Embarkation in San Diego: Cruise Terminal Parking, Address and Amenities

Port of San Diego Cruise Terminal Address

B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal
1140 N Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
portofsandiego.org

Established in 1962, the Port of San Diego is the fourth largest port in California. Unlike some ports located far off in some industrial area, the port here is located right in downtown San Diego. Though the port has two cruise ship terminals (B Street Pier and Broadway Pier), major cruise lines depart from the B Street Pier Terminal. (Broadway is only used when a third cruise ship requires berth.) Cruise lines embark to destinations such as the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the California Coast and the Panama Canal. The B Street Pier Cruise Terminal is located a 10-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Diego Station (Amtrak) and is easily accessible from major freeways.

Most major rental car companies are located within a few blocks of the B Street Pier. Most offer free pick-ups/drop-offs at the terminal, but confirm with the individual car company prior to booking.

Port of San Diego Cruise Terminal Directions

From San Diego International Airport (SAN):

Travel southbound on N Harbor Dr. for 2.5 miles. The Cruise Terminal will be on the right.

From Interstate 5 South:

Take the Front St. exit, staying in the right lane. Turn right onto Ash St., then left onto Harbor Dr. The Pier will be on the right.

From Interstate 5 North:

Take the 6th St. exit. Turn left onto 6th St., right onto Ash St., then left onto Harbor Dr. The Pier will be on the right.

Getting to the San Diego Cruise Terminal from the Airport

Passengers on cruises departing from Port of San Diego can fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN). Taxis are available for approximately $20. SuperShuttle shared-ride vans are available for around $6 per person. Reservations are accepted in advance, but not required. Uber and Lyft are also available for pick-ups at SAN.

Amtrak to San Diego Cruise Terminal

Amtrak stops at the San Diego Station, about a quarter of a mile away from the cruise terminal. A taxi will run about $6.

Getting There By Public Transit

Bus 992 runs from downtown San Diego to the cruise ship terminal. It runs seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For real-time traffic information and essential updates, check San Diego Transportation's 511 website.

San Diego Cruise Terminal Parking

Cruise ship passengers cannot park their vehicle on the pier. The most convenient parking option is 5 Star Parking -- a private lot located across the street from the pier on Harbor Dr., for $12 a day. Another nearby option with shuttle service to the pier is Park and Go; it's $12 per day as well.

Taxis to B Street Pier Cruise Terminal

Need a taxi from the airport? Simply follow the signs leading to the transportation plazas; a transportation coordinator will place you with the first available taxi. Uber and Lyft are permitted to pick up at the airport as well. It's about 3 miles from San Diego International Airport; travel time is approximately 15 minutes and a $20 cab fare.

What Time to Arrive

Your boarding document will have your arrival time listed. Have your ID and ship ticket with you, and the port recommends allowing one hour for this check-in process.

Cruise Embarkation

All major cruise lines such as Holland America, Disney, Norwegian, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, berth at the B Street Pier Cruise Terminal. Passengers will go through a security checkpoint upon arrival and then check-in at their cruise ship counter.

Wheelchair Service

B Street Pier Cruise Terminal has wheelchair accessible elevators, as well as a passenger gangway. Wheelchairs are not provided by the terminal. If you require wheelchair assistance to board the ship, make sure to arrange with your cruise line in advance. If wheelchairs are required for the duration of the sailing, passengers are responsible for providing their own.

Where to Eat or Shop Near B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal

For casual options, Carnitas Snack Shack (2632 University Ave.) and Anthony's Fish Grotto (1360 N. Harbor Dr.) are both within two blocks. For a fine dining experience, Star of the Sea (1360 N. Harbor Dr.) and Ruth's Chris Steak House (1355 N. Harbor Dr.) are also a few minutes' walk. Seaport Village, 1 mile from the cruise terminal, offers 45 shop and 17 eateries in one location for any last-minute needs. For that cruise swimsuit splurge, check out Kapreeza (1355 N. Harbor Dr.). The closest mall, Westfield Horton Plaza, is just over 1 mile away.

Porters/Red Caps

Porters are available at the terminal entrance to assist with your luggage.

Where to Sit at B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal

Ample seating is available while you wait to board your ship.

Bathrooms

Restrooms are available in the terminal.

Wi-Fi at B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal

Four hours of free Wi-Fi access are available for cruise passengers in the terminal. There is an option for higher bandwidth speed for $5 a day.

Luggage Storage

Lockers are not available at the B Street Pier Cruise Terminal. San Diego Airport Luggage Storage is a private company that stores/handles luggage both at the cruise terminal and the airport.

More B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal Tips

Depending on your cruise line, you might be able to skip baggage claim at the San Diego Airport and have your bags delivered directly to your ship from the airport. Check with your cruise line to confirm/arrange this service.

--By Lanee Lee, Cruise Critic contributor