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Hey there, friend! So you’re thinking about checking out Alcatraz, huh? Man, you’re in for an adventure that’s as chilling as it is thrilling. This iconic island has got it all—history, mystery, and some killer views of San Francisco Bay. Whether you’re an SF local or just passing through, this is one must-see attraction. To make your life a whole lot easier, We have rounded up all the need-to-know info for you. Buckle up, because we’re diving into 32 super useful tips that’ll make your trip to “The Rock” a total breeze.
Last updated: January 2026
Why a private Jeep tour pairs so well with Alcatraz: it’s time-saving, stress-reducing, and logistically smart—especially when your day needs to line up cleanly with a fixed ferry time at Pier 33.
Hey, guess what? You’ve got options! The easiest and quickest way to grab your tickets is online through the official Alcatraz City Cruises website. But if you’re old-school, you can also ring them up at +1-415-981-7625. They’re open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm PST.
Or if you’re the spontaneous type: you can waltz up to the ticket booth at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Just know they open an hour before the first tour departs and close when the last tour sails away for the day. Spoiler: Same-day tickets are often sold out!
Our Alcatraz Ferry and Island Tour PLUS San Francisco Private Group City Tour offers an extraordinary day of discovery! Start your morning with a private tour of San Francisco’s top attractions, including iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting ferry ride to explore the rich history of Alcatraz Island.
If you’re combining Alcatraz with sightseeing… this kind of combo setup can be a total sanity-saver because your city time stays flexible, and your Pier 33 timing stays locked in.
Related: Alcatraz Island San Francisco: Tickets, Ferry Times, What to See, and What to Know Before You Go • San Francisco Private Group City Tour
Absolutely, my friend! Trust me, you don’t want to show up and find out it’s sold out. Especially during the summer or holiday weekends, these bad boys get snagged weeks in advance.
Little planning tip: Many visitors pair Alcatraz with a city tour earlier in the day so they’re not stressed about timing, parking, or transit delays before a fixed ferry departure from Pier 33.
Nah, sorry: no cash. Alcatraz City Cruises are all about those cards. So whip out that credit or debit card.
Good news: Little ones under 5 are free and don’t need tickets. For kids 5 and up, you gotta buy them tickets. Oh, and you can totally bring strollers, but just not on the S.E.A.T. Tram.
Big nope! Your National Park Pass won’t cut it here because the ticket price is actually for the ferry and audio tour, not an entrance fee to Alcatraz.
Official Ticket Prices (Alcatraz City Cruises – Early 2026):
DAY TOUR RATES:
| DAY TOUR | Children Under 5 | Children 5-11 Years | Youth 12-17 | Adults 18+ | Senior 62+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Tour | Free | $29.15 | $47.95 | $47.95 | $45.15 |
Good news for international travelers: The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced that new entry fees for some U.S. National Parks will begin on January 1, 2026.
As of January 9, there are no additional fees for international visitors booking with Alcatraz City Cruises (or Statue City Cruises). Ticket pricing is currently the same for both domestic and international guests.
While future policies are subject to guidance from the U.S. Department of the Interior, current National Park visitor fee changes do not impact visits to Alcatraz Island.
Bottom line: Alcatraz City Cruises are not affected, and international visitors pay no extra charges to visit Alcatraz Island at this time. You can book with confidence knowing pricing and access remain equal for all guests
Yep, they’ve got a Family Pack. Call them at +1-415-981-7625 or get it in person.
Family Pack: The Family Pack is offered for those booking two (2) Adult tickets and two (2) Child tickets. The Family Pack is available for purchase by phone at +1-415-981-7625 or at the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing ticket booth.
Age Policy: Adult: 18-61 / Junior: 12-17 / Senior: 62+ / Child: 5-11 / Toddler: 4 and under are free.
Important: Guests under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult.
Waiting too long. Alcatraz is one of those attractions that looks easy on paper—then suddenly every time slot you want is gone. If your trip dates are locked in, snag the tickets and sleep easy.
Alcatraz is 1.25 miles offshore from SF. You’ll take a ferry from Pier 33 operated exclusively by Alcatraz Cruises. If you want the full Pier 33 game plan, here’s our deeper guide to Alcatraz tickets, ferry timing, and what to know before you go.
Day Tour: Plan to hang around for about 3 hours, including the ferry and cellhouse audio tour. Night Tour: A 3-hour evening tour with guided programs and dramatic SF skyline views. Behind The Scenes Tour: A 2-hour tour in smaller groups and access to areas off-limits in other tours.
If you’re combining Alcatraz with sightseeing… a private city tour earlier in the day can make your schedule feel way more relaxed—especially when you’re aiming for a specific ferry departure.
First ferry is at 8:45 am. They leave every 30-40 minutes and the island closes at 6:30 pm in summer, 4:30 pm otherwise. If you have not printed your tickets prior to your tour date then you may pick up your tickets at Pier 33 at the Prepaid Ticket booth (will-call). Please arrive half an hour (one hour during peak seasons) prior to your departure time to check-in.
Pro move: If you’re doing other sightseeing the same day, keeping your morning flexible (and your route efficient) takes a lot of pressure off your Pier 33 timing.
Almost! It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. That’s it!
Night tours are available Tuesday-Saturday. They feature special programs and a wicked view of the city skyline.
For a Day Tour, block out 2.5 to 3 hours. That includes the 12-15 minute ferry each way.
Nope! The island is a bird sanctuary. You can bring bottled water though!
You’ll get a pair of headphones and an audio guide that’ll walk you through the Alcatraz Cellhouse. It’s available in 11 languages, and you can get refunds on the island if you change your mind.
Something comfy and weather-appropriate. SF can be super foggy and chilly, even in summer.
The rule of thumb is about 3 hours for a complete experience. You’ve got the ferry ride, the walking tour, the audio guide, and maybe some chill time.
You wish! But nope, you gotta eat before you board or after you return to the mainland. No picnic spots on this island it’s a bird sanctuary.
If you’re building a full day around the waterfront, here are some helpful ideas nearby: Fisherman’s Wharf.
The audio tour lasts about 45 minutes, but you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward if you like. Plus, there’s tons of stuff to explore beyond what the audio guide covers.
This is SF, baby! Expect the unexpected. It can be sunny one moment and foggy the next. Mornings are often chilly and afternoons can warm up, so layers are your best friend.
Seagulls are the real VIPs here. Also, harbor seals sometimes hang out around the dock. No squirrels though, in case you were wondering.
Honestly, anytime is a good time, but spring and fall offer the best combo of good weather and fewer crowds.
Alcatraz is pretty steep and hilly, but there’s a S.E.A.T. Tram that can take you from the dock to the cellhouse. Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly, so be prepared for walking long distances uphill. The distance from the dock to the prison at the top of the Island is about .25 mile (.4 km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters). This is equivalent to climbing a thirteen-story building. Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz’s roads may take advantage of the S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram — an electric shuttle that meets each scheduled arrival at the Alcatraz dock and transports visitors requiring mobility assistance from the dock to the prison building. S.E.A.T. returns visitors requiring mobility assistance from the prison building back to the dock at regular intervals throughout the day.
The following areas are completely wheelchair accessible:
If something comes up, you can change the date/time for a $6.50 fee per ticket. Refunds? Only if you cancel 72 hours in advance.
You gotta make it to your specific ferry, otherwise, your ticket is forfeited. No refunds or rescheduling if you miss the boat. Literally.
Travel light! No luggage, backpacks larger than 16” x 20”, or coolers are allowed on Alcatraz.
Places you can wander and explore during the Alcatraz Day Tour include:
A new permanent exhibit: The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the U.S.
Absolutely, and you should! Just no drones, tripods, or commercial photography without a permit.
Ferries leave Alcatraz every 30 to 40 minutes, and it’s all on a first-come, first-served basis.
No parking is available at Pier 33. There are fifteen commercial lots within a five-block radius of Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing with a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces. The closest and most convenient lots are located at 55 Francisco Street and 80 Francisco Street. Rates can range from as $40-$60 per day for parking. There are no parking validation services offered.
For the best public transportation route, please visit 511.org’s website to map out the best public transportation routes. One option to get to Pier 33 is to take the F streetcar line that runs from Market Street down the Embarcadeo. This historic streetcar runs about every 15 minutes.
If you’re spending time nearby before your ferry, you’ll probably be hanging around Fisherman’s Wharf anyway—so it’s a pretty convenient base for the day.
Alright, buddy, that’s a wrap! Visiting Alcatraz is more than just a ferry ride and a walk through an old prison. It’s a journey into America’s complex history, spiced up with incredible vistas and an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. So grab your camera, your sense of adventure, and maybe even a spooky story or two to tell when you get back.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to rock “The Rock.” Trust me, this is one experience that’ll stick with you long after you’ve sailed back to the San Francisco shore.
