Where is the best parking for our cruise from Ft L ? SO MANY ?! We do not need a hotel. We are driving down from north FL. Renaissance ? So confused…..
Great question — there *are a lot* of parking options for cruising out of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), so here’s a breakdown of the best ones + pros & things to watch out for, especially if you’re just driving in for the day (no hotel stay).
Top Parking Options for Port Everglades Cruises
The most convenient option: Port Everglades runs its own parking garages and lots. The Heron Garage (serving Terminals 2 & 4) and the Palm Garage (serving Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26, 29) are covered. There are also surface lots (Lot 18, Lot 19) for overflow.
Cost is around $20/day for standard vehicles, and $25/day for oversized vehicles.
Pros: walk right from your car to the terminal (or very close), secure, no shuttle needed. According to other cruisers, this is often worth the extra cost.
There’s a self-park lot on the 4th floor of the Renaissance Hotel (1617 SE 17th St), just a few minutes from the port.
Rate: approx. $15/day for cruise parking.
Pros: well-maintained, secure, and very convenient without having to park directly at the terminal.
If you want to save money, Rightway Parking offers long-term cruise parking near Port Everglades.
Rates start around $9/day, depending on lot and availability.
Pros: lower cost, guaranteed spot (if you reserve), and potentially a shuttle or short ride back to your car.
This is a secure, fenced off-site lot with 24/7 shuttle service to the port.
Rates: often $7–8/day, which is *much* cheaper than some port options.
Pros: very budget-friendly, good for longer cruises, and peace of mind on security.
Other Considerations & Tips
Bottom Line: If convenience is most important to you, on-site Port Everglades parking (Heron or Palm garage) is the way to go. If you're more budget-conscious, off-site lots like United Airport Parking or Rightway provide much better value. And the Renaissance lot is a nice middle ground — easy, secure, and close by. Choose based on how much you're willing to spend vs how much convenience you want.