Sailing from San Francisco is one of the easiest cruise departures on the West Coast, especially if you live in the Bay Area. A little planning makes embarkation day smooth: how you get to the pier, where to park or be dropped off, and when to arrive. Here is what our advisors tell Bay Area clients before they sail.
1. Where the cruise terminal is
Most cruises leave from the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 on The Embarcadero, between Telegraph Hill and Fisherman’s Wharf. On busy days, some ships use Pier 35, a short walk north along the waterfront. Your cruise documents will show which pier your ship uses.
2. Getting there from around the Bay Area
| Coming from | Easiest options |
|---|---|
| Peninsula & South Bay | Drive or take a rideshare up 101 or 280. Or take Caltrain into San Francisco and a short taxi or rideshare to the pier. |
| East Bay | BART to Embarcadero station, then the F-line streetcar along The Embarcadero, or a taxi or rideshare. The walk from the station is about 20 minutes. |
| San Francisco | Taxi, rideshare or the F-line streetcar. The Embarcadero & Sansome Street stop is across from Pier 27. |
| SFO airport | Taxi or rideshare, usually 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. Or BART to Embarcadero, then the F-line streetcar. |
| Oakland airport (OAK) | BART connects the airport to downtown San Francisco, or take a taxi or rideshare across the Bay Bridge. |
Streetcars and BART allow luggage, but they can be crowded. With big suitcases or a family, a taxi or rideshare for the last stretch is usually easier.
3. Parking and drop-off
- There is no overnight parking at the terminal itself. Cruise parking is offered by private garages and lots nearby, including on Francisco Street a few blocks away. Reserve ahead with the operator and confirm your booking before you leave home.
- Drop off first. Cars, taxis and rideshares can drop passengers and luggage at the terminal entrance. Unload everyone and the bags, then park.
- Compare the cost. For a 10- to 16-night cruise, parking adds up. A rideshare or a friend’s drop-off both ways is often cheaper.
4. When to arrive
- Check-in usually opens late morning, and boarding often begins around early afternoon. Always follow the arrival time in your cruise line’s app or documents.
- Allow extra time. Traffic along The Embarcadero can be slow on embarkation days, especially when more than one ship is in port.
- Flying in? Arrive the day before. The ship will not wait for a delayed flight.
5. The night before
If you are coming from farther away, a hotel near the waterfront makes the morning easy. Fisherman’s Wharf is closest to Pier 27, with The Embarcadero, the Financial District and Union Square a short ride away. Book early in summer and around holidays, when the city is busy.
6. Luggage and what to keep with you
The terminal does not store luggage. Hand your checked bags to the porters at drop-off, and keep a small day bag with your passport, cruise documents, medicines, a jacket and anything valuable. Your checked bags may not reach your cabin until the evening.
7. Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge
The sailaway is a highlight. Head to an open deck at the front or side of the ship as you leave the pier and pass Alcatraz on the way to the bridge. Bring a warm layer: even on sunny days, the wind and fog near the Golden Gate can be cold.
8. Coming home
Ships return in the morning, and disembarkation usually wraps up before midday. If you are flying out, book a flight for the afternoon to allow for customs, luggage and traffic to the airport.
Planning a cruise from San Francisco? See our guide to no-fly cruises from the Bay Area, browse current sailings from San Francisco, or request a quote.
