Tours and Tickets to Experience Alcatraz

There are plenty of ways to experience Alcatraz. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now.

• Alcatraz Ticket: San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito Tour
• Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
• Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz
• Alcatraz Muir Woods Express with Golden Gate Bridge Visit
• Alcatraz Island Tour Package

Alcatraz tickets start at US$45.25 for adults, with lower prices for juniors, children, and seniors. Infants and toddlers (ages 0–4) can visit for free. Family packs are available. Upgrade to a private tour for a more in-depth experience—many include other Bay Area attractions for added value.

There's no parking at Pier 33, but you can park in nearby commercial lots for a fee. Many tour operators suggest you take public transit or arrange drop-off and pick-up at Pier 33. On-street parking is limited and metered, with rates between US$2 and US$3.50 per hour.

You can’t bring food and drinks onto Alcatraz Island except for water; however, you can eat on the dock (there’s even a designated picnic area). No food vendors are on-site, so plan accordingly. If you're hungry after the tour, several dining options await at Pier 33 and nearby Fisherman’s Wharf. Some tours also include lunch or dinner, so check details before booking.

The ferry ride over to Alcatraz is about 12 to 15 minutes, but keep in mind the ride back will also be the same amount of time, making it a 30-minute round-trip. The great part about the ferry ride to Alcatraz is that you’ll take in some awesome views of San Francisco.

Touring Alcatraz takes about 2.5–3 hours if you’re just exploring the island. Many private tours combine Alcatraz with other attractions like Muir Woods, Sausalito, and other city highlights—turning it into a full-day adventure. It all depends on how you decide to visit the island.

Yes, Alcatraz Island is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges. The Sustainable Easy Access Transport tram provides transportation from the dock to the Cell House. The main floor of the Cell House is accessible via an elevator. The island offers assistive listening devices, audio-described tours, and Braille transcripts.

Yes, the good news is that Alcatraz does have bathrooms for public use. There are two on the island with one conveniently located near the ferry terminal. Plus, most of the ferries that take visitors to and from the island also will have restrooms for public use.

During the day is the best time to visit Alcatraz—particularly the early morning— because you’ll get to see places that aren’t available to nighttime visitors. Plus, booking onto the earliest tour of the day makes you the first group on the island. For those looking for a spooky time, nighttime visits may be best.

No, you cannot visit Alcatraz without a tour. All tours include tickets booked through Alcatraz City Tours. The Alcatraz docks only offer access to this company and so you have to book in advance to be able to visit the historical prison and the island it calls home.

Yes, you can take pictures at Alcatraz and on the island. In fact, Alcatraz is a very popular place for travelers to take their selfie photos. The only exception to taking pics is during some special events that take place on the island such as the Native American Sunrise Ceremony.