Brooklyn, New York
Hotels Near Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Red Hook)
Staying near the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Pier 12) requires more strategy than staying near the Manhattan piers. Because the port is tucked away in the industrial-chic neighborhood of Red Hook, hotel options in the immediate vicinity are very limited.
To avoid stress on embarkation day, you essentially have three choices: stay in Red Hook for proximity, Downtown Brooklyn for variety, or Lower Manhattan for the classic NYC experience. Since public transport to Red Hook is notoriously tricky with luggage, your choice of location determines whether you’ll have a 5-minute walk or a 20-minute taxi ride.
Do hotels offer Shuttle to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal?
No. It is a common misconception, but currently, no hotels in Brooklyn or Manhattan offer a dedicated shuttle service to Pier 12.
Most passengers rely on Uber, Lyft, or a Yellow Cab. If you are staying in Lower Manhattan, you could technically take the NYC Ferry to the Red Hook/Atlantic Basin stop, but we only recommend this if you are traveling very light, the walk from the ferry landing to the terminal entrance can be cumbersome with heavy suitcases.
Best Areas to Stay before your Cruise in Brooklyn
Since there are no direct shuttles, your choice of neighborhood is key to a stress-free embarkation day. Here are the three best strategic locations:
1. Red Hook (Closest to the Port)
This is the immediate area surrounding the terminal. It’s perfect if you want to be within “eyesight” of the ship.
Pro: Possible to walk to the terminal; very quiet and maritime atmosphere.
Con: Very few hotels and limited nightlife or dining compared to the rest of the city.
2. Downtown Brooklyn (The Practical Choice)
This is the most popular area for cruise passengers. You are just a short bridge-crossing away from Manhattan, but only a $15–$20 Uber ride from the ship.
Pro: Huge selection of hotel brands (Marriott, Hilton, IHG) and great subway connections for sightseeing.
Con: Can feel busy and corporate.
3. Lower Manhattan / FiDi (The Tourist Choice)
Staying in the Financial District (FiDi) allows you to combine your cruise with classic NYC sightseeing (Statue of Liberty, Wall Street).
Pro: Iconic views and world-class dining.
Con: You have to cross the East River on embarkation day, which requires a taxi or a scenic (but luggage-unfriendly) ferry ride.
Closest Hotel to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
The Lodge Red Hook is the undisputed closest option to Pier 12. Located just 0.5 miles from the entrance, you can reach the ship in about 10–15 minutes on foot.
Local Tip: While the distance is short, the route crosses several industrial intersections. If you have heavy rolling suitcases or it’s a rainy morning, we recommend a quick Lyft or Uber. It costs around $10 and takes less than 3 minutes from the lobby to the terminal drop-off.
Bestsellers
The Lodge Red Hook
★★★
Closest hotel to the terminal, around 10–15 minutes on foot.
Best for: Staying nearest the port.
Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown
★★★
Reliable hotel with parking available and short taxi ride.
Best for: Families and practical stays.
Hilton Brooklyn New York
★★★★
Modern Downtown Brooklyn stay with good access to Red Hook.
Best for: Travelers wanting a more upscale option.
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is not directly served by the New York City subway system, which makes planning your arrival essential.
1. Taxi and Ride-Sharing (Uber & Lyft)
Taking a taxi or ride-sharing service is the most convenient way to reach the port.
- From Downtown Brooklyn: A short 10-to-15-minute ride.
- From Lower Manhattan: Expect a 20-minute trip via the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.
- Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to order your ride on embarkation day. High demand in the morning can sometimes lead to longer wait times for a car to arrive at your hotel.
2. NYC Ferry (The Scenic Route)
If you are traveling light, the NYC Ferry (South Brooklyn Route) is a fantastic option. You can board at Pier 11 / Wall Street in Manhattan and disembark at the Red Hook/Atlantic Basin stop, which is located right next to the cruise terminal.
- Warning: While the ferry landing is technically “next door,” you still have to walk around 300 meters to the terminal entrance. If you have more than one large suitcase, the uneven pavement and potential crowds can make this walk difficult.
3. Public Transport (Not Recommended with Luggage)
Public transport to Red Hook is limited to buses (such as the B61 or B77) followed by a significant walk.
- Because New York buses can be crowded and subways involve many stairs, we generally advise against this for cruise passengers carrying heavy luggage.
Logistics Tip: The “Gate” Traffic
Traffic directly at the terminal entrance can become very congested between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM as thousands of passengers arrive and depart simultaneously. Tell your driver to head for the Bowne Street and Imlay Street intersection for the most direct access to the drop-off area.
Airports Near Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is usually the closest and most practical airport for Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, especially for domestic flights.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is another popular option and is often convenient for international travelers staying in Brooklyn before their cruise.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is also possible, but transfers are usually longer as you need to cross into Brooklyn from New Jersey.
From all airports, taxis and rideshare services are generally the easiest way to reach your hotel or the cruise terminal. Travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic.
Car Parking at the Port
Parking is available directly at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and rates are typically around $45 per night, subject to change. Many travelers consider it the easiest option because the lot is located right next to the ship.
While parking in New York is not cheap, many cruise passengers find the convenience well worth it. The parking area is located right next to the terminal, allowing you to walk from your car to the ship in just a few minutes.
While some hotels in Brooklyn and nearby areas may offer parking, free parking is uncommon in New York City. In most cases, hotel parking is paid and can be relatively expensive.
Because of this, many travelers prefer to park directly at the terminal, where access is easy and close to the ship. Off-site parking options may sometimes be cheaper, but any savings can be offset by additional transport costs.
Which Cruise Lines Use Brooklyn Cruise Terminal?
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook is commonly used by Cunard, including the Queen Mary 2, and by Princess Cruises. Some New York area sailings depart from Manhattan piers or Cape Liberty in Bayonne instead, depending on cruise line, itinerary, and season.
Always check your cruise documents before booking a hotel.