when you arrive? Are there options besides parking at the cruise port? What happens if the lots are full? Do you have a plan B?

Here’s What You Need to Know About Parking for Port Everglades

Once you have decided to drive to the Port Everglades Cruise Port, you need to take a few things into consideration. Bad weather, construction delays, a flat tire, or mechanical issues with your car can add additional hours of travel to reach Port Everglades. Don’t cut your arrival too close to final boarding time. In fact, we always recommend that those who fly in, should arrive a day early.

That same advice also holds true for driving, especially if you have driven from far away. It’s worth the stress relief knowing that you have arrived and are an easy drive or shuttle ride to your cruise terminal at Port Everglades the next morning.

 Being rested and unrushed prepares you for enjoying every moment of your cruise.

Getting to Port Everglades

Port Everglades covers an expansive area with three different entrances to the port. The cruise port is accessible from I-595, I-195, I-175, US 1 (Federal Hwy), and the Florida Turnpike.

Do not consider walking to Port Everglades! Unauthorized roaming through the port is strictly prohibited.

If you are using a navigation app, Port Everglades recommends putting in “Port Everglades” rather than an address. Otherwise, you may be misdirected. When you put in Port Everglades on Google Maps, you will be able to select a terminal from a drop down menu. Most cruise lines regularly use a certain terminal but that can change. So, look at your cruise docs ahead of time to determine from which terminal your ship will sail.

Port Everglades has three entrances:

• 1595 Eller Drive, which is open 24 hours.
• US 1 (Federal Hwy) at State Rd, aka 84 (Spangler Blvd.) Open 6AM-6PM.
• Southeast 17th St. at Eisenhower Blvd. Open 6AM-6PM.

Once you reach your preferred entrance, you will find a security checkpoint. To avoid being honked at or being subjected to loud sighs of frustration from the cars behind you, be sure to have a government issued photo ID and your cruise documents ready to present to the security officer. These documents are required for any cruise guest 18 or older.

Be aware that no weapons, even permitted weapons, are allowed on port property and definitely not onboard a ship.

There is signage throughout the port directing you to both your terminal and the appropriate parking facility. Your first stop should be the terminal where all luggage and your passengers are dropped off. If any of your passengers are disabled, you may request curbside wheelchair assistance to the terminal.

While the driver is parking, the other guests should give the luggage to the porters at the cruise terminal. Be sure to keep your documents handy before giving the luggage to the porters. Additionally, keep medication and anything else important with you in your cruise carry-on. It will likely take time to get the luggage delivered to your stateroom.

What Are My Parking Options?

With nearly four million passengers per year sailing from this port, it’s no surprise that Port Everglades provides over 5,500 parking spaces in several fenced surface parking lots and two parking garages.

While parking at Port Everglades itself is likely the easiest and most convenient option, you should be aware that there are other options available for parking including off-site parking and park and cruise options that you should consider. This way, you can make an informed decision as to which option best fits your needs.

Parking at Port Everglades

The parking areas at Port Everglades include Parking Lots A, B, and C along with two garages – Heron and Palm. The good news is that parking on site at Port Everglades offers convenient and secure facilities.

Parking is charged on a daily basis. So you are charged for the day you first park the car and the day that you retrieve your car. The maximum daily charge at Port Everglades parking facilities is $20. Oversized vehicles pay a daily maximum of $25. 

Port Everglades parking facilities do not accept reservations or pre-payment for parking. Disabled parking is available and may be complimentary in certain cases, if you have the correct waiver. Being a resident of Florida makes getting a waiver a bit simpler. For more assistance or instructions about disabled parking, call SP Plus at 954-468-4680.

When entering the parking area, take the ticket and keep it with you. That way you can pay for your parking before retrieving your car when you return from your cruise.

There are contactless payment machines in both the garages and the parking lots. The machines accept credit cards and cash. Keep in mind that there are no cashiers at the exits.

Now that you have parked your car, you will find that most of the parking areas are within walking distance to the cruise terminals. There is complimentary shuttle service between Palm Garage and Cruise Terminal 29.

Port Everglades Terminals By Cruise Line

It’s best to check your cruise documents to know where your ship will dock, as things do change. Though, here is a general idea of where some cruise lines typically dock along with the associated parking areas.

• Terminal 2 – Princess Cruises. This terminal is connected to the Heron Parking Garage via a passenger bridge with moving sidewalks. Access is from the fifth floor of the garage. There are also elevators on the outside of Terminal 2.
• Terminal 4 – Disney Cruise Line. This is also connected to the Heron Garage.
• Terminal 18 – Royal Caribbean. Parking is in Lots 18 or 19.
• Terminal 19 – Holland America. Parking is in Lot 19.
• Terminal 21- Various cruise lines. Parking is in adjacent Palm Garage.
• Terminal 25 -Primarily used by Celebrity Cruises. Parking is in the Palm Garage as well.
• Terminal 26 – Holland America. Parking for this terminal is in the Palm Garage.
• Terminal 29 – Various cruise lines. Parking is in the Palm Garage with free shuttle service to/from the terminal.

Other Parking Options

While the cruise port may be the most convenient, it’s often more expensive. So, you may want to consider alternative parking options for Port Everglades. These include hotel park and stay options, offsite parking lots, or even the Fort Lauderale airport which is just over 4 miles away.

Hotel Park and Stay

Especially if you are arriving the day before your cruise, a park and stay hotel may be a good option. Often the parking fare for the duration of your cruise is included with paying a higher price for the room. Many of these hotels even offer complimentary shuttles to Port Everglades on your embarkation day.

Your travel advisor should be able to find you a hotel with parking using the International Holidays website, which is just for travel advisors. Or, you can also do your own online search.

Below are some popular hotels options that offer park and stay packages listed in order of distance from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

• Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel (0.1 miles to cruise port)
• Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport (0.1 miles to cruise port)
• Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (0.5 miles to cruise port)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale (0.7 miles to cruise port)
• Hampton Inn Ft Lauderdale-Airport North (2.5 miles to cruise port)
• Candlewood Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise (2.5 miles to cruise port)
• Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport – Port Everglades Cruise Port (5 miles to cruise port)
• Homewood Suites By Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port (5.5 miles to cruise port)
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (5.5 miles to cruise port)
• Residence Inn By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (6 miles to cruise port)
• Courtyard By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (6 miles to cruise port)
• Cambria Hotel & Suites Ft Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port (6.5 miles to cruise port)
• Hilton Garden Inn Fort Lauderdale (7 miles to cruise port)
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port (7 miles)
• SpringHill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (7 miles)
• Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (7 miles)

Alternative Off-Site Parking Lots

Another alternative for less expensive parking for Port Everglades are off-site parking lots. There are many independent parking lots near the cruise port. Some of the above mentioned hotels also offer parking without a stay. Sites like Spot Hero and Cruise Parking provide real time availability.

Again do a search to see where the nearest parking lots are in relation to the port, what the fees are, and if they offer a free shuttle to the port. You may even find recommendations in Facebook groups from fellow cruisers.

Some options for off-site parking near Port Everglades include:

• Park by the Ports
• Park ‘N Go
• Gold Coast Cruise and Fly Parking

Discounts or Special Offers

After deciding which of these parking options is best for you, it doesn’t hurt to see if you can score any discounts or special offers on the price. Check out sources like Groupon, auto club memberships, other types of memberships or special coupons to see if you are eligible for a parking discount.

Saving the Best Option to Last

If you have friends or family who live near the port, you might be able to stay with them and leave your car with them. They might even agree to drive you to the port.

Or, maybe they live elsewhere in Florida near the newer Brightline train, which runs between Orlando and Miami, with limited stops between, including one at Fort Lauderdale.

Considerations for Parking at Port Everglades or Elsewhere

• Figure out what the value of your time is. Remember that you are here for a cruise. Do you want to spend hours figuring out parking alternatives to save a few bucks? Likely, you have saved a lot by driving rather than flying anyway.
• Check out reviews of the parking lots that you are considering.
• If you need a shuttle to the cruise port, be sure that the shuttle service can carry all of your luggage and inquire about fees.
• Be sure to allow plenty of time for taking a shuttle or other transportation to Port Everglades.
• Drop off your passengers and all luggage at your designated cruise terminal before parking your vehicle.
• Make note of where you parked. Grab a business card from the attendant at a remote lot. You will need to call for the shuttle when you get back. Take a photo of the nearest sign or landmark.
• Arrive a day early so you aren’t exhausted from driving long distances.
• Remember how you dropped off your passengers and luggage before heading to the parking lot? When you return, do the opposite. Leave the others with all the luggage at the terminal and retrieve your vehicle.
• If you park at a surface lot, put a sun blocker in your windshield to protect your vehicle from the scorching sun.
• If you are traveling with kids who need a car seat, don’t forget to grab it if you are planning on renting a car for independent exploration in a port of call.
• Carry a spare set of keys that you keep on your person.
• Don’t wait to the last minute to reserve your parking space if not parking at Port Everglades.

Final Thoughts

With advance preparation, drivers can make the process of finding parking for their cruise go smoothly. Choosing Port Everglades parking takes much less thought than other parking locations, but they are certainly viable options if you are looking to save money.

Remember that it’s your vacation. Choose the parking option that works best for you and gets you to your cruise ship safely and easily.

Comments

Do you have any other questions about parking for Port Everglades? Do you usually fly or drive to your cruise’s departure port? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising from Fort Lauderdale.