Homeport Destination Guide: San Diego
Setting sail from the Port of San Diego offers a beautiful view of the Downtown area. Cruise ships dock right along the Embarcadero, which offers a walking path along the waterfront. In addition, there is a path that goes around the bay right to the airport. This is the only cruise port connected via a footpath to a major airport. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a hike and likely not feasible with luggage, but it’s certainly possible for those fitness enthusiasts. If you are wondering, it’s about 2.5 miles total walking distance from the cruise port to the airport.
Several cruise lines call San Diego home, including Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Disney, and Celebrity Cruises. In addition, sailing from San Diego offers various cruise itineraries from Hawaii and Mexican Rivera to the South Pacific, Panama Canal, South America, and the Pacific Coast.
Here are some of our travel recommendations if your next cruise homeports from the Port of San Diego.
1. Fast Facts for San Diego
San Diego Cruise Terminal Address - there are two cruise ship terminals on the 2-mile waterfront stretch of the Embarcadero.
B Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal
1140 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Port Pavilion – Broadway Pier
1000 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Airport Address
3225 N Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Time Zone - Pacific
Climate - the perfect weather in the U.S. at approximately 70F all year round.
Fun Facts - San Diego boasts more dog-friendly restaurants per capita than any other city in the U.S. The SAN airport is the busiest one-runway airport in the U.S., and 60% of the domestically grown avocados come from San Diego County.
2. How to Get Around the City
The following are the best ways to navigate getting around the area for passengers arriving via plane, train, or other public transport.
Rideshare Options - Uber and Lyft are very popular in San Diego. These companies offer many options for getting around the area quickly and easily.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) - This public bus system runs from San Ysidro to La Mesa to La Jolla. For transit map and fare information, visit here.
San Diego Trolley - The San Diego Trolley system provides services from downtown, including the Santa Fe Depot and the San Diego Convention Center, crisscrossing out to Old Town, Mission Valley, El Cajon, Santee, and San Ysidro. Explore more on this transit option here.
Regional Trains -
- Coaster Commuter Train - This local commuter train runs north and south through San Diego County, serving eight stations between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. Explore the routes and stops here.
- Pacific Surfliner (part of Amtrak) provides coastal train service from downtown to Oceanside. Catch this train at The Santa Fe Depot. Learn more on Pacific Sunliner here.
- SPRINTER - This light rail train runs east to west between Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido. The 22-mile-long rail system serves 15 stations and runs every 30 minutes. Explore more on SPRINTER here.
3. Staying in San Diego Before or After Your Trip?
Hotels
The hotel’s proximity to the cruise port can be essential when selecting accommodations. However, if you consider a day or two pre-or post-cruise, there are plenty of areas to explore in the greater San Diego area. Following are the recommended hotels near the cruise ports, airport, and popular area attractions.
Closest Hotels to San Diego Cruise Terminal:
- InterContinental San Diego
- Spring Hill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
- Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Closest Hotels to San Diego International Airport
- Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
- Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island
- Hampton Inn and Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station
Downtown Hotels
- Westin San Diego Bayview
- Hotel Republic San Diego
- Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown
Hotels on/near the Beach
- Hotel del Coronado
- Beach Village at the Del
- Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection​
4. Excursions
The San Diego area offers a variety of activities, including a world-class zoo, major league sports, fantastic dining, and beautiful beaches. It’s effortless to fill a day, two, or more pre or post-cruise around the San Diego area.
A few of our top picks for a fun way to explore and see all San Diego has to offer:
Explore all San Diego excursions from Shore Excursions Group
Explore all San Diego excursions from Get Your Guide
5. Member Tips
Fabulous city with great residents. Lots to see & do. Loved Balboa Park & Old Town (historic type area bringing flavor of western and Spanish heritage to life). - thevogue1
We took a cab to the famous San Diego Zoo, and were not disappointed. Another must see. - 4Goodtimes
The ship docks right beside the USS Midway so there is no shortage of things to do right off the ship. We decided to walk to Seaport Village for some last minute shopping. - StuBrunotte
Take the old trolley bus town tour, great to see San Diego and get on and off where you like. The old historic town is a good place to go, and Seaport Village is nice with lovely little shops and eateries. - Cruiser57038601
Beautiful port well worth arriving a day early so you can see some of the sights. Balboa Park was beautiful and the USS Midway were very interesting. - Horn12
Explore All Member Reviews of San Diego
6. Airport Information
These are the closest airport to the San Diego cruise terminals.
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) - San Diego International Airport is just 10 minutes away from the Port of San Diego cruise terminals. The airport is adjacent to downtown, making it an easy spot to find nearby hotel options. It’s important to remember that San Diego is a large metropolitan area, so you will want to factor in extra time for travel as you make your plans.
- Orange County/John Wayne Airport (SNA) - is located 86 miles or approximately 1 hr 20 mins north of San Diego by car. Bus and train options are available between this airport and San Diego for those planning to spend time in the Orange County area.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - LAX is a little over 140 miles from the Port of San Diego cruise terminals and generally takes over two hours of driving between the two locations. Flight, bus, and train options between LAX and San Diego are available. LAX services a large number of airlines to domestic and international locales around the world.
There are several options to get between the airports and cruise terminals:
Pre-arranged transfer service from the cruise line - This option must be pre-arranged with your cruise line ahead of time. Generally, you will have a cruise line representative with a sign waiting at the baggage claim area.
- Rideshares - Using Lyft or Uber is an easy way to take a private ride between the airport and your ship. The estimated rideshare costs between airports and the cruise terminal:
- SAN - The cost between the airport and cruise terminal starts at around $10 and goes up depending on time and traffic conditions
- SNA - The cost between the airport and cruise terminal starts at around $110 and goes up depending on time and traffic conditions
- LAX - The cost between the airport and cruise terminal starts at around $200 and goes up depending on time and traffic conditions
- Taxi - Taxis are available from the San Diego airport to the cruise terminal; the cost is approximately $15 - $20 each way, depending on traffic.
- Public Transit -
- The MTS bus system’s 992 line runs directly from the SAN airport to downtown San Diego. Fares run at $2.25 per person, with service every 15 minutes.
- FlyAway Bus - For travel to/from LAX, you will need to take two buses (or one light rail train and one bus), one going from LAX to downtown Los Angeles and a second bus (the FlyAway) from downtown LA to downtown San Diego. While it’s one of the least expensive methods to go between these two destinations, due to traffic, it can take multiple hours. Learn about this route here.
- Train - the Pacific Surfliner Train from Amtrak offers service from San Diego, Orange County, then onto Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. The route hugs the California coastline making for a picturesque ride. For a map of stops, rates, and schedules, click here.
- Private Car Service - Pricing for this option will vary. Many travelers choose to arrange a private car service as there is a guarantee that they will be at the airport/port on time and help with luggage transport.
- Shuttle Services - Several independent shuttle services offer transit between the San Diego Airport and the cruise terminals. We recommend checking out GO Airport Shuttle or Super Shuttle.
7. Parking Information
Are you driving to the port for your trip and need to park a car? Both on-site parking and off-site options are available:
On-Site Parking Information
The Port of San Diego has two cruise terminals, but no direct on-terminal parking is available. There are several options for covered, uncovered, and over-size vehicle parking close by the port, including the Wyndham Hotel across from the port. See off-site parking options below.
Off-Site Parking Options
There are several off-site parking options located directly across from the cruise terminal:
- Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage - offers both covered and open parking options with a complimentary shuttle, luggage assistance, and storage. Self-parking is available for $20 and valet service at $35 per night for advance reservations; prices may be higher on the day of arrival. To make reservations and double-check rates for your sailing dates, click here.
- BRIC North Garage - located across the street from the cruise terminals and directly under the Spring Hill Suites Hotel. Self-parking is available at $16 per night for reservations made before arrival. Day of parking prices will be higher if space is available. To check pricing and availability and to make reservations, click here.
- BRIC South Garage is across the street from the cruise terminals and under the InterContinental Hotel. Reservations are required for a $16 per night discounted rate. Note that no vehicles over 7’ tall are permitted at this facility. For availability and exact pricing for your cruise dates, click here.
- Check out the port’s website for additional off-site parking locations nearby.
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