Port of Palm Beach Cruise Parking and Airport Distance

Where these numbers come from

The Port of Palm Beach is a small port with short sailings. Its main operator is Margaritaville at Sea, which runs 2 to 4 night Bahamas cruises. The cruise line's arrival page says self-parking is $19 per day and counts both the day of arrival and the day of departure. VIP parking is $25 per day and is first come, first served.

That counting rule drives the math. A 2-night cruise that leaves on a Friday and returns on Sunday touches 3 calendar days, so the bill is 3 x $19 = $57. A 4-night cruise touches 5 days, or $95. If you chose VIP for the 4-night trip, 5 x $25 would be $125, which is $30 more. VIP only makes sense if it puts you noticeably closer to the terminal.

Payment is the main gotcha. The lot accepts major credit cards only and does not take cash, and pre-paid parking is not currently available. Plan to pay at the lot entrance with a card. Another guide quotes a typical range of $17 to $20 per day for the uncovered but monitored lot, which matches the $19 figure closely.

Airport access is very good for a Florida port. Palm Beach International is about 9 miles away, roughly a 20-minute drive, and taxis and ride apps serve it. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood is about 53 miles and 50 to 70 minutes away. Miami International is about 78 miles and 75 to 90 minutes. The closest airport is usually the easy choice for a weekend sailing.

The short cruise length makes parking a larger share of the trip. For a $200 weekend fare, $57 of parking is not small. Compare it with two rideshare trips from PBI, and use the cruise parking calculator with your own fuel and tolls. The cruise cost calculator adds taxes, fees and gratuities on top.

If you are choosing between nearby Florida ports, see Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Palm Beach has far fewer ships and a simpler, shorter parking process. Arrive with a working credit card, since the lot cannot take cash, and keep your parking receipt handy when you return on the last day.

Sources

• Margaritaville at Sea Port of Palm Beach arrival and embarkation
• Cruise Club Port of Palm Beach guide (airports, typical parking range)

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.