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: https://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.