Alcatraz was a federal prison from 1934 to 1963 and is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, run by the National Park Service. The island sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay, and the only way to reach it is the official ferry from Pier 33.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco attractions hub. To plan the rest of your trip, see the San Francisco visitors guide.
Alcatraz is closed for ferry dock repairs from October 26 to November 18, 2026. The National Park Service expects tours to restart on November 19, though weather can change that. Affected ticket holders are being offered refunds or new dates.
How to book tickets
Alcatraz City Cruises is the only company authorized by the National Park Service to sell tickets and run ferries to the island. Tickets go on sale up to 90 days ahead and sell out, often weeks in advance in summer and on holidays. Buy them on the Alcatraz City Cruises website. Resellers that are not the official concessioner often charge more, and some sell tours that only circle the island without landing.
Which tour to choose
The day tour is the standard option. You choose a ferry time, and once on the island you can stay as long as you like until the last return boat. The night tour has fewer people, a ferry ride at dusk and some programs that only run in the evening. It sells out quickly.
What you see on the island
Most people come for the cellhouse audio tour, which is included with your ticket. Former guards and inmates narrate it as you walk through the cell blocks, the dining hall and the recreation yard. Rangers give talks during the day, and there are exhibits about the 1969 to 1971 occupation of the island by Native American activists. The gardens and the views of the city are worth time too.
Getting to Pier 33
Alcatraz Landing is at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero, between the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf. There is no parking at the pier, and nearby lots are expensive. The F Market and Wharves streetcar stops right outside, so transit is the easier choice. Our getting around San Francisco guide covers routes.
What to bring
There is no food for sale on the island apart from snacks in the bookstore, so eat before you go. Wear layers and sturdy shoes, since it is often windy and cold on the water and the walk from the dock to the cellhouse is steep. A tram can help visitors with limited mobility up the hill.
How long to plan
Plan on two and a half to three hours including the ferry rides. People who read every exhibit and stay for a ranger talk often spend longer.
Alcatraz with kids
Older children usually find the cellhouse tour gripping. Younger ones may struggle with the steep path and the length of the audio tour. More ideas in our family vacation guide.
Combine it with the waterfront
Pier 33 is a short walk from Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, so you can see the sea lions or have lunch before or after your ferry.
Official resources: Alcatraz Island, National Park Service, Alcatraz City Cruises, NPS closure notice.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book Alcatraz?
As early as you can. Tickets are released up to 90 days ahead, and summer and holiday dates sell out first.
Is Alcatraz open now?
It is closed from October 26 to November 18, 2026 for dock repairs, with tours expected to restart on November 19. Check the National Park Service and Alcatraz City Cruises sites before you go.
Can you buy tickets at the pier?
Same-day tickets are rarely available. Book online in advance.
Photo credits
Featured image: Ralf Baechle / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.