To book your ferry and tour, go directly to Alcatraz City Cruises, which is the only authorized National Park Service provider. Tickets include your round-trip ferry from Pier 33 and the cellhouse audio tour. Because these tickets sell out extremely fast—sometimes months in advance for peak times—it is essential to book through their official website or by phone as early as you can.
3City CruisesThe only authorized provider for ferry and tour access. Use their official site or phone line to book. Aim to reserve at least 90 days ahead, as high demand means tickets for day and night tours frequently sell out quickly.23%
Booking tickets in advance for Alcatraz Island is essential because they frequently sell out weeks or even months ahead of time. Alcatraz City Cruises is the sole official concessioner authorized by the National Park Service to dock on the island.[1]
Follow these steps to book your official tickets safely and efficiently:
Visit the Alcatraz City Cruises Website . This is the only authorized direct platform for face-value tickets that include round-trip ferry transit from Pier 33 and the official cellhouse audio tour. Avoid third-party reseller markups or tours that only circle the island from the water without docking.[1]
Choose your tour type. Options include the standard Day Tour , the specialized Night Tour (which features special evening access and programs, running Tuesday through Saturday), or seasonal specialty options. Tickets typically open up for reservation 90 days in advance.[2]
Select your date and time slot. During peak travel seasons, tickets regularly book out 60 to 75 days ahead, so pick a backup date if your first choice is unavailable.[1]
Complete your checkout and save your confirmation email. You will need to bring a valid photo ID matching the lead buyer's name when picking up or boarding at (located along the Embarcadero). Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
To book tickets in advance for Alcatraz Island , you need to use the official concessionaire, Alcatraz City Cruises (operated through ). Beware of third-party ticket resellers that mark up prices or bundle unnecessary fees.
To book tickets in advance for Alcatraz Island, go directly through Alcatraz City Cruises , which is the sole official and authorized concessioner for tours and ferry transport to the island. Avoid third-party resellers or street vendors to prevent inflated prices or invalid tickets.
Yes. Alcatraz is one of those San Francisco attractions you should book ahead, especially for weekends, holidays, and summer dates. The National Park Service says tickets can sell out weeks in advance, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Booking advance tickets for Alcatraz Island is straightforward, but because it is one of San Francisco's top attractions, planning ahead is essential. The official concessioner is Alcatraz , and your ferry ticket automatically includes the award-winning Cellhouse audio tour.
Yes. The easiest way is to book directly through the official Alcatraz ferry operator, Alcatraz City Cruises. It is the National Park Service’s authorized concessioner and the only commercial ferry service that transports visitors to and from Alcatraz Island.
Booking tickets in advance for Alcatraz Island is essential because tours sell out weeks—and sometimes months—ahead.
Official Booking Steps
Visit the Official Concessioner: Go directly to the Alcatraz Official Website . They are the authorized official provider and exclusive ferry service permitted to dock on the island. Avoid third-party resellers or street vendors to prevent inflated prices or invalid tickets.
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If you let me know your approximate travel dates and preferred tour type (Day or Night) , I can let you know how far in advance you should lock those tickets in or suggest great nearby itinerary pairings!
To book an Alcatraz Island ferry and tour in advance, use the official ferry ticket provider, alcatrazcitycruises.com. The National Park Service recommends advance reservations because tours often sell out, especially during summer and holiday periods.
Steps to book
Go to the official ticket site:
Choose your tour type:
Day Tour — the standard visit with ferry transportation, Cellhouse audio tour, and access to the island.
Night Tour — evening visit with additional programs and views of San Francisco.
Behind the Scenes Tour — a smaller-group experience with additional access.
Select:
Your visit date
Number of tickets
Available departure time
Complete payment and save your confirmation (mobile ticket is typically accepted).
Arrive at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing in San Francisco before your scheduled departure. The ferry to Alcatraz departs from Pier 33.
How far ahead should you book?
Tickets can be purchased up to about 90 days in advance.
For summer, weekends, and holidays, booking several weeks ahead is recommended because departures can sell out.
What your ticket includes
A standard Alcatraz ticket includes:
Round-trip ferry transportation
Admission to Alcatraz Island
Cellhouse audio tour
National Park Service programs on the island
A few tips:
Wear layers—Alcatraz can be colder and windier than San Francisco.
Plan for roughly 2–3 hours for a typical visit, including the ferry and island exploration.
Avoid unofficial ticket sellers; the National Park Service identifies Alcatraz City Cruises as the authorized ferry provider.
I can also help you plan the best departure time, parking/transportation to Pier 33, or combine Alcatraz with other San Francisco sights.
The official ticket includes both the round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 and the world-famous cellhouse audio tour.
Steps to Book Tickets in Advance:
Visit the Official Website: Go directly to the Alcatraz Island Tickets & Tour Reservations on City Experiences page.
Choose Your Tour Type:
Day Tour: The most popular option, offering flexibility to explore the island and cellhouse at your own pace.
Night Tour: Features special programs, restricted group sizes, and a slightly spookier atmosphere (book this way in advance as it sells out fastest).
Behind the Scenes Tour / Special Packages: More in-depth group tours with restricted access areas.
Select Date and Time: Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance (roll-out dates can vary, so check early). Pick your preferred calendar date and available departure time slot.
Checkout and Confirm: Enter your passenger details and payment info. Tickets are all-inclusive (Ferry + National Park entrance/audio tour). You will receive a confirmation email with instructions.
Arrive at Pier 33: Head to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing (located on The Embarcadero in San Francisco) at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure with a valid photo ID matching the ticket purchaser's name.
If you'd like, let me know:
What month or dates you are planning to visit
Whether you prefer a Day Tour or a Night Tour
I can give you tips on how quickly those specific dates tend to sell out!
Alcatraz City Cruises - 31 San Francisco Pier 33 - Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States
Alcatraz Cruises - San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Alcatraz - San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Alcatraz Landing Pier 33 - Pier 33 Ste 200, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Pier 33 - San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Alcatraz Island - San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Alcatraz City Cruises - 55 Francisco St suite 360, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Alcatraz Island - 201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94122
ALCATRAZ TOURS - Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
San Francisco Cruises (Red and White Fleet) - Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Must See - Alcatraz tours / Muir Woods and Sausalito tours - 488 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Yes. The easiest way is to book directly with the official ferry operator, Alcatraz City Cruises. They are the National Park Service–authorized ferry service to Alcatraz, departing from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.
Day Tour — the standard visit, including the round-trip ferry and Cellhouse audio tour.
Night Tour — evening visit with additional programming.
Behind the Scenes Tour — more extensive access and guided programming.
Alcatraz & Angel Island Combo — combines both islands.
Select your date, departure time, and number of passengers and complete payment.
Keep your confirmation/e-ticket available for check-in at Alcatraz City Cruises at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
A couple of important tips
Book ahead rather than waiting until you arrive in San Francisco. The official operator notes that tickets can sell out, particularly during busy periods.
Make sure you're buying a ticket that actually lands on Alcatraz Island. Some companies sell Bay cruises that pass by Alcatraz but do not dock there.
The current official site lists the Day Tour at $47.95 and the Night Tour at $59.65, with fees and taxes included; prices can change.
If you tell me the date you want to visit and how many people are going, I can also look up the available Alcatraz departure times for you.
Visit the Official Site: Navigate to Alcatraz City Cruises and click on "Buy Tickets".
Choose Your Tour Type:
Day Tour: The standard experience including the round-trip ferry and the award-winning Cellhouse audio tour.
Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening option featuring specialized programs and areas not open during the day (closed Sundays and Mondays).
Behind the Scenes Tour: An in-depth, small-group walking tour of restricted areas.
Select Date and Time: Pick your preferred date and departure time slot.
Complete Payment: Provide passenger details and payment. Keep your confirmation email and digital or printed vouchers ready.
Arrive at Pier 33: Head to Pier 33 (located at Embarcadero and Bay Street) at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time with a valid photo ID.
Key Planning Tips
Book Early: Tickets often sell out weeks to months in advance , especially during summer and major holidays.
All-Inclusive Pricing: Standard tickets cover both the round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 and the audio headset tour inside the cell house.
Accessibility: The ferry and main areas are wheelchair accessible, though the island involves a steep uphill walk from the dock to the cellhouse.
If you let me know your travel dates or preferred tour style (day vs. night) , I can provide more specific tips on how far in advance you should lock in your reservation.
Go to the official Alcatraz City Cruises booking site:
Choose your date and tour: - Day Tour — the standard choice; includes the round-trip ferry and Cellhouse audio tour.
Night Tour — evening visit with additional programming and smaller crowds.
Behind the Scenes Tour — a longer, more specialized experience with access to areas not included on the regular tour.
Select your departure time and number of tickets.
Pay online and save your confirmation. The ferry departs from Pier 33, on The Embarcadero near Bay Street.
Arrive at Pier 33 ahead of your scheduled departure.
What your ticket includes
For the standard Day Tour, your ticket includes round-trip ferry transportation, access to Alcatraz Island, the Cellhouse audio tour, and National Park Service programs.
The NPS specifically identifies Alcatraz City Cruises as the official/authorized ferry provider, so I'd avoid third-party sellers unless you have a particular reason to use one.
Tip: Tickets are currently available up to 90 days in advance, so if you already know your San Francisco dates, I'd book as soon as your date opens.
If you tell me the date you'll be in San Francisco and how many people, I can also check what Alcatraz tour options are available and help you pick the best departure time.
Go to the official Alcatraz City Cruises ticket page:
Choose your tour. The main options currently include:
Day Tour — the standard visit, including the round-trip ferry and Cellhouse audio tour.
Night Tour — evening visit with additional nighttime programming.
Behind the Scenes Tour — a more in-depth experience with areas not included in the standard tour.
Alcatraz & Angel Island Combination Tour.
Select your date, departure time, and number of tickets, then complete payment online. Your reservation isn't confirmed until you receive the confirmation email.
Go to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing in San Francisco for your departure. The ferry to Alcatraz is included in the ticket; you don't need to purchase a separate ferry ticket.
A couple of important tips
Book ahead, especially for weekends, holidays, and summer dates—the popular tours can sell out.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Be wary of websites selling "Alcatraz tours" that are actually bay cruises that only sail past the island. The official Alcatraz ticket includes transportation that actually lands on the island.
If you want the classic first-time experience, I'd choose the Day Tour.
If you tell me what date you're planning to visit and how many people, I can look up the available Alcatraz tour times and help you choose the best one.
Go to the Official Provider: Visit the official Alcatraz City Cruises Website . Avoid third-party resellers or street vendors, as they often mark up prices or sell invalid tickets.
Select Your Tour Type:
Day Tour: The standard experience, which includes the round-trip ferry and the cellhouse audio tour.
Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening option featuring special tours, stories, and atmospheric views.
Choose Date and Time: Tickets are released on a rolling basis. During peak travel seasons (summer and holidays), tickets can sell out weeks or months in advance, so lock this in as early as your dates are firm.
Complete Purchase: Tickets include the round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 (near Fisherman's Wharf), the cellhouse audio guide, and park entrance fees.
Check-In on Departure Day: Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time with a valid photo ID matching the name on the ticket.
If you'd like, let me know:
When you plan to visit (month or specific dates)
Whether you are interested in the Day Tour or the Night Tour
I can help give you advice on how far in advance you should book for that specific time of year.
Choose Alcatraz Day Tour if you want the standard visit. It includes: - Round-trip ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing
Admission to Alcatraz Island and the Cellhouse
The award-winning Cellhouse audio tour
Access to exhibits and outdoor historic areas.
Select your date and departure time, enter the number of visitors, and complete payment online.
Arrive at Pier 33 before your scheduled departure. The operator recommends allowing enough time to board; for the Night Tour, they specifically recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early.
Book early
I strongly recommend reserving ahead of time. Alcatraz frequently sells out a week or more in advance, and same-day tickets are rarely available.
The standard Day Tour currently starts at $47.95, including fees and taxes, although the price can vary by departure/date.
If you'd like a more special experience, there are also Night Tours and Behind the Scenes Tours.
Important: Be wary of street vendors or sites claiming to sell cheaper Alcatraz ferry tickets. The official operator specifically recommends buying directly from Alcatraz City Cruises to avoid inflated or invalid tickets.
If you tell me your San Francisco dates, number of people, and whether you prefer day or night, I can help you figure out which Alcatraz tour to book and what departure time would work best.
Day Tour: Includes the round-trip ferry ride, access to the island grounds, and the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour.
Night Tour: A more limited-capacity evening experience with special programs and unique lighting/atmosphere.
Behind the Scenes Tour: A specialized, smaller-group walking tour exploring restricted areas.
Select Date and Time: Pick your preferred date and departure time. Tickets generally become available up to 90 days in advance, and prime morning or night slots go fast.
Complete Payment: Review your booking and check-in instructions. Tickets are all-inclusive (covering the ferry and audio tour), with no hidden National Park entrance fees.
Depart from Pier 33: On the day of your tour, head to Pier 33 (located along the Embarcadero in San Francisco) at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure with a valid photo ID.
If you'd like, I can help you with:
Choosing between the Day Tour and the Night Tour
Tips on parking and public transit around Pier 33
Other nearby San Francisco attractions to bundle into your day
Let me know how you'd like to proceed with your trip planning!
