Fran

I am taking a Cruise West river cruise which I'm told embarks at China Basin. Which airport would be best? How far? Taxi or Shuttle? Cost? Thanks

M Nielsen

China Basin is in San Francisco. Not sure what the cost would be via Taxi or Shuttle. I would check with your cruise provider for some advice. I know that doesn't help much, sorry.

sharon

Six of one; half dozen of another. The cab fare will be about $30 from either location. The distance is about 15 miles from each airport.

sharon

Oops. Meant to say, "Six of one; half dozen of the other..."

Am tired today.

Don

Sharon says that the distance and cab fare are about the same. Aren't airfares generally cheaper to fly into Oakland?

Fran

Thanks everyone, I got a fight from Dallas to SFO for $118, incredible. Now I"m being told that we can't board til 4, will get in at 10. Is this dock near Fisherman's Wharf or Peir 39 or anywhere else of interest where one could spend a few hours without too long of a cab ride? It has been awhile since I"ve been there and am now familiar enought with the area to have an understanding where China Basin is exactly.

Fran

Mistake: Now should be NOT - not familiar enough with the area. Sorry

Richard

Fran,

The China Basin area is where the S.F. Giants ball park is (Pac Bell). It is in the so-called SOMO (cutsy name for South of Market). Lots of shops and restaurants. Actually, a cab ride to the Fisherman's Wharf area wouldn't be too expensive. A cab ride in San Francisco is worth every penney. They are truly unique.

Richard

Fran

Thanks Richard, it's not money I'm concerned but rather time. I love San Fran and could see getting into the atmospher and totally losing track of time. Would be afraid to have trouble getting a taxi and then having to fight traffic back to the dock. I was thinking of somewhere within a couple of miles, but can you give me an idea of how far Fisherman's wharf would be from the dock.

Richard

Maybe 5 or 6 miles. Don't worry, they will get you where you want to go.

Richard

Linda

Fran, can't comment on SFO, but I flew in and out of OAK this last weekend. The lines there are horrendous. We spent two hours in lines between security and check-in. You may want to take that into account when selecting an airport.

ldsant

SFO is the closer of the two airports. Cab rides FUN in SF?! Not my experience. You can definitely get a cab to Fisherman's Wharf though at 10 AM and get back by 4 PM (what time does your cruise actually leave?). There are some excellent restaurants (and a GREAT doughnut shop) near China Basin. Security is long and tight at both of the airports. You may also want to consider hiring a "driving service" for the day that would pick you up, take you around the city, store your luggage, etc. since you said that cost wasn't really a factor. That would make your life rather convenient. There are a number of these listed in the yellow pages.

Susan

If you are going to be there on a Saturday then either walk (about 2 miles) or cab it over to the Ferry Plaza farmer's market at the foot of Green Street at the Embarcadero. Some of SF's finest restaurants are there serving breakfast and the booths are brimming with fabulous California foods. That ought to keep you occupied for a few hours. Then have lunch somewhere in SOMA, many restaurants to choose from but I'd recommend the 21st Amendment Brewery on 2nd and Brannan. If the Giants are playing you can watch it on the bar TV and maybe get to see Barry Bonds make history.

Fran

Thanks for the great ideas. We will have a few hours on both Friday and Monday, however we'll be drinking wine in Napa or Sonoma on Saturday.