Jacksonville, FL is one of the state’s smaller cruise ports and is mainly used as a departure point for cruises to the Bahamas. We check out all there is to know about Jacksonville cruise port parking to help you get your cruise off to a flying start!
Located on the north side of the city, on the banks of the broad St Johns River, Jacksonville’s deep-water port is well located for cruise ships. There is plenty of space for cruise port parking near Jacksonville cruise terminal, making it very easy to drive, park and cruise from this north Florida location.
Located 350 miles north of Miami and neighboring Fort Lauderdale, it is much closer to home for those driving from the northeast states. The port is also very easy to access from the I-95.
Now you know just how convenient Jacksonville cruise port is to the northeastern states, why not check out the cruise options to the Bahamas and find the best deals for Jacksonville cruise port parking. When it comes to prices, compared to other cruise port parking, Jacksonville is relatively inexpensive – a good reason to park and cruise from there.
There are several options for Jacksonville cruise port parking. You can park onsite at the cruise terminal, or opt for more affordable off-site cruise parking lots with complimentary shuttle transport to and from the ship.
If you are planning to stay overnight before and/or after your cruise, why not choose a hotel that includes free cruise parking as part of a comprehensive “Stay and Park” package?
We cover all the options below to save you time, money and stress searching online. We include some basic information about Jacksonville cruise port and tips on parking prices and distances from the port. We even have some useful information about free cruise port parking for disabled cruisers.
Read on to find the best Jacksonville cruise port parking deals to suit your needs right here!
Where is Jacksonville Cruise Port Located?
The official address for Jaxport cruise terminal facility is:
- 9810 August Drive
- Jacksonville, FL 32226
- Tel. (904) 357-3302
The cruise terminal is located on the final bend of the St Johns River before it flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the commercial and military port and is considered a temporary cruise terminal. There are plans to build a dedicated cruise port terminal along the river in the near future, possibly at Dames Point.
From I-295 south, take exit 41 Zoo Parkway/Heckscher Drive. Turn left on August Drive and follow signs into the cruise terminal and onsite parking lot.
Which Cruises Sail Out of Jacksonville Cruise Terminal?
Often referred to as “Jaxport”, Jacksonville cruise port currently serves as the home port for Carnival Cruise Line. The name “Jaxport” comes from the IATA code of the Jacksonville International Airport (IATA code JAX) just 11 miles away.
Visitors may be surprised to learn that Jacksonville is the most populated city in Florida (even bigger than Miami!) and by area it the largest city in the contiguous United States. It has a large deep-water port and is home to several military bases including the Naval Air Station and the Naval Submarine Base. Being just 450 miles from the Bahamas, it is a popular departure point for cruises to the Bahamas.
In 2020, the only cruise line operating out of Jaxport as their home port is Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Ecstasy is a smaller cruise ship carrying 2,056 passengers on 4-day and 5-day cruises to the Bahamas. They usually sail year-round. Ports of call vary depending on the cruise itinerary but generally include Freeport, Grand Bahama Island; Nassau, New Providence Island and/or Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Once you’ve chosen your cruise itinerary, you need to book your Jacksonville cruise port parking without delay.
How does Off-site Cruise Port Parking Work?
The cheapest options for Jacksonville cruise port parking are with companies operating further away from the cruise port. As well as saving you money, they make it very easy to get to and from the port using their private shuttle transport. It is advisable to book ahead with any of these cruise port parking facilities to ensure you have a space reserved.
On arrival at the cruise parking location, check in and park your vehicle where indicated. Cruise parking is usually in secure compounds with gated access, security cameras and/or patrols so you can be assured that your car will be safe while you relax and enjoy your Bahamas cruise.
A shuttle bus will transport you, your passengers and luggage right to the drop-off point near the ship. You should proceed to check-in and complete the embarkation process with your hand luggage while porters will deliver your suitcases direct to your cabin door.
At the end of the cruise, when you disembark there will be signs to the area where shuttle buses will pick you up and transport you back to the cruise parking lot. You may have a telephone number to call, but usually there is a fleet of buses running throughout the day. Just wait at the appointed location for the next bus to arrive.
Usually cruise port parking charges include free transport to and from the ship. However, some companies make a small surcharge for more than two passengers per car.
Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking On-Site
The official Jaxport Cruise Port Parking is available right next to the cruise terminal at Berth 10. The parking lot opens at 10.30 am on embarkation day. Convenient and secure with 24-hour monitoring, lighting and fencing, this is the easiest option.
You simply park your car and walk a few steps to the ship with your luggage. Porters are on hand to offer assistance. Book online ahead of time to be sure of a reserved parking space, although reservations are not essential.
Cruise parking prices for a standard vehicle including sales tax are $68 for a 4-day cruise and $85 for a 5-day cruise.
Oversized vehicles that require more than one standard size parking space are charged at $34 per day, which works out at $136 for a 4-day cruise and $170 for a 5-day cruise.
There is free cruise parking for disabled drivers or passengers complying with the necessary specifications outlined in detail below under the heading “Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking for Disabled”.
Handicapped parking spots are closer to the terminal but are limited in number. There are porters on hand and golf cart transport right to the ship, if required. Wheelchairs are also available for transfer to the ship.
- Address: 9810 August Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226
- Distance to port: onsite
- Shuttle service: No. Golf cart or walk a few steps to ship
- Cost: From $17 per day
- Tel: (904) 357-3006
Off-site Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking
Parking Mall
Directly across from the Jacksonville cruise terminal, Parking Mall is the leading off-site cruise parking company for Carnival cruisers. The secure lot is fenced, well-lit and under 24-hour surveillance monitoring for your peace of mind.
Your reservation includes assistance with luggage and a continuous courtesy shuttle runs to and from the ship from 6am to 3pm. The company also offers complimentary beverages while you wait. Transfers to the port take around 5 minutes and the service is free for up to 4 passengers. Additional persons at $5 per head.
- Address: 3372 Zoo Pkwy
- Distance to port: 0.01 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes – free
- Cost: From $6.95 per day
- Tel: 1-888-399-9267
Jetway Parking
Located near the airport, Jetway Parking is a 15-minute drive by shuttle to and from the port. The secure parking has 500 spaces with manned patrols. It also offers pet boarding, car detailing and auto mechanic services to check out or service your car while you’re on the cruise.
Book online to save $5 on parking. Four-day cruise parking including tax and shuttle would cost just $33.25, a considerable saving compared with the official port cruise parking.
- Address: 1479 Airport Rd, Jacksonville
- Distance to port: 10 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes – $10 per vehicle
- Cost: From $4.99 per day for parking
- Tel: (904) 741-5099
On Air Parking
On Air Parking is a well-established Jacksonville cruise port parking company offering guaranteed parking spaces when pre-booking. There is a shuttle service to and from the port and the lowest prices when you book online in advance.
They even offer free cancellations should you have to cancel for whatever reason. The price includes shuttle transport for 3 passengers and $14 fee for additional persons.
- Address: various sites. Parking address will be confirmed at time of booking
- Distance to port: see above
- Shuttle service: Yes – free for up to 3 passengers then $14 per person
- Cost: From $7.99 per day
- Tel: (904) 204-2620
Off-site Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking (Covered)
WallyPark
WallyPark Jacksonville cruise port parking is the only option that has covered parking for your vehicle while you are away. Just a 15-minute shuttle ride from the port, WallyPark offers safe and secure facilities right next to Quality Inn.
You can arrange to have your car washed and detailed during your absence and pick up a shiny clean vehicle on your return. For regular customers, WallyPark has a loyalty scheme where you can collect and exchange points against future services.
- Address: 1201 Airport Road, Jacksonville
- Distance to port: 10 miles
- Shuttle service: Yes
- Cost: From $7.46 for pre-booked self parking and $9.95 for drive-up
- Tel: (904) 741-4008
Jacksonville Hotels offering Park and Cruise Packages
Many hotels near Jacksonville cruise port offer short-term parking for those staying the night with a Park and Cruise package. The price includes a double room, shuttle transport and parking for the duration of your cruise. More details can be found in our article on Jacksonville hotels for cruise passengers.
Free Jacksonville Cruise Port Parking for Disabled
Free parking is available at the official port parking lot for cars with disabled drivers or passengers. Cars must have a state-issued disabled/Veterans license plate and/or a Florida toll Exemption decal.
Vehicles that are adapted for a disabled driver, such as a wheelchair ramp or modified hand and foot controls, are eligible for free cruise port parking with a disabled placard or official decal.
When parking at the port, there are dedicated disabled parking bays, porters on hand to assist with luggage and golf cart transport right to the ship. Wheelchairs are also available to the ship but cannot be taken onboard.
JAXPORT Parking FAQs
Jacksonville cruise parking prices depend on the size of your vehicle and the duration of your cruise. The cheapest cruise parking is Jetway Parking at $4.99 per day for a standard vehicle plus a one-off fee of $10 to cover the shuttle. This compares with $17 per day for on-site parking at the port.
Currently only Carnival Cruise Line operates out of the port of Jacksonville. It is the home port of Carnival Ecstasy which offers 4 and 5-day cruises to the Bahamas.
Jacksonville cruise port is 11.6 miles southeast of Jacksonville International (JAX) Airport.
Photo Credit: NEFLO PHOTO / Shutterstock.com
