San Diego Airport to Cruise Ports: Distance and Transfer Guide

San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers remarkably close access to the city's two cruise facilities—among the shortest airport-to-port transfers of any major US cruise port.

Two Cruise Terminals

Transportation Options

• Taxi/Rideshare: $15-25 to B Street; $20-30 to Tenth Ave. 10-20 min.
• Shared Shuttle: $10-15/person (Supershuttle, Cloud 9, etc.)—advance booking
• Hotel/Cruise Line Transfers: Many hotels offer free/paid shuttles; lines sell transfers ($20-40)
• Public Transit: Route 992 (Flyer) to downtown, then Route 8/9 to Harbor Island—45-60 min, $2.50
• Rental Car: Return at airport after drop-off; one-way fees may apply

Terminal Details

B Street Terminal (Newer, 2010)

• Single berth (1,000 ft); handles largest ships (Quantum, Oasis class)
• Modern facility: customs, baggage, parking, taxi/rideshare zones
• Adjacent to USS Midway, Seaport Village, downtown

Tenth Avenue Terminal (Older, Expanded)

• Two berths; handles multiple ships simultaneously
• Industrial setting; cargo operations adjacent
• Closer to airport; less tourist infrastructure

Timing Recommendations

• Ship departure: Arrive airport 3-4 hrs before (domestic), 4-5 hrs (international)
• Ship arrival: Disembarkation 7-10 AM; airport by 10 AM-1 PM for noon+ flights
• Traffic: Morning rush (7-9 AM) adds 10-15 min; Harbor Island Dr can back up

Pre/Post-Cruise Stays

• Harbor Island hotels: Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott—walking distance to terminals
• Downtown/Gaslamp: 2-3 mi; more dining/nightlife
• Airport area: Convenient for early flights

Note: Terminal assignments change by season/line. Confirm with cruise line 30 days before sailing.