where to buy alcatraz tour tickets

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Alcatraz Island Golden Gate National Recreation Area 201 Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123

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Alcatraz Island and the Alcatraz Tour

Alcatraz Tour Fascinates Visitors to Alcatraz Island

Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

It's a former federal prison on a rocky island in the middle of the bay, steeped in legend and a popular tourist stop.

Spanish Explorer Manuel de Ayala named this barren rock in the middle of San Francisco Bay Isla de los Alcatraces (Island of the Pelicans). The island called Alcatraz has been used as a Civil War fort, a Federal prison and a symbol of Native American plight. Today, the National Park Service runs Alcatraz Island as a tourist attraction.

Things to Do on Alcatraz

You can get a look at what you'll see on the Alcatraz tour by visiting the Alcatraz slideshow.

The National Park Service schedules activities to help you learn about Alcatraz Island, including lectures and special tours. The schedule board at the ferry landing gives the times. The only guided tour is the audio tour, but you can also pick up a self-guided tour book near the boat dock.

Barracks from Alcatraz Island's stint as a military base, the cell house, lighthouse, and a few others remain. Many of the Alcatraz Island prison buildings are gone. Some burned during the American Indian Alcatraz occupation in the 1960s. The guard's residences, deteriorated beyond repair, were torn down in the 1970s. 

If the hospital area is open during your visit, don't miss it. It's a fascinating look at medical care during the prison's heyday.

To see two San Francisco Bay islands in one day, take the Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour which will also take you to Angel Island .

Alcatraz Island Tickets

The only way to tour Alcatraz is with the company called Alcatraz Cruises, leaving from San Francisco. Other bay cruise companies can take you by, but can't stop.  Find all the details and buy tickets at the Alcatraz Cruises website . Anyone else selling an Alcatraz Island tour is re-selling tickets and may charge a processing fee.

Alcatraz tour tickets sell out fast. The official brochures say tickets sell out as early as a week in advance in the summer and on holiday weekends. When checked on a July Friday, they were sold out until the following Tuesday. 

Tickets not used by hotels are released to the Alcatraz ticket booth just before it opens. Be first in line you may get a same-day tour ticket. Your hotel's concierge or front desk may have tickets. Or consider taking the Alcatraz and Angel Island tour, which doesn't fill up as fast.

The boat ride to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes each way from San Francisco. Your tour can last as long as you like (or until the last boat leaves).

The Day Tour is the most popular. It includes round-trip transportation to the island and the audio tour.

The Night Tour includes extra activities — and is slightly more expensive. Taking it allows more time to visit other sights that close earlier, maximizing your sightseeing time. The only downside is that a few areas that are open during the day close after dark.

Get Ready to Visit Alcatraz

Most visitors spend at least a few hours on Alcatraz. Snacks and water are essential to keep everyone from getting "hangry" or thirsty.

If you don't know much about Alcatraz, stop to see the 17-minute introductory video before you go up the hill. You can also read up on these interesting facts about Alcatraz before you go and  explore the fascinating history of the Alcatraz lighthouse .

Watch the Clint Eastwood movie "Escape from Alcatraz" for a glimpse of how the prison operated during its busiest period.

Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

Pick up an audio tour and use it. You'll get a lot more out of what you're seeing. Pay attention to the audio directions. Otherwise, you could end up gabbing away with your friends and not able to figure out where you should be going. If that happens, ask a ranger or tour guide for help.

If you miss your boat, don't despair. The ticket office can direct you to the standby line for the next one.

To see Alcatraz, you'll walk — a lot. It's easy enough if you're in reasonably good shape. They offer a tram to get you up the hill, but you still have to walk after you get there. 

The boats are quiet, clean and smooth riding. The trip is short. But if you need a Dramamine just to sit on the dock and watch a boat bobbing up and down, take your favorite remedy. 

Those white spots all over the island aren't paint. Rangers say several people a day acquire a "white badge of honor" as a gift from a seagull. DON'T look up if you hear birds. Also, watch where you put your hands to avoid touching those same white splotches of yucky stuff.

The gift shop has some very stylish and clever souvenir items. They also sell the book "Hollywood Alcatraz" which details all the films made at Alcatraz and where their scenes were filmed.

Alcatraz Tour Review

In a poll, more than 2,000 Tripsavvy readers rated Alcatraz, 48% rated it awesome and 10% great. However, 26% gave it the lowest rating.

Alcatraz is likely to bore children under the age of five and is more fun for kids who are old enough to understand what it is.

On the plus side, the views of San Francisco and the bay are eye-popping. History buffs enjoy Alcatraz. So does anyone who's seen the movies about it and feel like it's a must-see. The audio tour is one of the best anywhere, using voices of actual guards and prisoners to tell the prison's story.

On the downside, it takes almost half a day to go there and back. If your trip to San Francisco is short, that may be more time than you want to spend on one activity. And it smells like bird poop during spring seagull nesting season.

Getting to Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island San Francisco, CA National Park Website

Alcatraz Cruises leave from Pier 33. If you've been to San Francisco before, be aware that the ticket booth and departure dock moved several years ago.

To drive, follow signs for Pier 39. Pier 33 is a few blocks east. You can find more than a dozen commercial parking lots within a five-block radius. Street parking isn't practical because the meters have a two-hour limit and you'll be gone longer than that.

If you're staying in San Francisco, take a taxi, use a ride-sharing service or public transit. Muni's F Line runs past Pier 33 and the Powell-Mason cable car stops nearby. Find more ways to get around San Francisco .

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Alcatraz Tours

Escaping to Alcatraz ? Enjoy the trip. And make sure to check out the Parks Conservancy's award-winning "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour." The audio tour is included with the purchase of an Alcatraz tour ticket. Get your Alcatraz tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises here  or call (415) 981-ROCK (7625). 

Also try our unique Alcatraz Night Tours  and Behind the Scenes Tours . You’ll get access to hidden areas of the island on small tours led by NPS rangers and historical experts from the Parks Conservancy. No two tours are ever the same, perfect for a birthday or other special occasion. Get tickets today from Alcatraz City Cruises  and find more info about how you can Escape to Alcatraz !

To purchase Alcatraz tour tickets and for tour schedule information, call (415) 981-7625 or visit Alcatraz Cruises .

Be sure to buy tickets several days in advance (up to several weeks in summer), as tours sell out quickly. Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera, and get ready to have an exciting and memorable visit to The Rock!

Guided tours are offered each day by park rangers and other staff. You’ll learn about:

• The island’s natural history
• San Francisco Bay
• Civilian life of correctional officers
• Escape attempts
• Restored historical gardens

Alcatraz Tour Features

Fresh-air ferry ride Speed across the bay through the wind and salt spray as the ferry takes you from Pier 33 to one of the most infamous island prisons of all time. The make-believe home of Clint Eastwood in Escape from Alcatraz, the prison housed many a bad guy in its heyday.

Walk-in prison experience Step behind bars into the depths of a maximum-security cell house. See where prisoners ate, slept, exercised, or did time in the isolation of the “Treatment Unit,” or worse still, in the complete darkness of the “Hole.” Learn how some of the convicts made their escapes.

Sound and light Take advantage of the audiovisual aids to learn some history: the cell house audio tour features voices and stories of actual inmates and guards, and a video exhibit explains the birth of the Native American Red Power movement at Alcatraz.

Special Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz Historic Gardens Tours Join a garden docent for a walk through the restored historic gardens and learn about the softer side of the Rock. Tours leave the Alcatraz dock every Friday and Sunday at 9:30 am. On Wednesdays from 11 am–2 pm, have your questions answered by a gardener at the Officer’s Row overlook and enjoy a personal tour of these gardens.

Alcatraz Night Tour You can also experience the island at night on the Alcatraz Night Tour , a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors each evening. Called the “best tour of the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Chronicle, it includes special programs, tours, and activities offered only to the island’s night visitors.

The Alcatraz Night Tour operates year-round, Thursday-Monday evenings. The evening includes roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, recreation use fee, and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. To purchase tickets visit Alcatraz Cruises or call (415) 981-7625.

Proceeds from the Alcatraz Night Tour support preservation and restoration projects on Alcatraz and throughout the Golden Gate National Parks. For general (non-ticket) Night Tour information, please call (415) 561-4926.

Become an Alcatraz Night Tour volunteer —Volunteers with the Alcatraz Night Tour work in one of America’s most famous sites. Activities include welcoming and orienting arriving visitors, showing them some lesser known areas of the island as well as performing resource protection duties. If you would like to join our team as a VIP, please call the NPS volunteer hotline at (415) 561-4755, the Night Tour directly at (415) 561-4927.

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How to Visit Alcatraz Island in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More

Jessica Nemire Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Alcatraz Island is almost synonymous with San Francisco. Due to the island’s immense popularity, it can be hard to plan your visit. Never fear! That’s what we are here for. Here’s how to visit Alcatraz Island, plus all you need to know about tickets, hours, and more!

Pro Tip:  It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our  San Francisco Guide  for more planning resources, our best San Francisco tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in San Fran .

Alcatraz Island Hours, Tickets, Tours, And Facts: What We’ll Cover

Alcatraz Island housed the most infamous prison in the United States: the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Since shutting down in 1963 and sending its prisoners elsewhere, both the prison and the island have become one of the most popular tour destinations in San Francisco.

It’s also in the middle of the scenic San Francisco Bay, making it even more of an iconic place to visit to get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. You can learn more about the history of Alcatraz Island here !

• Hours and info
• Tickets and pricing
• Transportation and parking
• What to see and do
• Alcatraz tours
• Facts and history of Alcatraz

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if San Francisco tours are worth it .

How to Visit Alcatraz Island: Hours and Info

Hours:  Monday – Sunday, from 10 am until 9 pm.

Alcatraz Island is closed on the following days:

• Thanksgiving (4th Thursday of November)
• December 25

There are also various portions of the island that are closed off at certain times of the year to allow the island’s resident sea birds to nest. Alcatraz Island has been known to have special events, such as art exhibits, although there have not been any such events since 2019. If they resume events again, their events page can be found here . Currently, the island is hosting community building days to restore the the gardens on the island.

Tickets and Pricing for Alcatraz Island

Since Alcatraz Island is, you know, an island, it’s only accessible via a ticketed ferry. Due to the popularity of Alcatraz, we strongly recommend booking your tickets to Alcatraz Island at least a few weeks ahead of time! Especially during the summer and other high tourist times during the year, Alcatraz tickets can sell out even months ahead of your tour date!

Every ferry ride to Alcatraz Island departs from Pier 33 near Fisherman’s Wharf. The ferry ride from Pier 33 to the island typically takes around 15 minutes. Make sure you arrive at least 45 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to leave. There’s a lot to explore and views to take in from the island, so we recommend spending at least three hours there.

You can purchase your tickets online or in person at Pier 33, which is where the ferry departs. If buying directly from Alcatraz Island, they offer a day tour, a night tour, and also a behind-the-scenes tour. The prices listed below are for the daytime tour, as that is the most common option.

Admission:  $41 for adults, $25 for children (5-11 years), $41 for juniors (12-17 years), $38 for seniors (62+ years) Family Pricing: $119.60 total for 2 adults + 2 children 5-11years

Address:  31 San Francisco Pier 33 – Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA

Pro Tip:  Skip the line by booking your ticket online ahead of time or getting more out of your visit by joining our San Francisco in a day tour ! The tour includes a full access ticket to Alcatraz Penitentiary and Island, as well as a 4-hour guided tour of San Francisco in an open-sided van. The tour also stops by the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and includes pickup at your hotel!

Not ready to book a tour? Read more in our San Francisco Guide .

How To Get to Alcatraz Island

Please note that there is no parking available at Pier 33 (or the island) as you plan how to visit Alcatraz Island. The ferry landing dock at Pier 33 is about a 7-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Pier 39, otherwise known as Fisherman’s Wharf.

Like most of San Francisco, parking is almost impossible to find at Pier 39. For this reason, finding another way to Alcatraz Island is advised. That’s a big part of the reason why we recommend booking our San Francisco in a day tour that includes Alcatraz. All logistics and tickets are included so you can enjoy your day without stress.

Here are a few transportation options to get to your Alcatraz ferry departure at Pier 33:

• Car/Rideshare Services

The exact timing of your journey to Pier 33 to pick up the ferry for Alcatraz Island depends on which hotel you are staying at, of course. Since most of our picks for the best hotels in San Francisco are near the Embarcadero waterfront , we calculated the times from there. We also calculated some times from Union Square, as that is another popular area to stay in San Francisco.

By Trolley:

We don’t mean the cable cars when we say trolley. Although it looks similar to a cable car, the F Market & Wharves trolley is a MUNI bus that runs from Castro St. Station to Fisherman’s Wharf. Standing for San Francisco Municipal Railway,” the MUNI system is San Francisco’s bus and underground train system.

From the Embarcadero, it takes around 8 minutes to get from the trolley stop to Pier 33. From Union Square, it takes around 24 minutes. A ride on the F trolley costs $3. You can pay by cash with exact change, or on the MuniMobile app. For more information about transportation in San Francisco, check out our helpful article about getting around San Francisco !

If you’re staying by the Embarcadero, the F trolley is your only public transportation option to get to Pier 33. If you are staying by Union Square, you can take the 8 MUNI bus. It takes around 24 minutes, and costs $3.

By Car/Uber:

It takes 10 minutes to drive from Union Square to Pier 33 and around 5 minutes or less to drive from Embarcadero. Since parking is next to impossible near the piers, if you need to drive, we suggest taking Lyft, Uber, or a taxi. With all 3 options, the one-way fare for a standard car fitting 3-4 passengers is likely between $10 and $12.

It takes less than 10 minutes to bike from both Union Square and the Embarcadero area to Pier 33. There are bike rentals all over the city, including handy electric bikes. Bay Wheels, an e-bike sharing program managed by Lyft, offers bike rentals through the Lyft app. For single rides, you will be charged an unlock fee of $3 and charged 30 cents a minute. So, a 10-minute bike ride would about cost $6. Despite being a difficult area to park in, there are frequently a lot of cars and traffic in this area, so watch out for cars if you are biking!

If you are staying near Union Square or the Embarcadero, it might be easiest to simply walk to Pier 33 to catch the ferry if you and everyone in your group is up for a walk. Walking from the Embarcadero Area will take around 15-20 minutes, depending on which hotel you are staying in, and walking from Union Square will take around 30 minutes.

What to See and Do on the Island

Throughout your exploration of the buildings left standing on Alcatraz, you’ll find hundreds of photographs and memorabilia from the time of its use. Some areas are off limits to tourists as they are unstable from neglect. The walkways are also quite steep in some areas, so wear sturdy shoes!

• The cellhouse and infamous escape room
• The gardens
• The courtyard or playground
• View of the bay and the city

Alcatraz Island Tours

A trip to Alcatraz Island is only possible by purchasing a ferry ticket to the island. The National Park Service has jurisdiction over the island, so you’ll find park guides available to help you explore the island. It’s a mostly self-guided tour, but there are also several tour options available throughout the day.

The most popular tour option is the Alcatraz day tour, but there are also night tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and combination tours with Angel Island and Alcatraz Island.

Since it’s extremely difficult to get tickets during peak tourist months, booking a combination tour with a local guide is a popular option. Most tourists prefer booking both Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge to see both of the top San Francisco attractions in one day.

Facts and History of Alcatraz

To get you excited about your trip to Alcatraz, here are some interesting facts about the history of Alcatraz from authors and eyewitnesses mentioned in our other article here .

• Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary housed prisoners during the Civil War.
• The army left Alcatraz in 1934, but it was only empty for a few weeks before the Bureau of Prisons put the most dangerous criminals here.
• Most of the criminals at Alcatraz had committed violent crimes or tried to escape their previous prisons.
• Famous Alcatraz inmates included Al Capone (for tax evasion) and “Machine Gun” Kelly (not the singer) convicted of kidnapping.
• Although the prison took up most of the island, there were also barracks, apartments, and a recreation hall, and at least 60 families with children lived there full time.
• The families who lived there called it  “the poor man’s Hawaii.”
• In 1972, the island became a part of the National Park Service, and it has been home to beautiful gardens since 2003.
• Currently, many species of animals call the island home, such as salamanders and cormorants.
• It’s referred to as “The Rock” because it is made up of mostly rock, and dirt was hauled in to make it livable.
• So far, it has appeared in 10 movies and TV shows, including the 2010 movies The Book of Eli and the 2006 movie X-Men: The Last Stand .

Where To Stay in San Francisco

Make the most of your visit to San Francisco by choosing to stay in the best neighborhoods for seeing all this iconic city has to offer. You’ll love our hotel recommendations.

About Jessica Nemire

Jessica Nemire has been writing about about travel since 2011. She graduated from San Francisco State University in 2016 with a BA in journalism. She loves the ocean, Mission District burritos, and amazing sunsets.

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• Visiting “The Rock”: How to get Alcatraz Tickets and Everything Else you Need to Know
• San Francisco

Everyone has heard of Alcatraz Island, but only those lucky enough to visit San Francisco get the opportunity to visit the famous rock. We think that everyone visiting, or even living in San Francisco should experience this historic place. 

But a visit to Alcatraz comes with lots of questions, like how to buy Alcatraz tour tickets and where to board the Alcatraz ferry. Maybe you want to know everything your Alcatraz ticket includes. 

In this article, we will include all of that and more. Below you will find an outline to help you navigate this page.

What and Where is Alcatraz?

Alcatraz island hours of operation.

• How and Why you should Visit Alcatraz Island

How to Buy Alcatraz Tickets

• Alcatraz Tour Ticket Options and What they Include
• What to Bring
• What NOT to Bring

How Long to Plan for an Alcatraz Tour

Getting to alcatraz landing (pier 33).

• Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing

Basic Alcatraz Ferry Info

Onboard amenities , arriving on alcatraz island, walking up to the prison, the cellhouse audio tour, exploring alcatraz island.

• Island Amenities

Key Alcatraz Takeaways

Alcatraz island ticket faq, alcatraz island basic info.

Alcatraz Island , also known simply as “The Rock,” is an island in the San Francisco Bay. It has been many things over the years, but is most famous for being a maximum-security federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. Notorious criminals were held in this inescapable prison, such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.

Today, Alcatraz Island is part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area and managed by the National Park System. The Island offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history and natural beauty of Alcatraz at their own pace.

Alcatraz Island, also known simply as “The Rock,” is an island in the San Francisco Bay. It has been many things over the years, but is most famous for being a maximum-security federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. Notorious criminals were held in this inescapable prison, such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.

Alcatraz Island is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Their hours of operation change with the season and tours offered, but ferry departures are scheduled approximately every half hour beginning at 8:45am.

Note: Certain sections of the Island are closed to the public during seabird nesting season. For example, the Agave Trail is only open in fall and early winter.

How and Why You Should Visit Alcatraz Island

The only way to visit Alcatraz Island is to take a ferry. It is an island, afterall! Alcatraz tour tickets include this ferry ride, entrance onto the island, the cellhouse audio tour of the prison, and more. Details depend on which Alcatraz ticket you choose. More on that below. 

Once on the island, you have the freedom to explore as you wish. Take the Cellhouse audio tour to learn about the prison from past prisoners and guards, walk the scenic Agave Trail for beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco, or join in on a free Park Ranger presentation. 

A visit to Alcatraz Island is a San Francisco must do. The views are stunning and the history is intriguing. There really is nowhere in the world like it.

Alcatraz Tickets

Morning Guided City Tour of San Francisco

Most complete and entertaining San Francisco city tour available. Stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.

Alcatraz Island and Guided San Francisco City Tour

This full-day tour breaks you into Alcatraz and and explores the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Land’s End and Twin Peaks.

So now that we have convinced you that you need to visit, let’s get to the Alcatraz ticket details you need to know. 

There is only one company that can dock on Alcatraz Island. You will see many other San Francisco Bay cruises and ferries mention Alcatraz, but these boats can only sail past or around the island. Make sure you buy the right ticket!

In order to buy the correct ticket, only purchase an Alcatraz ticket in one of the following ways:

• Online or over the phone through Alcatraz City Cruises. Tickets become available 90 days or more before the tour date. As soon as you know what date you want to go—buy the tickets! When buying Alcatraz tickets in advance, you will receive a QR code containing your tickets. Either print your tickets yourself or take a screenshot of this QR code and take it with you to the willcall ticket booth.
• In person on Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing). If there are tickets available, they can be purchased in person at the Alcatraz City Cruises ticket booth on Pier 33. We do not recommend leaving this to the last minute, as the lines can be very long and many people are turned away when tickets sell out. 
• As part of a combination tour with a reputable company. Several tour companies in San Francisco offer tours that combine Alcatraz Island with a Guided City Tour . If you buy a tour through a site other than that link, make sure to read the fine print and confirm it includes access onto the Island, and not just a view of it.

Insider Tip: If Alcatraz tour tickets sell out for the date you want to go, try finding a combination tour like the one linked above. Often they have availability when City Experiences sell out. Plus you will get another awesome tour! Win, win. 

Alcatraz Tour Ticket Options and What They Include

When purchasing Alcatraz tickets through Alcatraz City Cruises, you will have 3 ticket options. Each comes with a different price tag and experience.

• Alcatraz Day Tour. This is the most popular Alcatraz tour ticket. This ticket includes the ferry ride to and from the island, the Cellhouse audio tour, Park Ranger talks, and free time to explore the island on your own, including the Alcatraz theater, several historic buildings, and interpretive exhibits. If you purchase a combo tour, this will most likely be the Alcatraz ticket you will receive. Adult day tickets are around $50.
• Alcatraz Night Tour. This tour takes you to the Island after dark and includes special tours, presentations, and activities not offered during the day. These Alcatraz tickets are limited, popular, and sell out quickly. Ticket prices are about $10 more than the Day Tour. Offered Tuesday-Saturday. 
• Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour. This is the Alcatraz Island ticket for the ultimate Alcatraz fan. Get access to off-limits areas within the Cellhouse on a live, guided tour. Groups are limited to 30 guests aged 12+. This experience also includes everything included in the Night Tour above. Ticket prices are over twice that of the Day Tour, and you can expect a tour duration of 4-5 hours. Offered Tuesday-Saturday. 

Before your Alcatraz Tour

After you have your tickets purchased, you can start looking forward to your visit! Here is what you need to know to prepare for your Alcatraz Tour. 

What to Bring to Alcatraz

• Photo ID and the Credit Card used to purchase your tickets 
• Ticket QR code and backup printed paper copy
• Bottled water (no glass)
• Jacket. The weather can be completely different on Alcatraz, and can change rapidly.
• Comfy walking shoes

What NOT to Bring to Alcatraz

• Big backpacks/bags. Nothing bigger than a standard size backpack will be allowed and there are no storage lockers available. 
• Anything with wheels (Ex. skateboards, roller skates, wheelie shoes…). Wheelchairs are the exception of course.
• Food. While they won’t stop you from bringing snacks to the island, you can only eat them on the dock. So we recommend most people just eat plenty beforehand and leave food at home. 
• Alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can only be purchased on your return ferry trip.

As a San Francisco tourist (or even a local!), we know that you probably have your day in the city planned out to the minute. So how long does a tour to Alcatraz take exactly?

The beauty is that the answer is mostly up to you! Once on the island you can choose any of the returning ferry departures offered for your Alcatraz ticket type. So especially if you purchase a Day Tour ticket for a morning ferry departure to the island, you could spend many hours there before heading back to San Francisco. 

Note: The Night and Behind the Scenes Tours have their own limited evening return ferry departures. This means there may be a little less flexibility with these options, depending on the season. 

We think the minimum time it would take to get to the island, walk up to the Cellhouse for the audio tour, and then catch a return ferry to the mainland is just under 2 hours. But that is without exploring anything else the island has to offer and assuming the return ferry is leaving at exactly the right time.  We recommend leaving 3-4 hours free to fully explore and enjoy Alcatraz Island. You may only be there once after all! Watch the documentary in the theater, listen to a ranger talk, explore the special exhibits, pose with the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast, and peruse the shop for a souvenir.

The Alcatraz Ferry

The ferry to Alcatraz Island leaves from Pier 33 along the Embarcadero, also known as Alcatraz Landing. Here it is on a map:

As you can see, it is right at the end of the Fisherman’s Wharf tourist area and under a ½ mile from Pier 39. This is great news because…

There is no parking lot at Pier 33.

There are pay-to-park lots nearby, the closest being the lot at 80 Francisco St just a couple blocks away. We would not, however, suggest you drive to Alcatraz Landing. Driving in San Francisco is often slower than other means of transportation, and the parking lots will definitely cost you more money. 

The best options to get to the ferry terminal include walking, the MUNI F line streetcar (Bay Street stop), bicycle rental, or rideshare app. Of course, if you book a combination tour, the tour guide will drop you off right where you need to be!

Insider Tip: There is limited, accessible parking at Pier 33 for vehicles with valid disabled placards. These spots are first come first served.

Even if you have your Alcatraz tickets in hand, you should arrive at the ferry dock no less than 30 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure . You will probably notice on arrival that people are already standing in line. While you can absolutely join the line if you would like, there is not much need. More on this later. 

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing 

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing consists of the ticketbooth, waiting and boarding areas, restrooms, and exhibits about Alcatraz. When you arrive, head to the willcall ticket booth line with your QR code and photo ID to pick up your tickets if you didn’t print them. Then you will be free to enjoy the area until boarding.

Now it is time to load onto the ferry and head to Alcatraz! There is a sign on Pier 33 that announces which departure is boarding. Just make sure to double check that sign and your ticket to confirm the departure time matches.

The Alcatraz Ferry has both indoor and outdoor sections , each with ample seating and great views. They do not oversell the ferry’s seating capacity, so if you have a ticket, you are guaranteed a seat on that ferry. 

When your ferry loads, all of the people standing in line usually rush straight to claim the best seats. But here’s the truth of the matter: most of those people end up standing along the railing to get the best views and take pictures anyway, especially on a nice day. 

And the ferry ride is only 15 minutes each way. So unless you have trouble standing that long, you will most likely want to stand along the edge and watch the views and ignore the seats entirely.

And boy is there a lot to see from the Alcatraz Ferry! The views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Angel Island , and, of course, Alcatraz Island itself are incredible. Make sure to bring a camera or a well-charged phone to capture the moment.

The Alcatraz Ferry is well appointed, especially for such a short boat ride. There are accessible restrooms and a snack and drink bar. 

Insider Tip: Don’t waste your precious time on the ferry standing in line at the snack bar! You only have 15 minutes to take in the views afterall. Eat before the ferry ride and enjoy the beautiful San Francisco boat ride you paid for. 

You can now preorder food and drinks for the return ferry journey. While this does maybe save you from waiting as long for your food, we don’t see much point. The Alcatraz Ferry is not known for their gourmet food or drink. So if you can wait until you get back on the mainland and have hundreds of restaurants and bars to choose from, that is our suggestion. 

Alcatraz Island Tour Details

Now we have made it to the really exciting part of the tour — your time on Alcatraz Island! Here are all of the details you need to know. 

First, an Insider Tip: When you arrive on Alcatraz Island and step off of the ferry, you will see a sign on the dock listing the return ferry departures for that day. Take a photo of this sign, especially if you don’t have a brochure.  

When you walk off of the ferry onto Alcatraz Island you will be welcomed by a Park Ranger. They will introduce you to the Island and some of the things to see and do. It is a good plan to pay attention to the intro, even if you are an Alcatraz expert, as seasonal changes and closures do happen. 

The walk up to the prison for the Cellhouse Tour surprises some people. It is just a ¼ of a mile and paved, but it is steep. When you reach the top you will have climbed the equivalent of 13 flights of stairs. There are flat sections where you can stop, rest, and take in the views throughout the route, so make ample use of those if you need to.  Those that have any trouble walking can reserve a spot on the electric tram. The S.E.A.T tram is a completely free service that transports folks up and down from the dock to the Cellhouse on a regular schedule.

The Cellhouse audio tour is the most popular thing to do on Alcatraz Island. It is a fantastic walking tour of the historic prison, including Al Capone’s cell, the recreation yard, the punishment cells, the prison library, and more. The tour is given by former inmates and prison guards. These narrators really bring a personal connection to the stories and bring the history to life. 

The audio tour is available in the following 11 languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, German, Japanese, and Mandarin, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian. There are also large print, braille, and sign language versions of the tour available upon request. The Cellhouse tour is also wheelchair accessible, with elevators available to reach the upper floor. 

Remember that you can pause the audio tour at any time . The tour runs 45 minutes, but you can make it much longer if you wish to. Pause at any time to look longer at something or even to go back and listen to a section again. The recorded tour really gives you a lot of flexibility. 

After you have finished the audio tour and handed in your device, you will leave the prison through the gift shop and be right where you started the tour. 

Insider Tip: You do not have to do the Cellhouse tour first. Most people will get off the ferry, climb the hill, and immediately start the audio tour. You absolutely can do it this way, but it is 100% not a requirement. If big groups at each stop during the audio tour will detract from your experience, consider exploring the island a bit first. 

Check out the documentary playing in the theater, hike the Agave Trail and look for seabirds, or go check out the lighthouse. If you time your start of the audio tour for inbetween ferry arrivals, you will have more elbow room.

There is more to do on Alcatraz than just the Cellhouse tour. 

Make sure to check out the exhibits on display. They cover a range of topics pertaining to the island like the Native American occupation, the American Justice system, and seabirds. You can find rotating exhibits in Building 64, the New Industries Building, and the Cellhouse. 

If you like old historic buildings, or at least the remains of them, you’ll be happy on Alcatraz. You can see the lighthouse (the first on the West coast!), Warden’s home, Officer’s Row, the Guardhouse, Officer’s Club, the power plant, the morgue, the water tower, and more, in just a quick loop around the island.

Don’t forget to check out Building 64 down by the dock either. This is where you will find the theater and bookstores. This is also where you can find out about the ranger programs on schedule for the day. The park rangers on Alcatraz are full of knowledge and they give great talks. 

Let’s not forget about the nature on Alcatraz! When you walk around you will see multiple gardens, some even planted by the inmates themselves. And if you are visiting from September-January, make sure to take a walk on the Agave Trail. The 0.7-mile trail is lined with eucalyptus and multiple species of agave. It begins near the dock and goes right down to the water where the birdwatching and views of the Bay are fantastic. 

Alcatraz Island Amenities

There are two public restrooms on Alcatraz Island. One is near the ferry dock and the other is up the hill near the Cellhouse and Lighthouse. 

There are basic snacks, water bottles, and hot beverages sold at the bookstore near the dock. Keep in mind that you can only eat in the designated area on the dock. 

The bookstore also sells… books! If you are interested in reading further about the island, definitely pick up a book for further reading. If you are looking for something a bit more souvenir-like, also take a look through the gift shop at the end of the Cellhouse tour. They sell things like inmate shackles, officer badges, and novelty clothing.

That was a lot of info! So here is a checklist of the most important takeaways from this article and things to remember:

• Buy your Alcatraz tickets in advance
• Bring your photo ID to the ticket booth
• Eat beforehand
• Leave large bags at home
• Bring a jacket
• Explore more of the island than just the Cellhouse

When is the best time to visit Alcatraz?

Alcatraz Island is open 362 days a year, but that doesn’t mean it is always the same experience. The most crowded times on Alcatraz are Holidays and weekends during the summer. If you plan to go during those times, definitely buy your tickets way ahead of time and be ready to share the space.

The best time to go to Alcatraz may be in the fall months. San Francisco often experiences a second summer, and fall days are sunny and warm. The Agave path will also be open this time of year, for an added activity and bonus for nature lovers. 

Having said all of that, there is something a bit perfect about visiting Alcatraz on a dark and dreary day too. The spooky weather just adds to the atmosphere of the Island. Just bring a rain layer and your sense of adventure, and you will have a great time, no matter the weather.

Where can I buy an Alcatraz Island ticket?

Purchase your Alcatraz tickets directly through Alcatraz City Cruises, either on this Alcatraz City Cruises website , on the phone, or in person at the Pier 33 ticket booth.  The other option is to combine an Alcatraz Ticket with another tour on a combo tour like this Alcatraz Island and Guided San Francisco City Tour .

What does an Alcatraz Ticket Include?

An Alcatraz tour ticket includes:

• Ferry to the island
• Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Access to special exhibits and Ranger talks
• Freetime to explore all open areas on the island
• Ferry back to Pier 33

Published on: February 5th 2024

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Alcatraz Island tours – tickets, prices, discounts, ferry timings, duration

Alcatraz Island is a small island in San Francisco Bay, California, USA.

The island is best known for its former prison, which operated from 1934 to 1963 and housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

In addition to its history as a federal prison, Alcatraz Island has been used for military purposes, as a lighthouse station, and as a site for Native American activism.

More than one million tourists book an Alcatraz tour and visit Alcatraz Island annually.

The island also offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

This article covers everything you must know before buying an Alcatraz Island ticket.

Top Alcatraz Island Tours

# Tickets for San Francisco: Alcatraz + 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus # Alcatraz Inside Tour with Bay Cruise

Table of contents

Where is alcatraz, can you visit alcatraz, what to expect at alcatraz, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, alcatraz island ticket price, alcatraz island tickets, tickets for san francisco: alcatraz + 2-day hop-on hop-off bus, alcatraz combo tours, how to reach pier 33, ferry timings in summer, ferry timings in winter, best month(s) to visit, how long does a tour of alcatraz take, map of alcatraz island, what to wear for the alcatraz tour, alcatraz audio tour, alcatraz tickets faqs.

Alcatraz is a rocky island 2 km (1.5 miles) from the San Francisco shore. ( Get Directions )

This island occupies 22 acres (9 hectares).

Yes, the Alcatraz prison and island grounds are open to the public.

Tourists can plan to visit Alcatraz any day of the year except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day – the three days it is closed.

All you need to do is book an Alcatraz island tour.

Take the ferry ride starting from the famous PIER 39 and immerse yourself in breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline en route to Alcatraz island.

Dive deep into the rich history of the notorious Alcatraz Penitentiary, where infamous criminals like Al Capone were once held.

Step into the cells that once housed some of America’s most notorious criminals and feel the chilling atmosphere of “The Rock.”

Engage in the award-winning audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards, providing a gripping narrative of daily life behind bars.

Explore the prison’s iconic features, including the ominous Cell Block D and the haunting exercise yard with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Listen to the captivating tales of escape attempts and prison life as you traverse the cold, echoing corridors.

Beyond the penitentiary, discover the island’s natural beauty, featuring diverse wildlife, gardens, and stunning vistas

Tickets for San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour  are available online and at the tour agency office.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters. 

Because the Inside Alcatraz experience sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days.

Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Visit the ticket  booking page for San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour  , select the preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

You will show your smartphone tickets to your tour guide, who will then give you the Alcatraz Island tickets.

Please carry a valid ID with you.

For San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise , the general ticket for all ages above 12, costs US$135.

Children aged between five and 11 get a US$10 discount and can participate in the tour for US$125.

Kids under five years old are not charged any fee.

For Tickets for San Francisco: Alcatraz + 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus , the general ticket for all ages is priced at US$120.

This ticket is the most popular way to explore Alcatraz Island and the penitentiary.

This ticket covers:

• Round-trip Ferry transportation from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island
• The on-board narration during the round-trip ferry ride
• The Cell House audio guide
• The tour of the prison (using the audio guide)
• Other programs and exhibits going on in Alcatraz
• Passage under the Golden Gate Bridge during the San Francisco Bat Tour.

This tour will last for four hours and is accessible to wheelchair users.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (12+ years): US$135

Child ticket (5-11 years): US$125

Kids up to four years old can participate for free.

This ticket provides you with a round trip to access to and from Alcatraz Islands and its exhibits via a ferry.

You will have an audio guide at Alcatraz, but not the Cell House Audio tape that has a running commentary from Alcatraz inmates.

You will also have two-day access to a Hop-on-Hop-Off bus tour of San Francisco that loops around attractions such as Lombard Street, Haight Street, Embracadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Bridge, among 15 other stops.

You will have an audio commentary on the bus in a language of your choice.

The Hop-on-Hop-off tours run every day from 10 am to 5 pm, with buses departing every 60 minutes.

You will also get a Chinatown guided walking tour and have the option to pick from a half-day bike rental tour or USS Pampanito

Ticket Price (All ages): US$120

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Combo tickets help you save a lot of money and time by pairing up tickets to attractions that are relatively close by at a highly discounted price

Every day, a limited number of Alcatraz tour tickets get allotted to tour operators in San Francisco to be sold as Alcatraz combo tours.

Below, we share our favorite combo tours, including a visit to Alcatraz Island.

Or you can see all the  available Alcatraz tours .

Since even Alcatraz combination tickets get sold off fast, it isn’t easy to get your preferred dates.

You may have to search for a suitable Alcatraz combination tour with your preferred dates available.

Can’t afford so much? Try this tour, where you  cruise around Alcatraz Island for 90 minutes for only US$47 per person.

If these combo tours didn’t excite you, check out these time-tested tricks to buy  Alcatraz tickets last minute .

How to reach Alcatraz Cruises

Alcatraz Island tour ferries depart from and return to Pier 33, also known as Alcatraz Landing .

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is along San Francisco’s northern waterfront promenade, also known as The Embarcadero.

Pier 33 is near the intersections of Sansome Street, The Embarcadero, Bay Street, and Embarcadero.

It is just 400 meters (a quarter of a mile) from Fisherman’s Wharf .

The Alcatraz Landing area at Pier 33 includes the Ticket booth, waiting, and boarding areas.

You can use BART or MUNI to get to the Pier 33, two mini-bus and light-rail mass transportation services in San Francisco.

North Point St & Kearny St bus stop is just a three-minute walk away.

Powell St & North Point St is a ten-minute walk away.

Bay St. and Midway St. bus stop is a six-minute walk away.

LOWL bus lines stop near the Pier.

By Cable Car

The MUNI F line stops at The Embarcadero & Stockton St , a one-minute walk from the pier.

All odd-number piers on San Francisco’s waterfront are north of the city’s famous Ferry Building , at the foot of Market Street, and all the even-numbered piers are south of the Ferry Building. 

Many tourists don’t realize this and land up at Piers 30, 32, or 34, which are miles from the spot from where they must board the Alcatraz Island ferry.

Cars for rent and Taxis for hire are easily available in San Francisco.

Put on Google Maps to navigate to Pier 33.

If you plan to board an Alcatraz ferry to the Island, we don’t recommend driving to Pier 33.

Parking is difficult to find and very expensive in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, especially in the summer and spring months.

You may miss your scheduled departure if you don’t find parking in time.

It is better to get dropped off at Pier 33 or take public transport.

A list of parking spots can be found here.

Alcatraz tour times

Alcatraz Island opens for tourists as early as 8.45 am.

The first ferry of the day is the ‘Early Bird Tour,’ which is available for booking throughout the year.

The rest of the Alcatraz tour timings change with the season.

Alcatraz & Angel Island Combo tour happens at 9.30 am all through the year.

Best time to visit Alcatraz Island

Early morning is the best time to visit Alcatraz – if you get the ‘Early Bird Alcatraz ticket’ and board the ferry departing Pier 33 at 8.45 am, you can avoid the crowd that comes in later.

The next best time to visit Alcatraz Island is 6 pm in the summer and 4 pm in winter – on the night tour ferry.

Only some people opt for the night tour of Alcatraz Island , making it seem personalized.

As a bonus, you will see amazing views of a lit-up San Francisco skyline when you return from the Island.

Mondays to Thursdays are the best days to visit the island because weekends get crowded.

The late winter months of January, February, and March see the least crowd at Alcatraz.

The weather is less pleasant than expected, and there is always a threat of rain.

However, since the ferries have covered seating, rains don’t affect the travel to Alcatraz Island.

If you want to avoid the crowd and prefer good weather, look at September and October at the latest.

Note:  San Francisco weather is unpredictable. It can get sunny, foggy, or chilly at an hour’s notice, so it is better to dress in layers.

The Alcatraz Island day tour includes the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, the Cell House audio tour, the optional exhibits, and the ferry ride back, all of which take approximately three hours.

The ferry rides take 12-15 minutes each way, allowing for two and a half hours on the island.

If you love history, like to get into the details, and prefer to take many photographs, you can easily spend four to five hours exploring Alcatraz.

Here are the three factors which impact the duration of Alcatraz tours most:

• Once you get down at Alcatraz Island, a steep 400 meters (1312 feet) climb takes you to the Cell House. This elevation change is 40 meters (130 feet). Some visitors prefer to rest in between, while others manage this distance faster.
• While some tourists stop to catch their breath, others stop for the breathtaking view during this climb. The sights are so alluring that many tourists take it easy and spend extra time.
• The Cell House audio tour at Alcatraz is 45 minutes long. However, you can pause it at regular intervals and pace your exploration.

Alcatraz night tours also tend to take three hours.

Save up to 45% on ticket prices of the top 25 attractions in San Francisco. To save time and money during your SFO holiday, buy San Francisco’s Go Card

During your visit, it will help to have the Alcatraz Island map.

Even though you are not likely to get lost, you will know where the facilities are, where the Agave trail is, where the bird-watching space is, etc.

We recommend you save this map (pdf) on your mobile or bookmark this page to return to it later.

The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and subject to change at short notice.

However bright the day begins, dress up in layers and bring a light jacket or sweater.

Once you reach Alcatraz Island, you must climb 400 meters (1312 feet) to the Cell House.

While exploring the San Francisco attraction, you will also get exposed to stairways and gravel walkways, so wearing comfortable and covered walking shoes is an absolute must.

It is better to avoid sandals, high heels, and open-toe shoes.

The sunlight reflecting off the bay’s surface can be dangerously bright on the water and the island. We highly recommend sunglasses and sunblock.

Rain is a high possibility if you are visiting during winter and early spring.

The Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour is at the core of the Alcatraz experience and is included with every Alcatraz ticket. 

Visitors can tour the Cellhouse at their own pace with the award-winning audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour.”

The 45-minute-long tour introduces four former Alcatraz officers and four former inmates, who narrate the tour.

You will be shown a photograph of each man in one of the first prison cells, with a short biography, and having a face to each personality adds that extra zip to the narration.

This audio tour also covers escape attempts, the Battle of ’46, food riots at the jail, how the prisoners survived solitary confinement, etc.

Besides English, the Cell House audio tour is available in ten other languages. 

You can use the traditional audio tour equipment provided at the attraction or download the mobile app on your device (bring your earbuds). 

You can check out a sample of the Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour  here .

Tourists have a lot of questions before they buy their Alcatraz Island tickets.

Tickets to Alcatraz Island can sell out much in advance. Please secure your tickets on the Alcatraz ferry as soon as you finalize the plan. Alcatraz tickets get sold out 75 days in advance during the peak summer months. During the months with moderate tourist activity (September and October), Alcatraz tour tickets get booked 45 to 50 days in advance.

Alcatraz ticket booth is at  Pier 33 , The Embarcadero, San Francisco. The office is open seven days a week from 7.30 am to 5 pm Pacific Time.

You can buy the tickets at Pier 33, but we recommend buying tickets online to avoid hassle and last-minute disappointment.

Alcatraz tickets get sold out very fast from the official website. If you are searching for Alcatraz tickets at the last minute, your only option is to  book a combo tour , which includes a ferry ride to the Alcatraz prison island and back

Every day, guests can purchase a limited number of same-day Alcatraz tour tickets from the Alcatraz City Cruises ticket office at Pier 33. The authorities sell it to the tourists on a first-come, first-served basis, so you may have to line up at 5 am.  We suggest  Alcatraz Combo tours  instead.

The  Alcatraz Night Tour  is also often called the Alcatraz Haunted Tour. This is because the guides who lead the Alcatraz night tour use the darkness and fewer visitors at night to create a ‘haunted’ experience.

Wherever you buy your Alcatraz tour tickets from, there is no refund. There will be no compensation for no-shows as well.

Yes, all Alcatraz tickets include the full experience – ferry transportation both ways, access to the Alcatraz prison on the Island, and the Cell House audio tour.

Alcatraz tour tickets are sometimes referred to as ‘Alcatraz boat tickets’ because they include the ferry to Alcatraz Island and back.

Sources # Alcatrazislandtickets.com # Tripadvisor.com # Alcatraztoursf.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Barkha Tiwari

She is a holidaymaker comfortable with vacations on sandy beaches or breaks where she is skiing in the snow. She mixes up her holidays with the right amount of activity and lazing around and believes that both are needed in the right amount to experience the world’s cultures and destinations. Favorite Cities: Prague, Budapest, Munich, Florence

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Alcatraz Day Tour

• Alcatraz Night Tour
• Bay Discovery Cruise
• Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour
• Book Your Tour Now!
• About Alcatraz
• Park Programs
• Alcatraz History
• Alcatraz Ferry Schedule
• Before You Visit
• Accessibility & Parking

Ferry to Alcatraz Island. Tour the Inside of the Cellhouse. Explore Alcatraz Island.

Duration: Approximately 2 ½ Hours Available: Daily, hourly departures: 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM

• E-Ticket Mobile Check-in
• Alcatraz Island roundtrip ferry
• Access Inside Alcatraz Prison
• Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Orientation video
• Ranger and docent tours

Tour the Inside of the Alcatraz prison cellhouse. Step back in time and experience the legendary island that has been a civil war fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history. This memorable tour includes: 45 minute audio presentation "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour," featuring actual correctional officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the Island; orientation video by Discovery Channel; ranger and docent tours; historic gardens and abundant wildlife.-->

Also included: Enjoy the historical gardens of Alcatraz, views of San Francisco Bay, and the exhibit: Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later on display in the New Industries Building. The roads and walkways on Alcatraz are steep. The distance from the dock to the Cellhouse is approximately 1/4 mile (.4km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters), the equivalent of walking up a 13-story building. The roads and walkways are wide with several places to stop along the way to rest and take in the breathtaking views. Comfortable athletic or walking shoes are strongly recommended. If you have mobility concerns, please see Accessibility for Sustainable Easy Access Transport (S.E.A.T.) Tram information.

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