Transportation To And From The Port Canaveral Cruise Port
As mentioned previously, if you live within driving distance of Port Canaveral, you will likely be driving to the cruise terminal. If you are driving, we will discuss parking options a bit later. However, there are several other transportation options available.
If you are arriving the day of your cruise, a cruise line transfer from the airport might be the easiest option, though likely not the cheapest.
Many cruise lines offer an option to book this transportation pre-cruise. Once at the airport, a cruise line representative will greet you at baggage claim and escort you and your luggage to the check-in area. After checking-in, you will board the next departing bus to the ship.
These transfers will run upwards of $35 per person and do run on set time schedules.
There are also several independent shuttle options. These shuttle options may include shuttles from the airport to the cruise terminal and/or hotel shuttles from the airport. These shuttle services tend to be cheaper than transportation arranged through the cruise line.
Some of these options include Contrans Shuttle Service, Cocoa Beach Shuttle, and Mears Transportation. Of course, some hotels themselves offer transportation, sometimes complimentary, from the airport. Most often, these shuttles are a shared service and run on a set time schedule.
Location Considerations For Off
- Park Port Canaveral Under 3 miles from the cruise terminals on the road to Cocoa Beach. Easy in-and-out location. About 6 minutes from the Port. Slightly out of the way when arriving from Orlando.
- Park N Cruise Under 4 miles from the cruise terminals on the road to Orlando. Easy in-and-out location. About 8 minutes from the Port. Great location when arriving from Orlando. No shuttle service to Disney Cruise Lines.
- Portparkingspace.com At the Port within a mile from Terminal 3. Closest location. It is the newest parking facility in the area.
- GoPort About 7 miles from the cruise terminals on the north side of Merritt Island. About 15 minutes from the Port longer if there is a wait at the drawbridge near the facility. Great location when arriving from Orlando.
- Port Canaveral Parking About 7 miles from the cruise terminals on the north side of Merritt Island. About 15 minutes from the Port longer if there is a wait at the drawbridge near the facility. Great location when arriving from Orlando.
- Cruisetime On Merritt Island near the Mall about 9 miles south of the Port. Easy in and out along a side road near the Mall. About 20 minutes from the Port. Out of the way for most cruisers who travel from/to Orlando but good for those driving from the south.
Port Canaveral Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center: NASAâs base where Apollo missions have been launched. Watch a movie at the center of IMAX, learn the space exploration future at the Exploration Space show, go to the Apollo Center and the LC39 Gantry or try the Shuttle Launch Experience.
- US Astronaut Hall of Fame: 5 miles away from the Kennedy Space Center. Honor the American astronauts, watch the Science On A Sphere show, try the Sigma 7 Mercury rocket or a real training for astronauts.
- Jetty Park: park at the coastline with a beach, camping and a playground, picnic areas and pavilions. Enjoy the amazing marine traffic view from the pier, favorite place for fishermen and tourists. You can have a coffee, eat or buy something at the Cove Waterfront area, located between the park and the port.
- Cocoa Beach Pier: dating since 1962, Space coast best-known landmark located 4 miles away ftom Port Canaveral. It offers bars, souvenir shops, restaurants, live music and lively beach.
- Orlando Amusement Parks: enjoy the attractions Walt Disney World , Disney/MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World of Florida and much more.
Port Port Canaveral cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port’s schedule lists all ships with cruises going to or leaving from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida. To see the full itineraries and their lowest rates â just follow the corresponding ship-link.
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Cons Of Parking At The Cruise Port
- Being next to the cruise ships is great but the covered parking lot is not just a short walk from the ship. Theres no free shuttle service, so youll be toting your stuff from the luggage drop-off on debarkation day.
- There are no reservations. If the cruise parking lots are full for your cruise line, youll have to find other arrangements.
- Prices are subject to change, according to the website for the Port Canaveral terminals. While the base price is $17 per day, you may end up paying even more for your cruise parking.
- Traffic can be terrible, congested, and complicated for visitors. If youre driving yourself, be prepared for wrong turns and sitting in Port Canaveral traffic.
Essential Facts About Port Canaveral Cruise Parking
There is an access fee for vehicles entering the port. If you choose off-site parking, the $5 fee is usually added to your total parking fee.
Cruise parking charges are always calculated per day or part day. If you are taking a 7-day cruise from Saturday to Saturday, for example, you will pay for 8 days parking to cover the part days of your arrival and departure.
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Carnival Cruise Terminal 3
In late-April 2017 at Port Canaveral started construction works of a new cruise terminal. The facility is on the site of “Cruise Terminal 3” , west of Jetty Park and east of The Cove . On June 7, 2017, engineering and design works for the new terminal were officially approved. Canaveral Port Authority Commissioners approved USD 1,2 million funding for CH2M Engineering’s project management contract. This was the first phase of the 2-year work plan to construct a modern facility with capacity to serve vessels up to 8,000 passengers. At the new passenger terminal can berth even the world’s largest cruise vessels of RCI’s Oasis-class. CH2M Engineering provided engineering, support services and waterside design for the new Terminal 3.
The project’s budget is USD 163 million , of which US$50M were contributed by Carnival Corporation. Ranked the USA’s largest single building project, it included demolition of port’s oldest terminal, construction of a brand new 2-story building , upgrading the existing berth and building a new parking garage, roadway and utility improvements. This 20-months long, multi-phased project included 5 separate contracts. Demolition works of the existing Terminal 3 building started in April 2018, at the cost of USD 210,000.
Construction works officially started on March 18, 2019, and the Terminal was completed in September 2020. At the new CT3 terminal was homeported Carnival’s largest vessel . The new liner is LNG-bunkered by a barge dockside.
Port Canaveral Cruise Guide: What You Need To Know
Located on Floridas east coast, Port Canaveral is the closest cruise port to Orlando and its world-class theme parks and entertainment options.
In addition to its premium location, this Central Florida port is easy to access and simple to navigate. Over the years, the port has been known to host many of the newest ships, most notably from Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.
One of the worlds most popular cruise ports, Port Canaveral sees millions of guests each year. In 2019, over 4.8 million multi-day cruisers sailed from the port.
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When Should I Arrive At The Cruise Port
When you have paid your final deposit for your cruise, you will either be assigned or choose a boarding time during the online check-in process. It is best to arrive at the port around 30 minutes prior to your boarding time.
This will give you ample time to find a parking spot , check any luggage, and then go through the security and health screenings.
If youre parking off-site, be sure to allow time for the shuttle ride from the lot to the port.
Keep in mind youll have to be on board the ship no later than one hour prior to the posted departure time.
Go Beaching And Shopping
If you want to soak up the Florida sun, a day at the easily accessible Cocoa Beach will not disappoint. For a fun souvenir, check out the original location of the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.
And of course, youre only an hours drive from all the Walt Disney World theme parks , Legoland Florida, and Universal Orlando .
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Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal A
Port Canaveral is divided into two sections by the shipping channel. The north of the channel is home to Cruise Terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10. These terminals are easily accessed after you turn off of 528 to Cruise Terminal or Port Canaveral North Cargo Piers.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is the cruise line with most ships docked at Port Canaveral and has exclusive use of Cruise Terminals 5 and 6 on the north side. These terminals include sailings by Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Breeze.
Disney Cruise Line
With the Disney theme parks close by, it comes as no surprise that the Space Coast is home to the Disney Cruise Line. The mouses ships dock at Cruise Terminal 8 and include the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder.
Norwegian Cruise Line
The Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sun sail out of Cruise Terminal 10. The Norwegian Breakaway will sail out of Port Canaveral starting Nov. 23, 2019.
Port Canaveral Parking Ship
Here is a map of the cruise terminals and parking garages/lots at Port Canaveral.
Officially the parking garages open at 10:30 am for entry. In reality, you can arrive earlier but on busy days the attendants may direct you to wait elsewhere. And if you arrive too early then you have to deal with vehicles slowly departing the current cruise meaning you may not get a spot near the elevators !
No hassles, no crowds, and no waiting on shuttle buses especially after your cruise when the family is tired and a bit 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 . only. Attendants are available in case you need assistance.
3 NIGHT CRUISE $68
For the latest information please visit the Official Port Canaveral Parking website
Specific Terminal Notes:
Terminal 1 Royal Caribbean
You then take the stairs or elevator down to the terminal entrance and enter the main building where you clear security, etc.
Terminal 3 Carnival
Terminal 8 Disney
Next time you see your luggage will be in your stateroom in the late afternoon!
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The Traveler’s Guide Toport Canaveral Cruise Terminal Parking
Port Canaveral is a popular spot. Cape Canaveral is home to the Kennedy Space Center and beautiful beaches, and it takes second place in the list of busiest cruise ports.
Did you know? After the Port of Miami, we see more cruise passengers than anywhere else in the whole world !
But being one of the busiest ports also means that we need some place to put all of those traveling cars throughout the year.
Thats where our local Port Canaveral cruise parking facilities come in.
At Port Canaveral Parking, we offer the best in off-site parking for parties hoping to save while they sail. With secure parking and complimentary shuttles for your cruise vacation, its easy to save money while getting the best off-site cruise parking.
But what about on-site options? Today were going to be going over the pros and cons of parking at the cruise ship terminal in our guide to on-site parking at Port Canaveral.
Which Cruise Lines Sail From Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is the home port of several cruise ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and the latest addition, MSC Cruises.
The ports 7-story Exploration Tower provides over 550,000 sq.ft. of exhibition space, a 72-seat auditorium, café, gift shops, and superb views from two observation decks one enclosed and one outside.
Visitors wanting to view cruise ships arriving and departing can visit Jetty Park. Owned by the port, it is a popular attraction in the area with a fishing pier, fishing charters, beach and picnic area.
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Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal B
The majority of Port Canaverals dining and entertainment is located on the south side of the channel and includes Cruise Terminals 1, 2, and 3. These terminals are easily accessed by following FL-528 E to Cruise Terminal B or George King Blvd.
Royal Caribbean
Cruise Terminal 1 was built with an eye towards the some of the worlds largest cruise ships: Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas.
Cruise Terminal 3 is currently under construction A brand new $150 million cruise terminal and parking garage will take its place in late 2019 or early 2020.
Cheapest Port Canaveral Cruise Parking Summary
If youre taking a short 3-4 day cruise or traveling as a group, check out Cruisetime Parking. If you are disabled, check if you are eligible for free parking at Port Canaveral Cruise Parking Lots onsite.
If you are taking a longer cruise,Go Port Canaveral is definitely the cheapest option. It offers parking for up to 15 days for a fixed price of $80 for a solo cruiser $85 for a couple and $95 for a party of 4.
If you want the most convenient cruise parking at Port Canaveral, pay more and enjoy the convenience of parking a short walk from the ship with the official Port Canaveral Cruise Parking.
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Visit Kennedy Space Center
At the top of most visitors must-see list is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Its easy to spend a full day here. The highlight is the bus tour which takes you deep into the NASA operational areas, but theres also an IMAX film and opportunities to learn about the space shuttle program and see the actual Shuttle Atlantis, as well as meet the people behind the space program in the Heroes and Legends Center and Astronaut Hall of Fame.
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Ground Transportation At Port Canaveral
Given that Port Canaveral is not in a major city, you might think your options for transportation to and from the area would be difficult. Yet the region is a major tourism destination, and transit options abound.
The Orlando International Airport is less than an hour away, and the Beach Line Expressway connects the airport to the cruise port.
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Tourist Attractions In Port Canaveral:
- Port Canaveral along with Orlando, is probably the most popular family destination in the United States with its theme parks and beaches.
- Considered the gateway to Disney World in Orlando
- Port Canaveral is a haven for deep water recreational sea sports
- Cocoa Beach the surfing capital of Florida
- Air Force Space And Missile Museum
- Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Manatee Sanctuary Park
Port Canaveral Cruise Parking: What You Need To Know
Everything you need to know about Port Canaveral cruise parking with official and nearby lots for cruise passengers.
If youre cruising out of Port Canaveral, cruise parking could be important if you are driving to the cruise port. Currently, there are just five Port Canaveral cruise parking companies operating and we offer full details on them all. We compare distance to port, shuttle availability and price so you can see at a glance which is the best cruise parking option for you.
Another good option for Port Canaveral cruise parking is a hotel Stay, Park and Cruise package. We have plenty of options to suit all budgets. Situated 53 miles east of Orlando, close to Cocoa Beach and Space Coast attractions, there are plenty of good reasons to stay a few days in Port Canaveral.
If you want to extend your cruise vacation by staying in the area for a few days, a Stay, Park and Cruise hotel package with free cruise parking can save you money. In the winter, this area is particularly popular due to the dry sunny climate and there is plenty to see and do.
As well as Port Canaveral cruise parking lots and hotel parking we also cover everything you need to know about disabled cruise parking. Youll find plenty of useful tips for getting to the Port Canaveral cruise terminals and our summary of cruise parking rates will certainly save you time and money!
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Alternate Port Canaveral Parking Options
When it comes to finding places to park, Port Canaveral has other parking deals for your cruise adventure.
We always recommend that parties park off-site. Not only do you get access to free shuttles that drop you off right at the cruise port, many places offer security and top-notch customer service that doesnt come with a sky-high price tag.
All of our cruise packages for parking involve no transportation fees and parking rates that are nearly half of the terminal parking.
We go to all Port Canaveral cruise lines, including Disney, Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Norwegian, and Carnival. Make same-day reservations or plan months ahead to guarantee your Port Canaveral parking spot!