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Alcatraz Ferry Schedule

All Alcatraz ferries depart from Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, on The Embarcadero in San Francisco — about a 10-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf. Your ticket includes the roundtrip crossing; you choose your departure time when you book. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure with your mobile e-ticket and photo ID.

Availability this week (checked Aug 20)
Day Tour: ✓ Available — 7 of 7 bookable days open this week
Night Tour: △ Limited availability — only 4 of 5 bookable days still open this week

View of Alcatraz Island from the ferry crossing San Francisco Bay
The crossing from Pier 33 — about 15 minutes each way.

Day Tour Departures

Day tour ferries depart approximately every 30 minutes from 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM, daily. Current summer schedule (through November 1, 2026): 8:40, 9:20, 9:40, 10:10, 10:35, 11:00, and 11:30 AM; 12:00, 12:30, 1:05, 1:35, 2:15, 2:45, 3:20, and 3:50 PM. After the fall time change, departures shift earlier; exact times for your date are shown at checkout.

  • First ferry: 8:40 AM — the least crowded departure of the day and the best choice for photographers
  • Last outbound ferry: 3:50 PM on the summer schedule. After the fall time change, the last departure moves earlier — exact times for your date are shown at checkout.
  • Return ferries: run continuously throughout the day. You’re not locked to a return time — stay as long as you like and board any return boat until the last ferry leaves the island

Night Tour Departures

Night tours run Tuesday through Saturday, with current departures at 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:05 PM (seasonal). After the fall time change, departures shift earlier; exact times for your date are shown at checkout. Night tour ferries are a fixed itinerary — your outbound and return crossing are part of a single 2.5-hour experience with live onboard narration.

How Early Should I Arrive at Pier 33?

Plan to be at Pier 33 30 minutes before departure. Boarding closes before the ferry leaves, and missed departures cannot always be rebooked on sold-out days. If you’re coming from Fisherman’s Wharf, allow 10–15 minutes on foot along The Embarcadero.

What If My Preferred Time Is Sold Out?

Alcatraz departures regularly sell out weeks in advance, especially May through October. If your date shows no availability, see our Alcatraz sold out options — or book a different departure time on the same day. Morning departures sell out first; early-afternoon slots often have availability when mornings are gone.

Ferry Schedule FAQs

How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz?

The crossing takes about 15 minutes each way, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and Angel Island.

Do the ferries run in bad weather?

Ferries operate in nearly all weather — San Francisco fog and wind are part of the experience. Sailings are only canceled in rare severe conditions. Dress in layers; the bay is 10–15°F cooler than downtown.

Can I take an earlier or later return ferry?

On the day tour, yes — return boats run continuously and you can board any of them. On the night tour, the return crossing is fixed as part of the experience.

Where exactly is Pier 33?

Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, 1398 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133. See our directions and parking guide for driving, transit, and parking options.

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