Where Does the Cruise Ship Dock in San Francisco?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ship Docks in San Francisco

San Francisco is a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. The city has something to offer everyone, from its iconic landmarks to its world-class restaurants and nightlife. But where exactly do cruise ships dock in San Francisco?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different cruise ship terminals in San Francisco, as well as the pros and cons of each one. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get to and from the terminals, and what to do in San Francisco while your ship is in port.

So if you’re planning a cruise to San Francisco, read on for all the information you need to know about docking in the city!

| Terminal | Address | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Pier 27 | 495 Broadway | Cruise ship terminal operated by the Port of San Francisco. |
| Pier 39 | Fisherman’s Wharf | Cruise ship terminal operated by the Port of San Francisco. |
| Pier 80 | 2nd Street | Cruise ship terminal operated by the Port of San Francisco. |

Port of San Francisco

The Port of San Francisco is a major seaport located in San Francisco, California. It is the 5th busiest container port in the United States and the 2nd busiest cruise ship port in North America. The port is home to three cruise ship terminals, which can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons.

Location and history

The Port of San Francisco is located on the San Francisco Bay, at the mouth of the Sacramento River. The port was established in 1848, shortly after the founding of San Francisco. The port quickly became a major hub for trade between the United States and Asia. In the early 20th century, the port was expanded to accommodate larger ships. Today, the port is a major economic engine for the San Francisco Bay Area.

Facilities and services

The Port of San Francisco offers a variety of facilities and services to its customers, including:

  • Cargo terminals
  • Cruise ship terminals
  • Passenger terminals
  • Warehouses
  • Office space
  • Retail stores
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels

Cruise ship terminals

The Port of San Francisco has three cruise ship terminals:

  • Pier 27
  • Pier 35
  • Pier 80

Pier 27 is the largest cruise ship terminal in the port, and can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons. Pier 35 is a smaller terminal, and can accommodate ships of up to 80,000 gross tons. Pier 80 is the newest terminal in the port, and can accommodate ships of up to 150,000 gross tons.

Cruise Ship Docks in San Francisco

Which cruise lines dock in San Francisco?

A variety of cruise lines dock in San Francisco, including:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Costa Cruises
  • Cunard Line
  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises

Which ships dock in San Francisco?

A variety of ships dock in San Francisco, including:

  • Carnival Fantasy
  • Carnival Inspiration
  • Carnival Splendor
  • Celebrity Millennium
  • Costa Fortuna
  • Cunard Queen Elizabeth
  • Holland America Eurodam
  • Princess Cruises Caribbean Princess
  • Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas
  • Norwegian Breakaway
  • MSC Divina

When do cruise ships dock in San Francisco?

Cruise ships dock in San Francisco year-round. However, the busiest time for cruise ship traffic is during the summer months, from May to September.

The Port of San Francisco is a major seaport and cruise ship hub. It is home to three cruise ship terminals, which can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons. The port is a major economic engine for the San Francisco Bay Area, and it offers a variety of facilities and services to its customers.

Where Does The Cruise Ship Dock In San Francisco?

The Port of San Francisco is located on the waterfront of the city’s downtown area. It is the busiest cruise ship port on the West Coast of the United States, and it handles over 2 million cruise passengers each year.

The port is home to three cruise terminals: Pier 27, Pier 35, and Pier 80. Pier 27 is the largest terminal and handles the majority of cruise ships. Pier 35 is smaller and handles a mix of cruise ships and cargo ships. Pier 80 is the newest terminal and handles a variety of cruise ships, including mega-ships.

The cruise terminals are located within walking distance of many of San Francisco’s most popular attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Getting to and from the Port of San Francisco

There are a number of ways to get to and from the Port of San Francisco.

By car

The Port of San Francisco is located about 2 miles from downtown San Francisco. The easiest way to get there by car is to take I-80 to the Bay Bridge. Once you cross the bridge, take the I-80 exit for Downtown/Civic Center. Follow the signs for the Port of San Francisco.

There is a large parking garage located at Pier 35. The cost is $25 per day.

By public transportation

The Port of San Francisco is served by several public transportation options.

  • BART The BART station at Embarcadero is located just a few blocks from the cruise terminals. The fare from the airport to the Embarcadero station is $9.
  • Muni Metro The Muni Metro light rail system has several stops near the cruise terminals. The fare is $2.50 per ride.
  • Ferry The San Francisco Bay Ferry has several departures from Pier 39 to destinations throughout the Bay Area. The fare is $10 per person.

By taxi or ride-share

Taxis and ride-share services are available at all of the cruise terminals. The cost of a taxi from downtown San Francisco to the Port of San Francisco is about $20.

Things to Do in San Francisco

There are a number of things to do in San Francisco before or after your cruise.

Before your cruise

  • Visit Fisherman’s Wharf Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist destination located just a few blocks from the cruise terminals. It is home to a variety of seafood restaurants, shops, and attractions, including Pier 39, where you can see sea lions lounging on the docks.
  • Take a ferry to Alcatraz Alcatraz is a former federal prison located on an island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and tour the prison.
  • Visit Chinatown Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America. It is home to a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and temples.

After your cruise

  • Explore the Golden Gate Bridge The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Visitors can walk, bike, or drive across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
  • Visit the Palace of Fine Arts The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful building located in the Marina District. It is home to a museum of fine arts and a theater.
  • Take a cable car ride San Francisco’s cable cars are a national historic landmark. Visitors can take a ride on a cable car and enjoy views of the city.

The Port of San Francisco is a convenient and accessible port for cruise ships. There are a number of ways to get to and from the port, and there are plenty of things to do in San Francisco before or after your cruise.

Where does the cruise ship dock in San Francisco?

The cruise ship docks at Pier 27, located at the foot of Broadway in the South of Market (SoMa) district. Pier 27 is a modern cruise terminal with a variety of amenities, including a passenger terminal, a shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

What is the best way to get to Pier 27?

There are a few different ways to get to Pier 27. You can take public transportation, drive, or take a taxi.

  • Public transportation: The easiest way to get to Pier 27 is by public transportation. You can take the BART to the Montgomery Street station, which is located just a few blocks from the pier. You can also take the Muni Metro to the Embarcadero station, which is also located a few blocks from the pier.
  • Driving: If you are driving, you can take I-80 to the Bay Bridge and exit at Broadway. You will then follow Broadway to the pier.
  • Taxi: You can also take a taxi to Pier 27. The fare from downtown San Francisco to Pier 27 is approximately $20.

What time does the cruise ship arrive in San Francisco?

The cruise ship arrives in San Francisco at various times depending on the cruise line and the itinerary. You can check the specific arrival time for your cruise ship on the cruise line’s website.

How long does the cruise ship stay in San Francisco?

The cruise ship stays in San Francisco for a variety of lengths of time, depending on the cruise line and the itinerary. You can check the specific length of stay for your cruise ship on the cruise line’s website.

What are the things to do in San Francisco while the cruise ship is docked?

There are a number of things to do in San Francisco while the cruise ship is docked. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, where you can see sea lions, take a boat tour of the bay, and browse the shops and restaurants.
  • Take a cable car ride up to Nob Hill for stunning views of the city.
  • Visit Chinatown and explore the many shops and restaurants.
  • See the Golden Gate Bridge and take a walk across it.
  • Visit Alcatraz Island and take a tour of the infamous prison.

What are the best places to eat near Pier 27?

There are a number of great restaurants near Pier 27, including:

  • The Waterfront Restaurant: This restaurant offers stunning views of the bay and serves a variety of seafood dishes.
  • The Palace Grill: This restaurant is known for its steaks and prime rib.
  • The Fog City Diner: This restaurant serves classic American comfort food in a casual atmosphere.
  • The Trident: This restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes in a sophisticated setting.

What are the best hotels near Pier 27?

There are a number of great hotels near Pier 27, including:

  • The Westin San Francisco Airport: This hotel is located just a few blocks from the pier and offers easy access to public transportation.
  • The Hotel Nikko San Francisco: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the bay.
  • The InterContinental San Francisco: This hotel is located near Union Square and offers a variety of amenities, including a spa and a rooftop pool.
  • The Palace Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the Financial District and offers elegant rooms and suites.

    the Port of San Francisco is a major cruise ship destination, with three cruise terminals located in the city. The terminals are well-connected to public transportation, making it easy for passengers to get to and from the city center. The port also offers a variety of amenities and services for cruise passengers, including shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise or an exciting city break, San Francisco is the perfect destination.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.