Last Updated on August 20, 2021 by Nabila
Ever since 2004, we have been helping people in finding secure cruise parking options that meet any requirements. Thanks to our wide 15-year experience, we have made an online parking reservation process so simple that you can reserve a discounted parking spot within minutes!
We offer you clear and upfront pricing, reviews, and a complete guide on how and where to park or stay. Let’s dive in!
If you are driving into town, you are probably wondering where to park your car while you are on your cruise vacation. Several parking structures, available at and near the Port of Charleston, provide a convenient place to leave your vehicle while you are sailing. We’ve listed all the information you need to know.
We’ve broken up this post into 3 categories: Official Charleston Cruise Parking, Off-Site Parking, and Hotels with Parking.
Official Port of Charleston Cruise Parking
The Charleston Port offers the closest and most convenient parking. It is located right at the port, near the check-in building, and you can walk or hop on a free shuttle to your cruise ship. The complimentary shuttle bus frequently runs between the parking areas and the Passenger Terminal. Most passengers choose to park here, and this parking lot is available on a first come, first served basis.
To reach the lot, enter the port at Gate #2, at the intersection of Laurens and Concord Streets. Once inside the gate, you will first have to pay for your parking spot, then unload baggage, and finally park your vehicle. It is not covered parking, but it is still very safe and fenced.
Check out our list below to discover Charleston Cruise parking rates:
| Parking Duration | Rate |
| 1 day | $20 |
| 4 days | $80 |
| 5 days | $100 |
| 7 days | $140 |
| 10 days | $200 |
Free Accessible Parking / Handicapped Parking
Disabled parking is available in the official port parking structure. Vehicles using designated parking spots have to own disabled parking permit, license plate, or an ADA placard. Accessible parking is free of charge.
Oversized Vehicles
The parking fee for oversized vehicles (campers, RV’s, buses over 20’) is $50 per day.
Port of Charleston MapIf you’re going to the port for the first time, check out the Charleston Cruise Port map to easily find each facility. Click on the image to zoom in.
Off-Site Charleston Cruise Parking
The Port of Charleston is a pretty small port, and there are not many other independent parking facilities in the area. However, there is one parking option – Park & Go – which is actually an airport parking lot that provides cheap cruise parking as well. It is located about 10 miles away from the cruise terminal. This secure parking structure is a great choice since you’ll save half of what you would pay for the official port parking (that’s $70 for a week-long trip).
The Park & Go parking rate is $10 per day.
The only downside to this parking offer is that there are no free shuttles to the port, so you would have to use a taxi, Lyft, or Uber. TNCs provide rides between Charleston International Airport and the Port of Charleston for as low as $21. However, if your cruise lasts 7 or more days, this parking option is still more affordable than the on-site parking.
For more information about Park & Go for Charleston Cruise Parking, call 843-302-2288.
Additionally, you can find secure parking at Thrifty Car Rental.
Hotels with Cruise Parking & Cruise Shuttles
The Fly, Snooze, and Cruise, as well as Park & Cruise Package provided by several Charleston hotels, are a great parking alternative for all passengers who want to stay in the area before or after the cruise. All you need to do is to stay one night in a hotel, and you will get a free/discounted indoor parking space during your trip and shuttle bus service to the port.
Below listed are the best Charleston hotels with cruise parking:
- Best Western Charleston Inn – from $70
- Sleep Inn Charleston West Ashley – from $85
- Hampton Inn & Suites North Charleston University Blvd – from $105
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston North – from $209
- Cambria Mt. Pleasant
- Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront Downtown
- Holiday Inn Express Charleston US Hwy 17 & I-526
Looking for a hotel near the port where you can get a good night’s sleep and start your cruise in the morning stress free? You have more options. We’ve discovered the hotels closest to the cruise port, as well as their rates, and listed them below.
| Hotel | Price | Distance |
| Barksdale House Inn | $169 | 0.8 miles |
| Hampton Inn – Charleston Historic District | $309 | 1.1 miles |
| DoubleTree by Hilton | $329 | 0.4 miles |
| King Charles Inn | $419 | 0.6 miles |
| HarbourView Inn | $459 | 0.1 miles |
| French Quarter Inn | $487 | 0.3 miles |
| Market Pavilion Hotel | $593 | 0.2 miles |
In Conclusion
The Port of Charleston has several parking options for travelers. For those flying into CHS International Airport, we’ve listed the Fly, Snooze, and Cruise hotels that allow you to arrive a day before your cruise, get a night’s rest, and use transportation to the Charleston Port or the airport. This is a great service, and we highly recommend it.
If you live within driving distance, you have a couple of good offers. You can simply leave your car in the on-site parking area or the Park & Go lot, which is more affordable. Alternatively, if you want to come in earlier, you can leave your car at one of the Park and Cruise hotels that offer free parking, and sometimes free shuttle service to and from the cruise ship terminal.
parkingaccess.com offers you a quick and very simple way to book your cruise parking. Check out our search results and see what works for you. Happy cruising.
