San Francisco's two main cruise terminals

Cruise ships arriving in San Francisco dock at one of two terminals: Pier 27 or Pier 35, both located along the Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco. Pier 27 is the newer facility, opened in 2014, and handles most of the larger modern cruise ships. Pier 35 is the older terminal and typically accommodates smaller vessels or serves as a backup when Pier 27 is at capacity.

Both piers sit within walking distance of the Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, and downtown San Francisco. If you are arriving by cruise ship, you will disembark at one of these two locations—your cruise line will tell you which pier your ship uses when you book or receive your final documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Pier 27 and Pier 35 are San Francisco's only cruise ship terminals, both on the Embarcadero near Fisherman's Wharf.
  • Pier 27 is newer and handles most large cruise ships; Pier 35 handles smaller vessels and overflow.
  • Your cruise line will confirm which pier your ship uses in your booking documents or final paperwork.
  • Both terminals are within walking distance of downtown attractions, public transit, and rental car facilities.
  • Parking at the terminals is limited; most passengers use ride-share, taxis, or public transportation to reach the piers.

Pier 27: The modern terminal

Pier 27 opened in 2014 and is the primary cruise terminal for San Francisco. It was built to accommodate the largest modern cruise ships, including vessels from Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The terminal has a single large building with check-in counters, security screening, and passenger amenities inside.

The pier itself extends into the bay and can handle ships up to about 900 feet long. If your cruise line is one of the major operators, Pier 27 is where you will almost certainly depart from or arrive at. The terminal is located at the foot of Broadway, just north of the Ferry Building.

Pier 35: The secondary terminal

Pier 35 is an older facility that typically handles smaller cruise ships, expedition vessels, and specialty cruises. It is also used when Pier 27 is fully booked or undergoing maintenance. The terminal is simpler than Pier 27 but still has the basic facilities needed for passenger processing.

Pier 35 sits directly at Fisherman's Wharf, making it slightly more convenient for passengers who want to explore that area when ready after arrival. However, most cruise passengers will not use this terminal unless they are booked on a smaller ship or a less common cruise line.

Getting to the terminals from the airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 14 miles south of the cruise terminals. The most common ways to reach the piers are ride-share services like Uber or Lyft (typically 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic), a traditional taxi, or a rental car. The drive usually costs between $25 and $50 in ride-share fees, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

Public transit is also an option: you can take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from the airport to the Embarcadero station, then walk to either pier. This route takes longer but costs less. Some cruise lines also offer shuttle services for an additional fee—check your cruise documents to see if this is available for your sailing.

Parking at or near the cruise terminals

Parking directly at the cruise terminals is extremely limited and expensive. Pier 27 has a small parking lot, but spaces fill quickly and rates run $30 to $40 per day or more. Pier 35 has even less parking available.

Most passengers either arrange to be dropped off by a friend or family member, use ride-share to arrive at the pier, or park in nearby commercial lots. Several parking garages operate in the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf areas, though these also charge daily rates. If you are driving, arriving very early in the morning (before 6 a.m.) gives you the best chance of finding a spot at the terminal lot itself.

What to expect when you arrive at the terminal

Arrive at least two to three hours before your departure time. You will enter the terminal building, check in at your cruise line's counter, go through security screening similar to airport security, and then proceed to the boarding area. The process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour if you arrive early.

Both terminals have basic amenities like restrooms and water fountains, but food options are limited. Eat before you arrive or plan to buy something at a nearby café. Once you pass security, you will be in the boarding area waiting for your ship to open its gangway, which typically happens 30 to 60 minutes before departure.

Returning to San Francisco: disembarkation

When your cruise ends and you return to San Francisco, you will disembark at the same terminal where you boarded. The ship typically arrives early in the morning, and passengers are called to leave in groups. Disembarkation usually takes two to three hours for the entire ship.

Have your room key and identification ready. Once you leave the ship, you will go through a brief customs and immigration process (if you visited international ports), collect any luggage that was checked, and exit the terminal. Ride-share pickup areas are clearly marked outside both terminals, or you can walk to nearby hotels, restaurants, or attractions while you wait for your ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park overnight at the cruise terminal?

Overnight parking at Pier 27 or Pier 35 is not recommended and is not officially supported by the terminals. If you need to park for multiple days, use a commercial parking garage in the Embarcadero or Fisherman's Wharf area instead. Some garages offer multi-day rates that are cheaper than daily rates.

What if my cruise line does not tell me which pier I am using?

Contact your cruise line directly—they will confirm your pier in your final documents, which are usually sent one to two weeks before departure. You can also call the cruise line's customer service number or check your online booking account. Do not assume; different ships use different piers.

Is there public transit from the cruise terminals to downtown San Francisco?

Yes. Both piers are near the Embarcadero BART station and several bus lines. The Ferry Building also has ferry service to other Bay Area locations. Walking to downtown is also possible—it is about a 15-minute walk from Pier 27 to the Financial District.

Can I leave my car at the terminal if I am taking a cruise?

Technically yes, but it is expensive and not recommended. Terminal parking costs $30 to $40 per day and fills quickly. Off-site parking garages in the area are often cheaper for multi-day stays. Ride-share or having someone drop you off is usually more economical.

Do I need to go through security at the cruise terminal?

Yes. All passengers go through security screening similar to airport security before boarding. Arrive early to allow time for this process. Prohibited items are similar to airport rules—no large knives, firearms, or other weapons.