San Diego Embarkation

USA

Apr 30

If San Diego is your start and ending cruise port, then you are lucky! It is the perfect starting point for your next adventure! Located right in the heart of downtown, it’s just steps from great restaurants, shopping, and attractions like the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village. With beautiful waterfront views and a laid-back, sunny vibe, it’s a stress-free and exciting place to begin your journey. Plus, it’s super convenient—just a short drive from the airport, so you can start your vacation the moment you arrive!

We have details to make your journey easier. How to get there, what to expect, and what’s within 10 minutes walking distance. Here’s the Lowdown.

Cruise Ship Terminal

The San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal is located at 1140 N Harbor Drive, right next to downtown. Situated along the Embarcadero, the main boardwalk, the area is packed with restaurants and attractions.

⚓ Terminal Information

There are two main docks at the port:

B Street Pier: This is the city’s largest cruise terminal, handling most of the cruise ships. It can accommodate two ships at once, so you're most likely to use this one.

Broadway Pier: Located directly south of B Street Pier, this newer and smaller terminal handles overflow cruises.

Getting There

Whether you're flying, driving, or taking the train, getting to the port is easy. Here’s how:

Fly:

San Diego International Airport is just 2.8 miles from the port, making air travel a breeze. From Terminal 1, head straight out and cross the street. You’ll pass the taxi stand first, followed by the rideshare pick-up area, clearly marked for Uber and Lyft.

For Terminal 2, you'll need to cross the bridges or the street to reach the parking structure, where both taxis and rideshare pick-ups are clearly labeled. For a more budget-friendly option, take the local bus (Route 992) from the airport to the port. It costs $2.50, and you’ll need exact change or a Pronto card, which you can purchase from the kiosk or download the app for a $3 minimum fare.

If you’re traveling light, taking an Uber is a great option for convenience. Otherwise, the bus is a viable choice, though it might not be practical for large groups or lots of luggage. Either way, you’ll be looking at a 10-minute drive to the port, traffic permitting.

Drive:

San Diego is 122 miles south of Los Angeles and about 18 miles north of the Mexico border. The I-5 Freeway is the main route through the city, with the I-163 coming south through Balboa Park and the I-94 from the east. These all feed into downtown, and from there, it’s just a few minutes to the port along North Harbor Drive.

When we arrived, we missed the entrance to the port parking lot because there isn’t a huge sign. Look for a small sign marking the entrance, then follow the road straight. There are guides directing cars where to go for drop-off, and porters will be waiting to take your luggage. Tip them if you can!

For parking, the port's parking lot is for day use only. You’ll need long-term parking, which is available at nearby hotels and airport garages. You can reserve a spot at Wyndham San Diego Bayside, a hotel located near the port that offers long-term parking for cruisers without needing to book a room.

For an even more convenient option, we used the airport long-term parking lots like Wally’s or Aladdin. These facilities offer amenities like EV charging stations and covered parking. They prefer you drop off your luggage first to reduce crowding on the shuttle.

Train:

If you're traveling by train, the Santa Fe Train Depot is a 10-minute walk from the port. You can catch the Amtrak Surfliner, Coaster commuter train, or the local trolley. Just walk across Pacific Highway to North Harbor Drive, then turn right.

For more information on the train, visit Pacific Surfliner.

At the Terminal

When you arrive at the terminal, you'll need to drop off your checked luggage past the security gate. A porter will collect your bags, and you’ll be directed to a designated waiting area based on your boarding time. Don’t arrive too early—check-in starts at 10:30 AM, and the port authority is strict about boarding times. The waiting area outside the port is totally outdoor and uncovered.

Once inside the terminal building, the process is fairly smooth, though there will be lines for immigration, check-in, and ticketing. It’s a bit like an airport TSA line, but with bathrooms and seating along the way. Expect to spend around an hour here. You might want to pack some snacks and water to keep you comfortable during the wait.

Disembarkation

When your cruise ends, the disembarkation process is fast-paced. Luggage is organized by color or number codes, and you’ll be directed to a staging area. The passenger pick-up area is the same lot where you dropped off your luggage. Expect some chaos as all cars are being hustled forward, so stay alert.

Once your ride arrives, there will be signs directing you toward taxis, shuttles, or rideshare pick-up. If you miss your shuttle, don’t worry—it may be waiting further up in line. Be ready to move quickly, as the area can get crowded.

Surrounding Area

If you arrive early or want to grab a bite to eat, there are plenty of options nearby:

Carnita’s Snack Shack (a short walk south)

Portside Pier (10 minutes north, a shopping and restaurant complex)

Beach Hut Deli, Starbucks, Gelato and Friends, and Hazelwood’s Deli & Café (all nearby)

Harbor Market for sundries and liquor (10-minute walk)

For markets and pharmacies, there’s Harbor Market nearby, and Little Italy (15-minute walk) offers additional options like The Market by Buon Appetites and Little Italy Market and Spirits.