Alcatraz Tours
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Alcatraz, the former federal prison that once held notorious criminals Scarface Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly, is today a national historic landmark and one of the most sought-out (and sold-out) attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tour the remains of the maximum-security facility on small and windy Alcatraz Island, aptly nicknamed 'The Rock,' to scope out the grounds and cellhouse; hear stories from former inmates; and pass by the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Angel Island on your 1.25-mile (2-km) ferry rides in and out.
The Basics
Alcatraz is only accessible by tour, and tickets sell out days (sometimes weeks) in advance. Lock in high-demand tickets by booking a San Francisco city tour that includes admission to the infamous federal penitentiary and a day of sightseeing via bike, bus, boat, or Segway. City tours typically cover highlights such as Chinatown, Coit Tower, North Beach, the Presidio, and the Ferry Building, while other booking options combine a hard-to-snag Alcatraz tour with a cable car ride, a bay cruise to Sausalito, or a multi-day adventure into the Marin headlands, wine country, or Muir Woods.
When to Get to Alcatraz
The Basics
Alcatraz is only accessible by tour, and tickets sell out days (sometimes weeks) in advance. Lock in high-demand tickets by booking a San Francisco city tour that includes admission to the infamous federal penitentiary and a day of sightseeing via bike, bus, boat, or Segway. City tours typically cover highlights such as Chinatown, Coit Tower, North Beach, the Presidio, and the Ferry Building, while other booking options combine a hard-to-snag Alcatraz tour with a cable car ride, a bay cruise to Sausalito, or a multi-day adventure into the Marin headlands, wine country, or Muir Woods.
Once on the island, visitors can explore at their own pace with the self-guided cellhouse audio tour (included in admission). You'll also find National Park Service exhibits, video presentations, docent- and ranger-led guided tours, and special programs that vary by season. Allow about 2.5 hours for the full Alcatraz prison experience, including both 15-minute ferry rides.
Things to Know Before You Go
Alcatraz tickets include round-trip ferry transportation (take note of the assigned departure time printed on your ferry ticket). You can take any ferry back to the city, available every half hour or so.
Bring a camera and a coat for the chilly but beautiful ferry rides.
You'll find a few snacks offered on the ferry and water available on the island.
The walk to the prison from the ferry dock is steep and hilly; an electric shuttle departs from the dock twice an hour for visitors requiring assistance. While wheelchairs are not provided or loaned at the prison, the cellhouse does have elevators.
How to Get to Alcatraz
All Alcatraz island tours depart via ferry from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. There are several parking garages in the area with rates from $25 to $50 per day, but prices typically double during special events, so consider taking public transportation. Multiple Muni lines run through the area, including the F-Line trolley. To arrive in style, consider booking a Viator VIP experience aboard an exclusive cable car.
Alcatraz tickets include round-trip ferry transportation (take note of the assigned departure time printed on your ferry ticket). You can take any ferry back to the city, available every half hour or so.
Bring a camera and a coat for the chilly but beautiful ferry rides.
You'll find a few snacks offered on the ferry and water available on the island.
The walk to the prison from the ferry dock is steep and hilly; an electric shuttle departs from the dock twice an hour for visitors requiring assistance. While wheelchairs are not provided or loaned at the prison, the cellhouse does have elevators.
How to Get to Alcatraz
All Alcatraz island tours depart via ferry from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. There are several parking garages in the area with rates from $25 to $50 per day, but prices typically double during special events, so consider taking public transportation. Multiple Muni lines run through the area, including the F-Line trolley. To arrive in style, consider booking a Viator VIP experience aboard an exclusive cable car.
When to Get to Alcatraz
Alcatraz cruises depart every half hour between 9am and 4pm. The early-bird trip departs at 8:45am, while the limited Alcatraz night tour allows visitors to stay on the grounds until 9:25pm and includes both live boat narration and a guided walk from the dock to the prison. Alcatraz tickets are hardest to come by in spring and summer.
Address: Ferries depart from Pier 33, San Francisco, California 94123, USA
Hours: Multiple departure times available
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)
- Combine one of San Francisco's top attractions with a wine country experience on this full-day Bay Area tour. You'll head across the Golden Gate Bridge to a winery to learn how to blend and bottle wine, which you can take home with its own label. Then return to the city to catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33 (near Fisherman's Wharf). When you arrive, explore the prison independently with the provided audio tour.
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From US$289.00
Tours & Activities (52)
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US$110.00
Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing and Alcatraz Combo
- This combo package allows you to see all of San Francisco's top sights and attraction. Ride the open top double decker bus for One full day, hopping on and off at over 20 stops around the city. Learn about North Beach, Chinatown, and Barbary Coast neighborhoods with a personal tour guide as they take you on a walking tour through these three historical districts. Choose between a Panoramic Night Tour and see beautiful San Francisco lit up at night on OR Take a Sausalito Tour and explore the quaint sea-side town of Sausalito. Cruise across the bay to the infamous prison known today as the Rock and explore the infamous Island Jail.
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US$192.50
Viator VIP: Early Access to Alcatraz and Exclusive Cable Car Sightseeing Tour
- Visit Alcatraz Island before most visitors arrive and tour San Francisco on a motorized classic cable car with this combo Viator VIP experience, available nowhere else. You’ll head to Alcatraz early for priority entry to this National Historic Landmark District. Explore the former prison via the award-winning audio guide, and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chinatown, North Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge on a cable car retrofitted with wheels, so you can see more of the city.
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US$65.00
Alcatraz and Aquarium of the Bay Combo Pass
- This combo pass allows you to see two of San Francisco's most popular attractions. Visit Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals, and the Aquarium of the Bay, home to over 20,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, sea stars, river otters, and many more.
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LIKELY TO SELL OUT
LIKELY TO SELL OUT
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US$108.00
Jail and Sail: Alcatraz Tour and Twilight Bay Cruise
- Cruise across San Francisco Bay twice in one day on this combo tour that includes entrance to the former island prison of Alcatraz, one of those most popular—and often sold-out—attractions in the city. Start with the ferry ride to San Francisco’s famous jail, which you’ll explore with a self-guided audio tour. After returning from Alcatraz, take a sunset or twilight cruise (depending on time of year) on the bay with an onboard buffet of hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine or beer.
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US$76.00
Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Tour
- Explore San Francisco on this 2-day combo, including a bike tour and admission to Alcatraz Island. On Day One, enjoy an all-day bike rental and a 3- or 4-hour tour departing from Fisherman’s Wharf. Cycle the city streets, head across the Golden Gate Bridge or take an evening tour as you experience the iconic city on two wheels. On Day Two, venture to the infamous prison to hear audio commentary about former inmates like Al Capone.
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US$243.00
San Francisco Helicopter and Alcatraz Tour
- Fly over San Francisco in a helicopter for stunning aerial views of the area, then take the ferry to explore Alcatraz. Book this flexible combination tour over consecutive days or on the same day, and choose from three different flight times and two pickup locations. The 20-minute helicopter flight allows spectacular aerial views of the city's major landmarks. After your flight, board a ferry to Alcatraz and take an award-winning audio tour of 'the Rock'.
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US$45.00
Walk On/Off Flexible San Francisco Tour Pass (8 Walking Tours) With Alcatraz Option
- Explore the diverse neighborhoods of San Francisco with this combo walk-on walk-off pass that provides access to eight regularly departing walking tour in the city, plus a ticket to Alcatraz Island (if selected). You can check out popular districts such as Chinatown, the Mission, Haight-Ashbury, North Beach, and Fisherman's Wharf on your schedule. Simply check what tours run when, and arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the starting time.
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US$120.00
3-for-1 Pass: Alcatraz, The San Francisco Dungeon and Madame Tussauds
- Visit three of San Francisco’s best attractions on the same day; this combo pass includes ferry transport to Alcatraz Island and access to the island itself, admission to the word famous Madame Tussauds wax museum plus The San Francisco Dungeon. The San Francisco Dungeon is a unique and immersive theatrical attraction that brings to life the dark history of San Francisco. Marvel at stunningly lifelike figures of athletes, celebrities and politicians at the wax museum including famous San Franciscans. Finally, catch a ferry from Alcatraz Landing across San Francisco Bay to ‘The Rock’ where you can explore the prison cells that once held America’s most-wanted criminals during a self-guided audio tour.
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US$159.00
The Ultimate Day Trip: Alcatraz & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour
- Combine two Bay Area attractions on a full-day tour of the Sonoma wine country and Alcatraz Island. Travel by comfortable coach across the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping at a vista point before wine tastings at two vineyards, including Cline Cellars. Returning to San Francisco, ride a ferry past the city skyline to Alcatraz for an award-winning audio tour of the infamous former prison. The Sonoma portion of the tour is limited to 13 people, ensuring a small-group experience with your informative guide.
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US$155.00
Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay Adventure Sightseeing Cruise
- Sure. You can hop on the standard ferry to Alcatraz and explore the prison with the rest of the tourists. Or you can catch a ferry over to Sausalito and see a few parts of the Bay. But this combo-tour tour combines best of both worlds. The 'Bay Voyager' is a ship that takes you closer to the sights than any other ship. Make use of complimentary wet-weather gear in case you get a little too close to Mother Nature. After your RIB Boat experience, head over to Pier 33 to join the famous Alcatraz Prison tour and see the grounds and the notorious solitary confinement wing.*You must submit all passenger names on checkout to redeem your Alcatraz Cruise tickets
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US$190.00
3-in-1 Ultimate Bay Area Package: Alcatraz Tour Including Muir Woods and San Francisco City Tour
- See the San Francisco Bay Area’s top attractions on a two-day tour that combines three sightseeing highlights. Depart Fisherman’s Wharf on day one to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument. Enjoy the towering redwood trees before continuing to the bayside town of Sausalito. Then return to San Francisco for a coach sightseeing tour that includes photo stops at Golden Gate Park and Twin Peaks. On day two, take the ferry over to Alcatraz Island and take an audio tour of the historic prison. Wine Tasting Flight is included.Due to popular demand, this package is likely to sell out. Advance reservations are required.
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US$113.00
San Francisco Combo: Alcatraz and City Segway Tour
- Ride the ferry to Alcatraz Island for an award-winning audio tour of the notorious former prison, and take a city Segway tour of San Francisco the following day. This combination package offers a comprehensive look at famous city attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square and Washington Square Park. The Segway tour — offered in the morning, afternoon or at sunset — is limited to eight passengers for a small-group experience with a personable guide.
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US$159.00
The One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz
- See the best of San Francisco in one day with this 9-hour tour from Fisherman's Wharf. You'll visit 11 different locations with five stops for photo ops, plus take a tour to Alcatraz Island in the afternoon. On board the minibus, you'll travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to see the redwood trees of Muir Woods Redwood National Monument, and listen to commentary from your guide about San Francisco's culture, history, and other places to check out on your own.
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US$145.00
San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz
- Tour San Francisco's Ferry Building on the original tour established in 2004 with a culinary expert guide, then visit Alcatraz on this full-day excursion in San Francisco.
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US$119.00
Alcatraz Admission and Small-Group Craft Brews and Bike Tour in San Francisco
- Visit Alcatraz and go on a beer-themed cycling tour through some of the city's hippest neighborhoods. This full-day excursion combines San Francisco's history; a ferry ride to Alcatraz and an audio tour of 'The Rock', with its modern craft brewing scene; a bike tour of the city's breweries and bars. With a local guide and a small group limited to 12 people or less, you'll enjoy personalized attention. Use of a bike and helmet is included, as well as one pint of craft beer.
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US$150.00
San Francisco's National Treasures Tour: Alcatraz and Muir Woods plus Madame Tussaud or the Dungeon
- Visit two world-famous San Francisco attractions, Alcatraz and Muir Woods, over the course of two sightseeing days. Venture into the Cell House of Alcatraz for an award-winning audio tour of the notorious former federal penitentiary. Then stroll under towering old-growth redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument. You’ll visit the waterfront town of Sausalito followed by a ferry ride back to the city, with your choice of admission to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum or the San Francisco Dungeon. Hotel transport plus ferry to Alcatraz Island included. Due to popular demand, this ultimate package is likely to sell out; advance reservations are required.
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US$127.00
Alcatraz and Walking Craft Beer Combo Tour
- Explore Alcatraz and sip some of San Francisco's tasty craft brews on this 8.5-hour combination tour. Visit Alcatraz, the city's infamous prison, to learn about the fascinating criminal history contained there. After returning to the mainland, follow your guide to 3 bars in the North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf neighborhoods. Taste some of the city's locally produced craft beers, accompanied by snacks or dinner (depending on the date of your tour). This small group tour operates with 12 beer- and history- loving participants, ensuring personal attention and an intimate atmosphere. Round-trip ferry transportation and admission to Alcatraz is included.
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US$175.00
San Francisco Urban Adventure and Alcatraz Tour
- Tour San Francisco in an open-air safari jeep, then visit Alcatraz during this 4-hour urban adventure. With your small group, limited to 10 people or fewer to ensure an intimate experience, cruise through the city, passing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks, then winding through the city's diverse neighborhoods. Disembark at Pier 33 to board your Alcatraz cruise, then take the self-guided audio tour to learn about the prison's rich history. Pickup at your hotel in San Francisco is included.
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US$150.00
Alcatraz and Hills of San Francisco Segway Tour
- For a well-rounded San Francisco experience, combine admission to Alcatraz, one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions, with a Segway tour of this famously hilly city. During the day, explore sights such as Lombard Street and North Beach on your personal Segway, and take a ferry over to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided audio tour of this legendary penitentiary and National Historic Landmark District.
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US$108.00
San Francisco Shore Excursion: Alcatraz and City Tour
- Next time you're in port in San Francisco, why not spend your day touring the city's top attractions? Board a ferry for Alcatraz, and at the Rock, hear the stories and legends associated with the infamous penitentiary on a self-guided audio tour. Then, travel by coach to renowned sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, and Chinatown.
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US$145.00
Viator Exclusive: North Beach Culinary Experience and Alcatraz Tour
- Prebook this Alcatraz and North Beach tour with this exclusive experience only found with Viator. Both Alcatraz and North Beach are destinations rarely left off a San Francisco itinerary. With an Alcatraz admission ticket and food tour combo, you’ll get to visit both in one day, making this an ideal choice for visitors with limited time. Spend the morning at Alcatraz’ island prison and then ferry back to San Francisco for a behind-the-scenes North Beach food tour. Your guide takes you to off-the-grid restaurants where you’ll sample food and wine, and learn about local history from chefs and owners.
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US$226.25
San Francisco Seaplane Flight and Alcatraz Tour
- See Alcatraz from above and explore the island prison on foot with this seaplane flight and Alcatraz combo tour. On a 30-minute aerial tour from Sausalito, you’ll see San Francisco landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Trans-America Pyramid. Then take the Alcatraz Island ferry across San Francisco Bay, where you’ll tour the cellblock via the included audio tour. Choose the time of your Alcatraz tour when booking, and take the seaplane tour in the morning of the same day.
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US$245.88
San Francisco All-Day Alcatraz and GoCar Adventure Package Including Lunch
- Visit the former prison cells of Alcatraz Island and then motor through San Francisco streets in your very own GPS-guided GoCar. This combo experience includes a ferry ride across the bay for an award-winning audio tour of the notorious penitentiary. You'll also receive a fabulous lunch from Get Fresh SF where you'll have your choice of a sandwich, wrap, or Asian bowl. On the same day or another day, take a 2-hour drive in your private GoCar, preloaded with more than 50 must-see attractions and landmarks including the Presidio, Crissy Field, Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park and Lombard Street — the crookedest street in the world!
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US$199.00
Alcatraz and ATT Ballpark Behind The Scenes Access Tour with lunch credit!
- It's a ballpark "Triple Play"! Experience a morning behind the scenes tour of ATT Ballpark; home to a major baseball franchise. Go inside the ballpark where home runs can be "splash hits" and views that rival the action on the field. A tour guide will escort you to places only the players and staff go such as Field Warning Track, major league dugout, visitor cages, visitors clubhouse, press box, luxury suites, and the baseball momentum Vault (all subject to available areas). Approx 1.5 hours with other tour guests in attendance. Head on over to Fisherman's Wharf by Muni (not included) on the "E" Line for a relaxing lunch credit! Enjoy a relaxed area to enjoy a $15 credit to a delicious lunch at a predetermined vendor. Return to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing to experience an afternoon Alcatraz tour. Take a round trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and go inside the prison with audio tour included. Return on any boat !
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