alcatraz day tour discount

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Alcatraz & 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off

Discover the Alcatraz Island tour and visit the best sites in San Francisco at a discounted rate! Save up to 20% on tickets. Lowest prices guaranteed.

The date chosen upon booking will be the date of your Alcatraz Island tour; the Hop-On Hop-Off pass is flexible and you can start the bus tour at any time.

**PLEASE NOTE: Alcatraz Ferry departure times are automatically allocated and cannot be changed. We suggest keeping your day flexible until you receive the confirmed departure time for your Alcatraz Island Tour after checking in online. No refunds will be given for no-shows or missed ferry departures.

The buses for the Hop-On Hop-Off Tour run frequently throughout the day and you can start your tour at any time.

Visit the Most Popular Prison: Alcatraz Island Tour

Tour starts at Pier 33 (at Fisherman’s Wharf).

The most well-known landmark in San Francisco is Alcatraz. Take the ferry from Fisherman's Wharf to "the Rock," the famous prison island of San Francisco, to begin your tour. Enjoy the breathtaking views of San Francisco's skyline once you get on the island, and then explore Alcatraz at your own pace using an acclaimed self-guided audio tour (available in various languages) within the prison cell block.

Take the ferry back to San Francisco after learning about Alcatraz's past and taking a trip around the island.

Note: The specific departure time for your ferry ride to Alcatraz Island will be provided upon redeeming your voucher. Please keep your day flexible until your specific departure time has been confirmed.

• Alcatraz Island Tour (ferry to/from the island) from Pier 33.
• Award-winning self-guided audio tour – 45 minutes: "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour" featuring prisoners and correctional officers who used to live and work in Alcatraz.
• Stay as long as you like - ferries return every 30 minutes. The average length of stay is 2 -3 hours.

Tour slots are limited, so be sure to book yours in advance!

Visit Other Great Sites!

2-day hop-on hop-off city tour.

Tour starts at 99 Jefferson Street (at the corner of Mason Street). Daily tour, every 20-30 minutes, between 9 AM and 5 PM.

The greatest views San Francisco has to offer may be seen on this 2-hour tour. Bring your camera; there will be many chances to capture beautiful memories! Highlights consist of:

• Fisherman's Wharf is well known for Pier 39 (retail, dining, sea lions, and more), the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the Cannery Shopping Center, Alcatraz Landing, and numerous attractions. It is situated on the northern waterfront.
• Union Square - One of San Francisco's best shopping areas and a hub for the city's nightlife
• The Palace of Fine Arts, which was constructed for the World Fair, is a popular wedding venue for couples in the San Francisco Bay area. Additionally, it hosts various orchestras, events, and festival celebrations.
• Golden Gate Bridge is a wonderful location to cross the bridge or see the Presidio and its historic military installations
• Golden Gate Park is a fascinating place to explore a variety of museums and attractions, including The California Academy of Sciences, The Young Museum, and The Conservatory of Flowers.
• Haight/Ashbury - Also referred to as the "Hippie District," Haight/Ashbury still exudes the Summer of Love vibe thanks to its countless stores and murals honoring the era.+78
• City Hall: The San Francisco City Hall buildings, which are close to the Opera House, Symphony Hall, and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, make for excellent photo options.
• The largest Chinatown outside of Asia is a wonderful place to wander around for a while.
• North Beach - Numerous genuine Italian restaurants and cafes can be found in this predominantly Italian district.

San Francisco Night Tour – Double Decker Bus

Tour starts at 99 Jefferson Street (at the corner of Mason Street). Daily, at 6:30 PM. Approximately 60-90 minutes.

The finest views of San Francisco can be found at night. The Night Loop is a safe and entertaining way to explore San Francisco's most dazzling districts. To enjoy the San Francisco skyline at night, the tour includes Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial District, Chinatown, North Beach, Embarcadero, and Treasure Island. Depending on the time of year, the climate, and San Francisco's infamous traffic, some highlights may change.

Get Alcatraz Tour tickets from FunEx

We have low-priced tickets.

FunEx is an authorized seller of discount Alcatraz tour tickets. We are one of the largest sellers of discount Alcatraz Tour tickets in the country, and we couldn’t have thrived for over 30 years if we weren’t highly trusted by our customers. We would love for you to join our family and enjoy the best price for Alcatraz Island Tour as well as other attractions nationwide!

Hassle-free Transaction!

Our discount Alcatraz Tour tickets will allow you to go on the tour at your convenience; you don’t need to make any additional reservations! Once your purchase is done online, you will instantly receive your e-tickets and receipt!

We Are Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau!

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has rated Fun Express with an A+. Your purchases of discount tickets to any theme park and destination are secure!

Have any questions or concerns? Please feel free to reach out to us through:

Additional Information:

- The tour is often sold out in advance and reservations should be made as early as possible.

- IMPORTANT: The departure time is allocated automatically and will be provided upon reconfirming the tour with the operator a few days before departure. The set time slot cannot be changed. We recommend keeping your day flexible until you receive your confirmed departure time.

- Once you reach Alcatraz Island you can stay as long as you like; ferries return approx. every 30 minutes

- In order to receive your tickets and your exact departure time you must check in online with the operator at the latest 72 hours before departure (further instructions will be on your voucher)

- Please carry a valid photo ID with you

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reservations required.

No, reservations are not required for Alcatraz Island Tours. Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus Tours and the Night Tours do not need reservations either.

Am I required to wear a mask for these tours?

Yes, masks are required.

Do they offer the tours in different languages as well?

Yes, they do. You can listen to the tour in Korean, English, Spanish, and other languages also!

Alcatraz Package Tickets

Must use funex promo code at check out to receive exclusive discount., fx2022p3alc, alcatraz hop on hop off bus tour.

Regular price $116.99

Discounted Price $104.99

Regular price $156.99

Discounted Price $139.99

Alcatraz & 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets

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Alcatraz Tour Prices | Which Alcatraz Tickets Should You Buy?

This guide covers how to visit the prison on Alcatraz Island and what to expect with each ticket option.

We include what you will see, what to do if Alcatraz tickets are sold out, which tours are the best, and how to find deals on admission.

As local walking tour guides , questions concerning Alcatraz Prison are posed to us on just about every tour.

So, we used our expertise in answering these questions to help create this post.

• Alcatraz Island Tickets
• Sold Out Tickets
• Deals and Ways to Save
• Other Boat Cruise Options

Alcatraz Tours Compared

• Things to Do in San Francisco

ALCATRAZ TICKET OPTIONS

While several entities are authorized to offer Alcatraz tickets for sale, there is only one company authorized to visit Alcatraz Island and provide an official Alcatraz tour: Alcatraz Cruises.

Though several boat tour companies offer guided commentary on the island as they cruise past it, none are allowed to dock there.

Private boats are also prevented from landing on the island.

There are 5 ticket/tour options. We list 4 in the next section below . Click here for a detailed explanation of the night tour ticket .

NOTE: Free Tours by Foot does not offer tickets to Alcatraz Island. Please follow the links on this page for help organizing your tickets.

You could buy your tickets through Alcatraz Cruises or with any of a number of sightseeing tour companies in San Francisco that offer Alcatraz Island as part of a combination ticket .

The National Park Service provides a Cellhouse Audio Tour that is included in the cost of your ferry ticket.

Hear the tales of Machine Gun Kelly, Al Capone (Scarface), and even Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz) as you drift closer to the island.

At your own pace, you can follow in the footsteps of former prison guards and inmates.

This tour is very well done and worth the time.

The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour (also an audio tour) is available in English, Spanish, German, Mandarin, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, and Portuguese. The tour is also provided in Braille in English.

You can even experience the audio tour right now.

Early Bird Tour

Beat the crowd, be the first one on the island during the less busy, Early Bird Tour.

Includes a ferry ride to and from Alcatraz (20 minutes each way), a self-guided audio tour of the prison lasting 45 minutes, and time for self-exploration of the grounds.

Most guests typically spend about 2 hours on the island. Departs from Pier 33.

Ticket Prices:

• Adult (18-61) - $45.25
• Junior (12-17) - $45.25 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $42.65
• Child (5-11) - $27.55 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Toddlers (4 and under) - Free
• Family Pack (2 Adults + 2 Kids) - $131.85
• Get tickets or learn more .

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Reviews of the Early Bird Tour: 

Alcatraz is one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting San Francisco, so it's no surprise that it comes highly rated on TripAdvisor.

The Early Bird Tour is ideal for early morning risers as it allows visitors to beat the crowds and still have a free afternoon to pack with other fun activities.

In fact, the Early Bird Tour is so popular that there are only 4 and 5-star reviews written about it. TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars.  

The Day Tour has the same content as the ‘Early Bird’, but with higher attendance rates and 12 departure opportunities.

You won’t be alone on the island as you self-explore during these times!

Departure Times (from Pier 33) | April - Early October

8:45 am, 9:10 am, 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:10 pm, 2:40 pm,  3:20 pm, 3:50 pm

Departure Times (from Pier 33) | Late October - March

8:40 am, 9:20 am, 9:45 am, 10:10 am, 10:35 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:05 pm, 1:35 pm

Reviews of the Day Tour:

Identical to the Early Bird Tour but with a later start time, the Day Tour is also very well-liked by most guests.

Don't be disappointed with the fact that this is an audio tour!

"Doing Time" is an award-winning audio tour that is described by some visitors as the "best audio tour possibly worldwide" and the "highlight of the tour."

Negative reviews are rare and usually come from guests who find the island too crowded.

If you're worried about this, opt for the Early Bird Tour instead! TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars. 

Behind the Scenes Tour

The Behind the Scenes Tour offers guests a much more intimate look into the history of Alcatraz.

The tour includes everything offered in the Early Bird and Day Tour, such as the ferry ride to and from Alcatraz (20 minutes each way), a self-guided audio tour of the prison lasting 45 minutes, and time for self-exploration of the grounds.

In addition, it offers a personally guided small group tour that lasts approximately 2 hours and takes guests “off the beaten path” and “behind the scenes” of Alcatraz.

Also included are special programs and presentations offered by staff as part of the Alcatraz Night Tour, which lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

This is advertised as a "physically strenuous tour" that lasts between 4-5 hours in total.

Alcatraz Cruises suggests that guests eat before the tour, as there is no food service on Alcatraz. Departs from Pier 33.

Departure Times (from Pier 33) :

4:20 pm from mid-April until mid-October | Tuesday - Saturday

2:15 pm from mid-October until mid-March | Tuesday - Saturday

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Ticket Prices: 

• Adult (18-61) - $101.30
• Junior (12-17) - $97.10 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $94.25
• Children (under 12) -  not applicable. This tour has a minimum age of 12 due to its lengthy duration.

Reviews of the Behind the Scenes Tour:

This is the perfect tour for those hoping to really maximize their time on Alcatraz.

Though reviews of this tour are limited, they are all extremely positive and praise the tour for offering such thorough insight into the history of the prison.

A really fun tour, but be sure to bring snacks as it's a long day on the island and there are no food and beverage facilities.  TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars. 

Alcatraz Cruises offers night tours of the island, departing twice a day, Thursday through Monday.

Departures for the night tours leave from Pier 33.

Be sure to check out our post on other things to do at night in San Francisco.

Night Tour (Tuesdays - Saturdays at 5:55 pm and 6:30 pm)

This tour offers more features than the Early Bird Tour and Day Tour for a little extra money.

On the night tour, you receive a narrated boat ride to the island to learn more about the history of Alcatraz, before it was a prison.

You also receive a guided tour from a specially trained National Park Ranger.

Additionally, Alcatraz Prison hosts special talks and lectures during the evening tours that are not offered during the day.

The 6:30 pm (18:30) departure time limits your time allowed on the island. The last ferry leaving Alcatraz departs at 9:25 pm (21:25).

Winter hours are at 3:50 pm from Tuesday - to Saturday.

They also have a holiday schedule from Late November to early January which includes an additional time slot at 4:45 pm.

• Adult (18-61) - $56.30
• Junior (12-17) - $55.10 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $52.25
• Child (5-11) - $33 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Learn how to get the night tour .

Reviews of the Night Tour:

The Night Tour of Alcatraz is especially highly rated as it includes perks not otherwise included in the daytime tours.

For example, visitors of the Night Tour comment on the added pleasure of seeing the skyline and two bridges on a clear evening as they return to the mainland, as well as visiting the hospital and cell lockdown.

Though this is not a ghost tour, some guests report that they found the Night Tour to be a bit creepy, especially when visiting the solitary confinement area.

However, most seem to think the experience is more educational and interesting rather than scary, so it really just comes down to personal preference! TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars. 

How scary is the Alcatraz night tour?

Alcatraz is a national park and not a spooky place, so there is nothing to feel frightened about.

That said, many people have reported an eerie feeling when walking around the prison after dark.

Is the Alcatraz night tour better than the day tour?

Visitors can view areas of Alcatraz prison that are typically off-limits during the day on the Alcatraz night tour.

However, the majority of Alcatraz Island's outdoor activities and viewpoints are inaccessible during the night trip.

So It all depends on your personal opinion.

How long does the night tour take?

Night tours last for around 2.5 - 3 hours.

Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour (Seasonal)  

This is a combination tour that visits 2 of the most well-known islands in the Bay Area: Alcatraz and Angel Island.

The tour includes the ferry ride to and from Alcatraz and Angel Island, a self-guided audio tour of the prison lasting 45 minutes, and a one-hour narrated Tram Tour of Angel Island.

The total tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours and departs from Pier 33.

NOTE: This tour option is not currently available, but it might be offered again in the future.

• Adult (18-61) - $78.65
• Junior (12-17) - $78.65 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $76.40
• Child (5-11) - $52.40 (must be supervised by an adult)

Reviews of Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour: 

Though only offered seasonally, this tour is also extremely popular with guests who want to experience Alcatraz but also witness the beautiful scenery available on Angel Island.

Many reviewers write that they opted to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on Angel Island after their Alcatraz visit - making for a perfect afternoon!

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars.  

HOW TO BUY TICKETS:

There are 3 options to purchase tickets to Alcatraz Island. There is also a chance for standby tickets .

This section will provide details about each ticket option and tips on which options you might want to choose.

1. Buy Direct Tickets

First, you can get tickets directly from the Alcatraz Cruises website . This is the most common way to purchase.

Unless you are planning on purchasing a bus, bike, or boat combo ticket , this is also the most affordable option.

We recommend that you get your tickets at least 90 days in advance, as they tend to sell out very quickly during the busy season (summer and holidays).

If tickets are sold out, there are some other ways to get tickets. Read our section below .

2. Get a Combination Package

Second, you can also obtain a ticket to Alcatraz as part of a combo package with other tours, such as a hop-on-hop-off bus, popular attractions, and/or for a day trip to Muir Woods or Wine Country.

These combo packages are an excellent option for anyone who wants to enjoy multiple activities.

They are also typically a bit more affordable than 3rd party vendors, as there are not as many fees involved.

Check out our section on Tour Company Combos to learn more.

3. Third Party Vendors

Lastly, you can buy tickets from a 3rd party vendor. These companies buy bulk tickets from Alcatraz Cruises, so their prices may be slightly higher.

One of the biggest 3rd party vendors is none other than Stubhub, and they sell day tickets , night tickets , and (sometimes) behind-the-scenes tickets for around $10-$15 more on average.

There are reports that the 3rd party vendors selling these tickets may not technically be allowed to do so.

However, they have been selling Alcatraz tickets this way for years, and Stubhub themselves have set up individual pages for these tours.

Chances are that even if it's frowned upon, StubHub still allows it.

If you are planning to buy 3rd party, we recommend comparing prices with those offered in combination packages .

When you factor in fees from Stubhub, combo deals could easily be more affordable!

Near Pier 39 you can find 3rd party vendors that typically sell pre-arranged packages, which means you’ll have to buy Alcatraz tickets along with something else, usually a Bay cruise).

NOTE: Free Tours by Foot does not offer tickets to Alcatraz Island.  Please follow the links on this page for help organizing your tickets.

What pier do Alcatraz tours depart from?

The Alcatraz Cruises boats depart from Pier 33, on the northern waterfront of San Francisco.

NOTE: All boarding members must have an ID present to board with their ticket. 

Regardless of which form of transportation you choose to get here, we recommend using this Google Maps link for directions to the pier .

Streetcar ($2.25):

In our opinion, this is the easiest way to get to Pier 33.

If you are starting your trip anywhere on Market Street or along the waterfront, the streetcar can take you right to Pier 33.

Just get off at the Bay Street Station.

See our post on how to ride the streetcars  to get more information on schedules, maps, and prices.

Bus ($3.00):

There are three Muni buses you can take. Click on any of these links to go to a route map and schedule for each bus.

• 10 Townsend (only weekends)
• 8X Bayshore Express
• 82X Presidio & Wharves Express

NOTE: 10 Townsend and 82X Presidio & Wharves Express are currently suspended, and we do not know when they will return to full service.

You can drive directly to Pier 33 and you can get dropped off right in front of the boat loading zone.

You can reserve a guaranteed parking space in advance through Spot Hero .

We have also put together a map of the closest parking lots in the area:

Note: If you have to park, be sure to arrive early! We would suggest arriving up to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Parking can be extremely difficult along the waterfront, especially in the busy spring and summer months.

You don’t want to miss your departure time, so be sure to give yourself enough time to find parking and walk to the dock.

How much time do you need for an Alcatraz Tour

An Alcatraz tour is a four-part trip:

1. The ferry ride to Alcatraz 2. The audio tour of the prison 3. Exploring the island 4. The ferry ride home

The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes each way. The audio tour is a 45-minute self-guided tour.

The biggest variable in how long your journey will take is your exploration of the island.

While on Alcatraz, we would encourage you to take one of the many ranger-led talks in the prison dining hall.

These talks usually run for about 20 minutes and cover topics as wide-ranging as escape attempts, the types of plants on the island, and the history of the island itself.

In general, we would recommend that you plan about 2.5 hours for the entire trip.

Can you walk around Alcatraz without a tour guide?

Yes, Alcatraz tickets includes the ferry transportation service by Alcatraz City Cruises and the cellhouse audio tour provided by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy which can help you to get around Alcatraz on your own.

How long are Alcatraz tours?

A tour lasts for 2.5 to 5.5 hours depending upon the tour you select.

Can you take the ferry to Alcatraz without a tour?

Yes, Alcatraz City Cruises offers ferry services to Alcatraz Island which can be used to reach.

Is there a lot of walking at Alcatraz?

Yes, the roads and walkways on the Island are steep. Also, the distance and elevation change make the overall trip equivalent to climbing a 13-story building.

For those with mobility concerns, the island offers tram services.

SOLD OUT TOUR/LAST-MINUTE TICKETS

Due to the island's huge popularity, Alcatraz Cruises advises visitors to book their tickets 90 days in advance, especially during high season.

However, for those who aren't able to secure tickets ahead of time, there are a few last-minute booking options.

Buy a Combination Tour Ticket:

This is the option if your time is worth more than your money.

Several companies sell combo tour tickets that combine Alcatraz with other tours, such as a hop-on-hop-off tour, or an activity, such as a day trip to Muir Woods or Napa Valley.

This is a reliable option, as many of these companies buy tickets in bulk to have certainty for their guests.

Therefore, when Alcatraz Cruises is sold out, these companies may not be.

Check out our combo ticket section to find out more.

Check for Cancelled Tickets:

Alcatraz Cruises updates its website several times a day to add tickets that have been canceled by guests.

Be sure to check their website periodically to see if your preferred dates open up.

Same-Day Tickets from Alcatraz Cruises:

Alcatraz Cruises tickets are often sold out months in advance and they no longer offer same-day ticket options for walk-up guests.

Standby Tickets for the Night Tour:

Guests can also get standby tickets for the night tour by lining up before the box office opens at 7:30 a.m.

You are then given a standby ticket and told to come back right before 5:55 pm and 6:30 pm departures to see if there are any no-shows.

The standby tickets are honored in the order by which they were purchased in the morning, from first to last.

Due to its popularity, a very limited number of tickets are available via standby every day.

This option is also a gamble, as you are not guaranteed tickets, even if you get standby status.

Tickets for the night tour are usually  available on StubHub , but you will pay more for these.

NOTE: Purchasing tickets on StubHub is apparently against the no re-selling rules, but considering that there seem to be no complaints online, it doesn't appear to be enforced. StubHub also guarantees refunds for tickets.

People also sell Alcatraz tickets on Craigslist, but we do not recommend this option as the chances of a scam are high.

TOUR COMPANY COMBO TICKETS 

Combo packages are actually one of the easiest methods for getting your tickets to Alcatraz Island.

You can get tickets to the island separately, but they are very popular and can be difficult to obtain.

Alternatively, a combo tour helps guests secure Alcatraz tickets, while also enjoying other popular sites.

Below, we list 3 affordable options. There are many more options to choose from if these don't suffice.

TIP: If you are thinking about a tourist combo ticket or pass, you should read our comparison post to help understand which one, if any, is best for you.

Even though Alcatraz Island Tour tickets are not included, some include boat trips around the island.

Big Bus and Skyline Sightseeing combine their hop-on-hop-off bus tours of the city with a ticket to Alcatraz and offer the best value for most readers.

Extranomical Tours and Tower Tours, on the other hand, combine other day trips such as Muir Woods and Wine Country with an Alcatraz ticket.

Learn more about combination tours by checking out our pages on day trips to Muir Woods , Yosemite , Sausalito , Sonoma Valley , and Napa Valley .

Skyline Sightseeing Tours (formerly City Sightseeing)

Skyline Sightseeing offers an Alcatraz Combo Tour which includes a 3-day hop-on-hop-off tour featuring 4 different loops: The Official City Tour, Downtown San Francisco Tour, San Francisco Night Tour, and Sausalito Bus Tour.

The ticket also comes with an Alcatraz Island tour, which includes transportation to and from Alcatraz, a 45-minute audio tour, and free time to explore on your own.

This option is very similar to what Big Bus has to offer, though it is a 2-day pass rather than a 24-hour pass.

Combo Tours: 

San Francisco Hop-on, Hop-off Alcatraz Tour    

Online prices:

• Adult $139.99
• Child $104.99

Reviews: 

Skyline Sightseeing is a very popular tour company with a fairly good reputation.

The quality of the guided commentary varies depending on the driver, though most visitors find it informative and enjoyable.

Some guests had trouble hearing the driver due to a poor PA system on the bus.

However, most of those comments come from several months ago, suggesting that the problem has likely been remedied.

Overall, visitors who traveled with Skyline Sightseeing found the experience very enjoyable and straightforward. TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5 stars.

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Big Bus Tours 

Big Bus Tours offers an Alcatraz Package Tour that combines an Alcatraz Island ticket with a 1-day hop-on-hop-off Big Bus Tour.

The latter includes a live English-speaking guide, pre-recorded commentary in 10 different languages, drop-off and pick-up at 20 different key landmarks, and a voucher for free 'pint and play'.

Buses are meant to arrive at each stop every 10-20 minutes, making it extremely easy to travel around the city.

Additionally, guests also receive a ticket for the Alcatraz Day Tour at an available time.

This package isn't quite the cheapest package (at least during the summer), but it just may be the best value out there.

Alcatraz Combo Ticket

• Alcatraz Ferry and Entrance Ticket
• Big Bus Premium Ticket (good for 1 day of hop-on-hop-off bus service)
• Free walking tour
• 1-Hour Bike Rental
• $120 for Adults (online price)

Big Bus Tours receives lots of positive feedback for their reasonable prices and ease of transportation.

While reviewers recommend this package for all of its activities (kid-friendly!), there is a consistent complaint of buses taking more than the 10-20 minutes promised to reach certain stops during high traffic or busy weekends.

However, guests who were aware of potential delays found the issue less problematic.

We recommend this package for the planner who knows how to use a map and plan a day to maximize time, since hopping on and off this bus to cross the city may eat up a lot of it.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4 stars.

This company is relatively new to San Francisco, but they have a great reputation internationally and so far have received several excellent reviews for tours offered in the Bay Area.

Currently, they are offering a combo ticket which includes a ticket to Alcatraz Island along with a Chinatown tour and a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

This is a great alternative to some of the other combo deals because it doesn't require you to take a day trip or pay for a hop hop off bus tour.

• $104 per person
• Availability: Sun & Sat
• Hours: 10 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 4 hours
• Includes Alcatraz Island ticket.
• Includes Chinatown walking tour.
• Includes a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
• Not currently available.

This combo tour has received very favorable ratings, with guests typically referring to their guide as knowledgeable, funny, and informative.

Some customers described the service as smooth and quick, indicating that everything was easy to enjoy.

Extranomical Tours 

Extranomical Tours usually sells several different types of day trips from San Francisco, most of which can be combined with an Alcatraz ticket.

Though sold as a package, the ticket for Alcatraz is good for the day after whatever day trip you choose to combine it with.

They also offer pick-up and drop-off at almost any hotel in San Francisco, making the door-to-door service very convenient.

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• Alcatraz Island and City Highlights Tour - from $139 per person
• Yosemite with Alcatraz Tour - from $210 per person
• Muir Woods, Wine Country, and Alcatraz Tour - from $158 per person
• Wine Lovers with Alcatraz Tour - from $203 per person
• More info and to book .

NOTE: Extranomical Tours is only offering their Alcatraz Island and City Highlights tour at the moment. This will likely change in the future as tourism starts to open up a bit more.

Reviews for Extranomical Tours are generally very positive, with many guests referring to their experience as “wonderful” and something that “should not be missed.”

The company’s guides also receive high praise for being “knowledgeable, humorous, and well organized.”

Though some guests complained that the microphone on the bus was inadequate, the infrequency of these comments suggests that this issue has been fixed. TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars. 

There are many more options to choose from if these don't suffice.

Dylan’s Tours

This is one of the most popular tour companies in the Bay Area, and they currently offer one of the best combo tickets which includes a trip to Alcatraz.

In addition to the Alcatraz ticket, you’ll also receive a day trip to Muir Woods and a full tour of San Francisco.

If you're also interested in seeing the redwoods of California, this is an excellent opportunity.

Both tours will take place on their comfortable minibusses, ensuring a more personable experience.

With the trip to Alcatraz included, this outing will take approximately 10 hours to enjoy. Their tour departs daily at 8 a.m. from Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Francisco, Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour

Includes a San Francisco bus tour, a Muir Woods bus tour, and an Alcatraz Island Tour.

• $189 – Adults | $129 – Children 
• Departs daily at 8 am
• Duration: 10 hours

Dylan’s Tours has received an overall rating of just over 4 ½ out of 5 stars for this service. 

Most customers are very pleased with their tour guides, referring to them as both fun and knowledgeable.

Even those who weren’t as impressed still enjoyed their trip, as there aren’t any truly negative reviews of this outing.

BOAT CRUISES THAT PASS BY ALCATRAZ 

If you are unable to secure tickets to visit Alcatraz or if you are not interested in taking a tour of the former prison, then a boat cruise that passes by the island might be a great alternative.

There are several different boats that go by Alcatraz -- most of which also feature guided commentary about the history of the place.

These cruises are also a great way to get an excellent view of the city's skyline.

Blue & Gold Fleet and Red & White Fleet are the 2 major boat tour companies in the Bay Area.

Of their many different cruises, the following feature is Alcatraz.

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Blue & Gold Fleet :

• Escape the Rock - The ONLY boat tour dedicated specifically to Alcatraz.
• SF Bay Cruise Adventure – A 1-hour sightseeing cruise of all the major attractions in the Bay

Red & White Fleet : 

• California Sunset Cruise – A 2-hour sunset cruise around the Bay to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island, and Alcatraz at sunset.
• Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise – A 90-minute audio tour covering the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Ferry Building, Bay Bridge, and AT&T Park.
• Golden Gate Bay Cruise – Their original 1 hour San Francisco Bay tour with views of the San Francisco waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge, and notorious Alcatraz Island.

To learn more about different San Francisco cruise options, check out our post listing the best boat tours in the Bay , as well as our posts about boat tours with the Red & White Fleet  and the  Blue & Gold Fleet .

So what's the difference between a tour of Alcatraz during the day and a trip to the island at night?

Well, according to several TripAdvisor reviews, there are some notable variations.

Quite a few guests have indicated that visiting the prison after dark is pretty creepy and eerie.

There was at least one notable escape attempt during the night, so it's definitely interesting to see what those prisoners might have experienced after the sun went down.

Other visitors noted that views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco were phenomenal during the sunset, going so far as to say that the scenery was at least as enjoyable as the trip to Alcatraz.

During the Alcatraz night tour, live guides provide a special presentation that focuses on the loud steel doors of the prison as they all close at the same time.

The sound of these doors is apparently very disturbing, adding to the already spooky atmosphere of this prison after dark.

Certain services (such as the audio tour and cruise around the island) are offered during every Alcatraz tour.

That being said, several people indicated that the atmosphere of this historic prison changes after dark, making even the regular activities a little spookier.

If you're interested, we recommend booking several weeks in advance to avoid sold out tickets.

There is also a Behind the Scenes tour which lasts longer and includes every service offered during the night tour.

This trip features special programs that you won't experience on other Alcatraz tours.

During these activities, a park ranger will introduce you to hidden tunnels, underground jails, and secret gardens.

If you can't get tickets for the night tour, this is an excellent option, but it's important to keep in mind that this tour is not available for children.

Both the behind the scenes and night tours are more expensive than daily excursions.

The higher price tag is likely the result of limited availability and access to special programs.

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V- Alcatraz Day Tour + Walking Tour & Discounts

Alcatraz only sold as part of a combination package only one type of tour package may be made per purchase.

• Tour Package Highlights
• Chinatown Walking Tour
• Alcatraz Day Tour

You start with the official on-the-island-inside-the-prison Alcatraz ticket .

Then later. before or after your trip to Alcatraz, you decide how you want to explore more of San Francisco. 

This is our lowest price package, designed to keep costs down, and flexibility up.

You Choose Which Options You Want:

1. Take the INCLUDED North Beach & Chinatown Walking Tour. This tour is available on select dates in summer 2023, departing at 1:00 pm: 

July 22, 28 and August 1, 4, 7, 10

Details will come in your email voucher after purchase. 

Call us you have a need to take the walking tour on days not listed above, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

2. If the Walking Tour dates aren't convenient or your plans change, daily Bay Cruises , at a discount might be of interest. For this OPTIONAL trip under the Golden Gate Bridge, we save you $10 per person if you choose to purchase later. Details will come in your voucher. 

These discounts are not featured on any travel platform listings.

3. The OPTIONAL Big Bus Essential Tour takes more time, but if the goal is to see the city, this is the ride! We save you $20 on Adults and $15 on Kids. Details will come in your voucher.

• For Alcatraz, all guests over age 18 are required to provide a government-issued photo ID at Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
• Upon purchase, you will receive an email Voucher showing your purchase
• A separate email voucher will need to be shown for your discounted Blue & Gold Fleet ticket at Pier 41.
• DiscoverTown will send Alcatraz Cruises your name and ticket quantity in advance
• Your tickets will be waiting at Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
• At the Group Services window, say you got the tickets from DiscoverTown Tours. Give your name
• Keep your receipt/voucher handy on your phone
• Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early (you can arrive up to 120 minutes early, but Pier 33 has few attractions)
• Please be on time
• Alcatraz Tour departure times and dates cannot be changed
• Both Alcatraz and a second tour can be taken in 1 day, but 2 days may be needed, depending on your timing; There are no refunds for unused tours. If you join the walking tour, 2 days will almost certainly be needed to avoid rushing off the island.
• The Alcatraz tour usually lasts 3 hours, but you can make it shorter or longer.
• Alcatraz ferries return from the island every 60 minutes (no return ticket needed)
• Be prepared for changing weather; Alcatraz Island, the trip on the Alcatraz Cruises ferry, and the Bay Cruise can all be chilly – in either sun or fog
• Tours are free for kids under age 5, except for the Big Bus Tour
• No Refunds or Exchanges
• No rescheduling for missed Alcatraz departures
• See Terms and Conditions page for more policy details

Compare Chinatown Walks at $59 and up.

- - - - - - -

2-Hour North Beach and Chinatown Walking Tour:

You'll start in North Beach, the city's lively Italian neighborhood. This is a fun nightlife part of town, that has lots of character all day long.

After learning the history from Italian immigrants to the country's oldest topless bar, you'll move into adjacent Chinatown...

Built up around what was the original town square of the village of Yerba Buena that was later renamed San Francisco, Chinatown is a delight for history lovers and contemporary fans of the colorful and the unique.

See the crowded and bustling open-air meat and produce markets of Stockton Street; visit side alleyways that will take you back in time; and discover lions, dragons, pagoda roofs, and dangling lanterns along Grant Street.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Some uphill walking is involved. 

DAYTIME ROUND TRIP ALCATRAZ CITY CRUISES FERRY TO ALCATRAZ ISLAND INCLUDING CELLHOUSE AUDIO TOUR

DiscoverTown Tours is an Official Tour and Travel Partner of Alcatraz City Cruises

NOT SOLD SEPARATELY • SOLD ONLY AS PART OF A TOUR PACKAGE

Alcatraz Face Value: $45.25 Adults & Juniors (12+), $42.65 Seniors (62+), $27.55 Kids (5-11), Free for Ages 0-4

Discover America’s most infamous prison, with a chance to go inside the cells and feel the cold and dark life firsthand. Alcatraz operated as a federal penitentiary from 1933 to 1963, housing notorious criminals including Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and Creepy Karpis. During the award-winning 45-minute cell house audio headset tour you will learn of escape attempts, riots, bizarre characters, and much more. Displays include prison life, guard controls, and how Frank Morris and 2 others made their infamous “Escape From Alcatraz.”

Alcatraz is continually one of the most popular tours in the country

• Video History Presentation – No Charge
• Audio Tour includes sound effects, interviews with prisoners and guards, and historic details
• The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
• Bookstore with information in many languages
• Permanent exhibit T he Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States
• Other rotating exhibits
• Visit the prison Recreation Yard, talk with Park Rangers, and walk the Perimeter Trail (note that parts of Alcatraz Island may be closed to the general public periodically – for repairs, wildlife protection, or other concerns) 
• Unlimited photo opportunities and great views looking back at the City or out to the Golden Gate Bridge

Please arrive 30 minutes early. No Hotel Pickup. Your tour begins with a 10-15 minute boat trip from Pier 33. Expect your stay on Alcatraz Island to be about 2-2.5-3 hours round trip). Boats return from the island every 30 minutes. You control the clock. 

Additional Info

DiscoverTown Tours is an internet-based tour reseller. Upon purchase, you will receive a voucher including instructions for ticket pickup and taking tours.

SEE OUR FAQ/Blog PAGE FOR VIRTUALLY EVERY QUESTION YOU MIGHT HAVE...or Contact Us

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Alcatraz Day Tour

Dylan’s famous tour with muir woods and alcatraz.

See it all in one day! Explore San Francisco, Muir Woods, and take the official Alcatraz tour with tickets included at the end of your tour with Dylan’s.

  Time & Duration

Tour starts at 8:00 AM Returns approx. 5:30 PM

Adult $189 Child $129 (12 & under)

  Tour Includes

• Explore the top neighborhoods with your local guide and learn the stories, history, and diversity of San Francisco.
• 12 locations, 7 amazing photo stops, including Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and more!
• Enjoy a relaxing lunch in Sausalito, where you will have time to soak in all the views of the Bay.
• The Official Alcatraz Tour ferry will depart Pier 33 at approximately 3:00 PM during the summer months and 2:00 PM during the winter months.
• Please contact us directly if you are interested in a hotel pickup.
• We offer a 100% refund with at least 4 days notice prior to departure.
• Please note this tour will sell out throughout the year, especially during the spring and summer seasons. We highly recommend booking early to guarantee your spot.
• We offer hotel pick-ups all over the Bay Area to our departure location for $20 per group.

Explore San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz All in One Day!

This is not your standard hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Groups stay with the same bus for the entire trip with several breaks and iconic photo stops along the way. Our smaller buses offer an intimate experience without sacrificing personal space or comfort. We make sure every person on our city tour feels seen and accounted for.

After exploring San Francisco, marvel at the redwoods on a walk through Muir Woods National Monument. This is the perfect nature escape just a stone’s throw away from the city. We’ll spend over an hour here, giving you ample time to experience one of the last remaining coastal redwood forests in the world!

After Muir Woods, we will stop in the quaint little town of Sausalito on our way back to San Francisco for a lunch break. You will have numerous choices for lunch in this beautiful bayside town.

In the afternoon, you will board the ferry for the Official Alcatraz Day Tour. This former federal prison was once home to infamous criminals Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and it is a must-do while visiting San Francisco.

Tour Itinerary

7:45 AM — Meet at Fisherman’s Wharf                                        

Plan to arrive by 7:45 AM to the meeting point at 710 Beach St. in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood.

8:00 AM — Depart Fisherman’s Wharf                                        

Our guide meets you at our departure location shortly before 8:00 AM. After a brief roll call, we board the bus and begin our adventure. Our first stops include all the most famous neighborhoods in San Francisco!

8:00 AM–10:00 AM — Explore San Francisco’s BEST neighborhoods!

During this time, you are treated to entertaining stories about the neighborhoods, as well as the history, diversity, and geographical nuances that make San Francisco one of the most unique cities in the world!

We exit the bus several times (10-minute breaks) to soak in the neighborhoods and capture amazing photos! Please see “neighborhoods visited” (below) for details on each neighborhood, as well as where we stop for photos.

10:00 AM–11:15 AM — Explore Muir Woods (75 minutes)

After exploring San Francisco, we head for Muir Woods. Here, you will have over an hour to walk amongst some of the last remaining coastal redwoods in the world! This is an unforgettable photo opportunity. Many of our customers consider Muir Woods the highlight of the entire day!

11:45 AM–12:30 PM — Lunch Break in Sausalito

Enjoy lunch in the beautiful town of Sausalito.

2:00 PM–3:00 PM* — Depart for the Official Alcatraz Tour at Pier 33

After enjoying your city and Muir Woods tour with us, we will drop you off at Pier 33 to depart for Alcatraz. Upon arriving at Alcatraz Island, you will take the official Alcatraz tour and have the opportunity to explore additional exhibits at your convenience.

*winter and summer Alcatraz departure times vary

5:30 PM — Return to Pier 33 You will return by ferry from Alcatraz back to Pier 33 where you are free to enjoy the rest of your evening!

Neighborhoods & Photo Stops

* Photo Stops

Fisherman’s Wharf —One of San Francisco’s most popular destinations. From old shipyards to Boudin’s Bakery and the smell of fresh clam chowder, Fisherman’s Wharf has it all.

North Beach —Voted as one of the USA’s “ten great neighborhoods,” North Beach is best known as the home of Little Italy. From delicious restaurants to authentic sidewalk cafes and bakeries, you will feel the charm of San Francisco as soon as you arrive.

Chinatown —Boasting the largest Chinatown in the United States, this 24-block mecca is bustling with energy, amazing food, and unique and colorful shops that give this area its charm.

Nob Hill — Home to some of our most famous hotels, Nob Hill offers some of the best cocktail lounges and views in the city.

* Pacific Heights —Offering one of the most scenic outlooks in all of Northern California, Pacific Heights is home to Billionaire’s Row, featuring the estates of politicians, tech titans, and other San Francisco celebrities (includes the Mrs. Doubtfire house!).

Presidio —Former military base, now a beautiful park that includes Crissy Field, Fort Point, Lucasfilm’s (George Lucas) headquarters and the Walt Disney Museum.

* Fort Point —Located just beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point gives you a front-row seat to the Bay and is a great photo stop. This former military fortification was used during WWII.

* Palace of Fine Arts — Inspired by Roman and Greek architecture, the Palace of Fine Arts was originally constructed to celebrate San Francisco’s recovery from the 1906 earthquake. Surrounded by a peaceful garden, it is great for photos.

* Golden Gate Bridge —Declared “one of the 10 wonders of the modern world,” the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized symbols of San Francisco. Simply stunning!

** Marin Headlands —Offering a stunning perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge with downtown San Francisco in the background, this awe-inspiring view is the perfect place to capture a memorable photo.

** Only available on private tours .

Customer Reviews

• If you only have 1-day to visit San Francisco take this tour! "Our cruise had 1-day in San Francisco and this was really the best way to see it all. In the morning we covered some of the best-known San Francisco neighborhoods, along with tons of photo stops along the way. Our guide had plenty of fun stories and history along the route, which dropped us right back in Fisherman’s Wharf. My family grabbed a quick lunch and enjoyed Pier 39’s sea lions before our afternoon Alcatraz Tour. My kids loved the Alcatraz ferry and the audio tour; I loved the fact that I didn’t have to worry about any of the logistics - Thank you Dylan’s!” Kate S.
• The most amazing 1-Day tour package, beautiful scenery, perfectly organized! "Everything was exactly as advertised. Our bus was waiting, on time and ready to go. Our tour guide was absolutely awesome. Tons of photo ops. You get to see a lot of the key points in the city, like the bridge, Haight-Ashbury, Little Italy, etc., so much history. After enjoying lunch in Fisherman’s Wharf we explored Lombard Street by foot (as our guide told us the best way to see it), before heading to Alcatraz. No line-ups, no hassle and tickets were ready for us when we arrived. Worth every penny! Total class act!” Moe T.
• Comprehensive and interesting, 5 Stars "We chose this tour because we only had 1 day in San Francisco as part of a honeymoon tour of the USA. It was perfect, great weather, and our guide was so friendly and knowledgeable and made the whole tour very casual. Lunch in Fisherman’s Wharf was excellent per the recommendation of our guide. Alcatraz was also highly enjoyable. Overall a wonderful way to get a feel for the Bay Area and know where to come back to. We also took plenty of memorable photos!” Andrea T.

Tour Specific FAQs

What does the official alcatraz island visit include.

The visit includes round-trip ferry and the 90-minute audio tour of the island. You can also see additional exhibits on the island as well. We find most of our visitors spend 2.5-3 hours during their stay.

What time do we meet for the tour?

Can i just take the alcatraz tour without going on a tour.

Unfortunately not. All companies offering Alcatraz tickets must offer a tour package, per our contract with Alcatraz Cruises.

How far in advance should I book a tour that includes Alcatraz?

During summer season and holidays we recommend booking as soon as you can as these tours will sell-out!

What is Muir Woods?

Muir Woods National Monument is located 20 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge and is home to some of the oldest and tallest living trees in the world.

This popular destination is part of the United States National Park Service and is considered to be one of the most peaceful destinations in the Bay Area.

Where does the minibus tour pick-up and drop-off?

Pick-ups: Our minibus tours pick-up in a convenient location in Fisherman’s Wharf, across from 710 Beach Street.

Drop-offs: Depending on your tour we can drop you off in Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, North Beach, or Chinatown.

Is there a parking garage near the starting point?

Yes, there are several parking garages located near our meeting point.

How does the hotel pick-up work?

Please contact us directly if you are interested in a hotel pickup at [email protected] or call (415) 932-6993 . Please be ready 45-minutes prior to your tour time if you do opt-in for the pick-up option.

What is the value of my Alcatraz ticket?

Can i make changes to my reservation.

There are many websites across the internet where you can book a tour with us. They all have different terms. When possible, we request that you book directly here on our website. This enables us to not only provide you the best pricing available, but it also enables us to provide a much more customized level of service. Please note Alcatraz tours must be changed 4 days in advance due to the booking system with the the official Alcatraz tour provider. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Payments: Please note our site is secure and offers SSL security on all credit card purchases.

Cancellations: We offer a 100% refund with at least 4 days notice prior to departure. For tours with at least 24 hours but less than 4 days notice, we offer a 100% refund less the cost of the Alcatraz ticket ($60).

Important Tour Details

• Duration: 9+  hours 
• Meeting Time: 7:45 AM
• Departure Time: 8:00  AM
• Return Time: 5:30  PM
• Additional Muir Woods Entrance Fee: $15/person (16yrs+)
• Departure Location: Fisherman’s Wharf, 710 Beach Street
• Tour ends at Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
• Adult (13 yrs+) $189
• Child (0-12 yrs old) $129
• We offer a 100% refund with at least 4 days notice prior to departure. For tours with at least 24 hours but less than 4 days notice, we offer a 100% refund less the cost of the Alcatraz ticket ($60).
• Tour price includes Alcatraz entrance fee. Anyone over 18 must have a government-issued ID for ferry.

How We're Different

We are not a big bus company! It’s very common to see large hop-on, hop-off buses around San Francisco, but we take a much more personal approach. Our guides not only have intimate knowledge and unmatched enthusiasm for the Bay City, but we also use specialized minibuses which are built specifically for city tours. We can literally take you where the big buses can’t go.

Our minibuses have large windows for full view of the city as we conduct the tour and are climate controlled with plenty of room for everyone. We stop several times and provide many photo opportunities. 

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

News + Information

• Alcatraz - Saturday, June 1 Current Conditions: A Few Clouds and 57°F Same-Day Tickets Available. -->
• Experience Alcatraz: The Day Tour , the Night Tour , or if you have 4-5 hours: the Behind The Scenes Tour - See areas of Alcatraz previously unavailable to the public. Open a hidden doorway, go through a secret tunnel, visit an underground jail.
• Weekend Alcatraz Tours often sell out days in advance. A suitable alternative to an Alcatraz Tour is the Bay Discovery Cruise , a 90-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise with an app-based audio tour available in 20 languages. Learn more.
• Mobile E-Ticket Check-in: Book your tour now. Save time, skip the long ticket line. Popular Alcatraz tour dates can sell out days or weeks in advance.

Visit the legendary island that has been a civil war fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries.

An engaging evening Alcatraz experience with special programs. The Complete Tour.

Thank you for visiting www.alcatrazislandtickets.com . Reservations and E-tickets are genuine for the tour which includes the ferry service. We also provide extended around-the-clock customer care seven days a week, including holidays. We're a private Customer Service and Booking company. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please share your experience with us at: Customer Care . This website isn't affiliated with any government entity and isn't the official box office. Total at checkout may exceed face value.  

• Alcatraz Tours
• Plan Your Visit
• Frequenty Asked Questions
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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

Back to Top

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.

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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 .

Popular attractions in San Francisco

# Alcatraz Island # San Francisco Zoo # San Francisco MoMA # California Academy of Sciences # Monterey Bay Aquarium # San Francisco aquarium # Exploratorium # De Young Museum # San Francisco Bus Tours # Madame Tussauds # San Francisco Bay Cruise # San Francisco Ghost Tour # The Tech Interactive # San Francisco Dinner Cruise # SFO Go Car Tour # Legion of Honor Museum # Walt Disney Family Museum # Museum of 3D Illusions # 7D Ride Experience

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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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Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Alcatraz Night Tour Tickets & Times – Alcatraz Cruises

Save Time, Buy Your Tickets Online

• Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
• On-board narration during round-trip ferry ride
• Award-winning Cellhouse audio tour
• Optional programs and exhibits
• Docent guided tours and talks

Available Tuesday – Saturday

Your tour begins as you leave the Landing and enjoy a guided tour around Alcatraz Island by ferry, pointing out the hidden spots used for attempted escapes and prison structures unreachable by foot. Once docked, a ranger-led walk up the hill to the Cellhouse stops to highlight the layers of history from pre-Civil War to military cannon and family life on the Island.

Please note: The guided portion of your tour is available only in English. Once you reach the Cellhouse portion of the tour, you may choose the audio tour in one of the 11 offered languages.

Please note: 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 our  Sustainable Easy Access Transport (S.E.A.T.)  Tram information.

Tour the Cellhouse at your own pace with the award winning audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”. Stop to picture yourself in a dark solitary confinement cell, hear the stories of life inside from real prisoners and feel the intensity of a prison breakout as told by correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island.

Where to Meet

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing

The Alcatraz Landing area at Pier 33 includes the Ticketbooth, waiting and boarding areas, all of which are accessible.

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is home to a tactile model of Alcatraz Island, a tactile model of Pier 33, as well as outdoor exhibits depicting historical moments on the Island.

Assisted Listening Devices (ALD’s) are available for these tactile models and interpretive exhibits and can be requested at the Pier 33 Ticketbooth. ALD’s for the Alcatraz Island Cellhouse Tour can also be picked up at the Pier 33 Ticketbooth. You will be asked for your credit card in case the ALD’s are not returned at the end of your visit. There is no charge for Assisted Listening Devices, unless they are lost or damaged. Each of the tactile models, as well as the other exhibits at Pier 33, include a Braille description.

Accessible bathrooms are found at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing and on all Alcatraz Cruises vessels.

Copies of the safety messages shown onboard all Alcatraz Cruises vessels are also available in Braille. Please ask for a copy at the Pier 33 Ticketbooth or request one from a uniformed Alcatraz Cruises crew member on any of our vessels. The safety announcement and introduction video shown on all Alcatraz Cruises vessels are closed captioned.

Please note:  There are no wheelchairs available for loan either at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing or on Alcatraz Island.  The California Welcome Center at Pier 39 offers this service .

RELATED TOURS

Enjoy outdoor-only access to several areas on Alcatraz Island, including the Alcatraz Gardens, and iconic San Francisco Bay vistas.

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