Ferry to Alcatraz: Planning Your Visit and Beyond

Planning your visit to Alcatraz Island, accessible only by ferry, requires some preparation. The ferry to Alcatraz departs from Pier 33 in San Francisco.

To ensure a smooth experience, it's best to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

The ferry ride itself takes about 15-20 minutes, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.

You can purchase tickets online or at the pier, but be aware that tickets often sell out quickly, especially during peak season.

The ferry to Alcatraz Island departs from Pier 33 in San Francisco, which is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike.

Plan to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to account for security checks and ticketing.

The ferry ride to Alcatraz Island typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on the sea conditions.

You'll have the opportunity to explore the island's historic prison, cellblock, and grounds, as well as watch a short film about the island's history.

Be prepared for a moderate amount of walking and stairs on the island, including a steep hill to the top of the island.

The audio tour, which is included with your ticket, provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the island's history and former inmates.

You can also bring your own food and drinks to the island, but be sure to dispose of trash properly.

The ferry runs regularly throughout the day, but be sure to check the schedule in advance to plan your visit around the times that work best for you.

The ferry to Alcatraz is a relatively short ride, taking anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes to cross the water.

You can find the ferry schedule on signs at the Alcatraz dock, so you can plan your day accordingly.

The day tour ferries run roughly every 30 minutes for most of the day, with the first ferry departing at 8:20 AM in peak season and 8:40 AM in off-peak season.

Here's a breakdown of the ferry schedule:

For day tours, you can hop on any return ferry lining up at the Alcatraz dock, so you don't have to worry about a fixed return time.

The frequency of ferry departures to and from Alcatraz Island is quite impressive. During peak season, day tour ferries run every 30 minutes for most of the day, with the first ferry departing at 8:20 AM and the last one at 3:50 PM.

The return ferries from the island to the mainland also operate frequently, with the first one departing at 9:05 AM and the last one at 6:35 PM. In off-peak season, the schedule is shorter, with the first day tour ferry departing at 8:40 AM and the last one at 1:35 PM.

For night tour visitors, the frequency of departures and returns is more limited. During peak months, there are two departures from Alcatraz Landing at 5:55 PM and 6:30 PM, with occasional third departures added on busy summer days.

The return ferries for Night Tour operate at 7 PM, 8 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:30 PM. In lean months, there is only one night ferry, departing at 3:50 PM, with occasional second departures based on demand.

Here's a summary of the ferry frequency for day and night tours:

*Only on selected days in off-peak season.

Return flexibility is a big perk for some ferry-goers. For Day Tours and Yellow Group combos, you don't have a fixed return time, so you can explore the island at your own pace.

You can hop on any return ferry lining up at the Alcatraz dock. Just be sure to keep track of the time, as you can find the day's return ferry times on signs at the Alcatraz dock.

For structured tours like the Night Tour and Green Group combo, return ferries are more limited.

So you're planning a trip to Alcatraz? Let's get down to business and talk about where to catch the ferry.

The ferries to Alcatraz depart from and arrive at Pier 33 along the Embarcadero, which is the only authorized departure point for Alcatraz Cruises.

To make things easy, I've got a quick rundown of the key locations you'll want to know about.

Here are the key locations to remember:

The time it takes to get from Pier 33 to Alcatraz is relatively short, usually between 15 to 20 minutes.

You'll spend more time waiting in line and for the ferry to leave than you will on the actual ferry. The official site says it takes 12 minutes, but it's always a good idea to plan for a bit more time.

The ferry schedule is well-coordinated, and ferries are punctual, so don't be late! If you miss your scheduled outbound ferry, the staff might try to put you on the next one if there's space, but this isn't guaranteed.

Here's a breakdown of the travel time:

Plan your Pier 33 arrival about 30 minutes before departure, especially on peak days when the boarding line can get long. Print or download your ticket QR code beforehand for faster check-in.

You can buy Alcatraz tickets with our Alcatraz Day Tour option, which includes a round-trip ferry ride and access to the Alcatraz prison, the Cellhouse, and other historic sites.

The price for Day Tour of Alcatraz tickets starts from $49 for adults, $46 for seniors, and $33 for children.

The Day Tour option also includes a discovery guide island map, outdoor informative signs, and exhibits that allow visitors to learn about Alcatraz's deep history.

Here's a breakdown of what's included in the Day Tour tickets:

If you're planning a trip to San Francisco, a 2-day hop-on hop-off ticket can be a great way to see the sights. This ticket grants you access to a premium 2-day hop-on-hop-off experience.

You'll also get an Alcatraz Island ticket and self-guided tour, which is a must-see attraction. The Alcatraz ferry ticket is included, making it easy to get to the island.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

If you're planning a visit to Alcatraz, I highly recommend buying Skip the Line tickets. This will save you a ton of time and hassle.

These tickets include Alcatraz ferry tickets that include a round-trip ride. This is a must-have for anyone visiting the island.

You'll also get to explore the Alcatraz Cellhouse, accompanied by an audio tour. The audio tour is a great way to learn about the island's deep history.

The Cellhouse is a fascinating piece of history, and the audio tour will give you a wealth of information about it.

With Skip the Line tickets, you'll also get access to the New Industries Building, which features a wonderful display honouring the historic Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes.

This is a really important part of Alcatraz's history, and it's fascinating to learn about.

Here's a breakdown of what's included in Skip the Line tickets:

The price for these tickets starts at $49 for adults, $46 for seniors, and $33 for children.

Behind-the-Scenes Tickets offer an exclusive experience to explore Alcatraz Island's off-limits areas.

These tickets come with a round trip ferry ticket to the island, allowing you to travel back and forth.

A personal guided Behind the Scenes Tour is included, led by a National Park Service Ranger or an expert historical educator who will share intriguing facts about the Island's history and current standing.

You'll have the chance to explore the island on your own after the guided tour is done.

The tour is limited to a party of no more than 20 individuals, ensuring a more intimate and immersive experience.

Note that the tour is only for people aged 12 and up, and it's prohibited to buy Behind-the-scenes Alcatraz tickets for children under the age of 12.

Here's a breakdown of the ticket prices:

Getting to Alcatraz is relatively quick and easy. The ferry ride itself is around 15 to 20 minutes, but you'll likely spend more time waiting in line and for the ferry to leave.

You can plan for a bit more time than the official 12 minutes, as it does take a few minutes for the entire ferry to unload once you arrive.

If you're planning to visit Alcatraz during the day, you'll want to know the ferry schedule. Day tour ferries run roughly every 30 minutes for most of the day.

In peak season, which is from early March to early November, the first ferry to Alcatraz is at 8:20 AM, followed by ferries at 8:40 AM, 9:20 AM, 9:40 AM, and so on until the last ferry of the day at 3:50 PM. The return ferries start at 9:05 AM and the last one is at 6:35 PM.

During peak season, here's a breakdown of the ferry schedule:

In the off-peak season, which is from early November to early March, the schedule is shorter. The first day tour ferry is at 8:40 AM and the last one is at 1:35 PM. The return ferries start at 9:05 AM and the last one is at 4:30 PM.

Here's the off-peak season schedule:

Getting on the ferry to Alcatraz is a straightforward process. No vaccination proof is required, and masks are only recommended, but not required, in the loading area, on the boat, and on the dock.

You'll likely see a long line waiting to get on the boat 30 minutes before departure, but don't feel pressured to get there early to secure a good spot. The ferry company asks you to be at the pier 30 minutes prior to boarding, but you don't have to be in the line for 30 minutes.

The seating on the ferry might seem limited, but there's actually plenty of room. People rush to take seats, but they often leave their seats to explore the boat, making them available if you want one.

You can relax and have a snack or coffee while you wait to board at the snack bar and shop on Pier 33 next to the departure point.

You can take a ferry to Alcatraz without a tour, but you'll miss out on the self-guided tour within the main prison building.

You'll still be able to walk around the island, read the signs, and explore the outdoor areas on your own. This option can save you a bit of money if you're sticking to a tight budget.

The Island Experience is a unique and unforgettable adventure. You'll have the chance to explore Alcatraz Island, which offers a variety of experiences.

To start, you'll need to check-in with your mobile E-Ticket, which is included in your tour package. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

The ferry ride to and from the island is a great opportunity to take in the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. You can choose from two different tour options, depending on your interests and budget.

Here are the prices for the different tour options:

Note that prices may vary depending on the time of year and tour date, so be sure to check the prices during checkout.

Wear layers for your visit to Alcatraz Island, as the temperature can fluctuate during your tour.

You'll likely want to sit outside on the ferry to take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf area, and downtown San Francisco.

Wearing a jacket and long pants will help keep you warm while seated outside.

You may be able to remove your jacket when you're outdoors on the island, but the main prison building is usually chilly, so it's a good idea to have it with you.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll want to easily get around the ferry and stand during the journey.

Arrive at the dock on Alcatraz Island at least 20 minutes early to get in line and secure your spot on the ferry.

Here's a quick guide to help you prepare:

The outdoor seating on the ferry is a great place to sit, especially on the top floor where you can get a bird's eye view of the island.

The outdoor seating is located on the top floor, but be prepared for a pretty steep climb up the stairs. Make sure to use the handrail the entire time.

Sitting on the left-hand side of the ferry is a good idea, as you'll get the best views of Alcatraz Island as you approach.

You'll also get great views of the Golden Gate Bridge when you're on the left-hand side, and when you turn around, you'll see downtown San Francisco.

On the way back, consider sitting indoors to warm up if it's a cool day.

As you step onto Alcatraz Island, you'll be immersed in the rich history and eerie atmosphere of the former prison. The Island Experience is all about exploring every nook and cranny of this infamous place.

You can start by taking a ferry to the island, which is included in your tour package. The ferry ride itself is a great way to get a sense of the island's layout and surroundings.

Once you arrive, you'll have access to the Inside Alcatraz Prison, where you can explore the Cellhouse and learn about the lives of the inmates who once called it home. The Cellhouse Audio Tour will guide you through the prison's history and provide a deeper understanding of the island's past.

The Island Experience also includes an orientation video, which will give you a brief overview of the island's history and significance. And, if you're lucky, you might even catch a Ranger or docent tour, where you can ask questions and get a more in-depth look at the island's fascinating history.

Here's a breakdown of the costs:

Note that prices may vary depending on the time of year you visit, with a slight increase during the spring and summer months.

You'll get to enjoy a mobile E-Ticket check-in, which makes the process of getting to Alcatraz Island a breeze.

A ferry ride to and from the island is included in the package, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.

The two-hour Park Ranger guided tour is a highlight, with a small group of 20 people or fewer tour guests ensuring a more personalized experience.

You'll also get to experience the award-winning Cellhouse audio tour, which is a must-hear for anyone interested in the island's history.

Additional programs and exhibits are also included, adding to the overall experience.

Here's a breakdown of the ticket prices:

Note that prices may increase for tour dates in the spring/summer schedule, starting from March 12 and beyond.