San Francisco Cruise Port
San Francisco, United States · Pacific
Cruise ships dock at Pier 27 — James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, San Francisco.
Plan my port daysWalkable waterfront cruise port with world-class sightseeing right outside the terminal.
At a glance
Port summary
San Francisco is one of the best walk-off cruise ports in North America. Pier 27 (James R. Herman Cruise Terminal) puts you steps from Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. Most top attractions are reachable on foot, by streetcar, or a short rideshare. Alcatraz requires advance booking. The Golden Gate Bridge needs transport but is unmissable. San Francisco's famous fog can roll in any time of year — always bring layers, even in summer.
Cruise docks
Pier 27 — James R. Herman Cruise Terminal
The primary cruise berth in San Francisco. Modern glass-fronted terminal opened in 2014 with full passenger facilities. Accommodates vessels up to 950+ feet. Located on the Embarcadero waterfront between Pier 23 and Pier 29.
Latitude: 37.8046, Longitude: -122.4014
See dock on port map →Pier 35 — Historic Overflow Berth
Historic 100-year-old pier used as overflow during busy periods or for smaller luxury vessels. Basic passenger handling facilities. Closer to Fisherman's Wharf than Pier 27.
Latitude: 37.8076, Longitude: -122.4058
See dock on port map →Getting to San Francisco
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Cards and contactless work everywhere; cash rarely needed
Build your perfect day in San Francisco
Tell us your cruise line, ship and departure date and we'll give you a complete set of full port information and playbooks of how to spend your day.
Inside the US West Coast & Pacific Coast collection
Here's a peek at everything waiting for your San Francisco cruise day.
Typical weather
Emergency & contacts
Ready-made port days
14 plansFisherman's Wharf & the Waterfront on Foot
Barking sea lions, a chocolate factory and the old fishing fleet — the whole northern waterfront done without a taxi or a ticket you don't want.
Alcatraz Island & the Wharf
The most infamous prison in America, on an island in the bay you can walk to the ferry for — if you booked far enough ahead.
The Golden Gate Bridge by Bike to Sausalito
Ride the waterfront, cross the world's most famous bridge under your own steam, and ferry back from a Mediterranean-style harbour town.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Up Close
Walk out over the strait, stand beneath the towers at Fort Point, and get the classic view — the bridge day for people who'd rather not pedal.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in San Francisco?
- Your ship docks at one of the cruise terminals in San Francisco, United States. The specific berth is assigned by the port a few days before arrival.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into San Francisco?
- Yes. San Francisco is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to San Francisco centre?
- Typical options include On foot, Taxi, Ride-hail (Uber/Bolt), Tram, Local bus. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in San Francisco?
- Plan for at least 4 hours ashore to see San Francisco independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in San Francisco and are cards accepted?
- San Francisco uses the US Dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the San Francisco cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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