San Francisco's Two Main Cruise Terminals

Cruise ships in San Francisco dock at two terminals, both located on the northern waterfront in the Ferry Building area. The Port of San Francisco operates these facilities, and nearly all passenger vessels use one of these two locations: Pier 27 or Pier 35. Which terminal your ship uses depends on the cruise line and the specific sailing, so check your cruise documents or contact your cruise line directly to confirm.

Pier 27 and Pier 35 sit about a half-mile apart along the Embarcadero, the waterfront promenade that runs along San Francisco Bay. Both are within walking distance of downtown San Francisco, the Ferry Building Marketplace, and public transportation. If you are arriving by car or taxi, the terminals have different parking and drop-off procedures, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • Cruise ships dock at either Pier 27 or Pier 35 on San Francisco's northern waterfront, both operated by the Port of San Francisco.
  • Check your cruise documents or contact your cruise line to learn which pier your ship uses before you arrive.
  • Both piers are walkable to downtown San Francisco, the Ferry Building, and public transit, but parking and drop-off locations differ between them.
  • Pier 27 is closer to the Ferry Building and has a dedicated parking garage; Pier 35 has street parking and a nearby lot but is slightly farther from downtown.

Pier 27: Location and Parking

Pier 27 is located at 1 Ferry Building, directly adjacent to the historic Ferry Building Marketplace. This terminal is the closer of the two to downtown San Francisco's shops, restaurants, and attractions. The pier has a dedicated parking garage on-site, though spaces fill quickly during peak cruise season (typically May through September). If you are driving, arrive early or consider using a ride-share service to avoid the hassle of finding a spot.

The Pier 27 terminal building is modern and recently renovated, with clear signage for passenger check-in. If you are being dropped off by a friend or family member, there is a designated passenger drop-off zone on the street level. Public parking in the Ferry Building garage costs around $30 to $40 per day, depending on the length of stay. The terminal is also served by multiple bus lines and is within a 10-minute walk of the Market Street cable car line.

Pier 35: Location and Parking

Pier 35 is located at the Fisherman's Wharf area, about a half-mile north of Pier 27 along the Embarcadero. This terminal is near popular tourist attractions including Pier 39, the sea lions at Pier 39, and the Aquarium of the Bay. Street parking is available in the surrounding area, though it can be difficult to find during busy times. There is also a nearby parking lot operated by the Port of San Francisco, though it fills quickly and rates vary by season.

Pier 35 has a smaller terminal building compared to Pier 27, but it is still equipped with all necessary passenger services. The drop-off zone is on the street level near the pier entrance. Because this area is busier with tourist foot traffic, allow extra time for navigation if you are unfamiliar with the neighborhood. The terminal is served by several bus lines and is about a 15-minute walk to the nearest cable car line.

Getting to the Terminals by Public Transportation

Both cruise terminals are accessible by San Francisco's public transit system. The Muni bus system serves both piers with multiple routes. For Pier 27, the F-line historic streetcar stops directly at the Ferry Building. For Pier 35, buses 30, 47, and 49 stop nearby. You can plan your route using the Muni website or the Transit app, which shows real-time arrival information.

If you are arriving by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from the airport or elsewhere in the region, exit at the Embarcadero station and walk or take a short bus ride to either pier. The Embarcadero station is about a 10-minute walk from Pier 27 and a 15-minute walk from Pier 35. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft also serve both terminals, though surge pricing can explore during peak cruise times.

Arriving by Car and Parking Options

If you are driving to the terminal, plan to arrive at least two hours before your ship's departure time. This gives you time to park, check in, and clear security. Pier 27 has the most convenient parking option: a dedicated on-site garage. Rates are typically $30 to $40 per day, though prices may be higher during peak season. Reserve a spot online through the Port of San Francisco website if possible, as this can save time on arrival day.

Pier 35 parking is less centralized. Street parking is available but limited and often full during cruise season. The Port of San Francisco operates a nearby lot, but availability varies. Some passengers choose to use a ride-share service or have a friend drop them off to avoid parking altogether. If you do park at Pier 35, note that the lot is a short walk from the terminal entrance, and you will need to carry your luggage.

What to Expect at Check-In

Both terminals follow similar check-in procedures. Arrive at least two hours before departure and have your cruise documents, passport, and photo ID ready. The terminal staff will direct you to the appropriate check-in counter based on your cruise line. Lines can be long during peak times, so patience is important. Most cruise lines now offer online check-in before you arrive, which can speed up the process at the terminal.

After check-in, you will proceed through security screening, similar to airport security. Prohibited items include weapons, large quantities of alcohol, and certain electronics. Once you clear security, you will board the ship. The entire process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the terminal is. If you are unfamiliar with the process, cruise line staff are available to answer questions and guide you through each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park overnight at either terminal if my cruise leaves early in the morning?

Yes, both Pier 27 and Pier 35 have parking available for overnight stays. Pier 27's garage offers 24-hour access. Rates for overnight parking vary but typically range from $40 to $60 per night depending on the season. Reserve in advance if possible, as overnight spots fill quickly during cruise season.

Which pier is closer to downtown San Francisco attractions?

Pier 27 is closer to downtown, sitting directly at the Ferry Building with shops and restaurants within walking distance. Pier 35 is in the Fisherman's Wharf area, which has its own attractions like Pier 39 and the Aquarium of the Bay, but it is about a half-mile farther from downtown's main commercial district.

What if I arrive at the wrong pier?

Check your cruise documents or contact your cruise line before you arrive to confirm which pier your ship uses. The two piers are only about a half-mile apart, so if you do arrive at the wrong one, you can easily walk or take a short bus ride to the correct terminal. Allow extra time if this happens.

Is there luggage storage at the terminals if I want to explore San Francisco before boarding?

Luggage storage is not typically offered at the cruise terminals themselves. Some hotels near the waterfront offer day-use luggage storage for a fee. Alternatively, you can store luggage at the Ferry Building or nearby hotels and return to pick it up before boarding. Plan this in advance and confirm availability with your chosen location.

Do I need to pay for parking if I am just dropping off a passenger?

No, both terminals have designated passenger drop-off zones where you can leave your car briefly without paying. These zones are designed for quick drop-offs only, typically allowing 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to stay longer, you will need to park in a paid lot or garage.