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Tampa Cruise Parking Options, Prices, and Maps (Where to Park)

Headed on a cruise from Tampa Bay? If you are driving into the area for your trip, then of course you need somewhere to park your car.

The good news is that you have plenty of parking options. Whether you want to park right at your ship and pay a little more — or save some serious cash by parking a little further away (and taking a free shuttle) — you’re covered.

And if you plan to stay in the area before your cruise, many Tampa hotels also offer cruise parking packages . These deals allow you to park your car at the hotel while you cruise, in exchange for a night’s stay.

Given the number of options, you might be wondering which parking is right for you. We cover all the details below to help you find the perfect spot to park for your cruise.

Tampa Cruise Parking Options & Prices

Port of Tampa Official Parking The port offers plenty of parking right at the cruise terminals. You have your choice of plenty of spots, two-thirds of which are covered garage parking. (Terminals 2 & 3 are serviced by a garage across the street. Terminal 6 offers an open-air lot at the ship.)

Just as with any other port, you will pay for the convenience of parking right next to the cruise ship. Parking is $15.75 per day. That runs $110.25 for a 7-day cruise.

The port also offers valet parking, which is a good idea for those who have issue walking or simply don’t want to deal with parking themselves. The rate is the same $15 per day, but there is also a $20 convenience fee for a total of $130.25 for a 7-day cruise.

Parking for oversized vehicles (RVs, etc.) is $34.35 per day. The port offers online pre-pay for its lots, which we suggest as it gives you one less thing to worry about once you reach the port. However, if you want to pay at the port, they accept cash, as well as major credit cards (including American Express).

• Cost: $15.75 per day
• Distance: At terminal
• Website:  https://www.porttb.com/parking

241 Car Services This parking lot is almost as close as the official Port of Tampa parking, but at just a fraction of the cost. Rates run just $8.99 per day. In addition, there are some small taxes and fees associated with booking.

The main parking lot is lighted, fenced, and offers overnight security. And even though the lot is very close to the port, a shuttle is offered. We do recommend booking online ahead of time due to the lot’s small size.

• Cost: $8.99 per day (plus taxes and fees)
• Distance: 6 blocks (free shuttle provided)
• Website: 241Parking.com

Park 4 Cruise With plenty of competition between parking lots, that’s been good for consumers. Case in point is this company, which now features two lots (one right across from the terminals, one overflow) that can let you park for as little as $10.50 per day, despite being close to the ships.

The Orange Lot is right across from Terminal 6 and offers you cruise parking for considerably less than the $15.75 you’ll pay just down the road at the official port lots. There is also the Purple Lot in case the Orange Lot gets filled. It’s just slightly farther away, but still just a minute or two via the shuttle to the port. Park 4 Cruise is gated and lit, offers 24-hour security, and a shuttle to your terminal.

If you want to park here, it’s a good idea to reserve a spot ahead of time online as it offers a considerable savings off the drive-up rate.

• Cost: $10.50 per day (6% sales tax + $4 processing fee)
• Distance: 4-6 blocks (free shuttle provided)
• Website:  http://park4cruise.com

Rightway Parking Rightway Parking offers several different options for cruise passengers that range in price from as little as $5.99 per day to $10.99 per day.

The closest lot is a within a short walk to Terminals 2 & 3, right next to the parking garage offered by the Port of Tampa Bay. The lot is gated, fenced, and offers shuttle to the ships if you don’t want to walk. Rates here start at $10.99 per day plus taxes and fees. ( Note that you are charged for the day you leave , so you’ll pay for 8 days of parking for a 7 day cruise.)

However, Rightway also has other lots listed on its site. This includes lots charging as little as $5.99 per day, with a shuttle to the port. There are some lots that are even less but do not include shuttle service.  Just keep in mind these lots aren’t as close and convenient as the $10.99 per day lot.

• Cost: $10.99 per day (additional taxes and fees)
• Distance: 1 block (free shuttle provided)
• Website: https://rightwayparking.com/

Individual Hotels (Tampa Park and Cruise)   If you are staying in the Tampa area, contact your hotel to see if they will allow you to park your car for the length of your cruise. Many hotels cater to cruisers and have special daily parking rates or offer parking packages. If you stay there the night before you cruise, you can then leave your car while you sail. Rates will vary but are generally a sharp discount off the port. 

Some example hotels near the port include:

• Barrymore Hotel
• Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa East – Ybor City

You can see our full list of Tampa hotels with cruise parking here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I park for my cruise from Tampa? The good news is that with a number of parking lots right near the port, you can find affordable parking and save a bundle of money. The bad news is that so many options it can be a bit overwhelming. So where should you park?

If you simply worry about convenience, you can’t beat the official port parking. Right next to the terminals, you can simply walk to the ship and then walk back when it’s time to go home. If you want to save money, we’d suggest one of the lots along Channelside Drive, right near the port. 

What’s the cheapest cruise parking lot? While prices may change, the cheapest lot we found was 241 Car Services. This lot is priced at $9 per day, plus taxes and fees. In all, you’d spend about $75 to park for a week at this lot. That’s among the cheapest parking you’ll find not just in Tampa, but any cruise port in the country.

Is there free parking anywhere? Traditional free parking isn’t available near the port. However, many hotels in the area offer cruise parking specials as a way to attract customers. You simply stay a night and you can get free or discounted parking in addition to the room. For a list of Tampa park and cruise hotels, see our article here .

More on Cruising From Tampa

Getting to the Port of Tampa  — Transportation options from airports and the area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.

Tampa Park and Cruise Hotels — If you plan to stay in the area the night before your cruise, look at this list of hotels that offer cruise parking with a one-night stay.

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2024 Guide to Cruise Parking at Port Tampa Bay

Table of Contents

Introduction

This is a complete guide to Port Tampa Bay Cruise Parking for Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruise lines.

Port Tampa Bay Cruise Parking – The 3 available options:

• SHIP-SIDE PARKING AT Port Tampa Bay 
• COMMERCIAL OFF-SITE PARKING (private lots near the Port)
• HOTEL PARKING

NOTE: If you arrive in the area on the morning of your cruise then you cannot park at a hotel. 

What is best for some may not work for others so ultimately you have to pick what fits your budget and needs!

Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal and Area Map

Here is a detailed map of the Port Tampa Bay Cruise Ship terminals and parking lots for passengers. You will find accurate locations of:

• Cruise Hotels
• Rental Car Agencies
• Cruise Terminals
• Cruise Terminal Parking lots and garages
• Public Transportation Maps – Trolley

Please go here to open a full-screen map in your browser – Cruise Port Tampa Bay Map

Port Tampa Bay Parking Ship-side: The most convenient and expensive option

Here is a map of the cruise terminals and parking garages/lots at Port Tampa Bay.

Officially the parking lots/garages open early for entry. In reality, if you arrive before 9 am then you have to deal with vehicles slowly departing the current cruise meaning you may not get a spot near the ships or elevators (yet)!

• You drive up to the cruise terminal, drop your family and/or luggage at the porters, then
• Drive around to park your vehicle in the garage (terminals 2 and 3) or open parking lot (terminal 6), and
• Walk back to meet your family.
• Valet parking is available at extra cost and is recommended if you have trouble walking.

No hassles and no waiting on shuttle buses especially after your cruise when the family is tired and grumpy!

TIP – Please know there are many attendants ready to direct you when you arrive at the cruise terminal. DO NOT BE WORRIED about a thing! Just get yourself to the correct terminal and the attendants will show you where to drop your luggage, where to park, how to pay, etc .

This convenience is not cheap ($15 per day – you must include your departure and arrival days). Credit cards only. Attendants are available in case you need assistance.

3-NIGHT CRUISE – $45 4-NIGHT CRUISE – $60 5-NIGHT CRUISE – $75 6-NIGHT CRUISE – $90 7-NIGHT CRUISE – $105 8-NIGHT CRUISE – $120

Oversized vehicles such as RVs must park in open-surface lots nearby. Special rates apply.

You can reserve and prepay for parking online – there is a $5 convenience fee. Simply pick your cruise ship and date on the Port Website and complete the booking process in just a few minutes! You will then receive a bar code via email that will be scanned by an attendant when you arrive. You may or may not be handed a parking sign to place on your dashboard.

For the latest information please visit the Official Port Tampa Bay website

The Official Parking Garage

There are two official Port Tampa Bay parking areas –

• Surface Lot at Terminal 6
• Multi-level Garage across from Terminals 2 and 3

Both are managed by The Car Park with properties nationwide.

Note the entrance to the Garage. It is at the northern end of the building at 810 Channelside Drive as shown in the photo below. It is best to approach the entrance from the north because turning right is easier than making a left across oncoming traffic.

The maximum height of the parking garage is 8’2″ as shown in the photo below.

The parking garage has 6 floors. There is an ATM on the ground floor. Be careful when crossing Channelside Dr. It is a very busy road at times.

Terminal 2 – Royal Caribbean

It gets very busy at the entrance to Terminal 2 because the location is in the middle of several Downtown attractions. It is best to approach the entrance from the south along Channelside Dr so you can turn right into the Terminal. Coming from the north is frustrating because you have to turn left facing endless oncoming traffic.

• Set your GPS to 651 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
• Try to approach from the South (drive north along Channelside Dr)
• Turn right into the Terminal then keep left towards the luggage handlers/valet and drop your luggage/passengers. If you paid for valet parking your job is done! Otherwise,
• Drive out and veer left and around to return to Channelside Dr.
• Turn right on Channelside Dr and get in the left lane to turn left into the Parking Garage.
• Attendants will assist you at the pay stations.
• You continue to drive higher until you find a place to park.
• You then take the stairs or elevator down to busy Channelside Dr, cross the street to meet up with your family and enter the main building where you clear security.

Terminal 3 – Carnival, Norwegian

Terminal 3 is easier to navigate than Terminal 2 because there is less traffic further north along Channelside Dr.

• Set your GPS to 815 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
• At the traffic light, turn onto E York Street towards Terminal 3 and then take the first right.
• Veer left towards the Terminal and find the luggage handlers/valet. Drop your luggage/passengers. If you paid for valet parking your job is done! Otherwise,
• Drive out and turn left to E York St and left again at the traffic light on Channelside Dr.
• Drive south on Channelside Dr in the right lane to turn right into the Parking Garage.
• You then take the stairs or elevator down to busy Channelside Dr, cross the street and walk back to Terminal 3 to meet up with your family, and enter the main building where you clear security.

Terminal 6 – Celebrity, Royal Caribbean

Terminal 6 has a surface parking lot adjacent to the terminal building.

• Set your GPS to 1331 McKay Street, Tampa.
• At the traffic light, turn onto McKay St towards Terminal 6 and then take the first right.
• Veer left towards the Terminal and look for the luggage handlers/valet. Drop your luggage/passengers. If you paid for valet parking your job is done! Otherwise,
• Drive out and turn left to McKay St and left again into the surface parking lot.
• You then walk back to Terminal 6 to meet up with your family and enter the main building where you clear security.

Port Tampa Bay Parking Off-site Near the Port – Shuttle bus services at a lower cost

There are six commercial off-site Port Tampa Bay parking options – shown on my map above.   Some are booking agents – online companies that offer parking via discounted contracts with local hotels and parking partners.

If you drive up on the day of your cruise looking for discounted parking, off-site parking will save you money. You will use a shuttle bus to and from the cruise terminals – it is not as convenient as ship-side parking – but cheaper!

If you stayed at a hotel you will most likely park your vehicle at the hotel for the duration of your cruise. Generally speaking, the hotel security is not as good as the fenced & gated off-site parking facilities. So you have to consider more than just cost when comparing your parking options.

Booking Agents

When you search online for cruise parking at Port Tampa Bay, you will see ads for several booking agents. These online agents don’t own parking lots (or transport vans in most cases). Instead, they have agreements with local hotels, parking facilities, and transport companies to sell parking spaces/transfers online – often at a discount to the consumer.

They change partners and rates quite often and it is hard to keep up with their parking options! Please visit their respective websites for the latest choices.

How safe is it to book parking with agents instead of booking directly with a parking facility? Agents come and go and change names and partners all the time. So it is impossible to generalize but you should be OK with established agents. Just know that you are not dealing directly with a parking facility/operator. Should something go wrong, you cannot address the problem in person at a parking facility. You must deal with an online agent who may be thousands of miles away from Tampa!

Rightway Parking – A nationwide agency with parking partners at many airports and cruise ports. At Port Tampa Bay, they offer several parking options, including hotel parking.

Park Connect – A local agency with good deals for cruise parking near Port Tampa Bay. They offer nearby parking garages at a lower cost than booking direct.

Parking Cost Comparison:

Always check the websites for the latest pricing because they change often. Book online for the best rates :

Ship-side parking  for 8 days – 7-night cruise –  $110 

• 241 Car Services . $8.99 per day + taxes + booking fee = $74.65 for 8 days.
• Park4Cruise . $10.50 + taxes + booking fee = $83.03 for 8 days.
• Rightway Parking – Hampton $12.99 per day + taxes + booking fee = $119.99 for 8 days.
• Rightway Parking – 26th St . $6.99 per day + taxes + booking fee = $70.21 for 8 days.
• Rightway Parking – Channelside . $9.99 per day + taxes + booking fee = $97.78 for 8 days.
• Rightway Parking – 1063 Channelside . $7.99 per day + taxes + booking fee = $85.57 for 8 days.
• Rightway Parking – Union Station . $4.99 per day + taxes + booking fee = $51.04 for 8 days.
• Park Connect . $75.25 for 8 days.

Location considerations for off-site parking:

• 241 Car Services   – Two locations. The main lot is a short distance to the north of Terminal 6 across the road at 1236 Channelside Dr. There is a small lot behind the Port Parking Garage at 223 South 12th Street. You must leave your keys at both locations because they squeeze the vehicles into the lot spaces. Security gate at the Channelside lot only. Shuttles available.

• Park4Cruise – Across the road from Terminal 6 at 1016 Channelside Dr. Security gate. Shuttles available.

• Rightway Parking – 5 lots with free shuttle service. The lot near Union Station is the least used. No security gate. The 26th St lot near Ikea is the largest and cheapest. Security gate. The busiest lot is across the road from Terminal 3. Security gate. The 1063 lot across the road from Terminal 6 is small with no security gate. If you want a parking garage, I strongly suggest the garage connected to the Hampton Inn / Home 2 just a few blocks away. This lot is expensive.

• Park Connect – A local discount parking agent. They use garages within a block of the cruise terminals. Garage directions are emailed upon booking. No shuttle services – you can walk to the terminals.

Port Tampa Bay Parking At Hotels Near The Port

We think there are excellent parking deals at some hotels but the negatives often negate the positives!

Please read my article about Hotel Parking near Port Tampa Bay .

TIP – Do not worry about parking until much later in the booking process. First, book the perfect hotel for your family, then start to think about your parking options.

For example, if you have young kids who like pools then pick a hotel with a fun pool design. If you want to watch the cruise ships come and go then pick another. Or do you want to overlook the ocean and beach, or just hope to stay as cheap as possible anywhere within 30 minutes or so from the port ?

Directly across the street from all main port terminals.

24/7 Security ・ Gated/Lighted ・ Free Shuttle 

Park Safely In The Channel District - 300 Steps To Terminals!

See Routes Below - Yes We Are Really That Close!!

Planning a cruise that departs from Port of Tampa?

We specialize in parking needs for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian cruises leaving the Port of Tampa terminals located on Channelside Drive.

Simply park your car and we will shuttle you to your cruise ship, in about 1 minute; of course, we'll pick you up upon your return.

Take advantage of our immensely popular parking with an online reservation. 

• Use our convenient park and cruise lot
• Avoid terminal traffic and Tampa Port parking congestion
• Our lot is simple and easy to maneuver

PARK4CRUISE saves you up to 70% compared to port rates!

• Located safely in the heart of the Channel District
• Less than 1 minute by shuttle
• Less than 6 minutes by foot.

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

• Get a Parking Pass online or at Park4cruise Port Tampa and park your car in our 100% security fenced parking lot.
• Ride to your cruise terminal in comfort and style in our air conditioned luxury shuttles. But don’t get too comfortable…it’s less than a 1-minute ride.
• Cruise away on one of Port Tampa’s  cruise ships!  When you return to Park4cruise Port Tampa, we will be waiting there to take you to your car.
• Serving all cruise ship terminals at Port Tampa.
• Port Tampa’s Closest Parking Shuttle Service!

Our dedicated Port Tampa Shuttle transports people to from the Cruise Terminals faster than any other Port Tampa Cruise Parking Service. Due to the close proximity of our location to the cruise terminals you will experience extremely fast shuttle times both to and from your terminal.

Cruise Parking in Tampa

Last updated on January 21st, 2024 at 01:14 pm

Parking near the cruise port in Tampa is convenient and accessible. Passengers can choose from on-site parking or nearby lots, ensuring easy access to the port and worry-free parking during their cruise.

Tampa Cruise Terminal - Onsite Parking

Parking maps for terminals 2 & 3, parking map for terminal 6, tampa cruise port - offsite parking, tampa hotels with park & cruise packages, cruise planning at this port.

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