Alcatraz Tickets with Ferry and Audio Guide

KTLY744744

Alcatraz Tickets with Ferry and Audio Guide, photo 3

California, USA

Audio Guide

German, Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before departure

About this tour

Cross San Francisco Bay by ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held Al Capone. Your ticket covers the round-trip boat ride and the award-winning "Doing Time" cellhouse audio guide, narrated by people who actually lived and worked there. Walk the cellblocks at your own pace, then head outside to the recreation yard, the gardens, and the island's bird colonies. Plan on about two to three hours on the island, and roughly half a day for the whole outing.

Audio Guide Languages

German Spanish Japanese French Italian Russian Chinese Portuguese Korean

Highlights

Ferry across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island with wide views of the water
Walk the cellblocks and hear the stories of infamous inmates like Al Capone
Award-winning cellhouse audio guide narrated by former inmates and guards
See the island's gardens and resident seabird colonies
Take in the eerie atmosphere and history of this notorious former federal prison

Places You Will Visit

Open map

Alcatraz Island California, USA 7 tours & tickets

Included / Excluded

Day tour option
Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
Downloadable award-winning audio guide "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour" in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
Downloadable award-winning audio tour, Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
Traditional audio device with headset
Access to the permanent exhibits
Access to permanent exhibits
Access to outdoor historic areas including Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden
Access to outdoor historic spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden
Guided interpretive programs
Participation in Guided Interpretive Programs
Night tour option
Night tours
Live guide narration onboard the ferry (night tour)
Onboard narration by live guide
Around-the-island route to Alcatraz (night tour)
Around the island route to Alcatraz
Guided tour led by a ranger or educator (night tour)
Guided tour by Ranger/educator
Access to areas closed off during the day, including the kitchen, hospital, and church (night tour)
Access to exclusive areas such as the kitchen, hospital, and church (closed off to the public during the day)

How the Alcatraz Visit Works and Getting There

The trip starts at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, the only place ferries to Alcatraz leave from. The crossing runs regularly, with departures roughly every 30 to 40 minutes for both day and night tours. Your ticket time is for the outbound boat; once you're on the island you can catch any return ferry, so most people spend two to three hours there and about half a day in total.

Getting to Pier 33 is easiest by public transit, with several Muni bus lines and the F-line streetcar stopping nearby. If you drive, there are parking garages close by, though space fills up in peak season. The island is open year-round except Christmas, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving. Visiting hours are 09:00 to 18:30 Sunday and Monday, and 09:00 to 21:30 Tuesday through Saturday. The first ferry usually leaves around 08:20 and the last outbound departure is mid-afternoon, earlier in winter, with night tours running on select evenings.

Available Days / Times

Monday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:30, 10:00, 10:25, 10:50, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 13:00, 13:25, 14:30, 15:20, 15:40
Tuesday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:30, 10:00, 10:25, 10:50, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 13:00, 13:25, 14:30, 15:20, 15:40
Wednesday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:30, 10:00, 10:25, 10:50, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 13:00, 13:25, 14:30, 15:20, 15:40
Thursday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:30, 10:00, 10:25, 10:50, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 13:00, 13:25, 14:30, 15:20, 15:40
Friday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:30, 10:00, 10:25, 10:50, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 13:00, 13:25, 14:30, 15:20, 15:40
Saturday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:30, 10:00, 10:25, 10:50, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 13:00, 13:25, 14:30, 15:20, 15:40
Sunday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:30, 10:00, 10:25, 10:50, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 13:00, 13:25, 14:30, 15:20, 15:40

Last updated: Oct 22, 2026

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Important Information

Daily capacity is limited and tickets sell out fast, so book ahead, especially in peak season
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 set your own pace on the island
Day visits give you more freedom outdoors; night tours add ranger talks, extra storytelling, and access to select spaces
Some paths are steep, but tram assistance is available on certain routes for guests with mobility concerns
Many visitors pair Alcatraz with a bay cruise, city tour, or a trip to Sausalito or Muir Woods
Food service is very limited; snacks and bottled drinks are sold, but 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 shifts fast, so bring layers and a windproof jacket, and wear comfortable shoes for a lot of walking
Airport-style screening applies before boarding; large bags and restricted items are not allowed
Stay on marked paths and do not touch or damage the structures
Follow instructions from park rangers and tour guides
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the island
Drones are not allowed
Photography is fine, but flash is not allowed in certain areas

FAQs

How do I get tickets for Alcatraz tours?

You can reserve online through our platform. Since capacity is limited and demand is high, booking ahead is the best way to lock in your preferred ferry departure.

How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island?

The ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz takes about 15 to 20 minutes, with views across San Francisco Bay along the way.

Are there restrooms available on Alcatraz Island?

Yes. Restrooms are located near the dock and by the cellhouse, so it's smart to plan stops before you head out to explore.

Can I bring food and drinks to Alcatraz Island?

Bottled water is allowed anywhere on the island, but snacks can only be eaten in the picnic areas near the dock. No food or drinks are permitted inside the cellhouse.

Is Alcatraz Island accessible for people with disabilities?

The ferry and many main areas are accessible, and a tram helps visitors up the steep hill. Some historic sections do have stairs and uneven ground.

What is the best time to visit Alcatraz?

Spring and fall bring milder weather and thinner crowds. Early morning ferries tend to be quieter, while evening visits feel more atmospheric.

Are there guided tours available on Alcatraz Island?

Yes. Most tickets include the self-guided cellhouse audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards, and ranger-led talks run throughout the day depending on availability.