San Francisco, California · Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
Alcatraz Day Tour
The Rock — San Francisco Bay
One of the most-visited national historic sites in America — the only way to access the actual cellhouse where Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and the Birdman served time from 1934 to 1963. Roundtrip ferry from Pier 33, full island access, and the award-winning “Doing Time” audio tour narrated by the guards and inmates who actually lived there. Tickets sell out weeks in advance.
Roundtrip Ferry from Pier 33Bay crossing with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and Angel Island before docking at the base of the island. Mobile e-ticket check-in at Pier 33.
“Doing Time” Cellhouse Audio TourThe award-winning self-guided audio tour narrated by the actual former guards and inmates who lived on the island — available in 11 languages. Walks you through the cellblocks, solitary confinement, the dining hall, and the recreation yard.
Full Cellhouse & Island AccessAccess to all accessible historic areas — the cellblocks, solitary confinement, the dining hall, Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, the Rose Garden, the Officer’s Club ruins, and the Warden’s House.
Exhibits & NPS Ranger Programs“The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States” permanent exhibit, the New Industries Building with its exhibit on the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz, and National Park Service ranger programs (availability varies by day).
Day Tour vs. Night Tour
From $47.95 · Daily
Day Tour
Flexible — stay as long as you like within operating hours. Return ferries run continuously until the last boat of the day. Busier, especially summer mornings. Bright daylight photography of the island and bridge. Best for first-time visitors, families, and photographers.
Flexible Duration
Daily Departures
Best for First-Timers
From $59.65 · Tues–Sat only
Night Tour
Fixed 2.5-hour experience with much smaller groups, exclusive evening ranger programs, live-narrated sunset ferry crossing, and moody low-light photography with the lit San Francisco skyline on the return. Sells out faster than the day tour. Best for atmosphere seekers, history fans, and return visitors.
Smaller Groups
Sunset Crossing
Best for Atmosphere
LayersEven in summer, the island is 10–15°F cooler than the mainland and the ferry deck is windy. Bring a jacket regardless of the weather in the city.
Closed-toe walking shoesThe path from the dock to the Cellhouse is a steep uphill climb. An electric shuttle (SEAT tram) is available for visitors who need assistance.
Your mobile e-ticket & photo IDHave your ticket ready for scan at Pier 33. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Leave at the hotelLarge backpacks, tripods, and outside alcohol are not permitted on the island. Packaged snacks and bottled water are fine — no glass containers. Refreshments are also available on the ferry.
How much does the Alcatraz Day Tour cost?
Day tour tickets start at $47.95 per adult ($45.15 seniors 62+, $29.15 children 5–11). Final pricing depends on date, age category, and service fees, and is shown at checkout.
How far in advance should I book?
Two to three months ahead during peak season (May–October). One to two weeks is usually enough in winter and early spring. Tickets regularly sell out weeks in advance — checking availability for your date as early as possible is the safest approach.
What time does the Alcatraz Day Tour start?
Ferries depart Pier 33 approximately every 30 minutes from 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM daily. You choose your departure time when booking. The exact schedule shifts slightly by season and day of the week.
Where does the tour depart from?
All Alcatraz tours depart from Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, on The Embarcadero — about a 10-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
How long is the tour?
Most visitors spend 2.5 to 3 hours on the island, including the ferry rides. You can stay longer if you’d like — return ferries run continuously until the last boat of the day.
Is the Alcatraz Day Tour accessible?
The ferry is fully wheelchair accessible. The island has steep paths from the dock to the Cellhouse, but an electric shuttle (SEAT tram) is available for visitors who need assistance. Most of the Cellhouse interior is accessible.
Is the audio tour available in other languages?
Yes. “Doing Time” is available in 11 languages including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Dutch.
Are kids allowed on the Alcatraz Day Tour?
Yes, and it’s a popular family activity. Children under 5 are typically free but still need a ticket for the ferry manifest. The audio tour is engaging for older kids; younger ones may find the prison subject matter intense.
Can I bring food to Alcatraz?
Yes — you can bring packaged snacks and bottled water. No glass containers or alcohol. Refreshments are also sold on the ferry. No food is sold on the island itself.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Cancellation and change policies are shown at checkout and on your confirmation email. Please review them before booking.
