San Diego Cruise Port: Terminals, Parking and Getting There

Nicknamed the “port of land and see,” the Port of San Diego features two cruise ship terminals right in downtown, putting you within easy access of off-site parking options, hotels, dining and entertainment.

Beyond positioning you nicely for an extended stay in San Diego, either pre- or post-cruise, the terminal also offers year-round cruises from a wealth of cruise lines to destinations such as Mexico, the Panama Canal and Hawaii. Here’s what you need to know.

San Diego Cruise Port Location and Address

The Port of San Diego is home to two cruise ship terminals: the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, located at 1140 North Harbor Drive, and Broadway Pier, located at 1000 North Harbor Drive.

Both terminals are just under a 3-mile drive from San Diego International Airport.

In addition to serving cruise passengers, Broadway Pier is also a venue for special events and provides public waterfront access.

The terminals sit right in downtown San Diego, surrounded by major hotels and nearby attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway Museum, and more.

According to the Port, within two miles of the terminal, you can find 20 hotels, 10 art galleries, nine performing arts venues, 8 public parks, six museums, and more.

San Diego Cruise Port Address

• B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, 1140 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101
• Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101

B Street Cruise Ship Terminal Facilities

The B-Street pier and cruise ship terminal is the largest and primary San Diego cruise ship terminal. It can accommodate two cruise ships simultaneously.

The main terminal building is 30,000 square feet, with supplemental structures for passenger reception and baggage handling. In total, the terminal measures in at 120,000 square feet.

There are no dining options within this terminal, but you will find plenty of seating and restrooms.

Porters are available to assist with heavy luggage at the entrance to the terminal. The nearest place for food and drinks is on N. Harbor Drive about two blocks away. The terminal has free Wi-Fi (up to 4 hours) and the option for faster bandwidth at $5 per day.

Broadway Pier Facilities

The Broadway Pier and Port Pavilion can be used to accommodate a third cruise ship, but is less likely to be used on a regular basis. Additionally, the Port Pavilion is used as an event venue and provides public access to the water.

Port Pavilion is located on Broadway Pier, just south of B Street Pier. It was redeveloped to accommodate cruise ships in 2010.

As well as handling cruise arrivals and departures, Port Pavilion also hosts many waterfront events, weddings and festivals. It includes a Visitor Center, restaurant and a public plaza.

Port Pavilion has a modern 52,000 sq.ft. terminal and events building “Tidal Radiance” on the 1000-feet-long Broadway Pier. It was the first green building at the port. It features a wall of artistic glass and metal sculptures and projected colored lights.

The pavilion received LEED Gold certification, a mark of sustainability made possible through efforts such as using water-efficient fixtures and reducing indoor lighting needs via the building’s 7,550 square feet of windows.

In another effort toward greater sustainability, in 2023, the port expanded its shore power capacity at both the Broadway Pier and B Street cruise ship terminals, so that two cruise ships can plug into the shore power system simultaneously.

Port Pavilion cruise terminal has a flexible pavilion that is used for passengers when cruise ships are berthed at the pier. It includes a forecourt with food and drinks stands, escalators and restrooms as well as a waiting area. Free Wi-Fi is available in the Foyer and Broadway View Room.

Broadway Pier is the perfect place for sitting in the sunshine watching ships and boats coming and going against the stunning backdrop at sunset.

Disabled Service for Wheelchair Users

Elevators and gangways are wheelchair-friendly, making it easy to get through the check-in and security process. However, the port does not provide wheelchairs for those with limited mobility.

Passengers are required to provide their own mobility scooters or wheelchairs, or rent one from a specialist company for the duration of the cruise. Staff are always available to assist and you should request this through the cruise company before your arrival at the cruise terminal.

Cruise Lines that Use the San Diego Cruise Port

Cruise lines that use the San Diego cruise port include:

• Holland America Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruise Line

Parking Information for San Diego Cruise Port

There are no on-site parking options at the San Diego Cruise Port. Instead, off-site parking is provided by a variety of third-party operators.

Ace Parking

Ace Parking operates 11 lots in the general port area, with rates ranging from $15 to $40 per day. The closest lots to the cruise port are those located at the Wyndham hotel, and BRIC North and BRIC South. These lots are directly across the street from the cruise port.

For all other lot locations, you’re not going to want to walk from them, to the port, and will need to take a rideshare service. In some cases, shuttle service is provided, but it’s not guaranteed at all lots.

San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly

Located right next to the San Diego International Airport, San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly does offer cruise parking starting at $24.95 per day, and provides free shuttle service to the cruise port.

However, the provider does recommend that, before parking, you drop off all other passengers and your luggage at the cruise ship terminal. This way, fewer people need to use the shuttle and everyone enjoys a faster experience.

San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly has two lots. Lot A is at 3405 Pacific Highway and Lot B is at 3275 Pacific Highway. Both are under a 10-minute drive to the cruise ship terminal.

The shuttle runs 24/7. Oversized vehicles such as RVs are not able to park here.

ABM Parking

ABM Parking offers parking at several different lots near the cruise port, but shuttle service is not provided and vehicles over 25 feet in length cannot be accommodated. ABM Parking lots include:

• The 1384 Kettner Blvd. Lot (half a mile from the terminal)
• The 1304 India St. Lot (half a mile from the terminal)
• The 800 4th Avenue Lot (Less than a mile from the terminal)

Parking at San Diego International Airport

Additionally, because the airport is so close to the cruise port, you also have the option of just parking at the airport, as if you were arriving for a flight. The airport has two parking terminals.

Newly opened, Terminal 1 Parking Plaza features nearly 3,000 parking spaces over 1.1 million square feet, with more than 500 parking spaces reserved for “clean vehicles,” such as electric vehicles.

Furthermore, there are nearly 100 electric vehicle charging ports, and the plaza is 24/7 security patrolled. Rates are $38 per every 24 hours.

Terminal 2 Parking Plaza isn’t as new, but offers similar security and 16 electric vehicle charging ports. The same rate of $38 per every 24 hours applies.

There are plenty of options for parking near the cruise terminals on the Embarcadero. Long-term cruise parking is offered by several companies, some within walking distance of San Diego cruise terminals. Full details are available in our article San Diego Cruise Parking: What You Need to Know

Traveling from Nearby Airports

As San Diego International Airport is the closest airport to the port, and as the large airport offers plenty of service to other destinations around the country, chances are that if you’re flying in for a cruise, this is where you’ll land.

Getting from the airport to the cruise terminal is relatively easy. There’s really no need for you to get a rental car, since you’re so close. Instead, take a taxi, rideshare or public transit.

For a taxi, after disembarking from your flight, follow the signage to the transportation plazas. A customer service representative will direct you to the first available taxi.

If you want to take a rideshare service, the airport permits the following providers to operate from the airport terminals: Lyft, Uber, Wingz and Opoli.

Follow signage to rideshare passenger pickup locations. Pickup locations will differ depending on if you arrived in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

For public transit, you have two options.

You can take the Route 923 bus from the North Harbor Dr. & Spanish Landing stop (which will require you to walk for about six minutes down Airport Terminal Rd). The bus will drop you off at the North Harbor Dr & 1140 stop, right at the terminal.

You can also take the Route 992 bus from the airport to the North Harbor Dr & 1140 stop. Whichever option you choose, the bus fare will be $2.50 and the ride will be about 15 minutes.

Airport-Cruise Port Baggage Transfer Service

Another benefit of arriving by air is the new baggage transfer system operated by the airport. Cruise line staff collect guests’ checked luggage and deliver it directly to the ship. It avoids any delay in waiting for bags to be unloaded from the aircraft and allows cruisers to head straight to the port without having to struggle with heavy luggage. Cruisers should pre-arrange this service through their cruise line or travel agent.

How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Car

If you’re driving to the San Diego cruise port, you’ll likely want to drop off your passengers at the port first, before heading on to your chosen parking options.

If you’re traveling from the north side of the city, take Interstate 5 South to Exit 17/Front Street. Turn right on Broadway, then right on North Harbor Drive and follow signs for the port.

If you’re traveling from the south side of the city, take Interstate 5 North to Exit 17/Front Street. Follow the signs to North Harbor Drive and then follow signs for the port.

Tips for Luggage and Passenger Drop-off

Both San Diego cruise terminals have drop-off points close to the ship and there are wheelchair accessible elevators and a passenger gangway. Customer service staff are available to help with any special needs.

Most car rental companies have offices just a short walk from B Street Pier. Most companies offer free transfers to and from the cruise terminals.

How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Rideshare

You can take a rideshare to the cruise port from anywhere in the city. Just ask your rideshare driver to drop you off at one of the port’s drop-off and check-in points.

At that time, you’ll be asked to present your ID (such as a passport) and a ship ticket or boarding document for that day. You’ll have to present both in order to access the port.

How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Shuttle Service

You can book shuttle service to the cruise port via a handful of providers.

Transit Van Shuttle, for example, offers door-to-door shuttle service for groups of any number. The service provider operates vehicles that can fit up to 10 passengers and operates throughout Southern California. You have to submit a quote request, however, to get pricing.

Additionally, suppose you book a hotel stay in San Diego ahead of your embarkation date.

In that case, you will find that some hotels will offer free shuttle service to the port if you book a cruise and stay package (some of these packages also include free parking). Comfort Inn San Diego Airport at the Harbor is one such hotel that offers this service.

How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port Using Public Transportation

You can take various public transportation to the San Diego cruise port. As already mentioned, several bus routes stop within walking distance of the port, including the 992 and 923 bus routes.

Additionally, the Santa Fe Depot is located two blocks away from the cruise port and you can take many trains and buses to this depot, too, from elsewhere around the city or state, and then walk to the port.

Attractions Near San Diego Cruise Port

As already mentioned, the San Diego cruise port is located near tons of different things to see and do, particularly in the Embarcadero area, along the waterfront.

Nearby museums include the USS Midway Museum, set on a decommissioned aircraft carrier. The museum is the most-visited ship museum in the world. There’s also the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

At the maritime museum, you can view and board historic ships such as the world’s oldest active sailing ship, the Star of India, which was built in the 1860s.

For those who enjoy museums of a different stripe, the New Children’s Museum is also easily accessible from the port, as is the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

If you have enough time before or after your cruise, and if you’re visiting during the spring or summer baseball season, you might consider heading to Petco Park to catch a Padres game.

For more general sightseeing and exploring, walk the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll find seemingly endless dining, drinking and shopping options.

While not exactly within walking distance, San Diego’s famed Balboa Park is a short bus or Uber ride away, and where you’ll find additional attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Best Time to Visit San Diego

San Diego boasts great temperatures all year-round, with averages hovering in the 70s just about every month of the year. The weather, though, can be rainy or cloudy, with rainfall most common in the winter and cloudy, overcast days common in May and June.

Otherwise, if you’re looking to visit when you can find the cheapest travel rates, including flights and hotels, you might be able to snag a good deal during the city’s low seasons, which include the spring and fall.

You might also choose to time your trip around things to do and experience, rather than weather or cost. For example, winter is a good time for whale watching off the coast, while also offering annual events such as the city’s restaurant week and museum month (February).

FAQs on San Diego Cruise Terminal

How far is it from San Diego airport to the cruise ship terminal?

San Diego International Airport is just under a 3-mile drive from the cruise ship terminal on B Street Pier. Allow 10 minutes by taxi to make the short journey along N. Harbor Drive.

How far from San Diego cruise terminal to Safari Park?

San Diego Safari Park is 33 miles north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido. The journey takes about 30 minutes by car.