Port Canaveral, one of the world's busiest cruise ports, has increased its daily on-site parking fee for passengers. The rate changed from $17 to $20 per day, effective October 1, 2025. Officials state the additional revenue is necessary to maintain and expand port infrastructure to support record-breaking passenger traffic.
This adjustment marks the first time the port has raised its parking fees since 2017. The decision comes as Port Canaveral experiences unprecedented growth, with passenger numbers expected to reach approximately 9 million in the upcoming year.
Key Takeaways
- Port Canaveral's daily parking rate increased from $17 to $20 per vehicle, plus tax.
- The new fee became effective on October 1, 2025.
- This is the first price increase for parking at the port since 2017.
- The change is projected to generate up to $12.8 million in additional annual revenue to fund infrastructure projects.
Details of the New Parking Fee
Travelers driving to Port Canaveral for a cruise will now pay $20 per day for on-site parking. The fee applies to both standard vehicles and RVs. According to the port's official website, the rate includes both the day of arrival and the day of departure, and payment is required upon entering the parking facilities.
The previous rate of $17 per day had been in place for eight years, following a one-dollar increase from $16 in 2017. The recent three-dollar adjustment reflects the growing demands on the port's facilities.
Historical Price Context
The last parking fee increase at Port Canaveral occurred in 2017, when the daily rate was adjusted from $16 to $17. The latest change to $20 represents the most significant single price adjustment in nearly a decade, highlighting the accelerated growth and financial needs of the port.
Funding Port Expansion Amid Record Tourism
The primary driver behind the fee increase is the need to generate funds for significant infrastructure maintenance and expansion projects. Port Canaveral is navigating a period of substantial growth in cruise tourism.
The port handled 7.6 million passengers in 2024, a figure that has already been surpassed in 2025 with 8.4 million passengers recorded to date. Projections for the 2026 fiscal year, which began October 1, 2025, estimate that approximately 9 million guests will pass through the port.
Projected Traffic for Fiscal Year 2026
- Total Passengers: ~9 million
- Homeport Ship Calls: 994
- Day Port Visits: 89
This sustained increase in traffic necessitates major investments. The additional revenue, estimated to be as much as $12.8 million annually, will be allocated toward several key areas:
- Maintenance of the port's six cruise terminals.
- Development of new terminal facilities.
- Enhancements to cruise berths to accommodate larger, modern vessels.
- Expansion of existing parking areas.
- Upgrades to security systems and port logistics.
These projects are essential for the port to maintain operational efficiency and accommodate the growing number of ships and passengers from major cruise lines.
How Port Canaveral Compares to Other Florida Ports
While the price increase may be an added cost for travelers, Port Canaveral's new parking rate remains competitive with other major cruise homeports in Florida.
For comparison, parking at PortMiami, another of the world's busiest cruise ports, can range from $20 to $35 per day depending on the facility. The new $20 rate at Port Canaveral positions it at the lower end of the pricing spectrum for major Florida ports, offering a relatively moderate option for cruisers who choose to drive.
The decision by port commissioners was made after considering the financial requirements for future growth while aiming to keep costs reasonable for consumers.
Impact on Travelers and Cruise Lines
The parking fee change primarily affects passengers who drive their personal vehicles to Port Canaveral for round-trip cruises. Travelers who use alternative transportation, such as rideshare services like Uber and Lyft or pre-booked shuttle buses from airports and hotels, will not be directly impacted by the new parking rate.
Port Canaveral serves as a homeport for many of the world's largest cruise lines. During the 2025 fiscal year, 16 different ships were based at the port. The facility is a major hub for several key players in the industry.
Major Cruise Lines at Port Canaveral
Several cruise lines have a significant year-round or seasonal presence at the port:
- Royal Caribbean International: Operates Utopia of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and the new Star of the Seas year-round, with Explorer of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas sailing seasonally.
- Carnival Cruise Line: Homeports four ships throughout the year: Mardi Gras, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Vista. Carnival Venezia also has a seasonal presence.
- Disney Cruise Line: A primary homeport for Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, and the new Disney Treasure. Disney Magic also offers seasonal sailings.
- MSC Cruises: MSC Seashore is based at the port year-round, and it will be joined by MSC Grandiosa for the winter season.
With a high volume of passengers embarking from these popular ships, the demand for on-site parking is consistently strong, making the parking revenue a critical component of the port's budget and long-term strategic planning.
