Alcatraz Tours

Prison Cell in Alcatraz (San Francisco, California, USA)

Alcatraz Tours and Tickets

Uncover the intriguing Secrets of the infamous Alcatraz Island and its notorious Inmates! 

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BEST Alcatraz Tours

Our Expert Comparison for Your Alcatraz Island Prison Adventure departing from San Francisco! Easily Select Your Perfect Experience from a Premium Range of Alcatraz Tickets.

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Our Selection Spotlights the Top-Rated Alcatraz Island Tours and Tickets, Delivering Unbeatable Price-Value. The Result of Research and Insights from Participants.

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Allow Expert Guidance to Shape Your Alcatraz Island Expedition. Rely on Valuable Insider Tips from US Specialists for an Authentic Experience.

BEST Alcatraz Tours

Our Expert Comparison for Your Alcatraz Island Prison Adventure departing from San Francisco! Easily Select Your Perfect Experience from a Premium Range of Alcatraz Tickets.

Tried and True Certified

Our Selection Spotlights the Top-Rated Alcatraz Island Tours and Tickets, Delivering Unbeatable Price-Value. The Result of Research and Insights from Participants.

Experience of a Lifetime

Allow Expert Guidance to Shape Your Alcatraz Island Expedition. Rely on Valuable Insider Tips from US Specialists for an Authentic Experience.

Select your Alcatraz Tour

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Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

887 Reviews
Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Alcatraz Island/Ferry Ticket
  • Audio Guide
  • 2 Day Hop on/off Bus Pass
  • Free Cancellation

Pricing Starts

$120

Book Now!

Panoramic Cruise Around Alcatraz Island & Golden Gate Bridge

2010 Reviews
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Boat Tour of Golden Gate Bay
  • Multi-Language Audio Guide
  • Purchase Items from Onboard Bar
  • Free Cancellation

Pricing Starts

$38

Book Now!

Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

732 Reviews
Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van
  • Instant Confirmation
  • 8 Hour Tour
  • Audio Guide
  • National Park Tour
  • Transfers Included
  • Free Cancellation

Pricing Starts

$159

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Combo: San Francisco Bus Tour & Alcatraz Tour with Ticket, Ferry & Audio Guide 

2186 Reviews
Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, Audio Guide & Iconic Attractions Tour
  • Instant Confirmation
  • 6.5 Hour Tour
  • Guided Tour
  • Audio Guide
  • Round Trip Ferry
  • Free Cancellation

Pricing Starts

$160

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Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito with OPTIONAL Alcatraz Tour

678 Reviews
  • Instant Confirmation
  • 9 Hour Tour
  • Guided Tour
  • Alcatraz Option
  • Free Cancellation

Pricing Starts

$129

Book Now!
Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

877 Reviews

Discover the vibrant city of San Francisco in style and savings with our exclusive 2-day combo package. Immerse yourself in the rich history, iconic landmarks, and unique culture of the Bay Area with a carefully curated itinerary that includes a variety of experiences. From exploring the enigmatic Alcatraz Island to leisurely strolls through historic Chinatown, this package ensures you make the most of your visit. Plus, you get to choose a bonus between a bike rental to explore at your own pace or a visit to the USS Pampanito, a fascinating submarine museum.

  • 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Pass
  • Alcatraz Island Entry Ticket
  • Alcatraz Ferry Ticket
  • Alcatraz Island Audio Guide
  • Chinatown Walking Tour
  • Half-Day Bike Rental or USS Pampanito Entry (Choose One)

Departs From: Redeem your voucher at 99 Jefferson Street in Fisherman’s Wharf 24-48 hours before your Alcatraz Cruise to secure your date and receive your hop-on-hop-off pass.

Starting Time: The date you select when booking is your Alcatraz Cruise date. When you redeem your voucher 24-48 hours before your cruise, you’ll receive details about the exact departure time.

Duration: 1-hour guided walking tour. 2 Day Big Bus hop-on-hop-off pass.

from $120

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Next Available: Today

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Alcatraz Island/Ferry Ticket
  • Audio Guide
  • 2 Day Hop on/off Bus Pass
  • Free Cancellation

Panoramic Cruise Around Alcatraz Island & Golden Gate Bridge

2010 Reviews

Experience the beauty and history of San Francisco from a unique perspective on our one-hour Golden Gate Bay Boat Tour. Launched in 1939 during the Golden Gate International Exposition, this iconic cruise has been a must-do for visitors to the city for over 75 years.

  • Boat Tour of Golden Gate Bay
  • Multi-Language Audio Guide
  • Purchase Items from Onboard Bar

Departs From: Meet at the Red and White Fleet Box Office, located at Pier 43 1/2 in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf at the corner of Taylor Street and Embarcadero.

Starting Time: 11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:20 PM 5:30 PMDuration: 1 hour

from $38

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Next Available: Today

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Boat Tour of Golden Gate Bay
  • Multi-Language Audio Guide
  • Purchase Items from Onboard Bar
  • Free Cancellation
Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

732 Reviews

Experience the best of the Bay Area with our all-in-one tour package featuring Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito. Leave the logistics to us as you travel comfortably in a luxury tour van, complete with a memorable Golden Gate Bridge crossing, so you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery. Your Alcatraz admission includes the ferry ride and an engaging audio tour, and for those who prefer a self-guided adventure, there’s ample free time to explore both Muir Woods and the charming town of Sausalito.

  • Round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island.
  • Free time on Alcatraz Island
  • Alcatraz admission ticket plus award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.
  • Small-group guided tour to Muir Woods National Park in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van.
  • Small-group experience to Muir Woods National Park.

Departs From: The 8:30am option departs from 545 Post Street. It will start with Muir Woods and Sausalito then go to Alcatraz

The 9:10am option departs from Pier 33. It will start with Alcatraz then go to Muir Woods and Sausalito

Starting Time: 8:30 AM & 9:10 AM

Duration: Approx. 7-8 Hours

from $159

Check Availability

Next Available: Today

  • Instant Confirmation
  • 8 Hour Tour
  • Audio Guide
  • National Park Tour
  • Transfers Included
  • Free Cancellation
Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, Audio Guide & Iconic Attractions Tour

Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, Audio Guide & Iconic Attractions Tour

Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, Audio Guide & Iconic Attractions Tour

Combo: San Francisco Bus Tour & Alcatraz Tour with Ticket, Ferry & Audio Guide 

2186 Reviews

Experience the best of San Francisco and Alcatraz Island in one unforgettable tour. Board a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz, where you’ll enjoy an award-winning audio walking tour that brings the island’s history to life. Afterward, embark on a coach tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore the City by the Bay as you visit iconic attractions including Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Presidio, and the Palace of Fine Arts.

  • Narrated Bus Tour of San Francisco with plenty of stops
  • Transport by air-conditioned luxury motor-coach 
  • Transportation to Pier 33 Alcatraz Cruise Port after City Tour 
  • Alcatraz Admission Ticket 
  • Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
  • Audio-guided walking tour of the infamous “Cell Block.”

Departs From: Pier 33San Francisco, CA 94133, USA 

Starting Time: 9:30 AM

Duration: Approx. 6 hours 30 minutes

from $160

Check Availability

Next Available: Today

  • Instant Confirmation
  • 6.5 Hour Tour
  • Guided Tour
  • Audio Guide
  • Round Trip Ferry
  • Free Cancellation

Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito with OPTIONAL Alcatraz Tour

678 Reviews

Discover all of San Francisco’s major attractions in a single day, with a scenic lunch break in Sausalito and a tranquil stroll through Muir Woods. For those who have chosen the Alcatraz option, your afternoon will be highlighted by a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island for the Official Alcatraz Tour.

  • City Tour on a Bus
  • Live Commentary on Board
  • Several Stops for Photos
  • Muir Woods Entrance
  • Local, Professional Guide
  • Official Alcatraz Ticket, Including Ferry Ride to the Island, if option selected

Departs From: 710 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Starting Time: 9:30 AM

Duration: Approx. 9 Hours

from $129

Check Availability

Next Available: Today

  • Instant Confirmation
  • 9 Hour Tour
  • Guided Tour
  • Alcatraz Option
  • Free Cancellation

What is so Special About Alcatraz Island?

Renowned Alcatraz Island, situated off the rugged coast of San Francisco, boasts a legendary history as a prison for some of the most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and the “Birdman of Alcatraz.”

Its infamous legacy as “The Rock” is a captivating chapter in American history, drawing visitors from across the globe to explore the island’s iconic prison cells and immerse themselves in the stories and daring escape attempts of these notorious inmates. 

Additionally, visitors can discover various exhibitions and cultural programs that shed light on Mass Incarceration in the US and the Occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes, all while reveling in the awe-inspiring vistas of San Francisco.

Compare Your Tour Options for Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

877 Reviews

Duration: 1-hour guided walking tour. 2 Day Big Bus hop-on-hop-off pass

Inclusions:

  • 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Pass
  • Alcatraz Island Entry Ticket
  • Alcatraz Ferry Ticket
  • Alcatraz Island Audio Guide
  • Chinatown Walking Tour
  • Half-Day Bike Rental or USS Pampanito Entry (Choose One)
  • Free Cancellation

Prices Starting

$120

Book Now!

Panoramic Cruise Around Alcatraz Island & Golden Gate Bridge

2010 Reviews

Duration: 1 Hour

Inclusions:

  • Boat Tour of Golden Gate Bay
  • Multi-Language Audio Guide
  • Purchase Items from Onboard Bar
  • Free Cancellation

Prices Starting

$38

Book Now!

Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

732 Reviews

Duration: Approx. 7-8 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island.
  • Free time on Alcatraz Island
  • Alcatraz admission ticket plus award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.
  • Small-group guided tour to Muir Woods National Park in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van.
  • Small-group experience to Muir Woods National Park.
  • Free Cancellation

Prices Starting

$159

Book Now!

Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, Audio Guide & Iconic Attractions Tour

Combo: San Francisco Bus Tour & Alcatraz Tour with Ticket, Ferry & Audio Guide 

2186 Reviews

Duration: 6.5 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Narrated Bus Tour of San Francisco with plenty of stops
  • Transport by air-conditioned luxury motor-coach 
  • Transportation to Pier 33 Alcatraz Cruise Port after City Tour 
  • Alcatraz Admission Ticket 
  • Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
  • Audio-guided walking tour of the infamous “Cell Block.”
  • Free Cancellation

Prices Starting

$160

Book Now!

Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito with OPTIONAL Alcatraz Tour

678 Reviews

Duration: 9 Hours

Inclusions:

  • City Tour on a Bus
  • Live Commentary on Board
  • Several Stops for Photos
  • Muir Woods Entrance
  • Local, Professional Guide
  • Official Alcatraz Ticket, Including Ferry Ride to the Island, if option selected
  • Free Cancellation

Prices Starting

$129

Book Now!

Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

Alcatraz Island Ticket, Ferry & 2 Day Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus

877 Reviews

Duration: 1-hour guided walking tour. 2 Day Big Bus hop-on-hop-off pass

Inclusions:

  • 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Pass
  • Alcatraz Island Entry Ticket
  • Alcatraz Ferry Ticket
  • Alcatraz Island Audio Guide
  • Chinatown Walking Tour
  • Half-Day Bike Rental or USS Pampanito Entry (Choose One)
  • Free Cancelation

Prices Starting

$120

Book Now!

Panoramic Cruise Around Alcatraz Island & Golden Gate Bridge

2010 Reviews

Duration: 1 Hour

Inclusions:

  • Boat Tour of Golden Gate Bay
  • Multi-Language Audio Guide
  • Purchase Items from Onboard Bar
  • Free Cancellation

Prices Starting

$38

Book Now!
Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

Alcatraz Island Ticket & Ferry and National Park Tour with Luxury Van

732 Reviews

Duration: 7-8 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island.
  • Free time on Alcatraz Island
  • Alcatraz admission ticket plus award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.
  • Small-group guided tour to Muir Woods National Park in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van.
  • Small-group experience to Muir Woods National Park.
  • Free Cancelation

Prices Starting

$159

Book Now!
Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, Audio Guide & Iconic Attractions Tour

Combo: San Francisco Bus Tour & Alcatraz Tour with Ticket, Ferry & Audio Guide 

2186 Reviews

Duration: 6.5 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Narrated Bus Tour of San Francisco with plenty of stops
  • Transport by air-conditioned luxury motor-coach 
  • Transportation to Pier 33 Alcatraz Cruise Port after City Tour 
  • Alcatraz Admission Ticket 
  • Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
  • Audio-guided walking tour of the infamous “Cell Block.”
  • Free Cancelation

Prices Starting

$160

Book Now!

Small Group Tour: San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito with OPTIONAL Alcatraz Tour

678 Reviews

Duration: 9 Hours

Inclusions:

  • City Tour on a Bus
  • Live Commentary on Board
  • Several Stops for Photos
  • Muir Woods Entrance
  • Local, Professional Guide
  • Official Alcatraz Ticket, Including Ferry Ride to the Island, if option selected
  • Free Cancelation

Prices Starting

$129

Book Now!

Plan Your Alcatraz Tour Ahead of Time

To make the most of your Alcatraz Island experience, it’s essential to plan ahead. There’s a variety of ticket options available, categorized into day and night tours, all of which include the ferry ride and the cellhouse audio tour. We’ve thoughtfully curated a selection of the most popular ones to cater to your preferences. 

Purchasing your tickets in advance is strongly advised, particularly during the summer months and holiday weekends, as they often sell out several weeks ahead. Alcatraz enforces a daily visitor limit, so securing your tickets beforehand ensures you won’t miss this exceptional journey and helps you avoid long ticket queues.

Plan Your Visit

Why Buy Your Alcatraz Tour Online?

1

Convenience

Compare the most popular options and then book your Alcatraz Island ticket online with just a few clicks, right from the comfort of your home. Start planning and eagerly anticipating your adventure today!

2

Advance Reservations

Alcatraz tours are highly sought after. Booking online in advance guarantees your spot on the ferry and your preferred date. Don’t wait until the last minute – secure your tickets now!

3

Exclusive Savings

Unlock unbeatable prices and special discounts by booking your Alcatraz tours and tickets online in advance. Buy here for the lowest price!

4

Free Cancellations

Reserve your Alcatraz Island tour online with peace of mind, knowing that you can cancel for free if plans change. Most of our selected ticket options offer the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

a watchtower on alcatraz island

History of Alcatraz Island

Originally named “La Isla de los Alcatraces” by the Ohlone people, Alcatraz Island evolved into a 19th-century military fortress.  From 1934 to 1963, it housed infamous criminals as a federal maximum-security prison, gaining notoriety for daring escape attempts.

In 1969, Native Americans and activists occupied the island for 19 months, marking a pivotal moment in ’70s Native American activism and leading to its transfer to the Department of the Interior in 1972.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, Alcatraz now thrives as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s not only home to the Main Cellhourse, but also the Alcatraz Museum and the American Indian Cultural Center, captivating visitors worldwide with its multifaceted history and cultural offerings.

Alcatraz Island Highlights

alcatraz prison cartridges

Prison & Cell Blocks

The crowning experience of any Alcatraz visit is stepping inside the former maximum-security prison and exploring the cell blocks at your own pace. Listen to the award-winning “Cell Block Audio Tour”, included in the ticket. Narrated by former inmates and guards, it offers unique insights into the daily lives of prisoners and the daring escape attempts that have become legendary.

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, USA.

Alcatraz Lighthouse

Ascend to the historic Alcatraz Lighthouse, a beacon that has guided ships safely through San Francisco Bay for generations. Built in 1854, it is now one of the island’s key attractions. Not only does the lighthouse offer breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco bay, the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge, but it also a great spot for photos and to appreciate the island’s natural beauty.

An old building on Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

Gardens

The lush green gardens of Alcatraz stand in stark contrast to the island’s tumultuous past as a prison. Cultivated by diverse groups over the years, they were restored by the Garden Conservancy after decades of neglect. You can now enjoy vibrant plant life throughout the island, including  roses, bush daisies, treasure flowers, and geraniums, while appreciating the serene beauty and tranquility.

Plan Your Visit to Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz island penitentiary lighthouse tower overgrown ruins. Prison abandoned and overgrown buildings landscape. Famous tourist attraction and historic landmark

Alcatraz Island operates daytime and nighttime tours, with schedules that change according to the season. Nighttime tours are available from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Opening Hours & Closing Days: Alcatraz Island extends a year-round welcome to visitors, with closures occurring solely on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. 

Ferry Departures: Ferry departures from San Francisco commence at 8:45 am and continue throughout the day, every 30 to 45 minutes. For precise departure times, please refer to your ticket details or check the schedule at the Dock and Cellhouse prior to your visit.

Duration of a visit: Once you are on the island, you can stay as long as you wish. Plan at least 2 to 3 hours for your visit.

>> Check out the best selection of Alcatraz Tours and Tickets here.

Alcatraz Island is accessible by ferry only, which run every 30 to 45 minutes. The  journey across the San Francisco Bay takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and is included in Alcatraz tours and tickets. The ferries depart from Pier 33 in San Francisco. The exact departure times of the ferry varies from season to season.

The Landing at Pier 33 in San Francisco is fully accessible, complete with limited accessible parking, to ensure all visitors can savor Alcatraz Island to the fullest. For those facing mobility issues, there’s an electric shuttle service that runs bi-hourly, providing transportation from the dock to the cellhouse and vice versa, making Alcatraz’s steep road and 130-foot elevation change manageable for all.

Food options on Alcatraz Island are very limited, offering only bottled water as well as light snacks which can be purchased at the GGNPC bookstores.

Gift Shop: At the Alcatraz Island gift shop, you can find unique souvenirs, ranging from exceptional keepsakes and clothing to books, letters and movies about the inmates.

Restrooms: Alcatraz Island offers a limited number of restroom facilities for the convenience of visitors, conveniently located at the dock and near the top of the island, adjacent to the cellhouse.

Minors: Alcatraz Island does not allow minors under the age of 18 to visit without an adult.

Pets: Pets are not allowed on Alcatraz Island, except for service animals.

Photography:Taking pictures is permitted on Alcatraz Island, including the prison cells. However, tripods and other photographic equipment are not allowed.

Consumption: With the exception of bottled water, eating, drinking, and smoking are only allowed at the island’s dock area.

Safety Precautions: Certain sections of Alcatraz are not open for public visitation due to safety concerns. These restricted areas are clearly delineated with fences or barricades.

No Collecting Allowed: The collection of any items, artifacts, or materials from Alcatraz Island is strictly prohibited.

Wildlife: Alcatraz’s plant and animal life are protected by law. Please refrain from feeding birds on the island to ensure their well-being and preservation.

FAQ – Alcatraz Tours

 Alcatraz Island is accessible by ferry only, and the ferries depart from Pier 33 in San Francisco.

Alcatraz provides both daytime and nighttime tours. Daytime tours are the most popular, while nighttime tours offer a distinctive and somewhat eerie perspective of the island. > Compare the most popular Alcatraz tours here.

The standard visit, encompassing the ferry journey to and from the island and the self-guided audio excursion of the prison, usually lasts 2-3 hours. Visitors may allocate extra time to venture around the island.

Food and drinks are allowed on the ferry to Alcatraz Island, but they must be consumed before disembarking, or on the dock. There are limited food options on the island, so it is advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Pets are not allowed on Alcatraz Island, except for service animals, to protect the island’s delicate environment.

Yes, photography is permitted on the island, including the prison and its vicinity. Nonetheless, tripods and other photographic equipment are not allowed.

Alcatraz Island does not allow minors under the age of 18 to visit without an adult.

 When visiting Alcatraz Island, it is recommended to bring a light jacket or sweater as the weather can be unpredictable. The winter months can be wet, so we suggest that you bring a waterproof coat or attire. Comfortable footwear is essential as much of Alcatraz Island consists of steep, hilly terrain.