San Francisco in California
Hotels near San Francisco Cruise Port
The Port of San Francisco is located along the waterfront near Fisherman’s Wharf, with most cruises departing from Pier 27 James R. Herman Cruise Terminal.
Most travelers stay near Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, or Union Square, depending on whether they prefer convenience, sightseeing, or lower hotel prices.
Many travelers also look for hotels with a shuttle to the cruise terminal. In reality, these are very limited, and most people simply use Uber, taxis, or walk if staying nearby.
Do You Need a Shuttle?
Unlike some other cruise ports, very few hotels in San Francisco offer a dedicated shuttle to Pier 27 or Pier 35.
In practice, most travelers simply use Uber or taxis, while some waterfront are located within reasonable walking distance of the terminal.
Hotels near SFO Airport often provide free airport shuttles, but transportation to the cruise terminal usually requires a separate rideshare or taxi.
Bestsellers
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
★★★★
Best for: Staying closest to cruise terminal
Located near Fisherman’s Wharf, with convenient access to pier 27 and surrounded by restaurants and waterfront attractions.
Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
★★★★
Best for: Popular stay near Fisherman’s Wharf
A large and popular hotel close to Pier 27, convenient for sightseeing, restaurants, and a pre-cruise stay in San Francisco.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
★★★★
Best for: Waterfront comfort near downtown
Located along the Embarcadero waterfront, offering easy access to both downtown San Francisco and the cruise terminal.
Most travelers stay near Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, or Union Square before sailing from the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal.
Because the cruise terminal is located close to downtown and the waterfront, choosing the right area is more about atmosphere, hotel prices, and convenience than long travel distances.
Fisherman’s Wharf (Best for convenience & sightseeing)
The most popular area for cruise passengers, located closest to Pier 27 and the waterfront.
This area is convenient for restaurants, tourist attractions, and pre-cruise sightseeing, with many hotels within a short Uber ride of the terminal.
Hotel prices here are often higher than in other parts of the city.
Embarcadero / Financial District (Best overall location)
A good balance between convenience and a more central downtown atmosphere.
Hotels in this area offer easy access to the waterfront, public transport, and restaurants, while still being relatively close to the cruise terminal.
Less tourist-focused than Fisherman’s Wharf, especially in the evening.
Union Square (Best for hotel choice & shopping)
A popular area with a large number of hotels, shopping, and easy public transport connections.
Often a practical option if you want more hotel choices or slightly lower prices compared to the waterfront.
Requires a longer Uber or taxi ride to Pier 27.
SFO Airport Area (Best for late arrivals)
Useful if you arrive late at night or have an early flight after your cruise.
Airport hotels are often cheaper and many offer free airport shuttles.
Less convenient for sightseeing and farther from the cruise terminal.
Our Advice
Stay near Fisherman’s Wharf if you want the simplest and most cruise-friendly experience.
Choose the Embarcadero for a more balanced city stay, Union Square for hotel variety, or SFO Airport only if flight convenience is your priority.
James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27
The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 is the main cruise terminal in San Francisco, located along the Embarcadero waterfront near Fisherman’s Wharf.
Most Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line sailings depart from Pier 27, while nearby Pier 35 is occasionally used when multiple ships are in port.
The terminal is conveniently located close to popular areas such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and North Beach. Union Square and downtown San Francisco are slightly further away, but still reachable within a short taxi or rideshare ride.
Cruise ships sailing from San Francisco pass underneath the Golden Gate Bridge before heading toward Alaska, Hawaii, or the Mexican Riviera.
Car Parking
Parking at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal is more limited compared to many other cruise ports in California.
There is currently no official long-term parking directly at Pier 27 or Pier 35. Cruise passengers typically use nearby commercial parking garages around the waterfront and Fisherman’s Wharf area.
Because parking in San Francisco can be expensive, some travelers prefer staying near SFO Airport, parking there, and taking an Uber or taxi to the cruise terminal on embarkation day.
Parking information and availability can change, so it’s worth checking the official port website before your trip.
SFO & Oakland Airport Hotels
San Francisco International Airport is the main airport used for cruises departing from San Francisco, located about 30–40 minutes from Pier 27 depending on traffic.
Many hotels near SFO offer free airport shuttles, making this a practical option for travelers arriving late at night or departing early after their cruise.
Some travelers also fly into Oakland International Airport, which can sometimes offer cheaper flights and hotel prices compared to San Francisco.
However, airport hotels are less convenient for sightseeing and usually require a separate Uber, taxi, or rideshare to the cruise terminal.
Sailing from Another California Cruise Port?
If your cruise departs from another port along the California coast, you may also want to compare hotels near these California cruise terminals:
Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro – the main cruise port for Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises in the Los Angeles area
Long Beach Cruise Terminal – popular for Carnival cruises and located near downtown Long Beach
Port of San Diego – an easy-to-access waterfront cruise port close to downtown San Diego
Always double-check your departure port before booking a hotel, as California cruise terminals can be located far apart.