Getting There & Parking Near Port Canaveral
Everything you need to know about parking and getting to Port Canaveral. Compare options, rates, and get pro tips from experienced cruisers.
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Drive Yourself — Port Parking
Most cruisers drive. Port Canaveral is about 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) via the Beachline Expressway (FL-528). On-site parking at the port is $17/day (open-air) with covered garage options at some terminals for $20/day.
Take the Beachline (528) — it's a straight shot and well-signed. Have cash or a SunPass for tolls. Arrive by 11am to avoid the parking lot crush. You can pre-pay parking at goportcanaveral.com to save time at the gate.
Drive Yourself — Off-Site Parking
Off-site lots near the port offer significant savings over on-site parking. Go Port Canaveral (goportcanaveral.com) on SR-401 is the most popular, with rates around $10/day including free shuttle service every 10-15 minutes. Cruise Parking Port Canaveral on SR-528 is another reliable option at $8-10/day. Both offer covered and uncovered options — covered costs a few dollars more per day but is worth it if you're leaving your car for a week in the Florida sun.
Book online in advance — off-site lots fill up on busy embarkation days (Saturday and Sunday are the worst). Most shuttles start running at 10am. For a 7-day cruise, off-site saves you $35-60 versus port parking. Keep your reservation confirmation on your phone — you'll need it at check-in.
Park-and-Cruise Hotel Package
Many hotels near the port bundle a night's stay with parking for the duration of your cruise plus a shuttle to the terminal. You drive in the night before, sleep, then shuttle to the port in the morning while your car stays at the hotel. Radisson Resort at the Port, Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral, and Residence Inn Cape Canaveral all offer reliable park-and-cruise packages. Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach is another solid option if you want a beach-adjacent stay.
This is often the best overall deal — you avoid rush-hour port traffic, get a good night's sleep, and parking for a 7-day cruise at an off-site lot alone would run $56-84. Book the park-and-cruise package directly through the hotel website for the best rates. Confirm shuttle times when you check in — most start running at 10am.
Shuttle from Orlando Airport (MCO)
Several shuttle companies run scheduled transfers from MCO to Port Canaveral. Shared shuttles cost $25-35 per person; private SUVs run $120-180 for up to 6 passengers.
Book a private shuttle if you have 3+ people — the per-person cost beats shared shuttles and you go straight to the port without multiple hotel stops. Confirm pickup time based on your flight landing, not departure.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Uber and Lyft both operate from MCO to Port Canaveral. Expect $50-80 for a standard ride, more during surge pricing. The ride takes about 45 minutes.
Request your ride from the designated rideshare pickup area at MCO (Level 2 of the parking garage). On embarkation day mornings, prices can surge — check the app early and consider scheduling a ride in advance.
Hotel Shuttle
Many hotels near the port offer free or low-cost shuttles to the terminal on embarkation days, even if you're not using a park-and-cruise package.
Ask about shuttle schedules when you book your hotel. Most run every 30-60 minutes starting at 10am. Confirm the shuttle goes to your specific terminal — some hotels only shuttle to Side A or Side B.
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