Valet parking is a convenient service that's become standard at upscale restaurants, hotels, casinos, and special events across America. But like many service industries, valet attendants rely on tips to supplement their wages. Understanding proper valet tipping etiquette—and how amounts vary by location—ensures you show appreciation for this essential service while staying within social norms.
At tipamount.org, we've researched valet tipping practices across major US cities to help you navigate this often-confusing gratuity. Whether you're dining at a five-star restaurant in Manhattan or attending an event in Los Angeles, this city-by-city guide provides specific dollar amounts and percentages to tip valet parking attendants in 2026.
Understanding Valet Parking Tipping Basics
Valet parking attendants provide a valuable service: they park your car safely, secure it, and retrieve it promptly when you leave. Like other service workers, they typically earn modest hourly wages and depend on tips for their livelihood. The question isn't whether to tip—it's how much.
Several factors influence appropriate valet tip amounts:
- Geographic location: Major metropolitan areas command higher tips than smaller cities
- Venue type: Luxury establishments expect higher tips than casual dining
- Service quality: Exceptional service (quick return, careful handling) merits higher amounts
- Duration: All-day parking warrants different amounts than evening dining
- Vehicle condition: Bringing a pristine luxury car versus a standard sedan may influence tipping decisions
- Regional tipping culture: Some regions have established higher tipping norms
The fundamental principle: valet attendants work hard in often-difficult conditions (weather, traffic, physical demands), and they deserve recognition for their service.
National Valet Parking Tipping Standards
Before we break down city-specific recommendations, here are the baseline national guidelines for valet parking tips:
| Scenario | Recommended Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quick restaurant visit (2-3 hours) | $3-$5 | Standard dining experience |
| Extended event (4-6 hours) | $5-$8 | Wedding receptions, galas |
| All-day parking (8+ hours) | $8-$15 | Airport hotels, full-day events |
| Luxury vehicle | Add $2-$5 | Supercars, luxury brands |
| Exceptional service | $10+ | Exceptional speed, friendliness, care |
Major Cities: Valet Tipping Guide
Tipping expectations vary significantly across America's major metropolitan areas. Here's what you should tip in each major city:
New York City
New York sets the standard for upscale service tipping. Manhattan's valet attendants handle expensive cars, demanding clients, and high-volume parking situations daily.
- Fine dining (Michelin-starred): $5-$8 per visit
- Upscale restaurants: $4-$6
- Hotel valet (casual): $4-$5
- Special events: $8-$12
- All-day airport parking: $10-$15
NYC culture tip: Never hand someone a single dollar bill. The minimum acceptable tip is $2, and most situations warrant $4-$5.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles valet culture is deeply embedded in the city's service economy. From Beverly Hills restaurants to Santa Monica hotels, valet attendants are everywhere and tipping expectations are substantial.
- West Hollywood/Beverly Hills fine dining: $5-$10
- Standard upscale restaurants: $4-$6
- Hotel valets: $3-$5 per visit
- Entertainment events: $6-$12
- Shopping/casual dining: $2-$3
LA insight: The valet industry is significant here. Attendants often manage hundreds of cars weekly and appreciate consistent, respectable tips.
Chicago
Chicago's Midwestern sensibility influences tipping culture—generous but not excessive. Winters make valet work particularly challenging, deserving recognition.
- High-end steakhouses: $4-$7
- Hotel valet: $3-$5
- Casual upscale dining: $3-$4
- Extended events: $6-$10
- Winter parking (premium for conditions): $4-$6
Miami
Miami's resort culture and large tourist population create robust valet expectations, especially near the beach and in Wynwood.
- South Beach restaurants: $5-$8
- Resort hotels: $4-$6
- Casual venues: $3-$4
- Nightlife venues: $5-$10
- All-day beach parking: $8-$12
San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area's tech wealth influences tipping culture significantly, with Silicon Valley and San Francisco proper commanding premium tips.
- Fine dining (SF/Palo Alto): $5-$8
- Upscale restaurants: $4-$6
- Hotel valet: $4-$5
- Tech campus events: $6-$10
- Casual venues: $3-$4
Boston
Boston's Northeast tradition values straightforward service. Tipping is respectful but measured.
- Fine dining: $4-$6
- Upscale restaurants: $3-$5
- Hotel valet: $3-$4
- Event parking: $5-$8
Las Vegas
Vegas presents unique valet dynamics. Casinos and resorts employ high-volume valet operations where tips directly supplement modest wages.
- Casino/resort arrival: $2-$4
- Fine dining venues: $5-$8
- Extended stays: $3-$5 per day
- Nightclub/entertainment: $5-$10
- Multiple retrievals: Tip each time ($3-$5)
Vegas consideration: Large casinos handle thousands of cars daily. Attendants appreciate consistency and promptness in tipping.
Washington, DC
The nation's capital maintains formal service standards with appropriate tipping expectations.
- Fine dining: $4-$7
- Upscale restaurants: $3-$5
- Government/formal events: $4-$6
- Hotel valet: $3-$5
Austin, Dallas, and Houston
Texas cities reflect Southern hospitality with reasonable tipping expectations:
- Upscale dining: $3-$5
- Hotel valet: $2-$4
- Special events: $4-$7
- Casual venues: $2-$3
Special Situations and Considerations
When to Tip More
Certain situations warrant premium tips beyond standard amounts:
- Exceptional service speed: Attendant retrieves your car in under 2 minutes during busy times—add $2-$3
- Poor weather: Rain, snow, or extreme heat conditions—add $1-$2
- Difficult vehicle: Manual transmission, unfamiliar features, or tricky parking situation—add $2-$4
- Special requests: Top-level care, facing a specific direction, or premium spot selection—add $2-$5
- Luxury vehicles: Ferraris, Lamborghinis, vintage cars—add $3-$5
- Regular customer: Establish relationships with consistent, respectful tips—$5-$10
When to Tip Less
A few scenarios might justify lower-than-standard tips:
- Self-parking available: If you choose valet over free self-parking, minimal tip ($2-$3) is acceptable
- Very brief visits: Running into a venue for five minutes—$1-$2 is appropriate
- Poor service: Scratches, excessive delays, or rudeness may justify $2-$3 or discussing issues with management
- Valet service already included: Check your bill; mandatory gratuity might eliminate additional tipping need
Multiple Trips and Vehicle Retrievals
If a valet attendant retrieves your car multiple times during an event—parking it initially, then again after a brief departure—tip each time. Attendants perform the service twice, deserving two tips. Standard amounts apply per retrieval.
Group Events and Shared Vehicles
At large events where multiple attendees share car parking:
- Wedding reception: Designate one person to tip, suggesting 15-20% of parking fees or $5-$8 per vehicle
- Corporate events: Have the host or event organizer handle tipping; attendees shouldn't duplicate
- Birthday parties/celebrations: Contribute proportionally if sharing vehicles ($3-$5 per person per vehicle)
Payment Methods for Valet Tips
Cash remains the preferred tipping method for valet attendants. Most venues don't integrate valet tips into card payments, meaning attendants don't receive credit card gratuities.
- Cash: Preferred; hand directly to attendant upon arrival and departure
- Card tips: Not recommended; attendants may not receive them
- Digital payment (Venmo/PayPal): Only possible if you know the attendant personally
- Checkcard receipts: Verify with venue if valet tips are added to your bill before paying
Pro tip: Have small bills readily available ($1, $5, $10). This eliminates fumbling and shows respect for the attendant's time.
Tipping Etiquette Tips
Beyond amounts, proper valet tipping etiquette matters:
- Hand tip directly to attendant: Place money in their hand or a tray; don't leave it on the podium
- Maintain eye contact: Brief acknowledgment shows respect
- Tip both arrival and departure: Some attendants argue departure tips matter more (guaranteed service), but tipping both is most respectful
- Tip in advance during busy times: Upfront tips may encourage extra care with your vehicle
- No tipping negotiations: Valet is a service; don't haggle about appropriate amounts
- Address parking damage promptly: If the car has scratches, report immediately and discuss compensation separately from tipping
Using a Tip Calculator
If you're uncertain about appropriate amounts, tipamount.org features an interactive tip calculator on our homepage. Input your venue type, location, service quality, and duration—our calculator instantly provides recommended tip ranges for valet parking and other services.
Calculators eliminate guesswork and help you navigate tipping with confidence across different cities and situations.
FAQs About Valet Tipping
Do I tip when I drop off the car, pick it up, or both?
Ideally, both. Tip when arriving ($2-$3) and again when retrieving ($3-$5). However, if budget-conscious, prioritize the departure tip—that attendant confirmed your car was cared for properly.
What if valet parking is complimentary?
Free valet still deserves tipping. Attendants provide the service regardless of whether venues charge customers. Use standard tip amounts for your city.