Alcatraz Island is a National Historic Landmark in San Francisco Bay, California, and part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. You can visit by booking the official ferry from Pier 33, then explore the island and its historic Cellhouse.
- Ferry departure: Pier 33, near The Embarcadero and Bay Street.
- Official ferry provider: Alcatraz City Cruises.
- Ferry ride: About 12–15 minutes.
- Time to allow: At least two to three hours on the island.
Where do Alcatraz ferries depart?
Alcatraz ferries depart from Pier 33 on the San Francisco waterfront, near the intersection of The Embarcadero and Bay Street. All access to the island is by ferry; private vessels cannot dock there.
Alcatraz City Cruises LLC operates the official ferry service under contract with the National Park Service. The ferry ride takes about 12–15 minutes. From Francisco Bay Inn, Alcatraz Island is about 1.8 miles away; Francisco Bay Inn, a San Francisco motel, is a starting point for planning your trip to the waterfront.
The National Park Service recommends public transportation to Pier 33. Historic Muni F Line streetcars run past Alcatraz Landing. There is no parking at the landing, though commercial parking lots are nearby; accessible parking is limited and first-come, first-served for visitors displaying a disabled placard.
How do you buy official Alcatraz tickets?
Buy Alcatraz tickets through Alcatraz City Cruises, the official ferry provider, or use one of the ticket-purchase options listed by the National Park Service.
The National Park Service recommends buying ferry tickets before your visit. Summer and holiday-weekend tickets may sell out several weeks in advance. Prices vary by tour package, so check the official site before you go for current schedules, prices and advance purchases.
You can buy tickets online, by telephone at (415) 981-7625, or in person at the ticket office at Pier 33. A ferry ticket includes the Cellhouse audio tour.
What can you expect on Alcatraz Island?
Allow at least two to three hours to explore Alcatraz Island, including the Cellhouse audio tour, which takes 45–60 minutes. You may stay on the island as long as you wish, subject to its closing time and ferry service.
Along with the audio tour, you can explore island exhibits and attend free talks or tours. Daily ranger-program details are posted at the dock. The walk from the dock to the Cellhouse is about 0.2 miles, with a 130-foot elevation change; most island roads and walking routes have extreme slopes.
Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 is fully accessible. On the island, an accessible S.E.A.T. electric shuttle carries visitors with mobility impairments between the dock and Cellhouse, running approximately every half hour in each direction.
Accessibility features include an elevator to the Cellhouse’s second story, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, open captioning, Braille materials, and audio-described and American Sign Language tour options.
There is no food on Alcatraz other than dry snacks and candy sold at the bookstore. Bring a light jacket or sweater, as island weather can change unexpectedly.
How should you plan ferry time and nearby stops?
San Francisco departures begin at 8:45 a.m., and ferries run approximately every 30 to 40 minutes. You may return on any ferry, but plan your island visit around the closing time: the island closes at 6:30 p.m. in summer and 4:30 p.m. in fall, winter and spring.
Alcatraz Island is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, and may rarely close because of extreme weather.
For a waterfront day, you can pair your visit with Fisherman’s Wharf.
FAQs
Where is the official Alcatraz ferry terminal?
The terminal is Pier 33, near The Embarcadero and Bay Street in San Francisco. Alcatraz City Cruises operates the official ferry service.
How long should you spend on Alcatraz Island?
The National Park Service recommends allowing at least two to three hours. The Cellhouse audio tour alone takes 45–60 minutes.
Can you return on a different ferry?
Yes. Visitors may return on any ferry, subject to the day’s closing time and ferry service.
Are Alcatraz tickets available at Pier 33?
Yes. The ticket office at Pier 33 sells tickets in person, and tickets are also available online and by telephone. Buying in advance is recommended, especially for summer and holiday weekends.