Pier 27 isn't the only cruise pier
The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 handles most calls, but the Port of San Francisco also berths ships at Pier 35, a few minutes north along the Embarcadero, and occasionally at Piers 30/32, about a mile south of the Ferry Building between Bryant and Brannan streets. Each has a different nearest Embarcadero streetcar stop: Embarcadero and Sansome for Pier 27, Embarcadero and Bay for Pier 35, Embarcadero and Brannan for 30/32.
From SFO, BART runs to Embarcadero station, and Pier 27 is about a 20-minute walk from there - or change to the streetcar for the last stretch.
Parking is off-site and by reservation
There is no temporary or overnight parking at any of the cruise terminals. The Port points cruise passengers to two Metropolis-run lots at 55 and 80 Francisco Street, reserved directly with the operator. Taxis and private cars can drop off at the terminal doors.
On disembarkation day with a late flight, the self-service luggage lockers at the California Welcome Center on level 2 of Pier 39 are the Port's suggestion for spending a last afternoon on the waterfront without your bags.
Sources: sfport.com