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Ferry with tourists approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California.
Aerial view of Alcatraz Island with San Francisco skyline in the background.
Alcatraz Island Tickets with Ferry Ride and Self-Guided Tour App Image 11
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Highlights

  • Set sail from San Francisco’s Pier 33 and enjoy a breezy ferry ride across the Bay, with sweeping views of the city skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Your experience will be enhanced from the very start by an all-in-one app featuring audio guides, immersive video tours, AI chat, and self-paced exploration that begins right on the ferry.
  • Alcatraz Island, once home to America's most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly, is open to touring, either during the day or at night.
  • On the day tour, explore the prison cell blocks, outdoor spaces such as the Recreation Yard & Eagle Plaza, the historic Gardens, and permanent exhibits.
  • On the night tour, listen to live narration on the ferry ride to the island, meet a ranger at the dock for a guided tour of the island, explore the prison cell blocks, and enjoy exclusive access to closed off areas like the hospital and kitchen.
  • On both tours, explore the prison areas on your own with the award-winning *Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour*, available in 11 languages with narratives by former inmates and prison guards.

Your Experience

Ferry with tourists approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California.
Aerial view of Alcatraz Island with San Francisco skyline in the background.
Alcatraz Island Tickets with Ferry Ride and Self-Guided Tour App Image 1

Getting started

Begin your journey at Pier 33, where you’ll exchange your mobile voucher for a paper ticket at the desk. Board the ferry to Alcatraz Island and prepare for a self-paced experience powered by an all-in-one app featuring audio guides, immersive video tours, AI chat, and real-time insights that begin right from your ferry ride.

What to expect

Alcatraz Island, once home to the notorious federal prison, stands as a symbol of American history in San Francisco Bay. Known for its dramatic escape stories and striking location just offshore, the island comes to life through rich storytelling both on-site and through the app’s interactive features.

Features

  • Ferry ride across San Francisco Bay: Enjoy a direct ferry transfer from Pier 33, with panoramic views of the skyline and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, enhanced by app-based audio and video content during your journey.

  • Self-guided app tour: Use the all-in-one app for audio narration, video tours, and AI-powered chat to navigate the island and uncover stories of Alcatraz’s history, infamous inmates, and daily prison life.

  • Historic cellhouse: Walk through the preserved cellhouse, see original prison cells, and hear gripping accounts of legendary escape attempts, complemented by the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.

  • Flexible visit duration: Stay on Alcatraz Island as long as you wish during operating hours, exploring entirely at your own pace with both on-ground exhibits and app-led guidance.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • **Day tours**
  • Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island
  • App with audio-guide, video tours, AI chat, and self-paced exploration that starts from the ferry ride
  • Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
  • Downloadable award-winning audio tour, *Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour*, available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
  • Traditional audio device with headset
  • Access to permanent exhibits
  • Access to outdoor historic spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden
  • Participation in Guided Interpretive Programs
  • **Night tours**
  • Onboard narration by live guide
  • *Around the island* route to Alcatraz
  • Guided tour by Ranger/educator
  • Access to exclusive areas such as the kitchen, hospital, and church (closed off to the public during the day)
  • **Day tours**
  • Live guide
  • Food and beverages
  • **Night tours**

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
  • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

You should bring a valid government-issued photo ID, a jacket or warm layer due to potential great and windy conditions on the island, and comfortable walking shoes since there's a steep uphill climb involved.

Pets are not permitted except for registered service animals. Additionally, large bags or suitcases are prohibited both on the ferry and the island itself.

On the day tour, you'll explore prison cell blocks, outdoor areas like the Recreation Yard & Eagle Plaza, historic Gardens, and permanent exhibits. You will also have access to an award-winning audio tour available in multiple languages.

Night tours include live narration during the ferry ride, a guided island tour by a ranger at the dock, and exclusive access to usually closed-off areas such as the hospital and kitchen. The award-winning audio guide is also available for self-guided exploration.

The audio tour 'Doing Time' is accessible in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

The ferry departs from San Francisco’s Pier 33. The ride offers views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge as you sail across the Bay to Alcatraz Island.

Admission to Alcatraz is included in your ticket at a price of $45 per person.

You'll be provided with a traditional audio device and headset for use throughout your tour on Alcatraz Island.

Food and beverages are not part of what is included. You will need to arrange these separately during or after the visit.

On both tours, you'll explore the prison areas independently using 'Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,' which includes narratives by former inmates and guards.

A valid government-issued photo ID. A jacket or warm layer — the island can be cool and windy, especially at night. Comfortable walking shoes, as the route includes a steep uphill climb equivalent to about 13 stories.

Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage are not permitted on the ferry or island. Pets are not allowed, except registered service animals. Intoxicants, illegal substances, and similar banned items are strictly prohibited. Smoking and vaping are allowed only in designated areas near the dock. Drones or remote-controlled devices are not permitted anywhere on the island.

The island is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and a tram available for visitors with limited mobility. Staff can assist guests with special accessibility needs. Wheelchairs are not available for rent at either Pier 33 or Alcatraz Island.

Arrive at Pier 33 at least 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure. Allow about 15 minutes for the return ferry to Pier 33 after leaving Alcatraz Island. Visitors may stay on Alcatraz Island for as long as they wish within operating hours (see schedule for day and night tours). Children aged 4 and under can enter free of charge. Tours run rain or shine — dress for the weather. Meals and beverages are not provided; on-island options are minimal. Guided commentary is not included — tours are self-guided via an audio guide app. Certain exhibits and activities are exclusive to the night tour; check your ticket for details.

Available Daily Departure ferries: 8:40am, 9:20am, 9:40am, 10:10am, 10:35am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:05pm, 1:35pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:20pm, 3:50pm Return ferries: 9:00am – 6:30pm (departing approximately every 30–40 minutes)

Available Tuesday to Saturday Departure ferries: 5:55pm, 6:30pm, 7:05pm Return ferries: 8:40pm, 9:25pm, 9:50pm

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