alcatraz prison tours prices

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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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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 Tour Options

As the official concessioner to the National Park Service, Alcatraz City Cruises offers in-depth visits to Alcatraz. Your visit includes round-trip transportation to the Island and outdoor National Park access.

Alcatraz Tour Options Overview

Pertinent information.

At Alcatraz City Cruises, our guests’ well-being is our number one priority. We have proudly implemented new COVID-19 procedures to keep everyone safe & healthy.

Age Policy Adult- 18-61 / Junior- 12-17 / Senior- 62+ / Child- 5-11 / Toddler 4 and under are Free

Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult.

Group Tours If booking a group of 20 or more people, please contact the Alcatraz City Cruises Group Services Department at 415.438.8361; or e-mail  [email protected]

Ticket Price

Please refer to our  Fee Breakout FAQ  for complete overview of Alcatraz Island ticket prices.

Alcatraz Island Named #1 Landmark in the U.S.

Alcatraz City Cruises is a Proud Partner and Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service

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Last updated: April 27, 2021

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Alcatraz Island Golden Gate National Recreation Area B201 Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123

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The Official Tour of Alcatraz Island and Prison

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.

CELLHOUSE AUDIO TOUR

No one can tell the Alcatraz tale like the men who actually lived it. The captivating Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour brings history alive through the actual voices of the correctional officers and inmates who lived on the island during the infamous Federal Penitentiary era.

Hear both sides of life in the island prison including such famous events as escape attempts, “The Battle of ’46”, food riots, and surviving solitary confinement.

The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

GARDENS OF ALCATRAZ

From the military to the penitentiary era, plants softened the Rock for those who called Alcatraz home. Through gardening, island residents created beauty in a place focused on defense, punishment, and confinement. The families of the guards enjoyed tea parties in the gardens, and gardening became a welcome pastime. For trusted inmates, the gardens were an escape from daily prison life. Even today, the thriving gardens are a stark contrast to the somber prison.

After closure of the prison in 1963, many plants survived decades without care. These survivors are excellent choices for gardeners in the Bay Area or other Mediterranean climates. Since 2003, The Garden Conservancy has been working in partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service to restore these wonderful gardens and to share the stories with visitors.

Join a garden docent for an up-close look at the restored historic gardens of Alcatraz. Learn about the softer side of the Rock and how gardens made life tolerable for residents of the barren island. Tours leave the Alcatraz dock at 9:30 am every Friday and Sunday.

GUIDED TOURS

Join the island staff for a guided walking tour of Alcatraz Island. Programs are offered throughout the day and generally start either at the dock or lighthouse. Topics may include Famous Inmates, Escapes, Hollywood’s Rock, 200 Years of Alcatraz History, and Fortress Alcatraz. Some programs even take visitors into restricted areas of the island.

Guided tours generally last 45 minutes to an hour, and may involve walking moderate distances.

Tours and times vary daily, so check the Program Board when you arrive on the island dock. No reservations are required, and all programs are free.

ALCATRAZ: STORIES FROM THE ROCK

Alcatraz: Stories From the Rock takes viewers on a journey through the Island’s many chapters: its early role as a military fortress, the famous federal penitentiary years, the Indian occupation that altered the course of history, and finally the popular National Park and wildlife refuge it is today.

Alcatraz stands as a powerful symbol of protection and change. The film explores Alcatraz as it began, as it evolved, and as it stands today and allows viewers to discover the many layers that make it an incredible time capsule of history and human drama.

VIDEO: WE HOLD THE ROCK

The occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971 by “Indians of All Tribes” changed the course of U.S. and American Indian history, and brought world-wide attention to the plight of American Indians. The award winning video/exhibit, “WE HOLD THE ROCK,” produced by the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, is shown continually in the China Alley exhibit behind the main theater area near the dock.

ALCATRAZ AND THE AMERICAN PRISON EXPERIENCE

“Alcatraz and the American Prison Experience,” a major interpretive exhibit, explains the place of Alcatraz in the evolution of prisons in America from Colonial days to the present. Produced in partnership with the federal Bureau of Prisons, the exhibit also looks at family life on Alcatraz and trends in American penology. The exhibit is housed in two historic fortress storerooms in the China Alley display area near the dock.