You pull up to a hotel or restaurant, hand over your keys, and suddenly the same question pops into your mind every time: how much should you tip valet parking? Unlike restaurant dining, where 20% is the norm, valet tipping doesn’t come with a set of clear guidelines. The quick exchange at the curb can feel confusing, especially if you’re new to the service or unsure what people typically give.
This uncertainty might be uncomfortable for some people, especially newcomers to the US who may be experiencing valet parking for the first time. Tipping well matters because it shows respect for the service workers handling your vehicle. It helps build positive interactions for future visits, too. A small gesture at the right moment can create a smooth, friendly experience for both you and the valet.
This Remitly guide breaks the process down so it feels easier to navigate. You’ll find the standard tipping amounts most people use, the factors that might influence your tip size, and practical examples and scenarios to help you feel more confident whenever you hand over your keys.
Standard valet tipping guidelines
Across most of the United States, people typically tip $2 to $5 USD for valet service, which follows the general rules of tipping etiquette. This is the general range used for everyday situations, but the exact amount within that range depends on where you are, how busy it is, and the type of service you receive.
It can get slightly more complicated by different places of business following slightly different tipping habits, so it’s a good idea to stay flexible depending on where you are, including:
Hotels
Hotel valets often work with large parking areas, long lines of cars, and a range of guest needs. A tip between $2 and $5 USD when the vehicle is retrieved is common, but some guests leave a bit more for especially careful handling or overnight stays. The basic range should cover most situations, though.
Restaurants
Restaurants often have smaller valet teams and a tip of $2 or $3 USD when the car is returned is right for most experiences. If you can afford it, a little more will be appreciated in busy cities or during peak dining hours.
Special events
Events such as weddings, galas, or concerts tend to involve larger crowds and heavier traffic. In these settings, many guests tip $3 and $5 USD when their car is returned. Since valets are often navigating tight spaces and time pressure, this slightly higher range is common on these special occasions.
When to tip
Valet parking usually follows a simple pattern where the tip is given when the car is brought back, not when it’s dropped off. Some people choose to give a small amount during drop-off if they have special instructions, but the main tip generally happens when the valet returns the car. That’s when you’ll know that all’s well and the car has come back in the same condition as when you dropped it off.
Factors that influence how much you should tip
Valet parking may look the same from the driver’s point of view, but the experience varies a lot based on location, timing, and circumstances. These factors help explain why tips fall within a range rather than a single number.
Service quality
Many guests give a bit more for especially helpful or attentive service. If the valet retrieves the car quickly during a busy time, handles a request with care, or shows warm hospitality, you might feel it’s only right to offer a higher tip.
Location and cost of living
Large cities such as New York, Los Angeles, or Miami often have higher tipping norms. This reflects the steeper cost of living and faster pace of large urban areas. In smaller towns, tips on the lower end of the range are more common.
Weather conditions
Valets often work outdoors in rain, snow, cold winds, or high heat. Many people, especially those on winter holidays, offer an extra dollar or two during extreme weather as a kind gesture toward the working conditions.
Time of day
Late-night and early-morning shifts can be demanding. If, at the end of a long day, you’re tired when you drop your car off at the hotel late at night, imagine how the valet feels—and they’re still working. So if you receive valet service outside regular hours, a slightly higher tip can feel appropriate.
Vehicle type
People driving luxury or specialty vehicles sometimes tip on the higher end because valets use extra caution and responsibility with these cars.
Special requests
Occasionally guests ask for help beyond simply parking the car. This might include warming up the vehicle, loading it with your luggage, or handling specific parking instructions. These situations can deserve a higher tip for the additional effort.
These little details shape what it feels right to give at that moment. They reflect how different situations call for small adjustments rather than a single, fixed tip every time. Keeping these considerations in mind can make valet tipping feel more natural.
What else might prompt you to adjust your valet tip?
Although most valet situations fit within the standard range, real-life circumstances sometimes call for an adjustment.
Times when a higher tip feels right
Sometimes, as we mentioned with loading luggage, the valet does more than park your car. Their local knowledge, for example, can be really helpful if you’re in unfamiliar territory. Gestures such as offering directions or providing brief recommendations for local eateries or other businesses might make you feel they’ve earned a bit more.
When standard tipping feels appropriate
Most valets will be professional, won’t keep you standing there beyond typical wait times, and handle your car professionally and carefully. That’s when the usual $2 to $5 USD range works well: the service is consistent and predictable.
It also keeps the experience smooth and familiar, especially if you use valet parking frequently. That may explain why this tipping range has become so common, even when the cost of living is so variable across the US.
When lower tips may feel appropriate
Unprofessional behavior, unexplained long delays, or noticeable mishandling of the vehicle are all rare, but they can happen. You might still leave a small tip out of courtesy, because it may not be your valet’s fault. But some people will adjust their tip based on the specific situation if something goes wrong.
In cases where the service falls far below expectations, consider communicating politely with the staff so the issue can be addressed and avoided next time round. Lower tips aren’t that common, but they reflect the reality that valet service can vary from one visit to the next.
Valet tipping etiquette and best practices
Valet service moves quickly, sometimes in crowded or busy environments. A few simple habits can make the process smoother for both you and the valet.
Tipping in cash works best because most valets don’t have a way to process card payments, which also have their own set of reporting requirements. Always carrying a few small bills such as ones and fives can make these situations less stressful and much faster.
Valets often work under time pressure, especially during major events or peak hotel check-in times. A little patience can go a long way, and many guests find it easier to give the tip they intended once they understand the reason behind any wait. So consider what might be happening behind the scenes if you do have to wait a bit longer than you expected.
Friendly gestures such as making eye contact and saying thank you help create a respectful experience. Many valets are working with fewer legal protections, and they also rely on tips to supplement hourly wages. So these tips, which are small sums to most drivers, can be really important.
At the same time, there’s no need to feel pressured into giving more than you feel comfortable with. Social environments can sometimes make tipping feel complicated, but these guidelines should help you navigate the process and keep things manageable.
Keeping it simple
Most valet situations are quick transactions that go without a hitch, and tipping $2 to $5 USD covers the majority of everyday experiences. You should feel free to make small adjustments based on service quality and the circumstances around your visit, remembering that showing appreciation through a thoughtful tip also supports the service workers who help keep things running smoothly.
FAQs
Do you tip valet parking every time you use the service?
Most people tip valet service each time they use it because parking and retrieval are considered separate tasks from hotel or restaurant service. Even when the cost of parking is included in a bill, a tip is still customary.
Should you tip differently for overnight hotel parking?
Some guests choose to give a slightly higher amount during overnight stays, especially if they expect multiple retrievals. Others tip the standard amount each time the car is brought back. Both approaches are okay.
What if there is already a service charge included?
A service charge sometimes appears on hotel bills, but it often covers parking fees rather than tips. Many guests leave a small cash tip for the valet who returns their car even when a service charge is listed.
How much should you tip valet parking at weddings or special events?
Events often involve heavier traffic and more coordination. Tips between $3 and $5 are common, with some guests choosing a higher amount if the valet team handles large crowds efficiently.
Is it okay to leave no tip if the service was poor?
Some guests adjust the tip downward when the experience falls below expectations. Others still offer a small amount as a courtesy, especially considering that many workers may be earning minimum wage. If the service was really poor, consider speaking with event or hotel staff to clarify the situation.
Do you tip when dropping off your car or picking it up?
The main tip happens when the valet returns the car. Some guests choose to offer a small amount at the drop-off if they have special instructions, but the final tip usually comes at the end.