Moscone Center: Plan Your Event, Parking & Visit
Moscone Center is San Francisco’s major convention and exhibition campus in the South of Market (SoMa) and Yerba Buena districts. Its three main buildings—Moscone North, Moscone South and Moscone West—host conferences, trade shows, exhibitions and professional events.
Before booking a hotel or driving downtown, find out which building your event uses. This guide brings together verified event information, nearby parking fees, BART stations, hall layouts, hotels and practical arrival instructions.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Near Fourth and Howard streets.
Use separately operated public garages nearby.
Eligible weekday early-bird rate at Moscone Center Garage; conditions apply.
Moscone Center Events: October–December 2026
The official Moscone Center calendar identifies upcoming conventions and conferences, but public event hours, pricing, age restrictions and entry requirements depend on each organizer.
| Event | Published dates | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare Connect 2026 | October 19–21, 2026 | Registration, sessions, entry location |
| INFORMS Annual Meeting 2026 | October 2026 | Exact organizer dates and assigned halls |
| Microsoft Ignite 2026 | November 17–20, 2026 | Registration, agenda, badges and access |
| American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting | December 7–11, 2026 | Event-specific location and program |
| SPIE Photonics West 2027 | January 30–February 4, 2027 | Exhibition and conference schedules |
| GDC Festival of Gaming 2027 | March 1–5, 2027 | Show registration and building assignment |
| RSAC Conference 2027 | April 5–8, 2027 | Organizer policies and event access |
Calendar reference: October 17, 2026. Not every private function appears in public listings. Events can change their schedules or building assignments.
How to find your convention or expo
- Open the official event calendar. Go to Moscone Center Events ↗.
- Choose the event month. Open the relevant listing to see the organizer and venue details.
- Verify the assigned building. North, South and West can have different registration and entry locations.
- Check the organizer’s admission details. Confirm passes, door hours, badge collection, age restrictions and bag policies.
- Complete registration through the authorized organizer. Save your confirmation before leaving for the venue.
Moscone North vs. South vs. West: Which Building?
The Moscone campus consists of separate but closely located structures, making building selection more important than the general convention center address alone.
Moscone North
One of the major exhibition and meeting structures serving the convention center campus.
Orientation: North side of Howard Street, near Third Street and Yerba Buena Gardens.
Best transit: Montgomery Street BART/Muni.
Moscone South
Connected to Moscone North at the main exhibit level, with additional meeting rooms, ballroom and event spaces.
Orientation: South side of Howard Street.
Best transit: Montgomery Street BART/Muni.
Moscone West
A separate three-level exhibition and meeting building near Fourth Street.
Address: 800 Howard Street.
Best transit: Powell Street BART/Muni.
Choose your arrival location
| Your event assignment | Navigation priority | Typical station |
|---|---|---|
| Moscone North | Howard Street / Third Street side | Montgomery |
| Moscone South | South-side Howard Street entrance | Montgomery |
| Moscone West | 800 Howard Street, Fourth Street side | Powell |
| Multiple Moscone buildings | First session and registration location | Choose according to first building |
Moscone Center Parking: Official Garage Rates
The venue itself has no public on-site parking. However, the nearby city-operated Moscone Center Garage at 255 Third Street provides public parking within the surrounding neighborhood.
Monday–Friday; entry 6–9 AM and exit before 9 PM.
Standard published maximum, subject to special events.
Published parking maximum, subject to applicable garage rules.
Moscone Center Garage Details
| Parking detail | SFMTA published information |
|---|---|
| Street address | 255 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 |
| Garage phone | 415-765-9069 |
| Regular operating hours | Daily, 6 AM–10 PM |
| Early bird | $18, eligible weekdays |
| 12-hour maximum | $29 |
| 24-hour maximum | $35 |
| Special event rate | $8–$58 when approved and posted |
| After-hours pedestrian access | Clementina Street; retain your parking ticket |
| Holiday closure | Christmas Day |
Hourly Moscone Center Garage Rates
| Time of day | Standard hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Midnight–9 AM | $4 |
| 9 AM–Noon | $4 |
| Noon–3 PM | $5 |
| 3 PM–6 PM | $4 |
| 6 PM–Midnight | $4 |
Official garage pricing: SFMTA Moscone Center Garage ↗.
Fifth & Mission / Yerba Buena Garage Alternative
This SFMTA garage at 833 Mission Street is another practical option for convention visitors, especially when approaching from the Fourth/Fifth Street side or attending an event in Moscone West.
| Parking option | Published charge | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard daytime hours | $6/hour | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Evening / early hours | $5/hour | 6 PM–9 AM |
| 12-hour maximum | $38 | Subject to event pricing |
| 24-hour maximum | $44 | Per-day standard maximum |
| 24-hour hotel arrangement | $45 | Online booking required for in-and-out privilege |
| Special event rate | $8–$58 | May supersede normal rates |
| Motorcycle daily parking | $10 | Up to 24 hours |
Moscone Center Garage
255 Third Street
Start here when you want a nearby garage in the Third Street corridor, particularly for North/South events.
Garage map ↗Fifth & Mission Garage
833 Mission Street
Compare this garage when attending West-side activities or when your hotel is near Market/Fifth Street.
Garage map ↗Parking in Five Practical Steps
- Identify your Moscone building. Decide whether you need North/South or West access.
- Check the appropriate garage. Compare the daily maximum with any eligible early-bird rate.
- Verify event pricing. SFMTA event rates can supersede standard garage charges.
- Check opening and exit arrangements. A convention reception may end after normal garage hours.
- Save your garage entrance and ticket. After-hours pedestrian access may require your ticket.
Getting to Moscone Center by BART, Muni & Caltrain
Public transportation is particularly useful because Moscone has no onsite public parking and major events create congestion around Howard, Third and Fourth streets.
Montgomery Station
The official Moscone directions recommend Montgomery Street BART/Muni for North and South.
Powell Station
The official Moscone directions recommend Powell Street BART/Muni for the West building.
Caltrain
Use the San Francisco terminal around Fourth and Townsend streets, then complete the downtown leg.
Public Transit Decision Table
| Starting point | Practical option | Arrival consideration |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco International Airport | BART toward downtown | Choose Montgomery or Powell based on your building |
| East Bay via BART | Regional BART service | Check the required direction and station |
| Downtown SF hotel | Walking or Muni | Route depends on building entrance |
| Peninsula / South Bay by Caltrain | Caltrain plus local connection | Allow time for the final segment |
| Ferry Building area | Walking or transit connection | Check schedule and luggage requirements |
SFO Airport to Moscone Center
- Follow airport signs to BART. Confirm the current airport service and fare before departure.
- Ride toward downtown San Francisco. Select a train that serves the downtown stations you need.
- Exit at Montgomery or Powell. North/South is generally better from Montgomery, West from Powell.
- Walk to the correct Moscone building. Save the specific registration or hall entrance before arriving.
BART schedules, fares and service alerts ↗
SFMTA Muni routes and service changes ↗
Moscone Center Floor Plans, Exhibit Halls & Capacity
Moscone contains extensive exhibition and conference facilities, including large connected halls and flexible meeting spaces. The correct floor plan depends on whether your event uses North/South or West.
Square feet of contiguous exhibition/meeting space.
Published North/South meeting-room count.
Square feet, column-free.
North and South Exhibit Halls
| Area | Official venue detail | Planning purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Halls A–F | More than 502,000 sq. ft. contiguous space | Large exhibitions and multi-hall conventions |
| Exhibition layout | Can support more than 2,300 standard 10 × 10-foot booths | Trade-show planning |
| South Level Two Ballroom | 50,000 sq. ft., column-free | General sessions and major events |
| Meeting rooms | 82 rooms | Breakout and conference sessions |
| Pre-function lobbies | Approximately 107,000 sq. ft. | Registration, networking and circulation |
| Outdoor terraces | More than 25,000 sq. ft. | Approved outdoor event functions |
Moscone West
Moscone West has three major levels with approximately 367,500 square feet of total building/function space, including large flexible exhibition, meeting and banquet configurations.
| Level | Published facility information |
|---|---|
| Level One | Approximately 96,660 sq. ft. dedicated main-floor exhibit area |
| Level Two | Flexible meeting/exhibition spaces with movable partitions |
| Level Three | Flexible spaces supporting major meeting or general-session configurations |
| Lobby areas | Significant registration and pre-function space on each level |
How to Read the Floor Plan
- Identify North/South or West. Choose the appropriate building floor plan first.
- Match your hall or room number. Use the room assignment on your conference agenda.
- Locate the registration area. Badge pickup may be separate from your session.
- Check elevator or escalator routes. West spans multiple levels, while North/South has connected meeting and exhibit areas.
- Use the current event map. Temporary airwalls, booths and security boundaries can change access.
Official Moscone North, South and West floor plans ↗
Hotels Near Moscone Center: Best Areas to Stay
Numerous hotels are within the broader downtown SoMa and Union Square districts. Focus on your assigned Moscone building, total room cost and any convention block rather than hotel star rating alone.
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
780 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
A major downtown convention hotel with extensive guestroom and meeting facilities, near the Moscone campus.
Best for: Corporate conferences, larger meetings and guests seeking full-service dining and facilities.
Check: Current room rates, parking, breakfast and assigned Moscone entrance.
Official hotel details ↗InterContinental San Francisco
888 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
An upscale hotel near the West building, useful for conference attendees who prefer a short walk and premium hotel services.
Parking: Officially listed valet is $102.60 per day including tax, subject to current terms.
Official hotel details ↗Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa
50 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Large upscale hotel with modern guest rooms, near downtown offices, museums and the convention district.
Parking: Hyatt advertises valet from $79; verify taxes and booking conditions.
Official hotel details ↗W San Francisco
181 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Located beside the SFMOMA area and close to the Moscone campus, making it attractive for convention trips paired with dining and cultural activities.
Check: Parking, room type, amenity charges and the event building entrance.
Official hotel details ↗Which Hotel Area Should You Choose?
| Your main activity | Start comparing | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| North/South convention | Marriott Marquis, Hyatt Downtown SoMa, W San Francisco | Downtown Third/Mission Street access |
| Moscone West convention | InterContinental and Fourth/Howard-area hotels | Potentially shorter West building walk |
| Conference plus Union Square sightseeing | Powell/Market Street hotels | Shopping, transit and hotel selection |
| Car-free San Francisco visit | Hotels near BART/Muni stations | Airport and local transit convenience |
Book the Right Hotel in Four Steps
- Check your event hall. Decide whether West or North/South is the priority.
- Compare the event room block. Some conventions provide contracted hotel options.
- Add parking and hotel fees. Downtown valet can cost considerably more than a nearby public garage.
- Check cancellation terms. Reserve a suitable room once the full total is clear.
Moscone Center Accessibility, Wheelchairs & Assistance
The venue publishes permanent accessibility accommodations including ramps, compliant elevators, accessible restrooms and other facility features.
Accessible Building Routes
The facility identifies ramps, elevators and accessible restroom provisions. Choose the correct building and ask about event-specific route restrictions.
Wheelchair Arrangements
The venue does not maintain an inventory of visitor wheelchairs. Contact your event organizer ahead of time if wheelchair rental or assistance is needed.
Assistive Listening
Assistive-listening support can be arranged through the venue’s audiovisual provider, subject to event needs and arrangements.
Service Animals
Trained service animals are welcome in publicly accessible areas in accordance with applicable requirements.
Accessible Arrival Checklist
- Confirm whether your activity is in North, South or West.
- Check the step-free route from your selected station, garage or drop-off point.
- Contact the organizer regarding event seating, visual/hearing assistance or other arrangements.
- Ask about wheelchair rental arrangements before the event, if needed.
- Plan extra time if your convention spans multiple levels.
Exhibitor Move-In, Freight & Loading Docks
Exhibitor shipping and contractor access operate differently from public event admission. Sending deliveries to a public visitor address without show-specific instructions can result in rejected or delayed freight.
| Operation | Official guidance |
|---|---|
| North/South loading | West side of Third Street, between Folsom and Howard |
| West loading | North side of Howard Street, between Fourth and Fifth |
| North/South contractor entrance | Moscone South employee entrance on Howard Street |
| West contractor entrance | Service entrance on Minna Street |
| Maximum freight trailer length | 53 feet |
| Maximum truck height | 13 feet 6 inches |
| Freight marshaling | May be required by specific event |
Exhibitor Micro-Guide
- Read the official exhibitor service manual. Identify the designated general service contractor and freight arrangements.
- Confirm the assigned hall and loading dock. Moscone West deliveries do not use the same approach as North/South.
- Check truck restrictions and target times. Large vehicles and trailers need approved access arrangements.
- Verify badges and contractor credentials. Contractor staff use designated access points and ID procedures.
- Coordinate booth services. Confirm electrical, internet, rigging, cleaning and fire-safety requirements in advance.
Official contractor entrance procedures ↗
How to Book Moscone Center for a Convention or Trade Show
The Moscone Center’s official booking process is managed through San Francisco Travel’s Convention Sales team. It primarily serves conferences and trade shows generating out-of-area attendance and hotel room demand.
Venue Booking Contact
Convention Sales
convention-sales@sftravel.comOfficial Moscone Center event booking channel.
Booking Requirements to Prepare
- Requested convention or trade-show dates and alternatives.
- Expected out-of-town attendance and hotel-room demand.
- Number of exhibitors and anticipated booth configuration.
- Required exhibit halls, ballrooms and breakout rooms.
- Event duration, setup and dismantling schedule.
- Freight, loading, security and audiovisual requirements.
- Food and beverage, accessibility and sustainability needs.
Official Booking Process
- Prepare the event summary. Include attendees, hotel-room demand and preferred facilities.
- Open the official Book an Event page. Follow the San Francisco Travel request-for-proposal process.
- Submit your event RFP. Provide dates and space requirements.
- Review the space offered. Convention Sales evaluates availability and suitability.
- Complete the agreement. Contracting and venue event managers coordinate the approved event.
Official Moscone Center event booking and RFP ↗
Moscone Center San Francisco Map & Directions
The campus is surrounded by Yerba Buena Gardens, SFMOMA, downtown hotels and restaurants. Use the correct building rather than only the venue’s administrative address.
Nearby Places to Visit
| Destination | Why visit | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Yerba Buena Gardens | Public green space near the convention campus | Convenient break between sessions |
| SFMOMA | Modern and contemporary art museum | Check exhibition hours and ticket terms |
| Metreon | Dining, shopping and cinema | Useful for short meal breaks |
| Union Square | Shopping, hotels and restaurants | Walk or use nearby transit |
| San Francisco Museum District | Cultural attractions near Third/Mission streets | Check closing times before going |
Common Moscone Center Visitor Mistakes
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using only 747 Howard Street | Confirm whether your actual event entrance is North, South or West. |
| Assuming Moscone Center has parking | Use a separate public garage; the venue has no onsite public parking. |
| Assuming the $18 parking rate applies all day | Check eligible weekday early-bird arrival and departure times. |
| Using an old exhibit hall map | Find the current event-specific plan because partitions and booth layouts can change. |
| Choosing the wrong BART station | Montgomery generally serves North/South; Powell generally serves West. |
| Assuming public event admission is free | Check organizer registration, credentials and ticket requirements. |
| Shipping exhibitor freight to the public entrance | Follow organizer-designated freight and loading procedures. |
Moscone Convention Center: 10 FAQs
1. What is the Moscone Center address in San Francisco?
The Moscone Center administrative office is at 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. Moscone West is at 800 Howard Street. Check your specific building entrance before traveling.
2. How many buildings does Moscone Center have?
Moscone Center has three principal buildings: Moscone North, Moscone South and Moscone West. North and South are connected at exhibition level, while West is a separate building.
3. Does Moscone Center have onsite parking?
No. The venue does not provide public onsite parking. Nearby public garages include the separately operated Moscone Center Garage at 255 Third Street and the Fifth and Mission Garage at 833 Mission Street.
4. How much does parking near Moscone Center cost?
SFMTA’s Moscone Center Garage lists a $29 twelve-hour maximum, a $35 twenty-four-hour maximum and an $18 eligible weekday early-bird rate. Special-event charges may override standard rates.
5. Which BART station is closest to Moscone Center?
Moscone’s official directions recommend Montgomery Station for North and South buildings and Powell Station for Moscone West. Walking distance varies by the actual event entrance.
6. Where can I find upcoming Moscone Center events?
The official Moscone Center Events calendar lists upcoming conferences and exhibitions. Select the event to find its organizer, dates and further registration information. Private meetings may not appear publicly.
7. Is Moscone Center accessible to wheelchair users?
Yes. Moscone Center identifies ADA-accessible facility features including ramps, elevators and restrooms. Visitors needing wheelchair rental or event-specific accommodations should contact their event organizer in advance.
8. Which hotels are near Moscone Center?
Nearby downtown options include San Francisco Marriott Marquis, InterContinental San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa and W San Francisco. Select a hotel based on the assigned building and full stay cost.
9. Can I rent a meeting room directly at Moscone Center?
Moscone Center does not ordinarily rent rooms individually to the public. Ask the sponsoring event organization about meeting space during its conference, or contact San Francisco Travel’s Convention Sales team about qualifying larger events.
10. How large is Moscone Center?
The North and South buildings provide more than 502,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition and meeting space, plus 82 meeting rooms and a 50,000-square-foot column-free ballroom. Moscone West adds extensive flexible meeting and exhibition facilities.
Official Sources & Practical Links
These primary sources provide venue schedules, current parking policies, floor plans, accessibility information and event booking options. Prices and event arrangements can change.
Information reviewed October 17, 2026. Event listings, garage rates, event entrances and transit operations should be checked again for the intended visit date. This is an independent visitor guide and not an official Moscone Center publication.