Step back in time and visit Alcatraz, the legendary island that has been one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history and remains one of San Francisco's greatest landmarks nowadays.

Situated in the chilly waters of San Fransisco Bay less than two miles from Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz was the site of the West Coast’s first operational lighthouse. Said to be impossible to escape, it became then America's toughest prison, keeping some of the most dangerous prisoners such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud.

Also known as “The Rock”, the infamous Alcatraz prison shut down in 1963 due to very high operating expenses. Ten years later, Alcatraz Island was opened to the public. Today it welcomes more than one million visitors every year. Get your Alcatraz tickets and board the ferry to discover one of San Francisco's most famous attractions.

Here's all you need to know about Alcatraz, one of the most exciting attractions in San Francisco.

What are the prices of Alcatraz Island tickets?

The only way to visit Alcatraz and its legendary prison is by scheduling a ferry that takes you to the island. There, you take a tour of its grounds. The first Alcatraz Island tour of the day allows you to beat some of the crowds and get a firsthand account shortly after sunrise. The first scheduled departure of the day is at 8:40 AM. These are the different options for Alcatraz tickets:

Alcatraz Day Tour

This is the standard Alcatraz day tour. Cruise to the Island and visit the notorious prison. Tickets include a round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, a cellhouse audio tour and the daily optional programs and exhibits.

Adults: US$42.15
Juniors (12-17): US$42.15
Children (5-11): US$25.80
Seniors (62+): US$39.80
Toddlers (0-4): FREE
Family Pack (2 Adults, 2 Children): US$123.10

Alcatraz Night Tour

A thrilling opportunity to see Alcatraz at night. The views of San Francisco as night falls are breathtaking from the island, and the tour is completely different from the day version. However, keep in mind that night tours are limited to a few hundred people each night only, so make sure to book your tickets in plenty of advance.

Adults: US$52.70
Juniors (12-17): US$51.55
Children (5-11): US$31
Seniors (62+): US$49
Toddlers (0-4): FREE

Ticket includes a round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island with on-board narration during round-trip ferry ride, cellhouse audio tour, optional programs and exhibits and docent guided tours and talks.

Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour

Enjoy an exclusive tour that presents recently discovered areas of the island not generally open to the public. The tours are limited to small groups of fewer than 30 people, so once again, you must book tickets several months ahead of time.

Adults: US$97.70
Juniors (12-17): US$93.55
Seniors (62+): US$91

Ticket includes a round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, two-hour guided Behind The Scenes tour, and the Alcatraz Night Tour program.

How do you book Alcatraz Island tickets online?

You must book Alcatraz in San Francisco tickets in advance. Why? Tickets sell out very fast, and it is nearly impossible to find last-minute ticket offers. In fact, most tours get booked two to three months ahead of time.

You can purchase tour tickets in advance through the official website or via a online travel agency such as Viator or Getyourguide. Use our search engine and compare all the available deals for your desired date.

Can Alcatraz tickets be combined with other attractions?

There are many ways to combine tickets of Alcatraz with other attractions in San Francisco, or special types of rides around the island:

What will I see and do?

Alcatraz Island has a long history. It was originally a Civil War fort before transforming into a military prison. Later, it became one of the most infamous federal penitentiaries in U.S. history. Alcatraz housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

Tickets to Alcatraz offer you a unique look at the well-preserved prison, which officially closed its doors in 1963. You can visit the cells and other facilities of the prison while you receive a world-class audio tour. A ferry provides round-trip transportation to and from San Francisco.

Different tour options are available based on personal preferences. Night Tours offer a unique perspective. The recently opened Behind-the-Scenes tour offers visitors a more exclusive experience as you discover recently discovered parts of the island.

The island is also home to the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. The rocky island features natural rock pools as well as a thriving seabird colony. Egrets, western gulls, and cormorants are the most popular types of birds seen on Alcatraz.

What are Alcatraz Island opening hours?

Alcatraz Island has varying operating hours. The first tour takes off at 8:45 AM. Day Tours begin shortly after that, approximately every half hour throughout the day. Night Tours vary in terms of departure times. The island is open every day of the year, aside from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

What is the best time to visit Alcatraz in San Francisco to avoid the crowds?

Alcatraz Island is an extremely popular San Francisco landmark with limited access. The only way to visit the actual island is to purchase a timed ticket for a tour, which often sell out 2-3 months before the day of departure.

The good news is timed tickets are limited to a certain number of visitors, but the bad news is you don’t have much control over the crowds on the island. However, booking an Early Bird Tour will present you with the fewest crowds since you are the first to arrive at Alcatraz for the day.

We also recommend considering visiting Alcatraz Island in the spring or early fall. San Francisco is notorious for its fog, and it is particularly heavy in the summer. You will get better views of the bay by avoiding the summer.

What other attractions can be visited in San Francisco?

Golden Gate Bridge
Pier 39

Travel Tips

Book several months in advance: If you want to see Alcatraz Island on land, you will need to purchase tour tickets for several months in advance. Tour tickets commonly sell out 2-3 months ahead of time, leaving you little option to wait until the last moment.
Arrive at Pier 33 early on the day of departure. Your Alcatraz tickets has a time of departure. To be safe, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. There are unfortunately no refunds.
Make sure you bring a jacket and appropriate footwear as the island can get foggy and chilly.

Alcatraz: Tickets and Tours