Alcatraz Ticket & Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour
About this tour
This combo pairs a ticket to Alcatraz Island with a 90-minute walking tour of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf led by an English-speaking local guide. Your Alcatraz portion covers round-trip ferry transport and the acclaimed cellhouse audio guide, narrated by people who actually lived and worked in the prison, available in ten languages. On the island you'll walk the cellblocks, take in the bay views, and get a real feel for what daily life behind these walls was like.
Audio Guide Languages
English
German
Spanish
Japanese
French
Italian
Portuguese
Korean
Highlights
- Ride the ferry across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island
- Walk the cellblocks and hear the stories of famous inmates like Al Capone
- Follow the award-winning audio guide voiced by former inmates and guards
- See the island's gardens and the seabird colonies that nest there
- Take in the eerie atmosphere and history of this notorious former prison
Places You Will Visit
Included / Excluded
- Alcatraz admission ($45)
- Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
- Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
- 90-minute walking tour of Fisherman's Wharf
- English-speaking local guide for the walking tour
- English-speaking local guide for walking tour
- Alcatraz audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
- Multilingual audio guide for Alcatraz in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean
Getting There, Ferry Schedule and Opening Hours
Both parts of this combo start in San Francisco. The Fisherman's Wharf walking tour runs about 90 minutes on foot with your local guide, and Alcatraz is reached only by ferry from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. Boats run every 30 to 40 minutes for both day and night tours. Getting to Pier 33 is easy on public transit, with several Muni bus lines and the F-line streetcar stopping nearby; if you drive, nearby garage parking is limited and fills up in peak season.
Plan on roughly half a day for the Alcatraz portion, with about 2 to 3 hours on the island itself. Alcatraz is open year-round except Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving. Island visiting hours run 09:00 to 18:30 on Sunday and Monday, and 09:00 to 21:30 Tuesday through Saturday. The first ferry usually leaves around 08:20 and the last outbound boat departs mid-afternoon, earlier in winter. Return ferries run continuously, so you can head back on your own schedule, and night tours are offered on select days with their own evening departures.
Available Days / Times
- Monday : 09:30
- Tuesday : 09:30
- Wednesday : 09:30
- Thursday : 09:30
- Friday : 09:30
- Saturday : 09:30
- Sunday : 09:30
Last updated: Oct 23, 2026
Important Information
- Daily capacity is capped and tickets sell out fast, so book ahead, especially in peak months
- The island is reachable only by ferry from Pier 33; arrive 30 to 45 minutes before boarding
- Your booking time is for the outbound ferry; return ferries run often, so you can leave when you like
- Round-trip ferry and the official cellhouse audio guide are included
- Day visits give you more time outdoors; night tours add ranger talks and access to select spaces
- Some paths are steep, but a tram assists visitors with mobility concerns on certain routes
- Many travelers pair Alcatraz with a bay cruise or a trip to Sausalito or Muir Woods
- Food service is minimal; snacks and bottled drinks are sold, and eating is allowed only in the picnic areas near the dock
- Restrooms are located near the dock and by the cellhouse
- Ranger talks and exhibits run all day; check the posted schedule when you arrive
- Bay weather turns fast, so bring layers and a windproof jacket, and wear comfortable walking shoes
- Airport-style screening applies before boarding; large bags and restricted items are not allowed
- Stay on the marked paths and don't touch or damage any structures
- Follow the instructions of park rangers and your guide
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the island
- Drones are not allowed
- Photos are fine, but flash is not permitted in certain areas
FAQs
How do I get tickets for Alcatraz tours?
How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island?
Are there restrooms available on Alcatraz Island?
Can I bring food and drinks to Alcatraz Island?
Is Alcatraz Island accessible for people with disabilities?
What is the best time to visit Alcatraz?
Are there guided tours available on Alcatraz Island?
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