Norfolk Cruise Terminal Parking: Costs, Options and Tips
Driving to your cruise from Norfolk, Virginia, is one of the simplest ways to start a Bahamas, Bermuda or Caribbean vacation. You skip the flight to Florida and load the car instead. The parking setup, however, surprises many first-time cruisers. There is no long-term lot at the pier itself. Instead, passengers are sent to an official city-run lot a short shuttle ride away.
This guide explains where to park, what it costs, how the shuttle works and what your alternatives are. The facts come from the City of Norfolk's cruise information on VisitNorfolk and the other sources listed at the end. Prices and procedures can change, so always confirm the details with your cruise line before you leave home.
Norfolk Cruise Parking at a Glance
- Official lot: Cedar Grove, 1000 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA
- Distance: about 1.5 miles from the terminal, reached by shuttle
- Rate: $15 per day for cars and vans up to 15 passengers
- Payment: on entry, by cash or credit card
- Reservations: not available, according to VisitNorfolk
- Terminal address: Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center, 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
Where Do You Park for a Cruise From Norfolk?
Cruise ships dock at the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk, on the same waterfront campus as the Nauticus maritime museum and the Battleship Wisconsin. Space around the terminal is tight, so the city does not run a parking lot beside the pier.
Cruise passengers are encouraged to use the official Cedar Grove lot at 1000 Monticello Avenue. The lot is operated by the City of Norfolk and sits roughly 1.5 miles from the terminal, which is about a 5 to 10 minute ride on the shuttle. You park, take the shuttle, and staff direct you to the terminal entrance when you arrive.
For most travelers this is the simplest answer to the question of where to park. Entering the Cedar Grove address into your GPS before departure saves confusion on embarkation morning, because navigation apps may otherwise send you straight to the terminal on Waterside Drive.
How Much Does Norfolk Cruise Terminal Parking Cost?
The city lists the cruise parking rate at Cedar Grove as $15 per day for passenger vehicles, and that includes vans carrying up to 15 passengers. You pay when you enter the lot with cash or a credit card. A one-week cruise with seven days of parking therefore comes to about $105, and an eight-day trip to about $120, before any rate changes.
Other options cost more or come with conditions. Here is how the main choices compare:
| Option | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Grove official lot | $15 per day | Shuttle to the terminal; no reservations; pay on entry |
| Downtown city garages (Waterside, Town Point) | Roughly $13 to $22 per day, depending on the source | Walkable, but one source says these garages do not support long-term cruise parking |
| Hotel valet or park-and-cruise package | Varies; one downtown hotel advertises $20 per day valet | Usually requires booking a room; offers change |
| Rideshare or private transfer | Depends on distance | No parking fee; useful if you live within a reasonable drive |
Cedar Grove Shuttle and Arrival Times
For Carnival sailings, the city has published a simple schedule: the Cedar Grove lot opens at 10 a.m., and the first shuttle leaves for the terminal at 11:15 a.m. Carnival has been the main cruise line sailing from Norfolk, with six- and eight-day itineraries to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean. Other lines have also scheduled calls and departures, and their instructions may differ. The most reliable rule is to follow the arrival window in your own boarding documents.
A few practical points help the process run smoothly:
- Luggage: For Carnival departures, VisitNorfolk says bags can be handed to baggage handlers at the parking lot. You must tag each bag using the cruise line's instructions first, so print or attach your tags before leaving home.
- Mobility needs: The shuttle service includes an option for passengers with mobility challenges, and handicapped parking is available at the lot. Limited ADA drop-off and pick-up is also available at Nauticus.
- Return day: The shuttle runs from the terminal back to the lot after you disembark. Budget extra time after customs and baggage claim.
Parking Near the Terminal: Garages and Hotels
City garages in the Waterside District
The Waterside and Town Point garages are close to the pier, and a walk with luggage is possible. They are designed mainly for visitors to downtown restaurants, events and attractions, so they are not an official cruise solution. If you want to try one, confirm in advance that overnight and multi-day parking is allowed.
Park-and-cruise hotel deals
Several downtown and airport-area hotels advertise cruise packages. VisitNorfolk's cruise deals page has listed offers such as discounted valet parking at the Glass Light Hotel and Gallery, a park-and-cruise rate at a downtown Residence Inn, and a suggestion from an airport-area Residence Inn to park at Cedar Grove or leave the car at the hotel and take a rideshare. Terms change often, and some offers exclude parking from the discount, so read the fine print before booking.
A hotel night before departure can also remove the stress of a long drive on boarding day. If you are comparing options, our hotel deals page is a good starting point for Norfolk and Hampton Roads stays.
Is It Better to Park or to Use a Transfer?
Parking at Cedar Grove makes sense if you are driving from elsewhere in Virginia or from the Washington, DC corridor and want your own car waiting for the return trip. It costs less than most airport parking and gives you full control of your schedule.
A transfer or rideshare can be the better choice in these cases:
- You are flying in. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is about 10.8 miles from the terminal, and a ride there is quick.
- Your cruise is long, and eight or more days of parking add up.
- You are traveling in a group and prefer a single door-to-door ride. You can compare options on our airport and cruise transfer page.
Remember that there are no car rental agencies at the terminal itself. If you plan a one-way rental or need a car for the days around your cruise, arrange it ahead of time through our car rental page rather than hoping to find one on arrival.
Tips to Make Parking Easier
- Check your cruise line's emails. Parking and arrival instructions can differ by ship and sailing date. Your cruise line's instructions win over any general guide, including this one.
- Bring cash and a card. Payment happens when you enter the lot, and you should not count on prepaying.
- Photograph your vehicle and note your row. A quick set of photos and a note of the parking area helps if you need to find the car after a week away.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Take them with you or store them in the trunk before arriving.
- Pack your documents before you leave. Passports, boarding documents and luggage tags should be in your carry-on, not in the car.
- Plan for weather. Hurricane season can change sailing schedules, and the cruise line will contact you directly if a voyage is delayed or changed.
- Use the time before boarding. VisitNorfolk says cruise passengers can get buy-one-get-one-free admission to Nauticus, and bags can be stored there from 10 a.m. Confirm hours and any fees before relying on it.
Plan the Rest of Your Cruise Trip
Parking is only one piece of the trip. Many travelers also arrange travel insurance that covers trip delays or cancellations, particularly for sailings during hurricane season. If your itinerary includes Bermuda or the Caribbean, an eSIM or travel SIM can keep you connected in port without surprise roaming charges.
Norfolk Cruise Terminal Parking FAQ
Where do you park for a cruise from Norfolk, VA?
Cruise passengers are directed to the official Cedar Grove lot at 1000 Monticello Avenue, about 1.5 miles from the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center. A shuttle takes passengers to the terminal.
How much does it cost to park at the Norfolk cruise terminal?
The City of Norfolk lists cruise parking at Cedar Grove at $15 per day for passenger cars and vans up to 15 passengers, payable on entry by cash or credit card. Rates can change, so confirm before you travel.
Can I reserve or prepay Norfolk cruise parking?
According to VisitNorfolk, reserved parking is not available at the official cruise lot, although the city says there is ample space. You pay when you enter the lot.
How early should I arrive at the Cedar Grove lot?
For Carnival sailings, the city has published that the lot opens at 10 a.m. and the first shuttle leaves for the terminal at 11:15 a.m. Other cruise lines may use different times, so follow your own boarding instructions.
Is there a rental car agency at the Norfolk cruise terminal?
No. VisitNorfolk states there are no on-site car rental agencies at the cruise terminal, so plan pickup and drop-off locations in advance.
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Explore TransfersSources and Verification
This guide was last checked on October 11, 2026, against the following sources. Always confirm current rates and procedures with the City of Norfolk and your cruise line.