Alcatraz Island Tickets

Official ticket types and prices

Prices as published by the official seller. “See official site” means the seller only shows that price when you book.

When tickets sell out

Tours frequently sell out a week or more in advance and same-day tickets are rarely available; NPS says it can sell out ‘as much as a month or more in summer and near holidays.’ Night and Behind the Scenes tours have very limited capacity.

Discounts and free entry

Toddlers 4 and under ride free (no ticket needed). Family Pack for 2 adults + 2 children (phone or Pier 33 only). National Park passes (America the Beautiful, Senior, Access) are NOT accepted because there is no park entrance fee – the ticket covers the ferry and audio tour. As of Jan 9 2026 there is no extra charge for international visitors. Student groups with a school letter: $17 per student.

Opening hours

Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Day Tour ferries depart about every half hour starting at 8:45 am; last departure times vary by season – see the official schedule. Night Tour (2026 summer schedule, Mar 8 – Nov 1): Tue–Sat 5:55, 6:30, 7:05 pm. Arrive 45 minutes before departure.

How long to plan

Allow at least 2.5–3 hours round trip for the Day Tour, including the 12–15 minute ferry ride each way. Night Tour about 2–3 hours; Behind the Scenes + Night Tour 4–5 hours.

Travel tips

• All tours leave from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on The Embarcadero, near Bay Street / Sansome Street, a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
• The historic F-line streetcar (F Market & Wharves) stops right by Pier 33; Muni buses 8, 8BX and 39 stop within walking distance.
• No parking at Pier 33; nearest garages are 55 and 80 Francisco Street (about $40–$60 per day). Car break-ins are common – leave nothing in the car.
• Ride-share: enter ‘Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing’ as the destination.
• Arrive 45 minutes before departure; all adults need a photo ID.

Accessibility

Pier 33, the ticket booth, waiting/boarding areas, all ferries, the island dock, Cellhouse main floor, bookstores, museum displays and theater are wheelchair accessible. The walk from the dock to the Cellhouse is about 1/4 mile with a 130 ft climb (like a 13-story building); the free S.E.A.T. electric tram carries visitors with mobility needs (plus one attendant if space allows; no strollers). Elevator inside the Cellhouse. No wheelchairs on loan at Pier 33 or on the island. ASL, audio-described and Braille versions of the audio tour; assistive listening devices at the Pier 33 ticket booth. Two first-come accessible parking spaces at Pier 33 (placard required). Some areas (e.g. Recreation Yard route, about 45 steps) are not accessible.

Before you go

• Only Alcatraz City Cruises lands on the island; ‘Alcatraz’ cruises from other companies only sail around it.
• Resellers must show the same ticket price.
• Buying direct includes tax with no booking or processing fees.
• No luggage, coolers, oversized backpacks or large packages; max backpack 16 x 20 inches; no luggage storage at Pier 33. Missing the ferry because of luggage means no refund.
• No food is sold on the island; eating only at the dock. No alcohol on the island.
• No refunds or reschedules within 72 hours of departure (unless Ticket Assurance was bought, which allows changes up to 24 hours before); no same-day refunds for missed boats.

Best time to visit

For fewer crowds, the first two weeks of November, the first two weeks of December, and January–March. Best weather April–May and September–October (summer is often cold and foggy).