Valet attendants make a good deal of their income from tips. Again, the standard amount is $2-5. If they've offered special services, like assistance with luggage, give them more. The full valet parking tip should be approximately 20-30% of the cost of the service.

In 2026, the industry standard for tipping a valet in the United States is between $5 and $10, typically given when the car is returned to you. While $2 to $5 used to be the baseline, inflation and rising service costs have shifted the "customary" amount toward the higher end. You should consider tipping on the higher side ($10 or more) if the valet provides extra assistance, such as helping with heavy luggage, or if you have a specialty vehicle that requires extra care. It is also a "pro-tip" to tip in cash to ensure the specific worker who fetched your car receives the gratuity directly. While you are not strictly required to tip when dropping off your car, doing so is often viewed as a "VIP" gesture that might result in your car being parked in a more accessible spot. Ultimately, tipping is a way to acknowledge the promptness and safety of the service, making it a standard part of the luxury hotel or high-end dining experience in 2026.