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Alcatraz Island temporary closure

Alcatraz Island will be temporarily closed from October 26 to November 19, 2026.

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The infamous Alcatraz Island once housed America’s most notorious criminals, from Al Capone to “Machine Gun” Kelly. Today, the former federal prison is a national park landmark where history, architecture, and stories of escape attempts come alive. Your visit pairs the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, gardens once tended by inmates, and exhibits that dive into the island’s layered past, all in one unforgettable experience.

Overview:

  • Starting point: Ferries to the island depart exclusively from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing in San Francisco. Combo tours with nearby attractions include hotel pick-up.
  • Duration of the visit: Most visits last 2–3 hours, although ferries run throughout the day, allowing you to stay longer if you wish.
  • Ferry frequency: Ferries operate multiple times daily for day and night tours, departing every 30–40 minutes, to and from the island.
  • Tours available: Day and night tours to the island; combo with nearby attractions, and aerial tours.
  • Best time to visit: April to October, when the weather is mild, the skies are clear, and the surrounding views are at their best.
  • Key highlights: Cellhouse Audio Tour, prison ruins, gardens, bay views, ranger talks, and seasonal exhibits.
  • Most booked tours: Alcatraz day tour, Alcatraz Night tour, and Escape from the Rock cruise.

What to expect

San Francisco Bay view with Alcatraz Island and marina.
1/7

Departure from Pier 33

Your Alcatraz tour begins at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing in San Francisco. From here, ferries run throughout the day and evening, offering scenic 15-minute (one-way) rides across the Bay. As you sail toward the island, enjoy views of the skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the open waters before arriving at the island.

Walk through a legendary prison

Alcatraz once housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, making it one of the most famous penitentiaries in the world. You can now walk through the cellblocks, hear audio stories from former inmates and guards, and experience the chilling atmosphere of what was once America’s most secure prison.

Explore history and Bay views on the island

The island’s history runs deep—it has served as a Civil War fortress, a federal prison, and a site of Native American activism. Once you explore its layered past inside, step outside for sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, framed by the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. It’s a powerful mix of history and breathtaking scenery.

Day tours

These offer maximum flexibility—frequent ferries let you stay on the island as long as you like and return on the last evening boat back. With full daylight, you can explore outdoor areas like Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, and the gardens while enjoying sweeping views of the Bay and city skyline.

Alcatraz by night

Night tours offer a unique experience—ferries make a full loop around the island before docking, accompanied by live onboard narration. Once ashore, ranger-led talks precede the audio tour, and you gain exclusive access to areas usually closed during the day, including the hospital, kitchen, and chapel.

Abundant wildlife

Beyond its history, Alcatraz is a thriving wildlife habitat. Seabirds like cormorants and gulls nest along the cliffs, while marine life thrives in the surrounding waters. The restored gardens, once tended by inmates, add a surprising touch of color and calm to the island’s rugged landscape.

Return to Pier 33

Once on the island, you’re free to explore the prison and its grounds at your own pace. Ferries depart every 30–40 minutes, so you can head back to San Francisco whenever you’re ready. The last ferry departs at 6:30pm during summer and at 4:30pm in fall, winter, and spring.

Things to know before booking your Alcatraz tour

  • Alcatraz is only accessible by ferry: The only way to get to Alcatraz Island is to catch a ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco. Be sure to get to the pier at least 30-40 minutes before your scheduled departure.
  • Timings selected during booking are for the ferry: Ferry tickets to Alcatraz Island are timed, meaning you select your preferred departure time from the pier. You can return on any ferry of your choice (day and night tours have separate schedules).
  • Your tickets are all-inclusive: Irrespective of which tour you select, all of them include round-trip ferry transportation and the official Cellhouse Audio Tour. The inclusions for day tours and night tours differ slightly. 
  • Day vs. night: Day tours include access to historic outdoor spaces such as the Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, the Rose Garden, and a new permanent exhibit. Night tours, additionally, include onboard narration, a 360° loop around the island before docking, ranger-led talks, and access to exclusive areas otherwise closed to the public.
  • Have 2 hours before your departure to Alcatraz? Take a guided walking tour of Fisherman’s Wharf , a famous waterfront area, led through its history and hidden gems by a local expert.
  • Visited Alcatraz Island before? Take a guided cruise of the Bay and listen to tales of escape from afar. Keep in mind that this cruise does not stop at the island.
  • Hotel transfers: Sit back and leave the logistics to us. All 1-day and 2-day trips include pick-ups and drop-offs from select San Francisco hotels.
  • Get the best of San Francisco: Combine your visit with day trips to nearby San Francisco attractions such as Aquarium of the Bay, Yosemite National Park , Muir Woods, Sausalito , and Napa Wine Country .
  • Soar over Alcatraz Island: Enjoy unique aerial views of the Bay Area on a 30-minute Golden Gate helicopter tour, suitable for two.

Alcatraz day tour vs night tour

FeaturesDay toursNight tours

Departures

Daily

Tuesday–Saturday

Round-trip ferry ride

✔

✔

Onboard narration

✗

✔

Route to the island

Direct to the docks

360° loop around the island before docking

Guided experience

Self-guided with Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour audio.

Led by a live guide from the docks to the cellhouse, followed by a self-guided tour with Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour audio.

Cellhouse audio tour

✔

✔

Ranger-led talks

Optional

Included

Access to exhibits

✔

✔

Exclusive access to areas

Not included

Includes the hospital wing, kitchen, and the church

Optional activities

✗

✔

Ferry timings from Pier 33

8:20am–3:50pm (daily)

Tuesday–Saturday at 5:55, 6:30, and 7:05pm

Ferry timings from Alcatraz Island

9:05am–6:35pm (daily)

7pm, 8pm, 8:45pm, and 9:30pm

Number of departures from Pier 33

15 (every 30-40 min)

4

Top highlights on your Alcatraz tour

Prison cells on Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, with open barred doors and a walkway.

Cellhouse

In the heart of Alcatraz, the Cellhouse held some of America’s most infamous criminals in tiny, stark cells. Take an audio tour through its corridors for a chilling glimpse into the daily lives of inmates.

Alcatraz Prison cell interior with sink, toilet, and folding table.
Alcatraz Island Recreation Yard with prison building, San Francisco, USA.
Ruins of the Warden's house on Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay.
Alcatraz Island lighthouse and ruins at sunset viewed from the bay.

Plan your visit

Alcatraz prison interior with benches and barred windows, San Francisco tour.

Alcatraz Island:

  • Open year-round except Christmas, New Year’s Day, & Thanksgiving Day.
  • Sunday and Monday from 9am–6:30pm; Tuesday–Saturday from 9am–9:30pm.

Ferry schedule:

  • March 9–November 1, 2025: Day tours to the island run daily from 8:20am–3:50pm; return from the island is from 9:05am–6:35pm. Night tours to the island depart Tuesday–Saturday at 5:55, 6:30, and 7:05pm; return from the island is at 7, 8, 8:45, and 9:30pm.
  • November 2, 2025–March 7, 2026: Day tours to the island run daily from 8:20am–1:35pm; return from the island is from 9:05am–4:30pm. Night tours to the island depart from Tuesday–Saturday at 3:50pm and 4:45pm (occasionally); return from the island is at 4:30, 6:30, and 7:30pm (occasionally).
Find the complete timings schedule here
Alcatraz prison cell block interior with sunlight streaming through barred windows, San Francisco tour.

By season: The best time to visit Alcatraz Island is September to October, when the weather is warm and crowds are smaller. Spring brings blooming gardens and mild days, while summer offers clear skies but busier ferries. Winter is calm and quiet—perfect if you prefer fewer visitors, though some outdoor areas may close temporarily.

By days of the week: Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) tend to be less crowded. Morning tours (before ~10:30am) offer fewer crowds and more flexibility. Evening or night tours offer a different perspective, but be aware that ferry options are limited.

Note: Various locations on the island are closed to the general public at certain times of the year due to the nesting of various sea birds.

Address: Pier 33 Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States | Find on Maps

Getting to the pier:

  • By bus: Muni bus routes #8, #82X, F streetcar line, and E streetcar line.Stops are within three blocks of the pier–roughly 4–6 minutes walk.
  • By train: All BART trains, except Richmond-Fremont Line.Deboard at Embarcadero Station and transfer to MUNI’s F or E line.
  • By cable cars: Take the Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde cable car, with stops six and eleven blocks from Pier 33, respectively.Transfers are available from the cable cars for the F-line Streetcar.
  • By car: There are 15 commercial parking lots within a five-block radius. Parking charges may vary from $8–$10 per day to $6 per hour.The nearest lot is at 80 Francisco at Kearny, just one block away.
Explore routes here
Washroom signs at London Palace Theatre entrance.

On the ferry:

  • Restrooms are available on board.
  • Indoor and outdoor seating areas.
  • Snack bar offering light refreshments and drinks.
  • Live guide narration during night tours only.
  • Wheelchair-accessible boarding and seating.

On Alcatraz Island

  • Restrooms are near the dock and at the top of the hill.
  • Bookstore and gift shop at the dock area.
  • Water stations and limited vending machines.
  • Picnic areas on the dock.
  • Ranger information desk and assistance points.
Reserved parking sign with wheelchair symbol for disability access.
  • Tactile model of the pier and the island for hands-on exploration of their layouts.
  • Reserved parking spaces are available at Pier 33.
  • Accessible restrooms at the pier and on the island.
  • Braille audio tours and signage are available for the visually impaired visitors.
  • Braille transcription is available for the Cellhouse audio tour.
  • Assistive learning devices are available for amplified sounds.
  • Open captioning is provided on all video presentations.
  • S.E.A.T. tram services from the dock to the Cellhouse.
  • ASL interpreters are available at the dock.
  • A hand-held, self-guided digital ASL (American Sign Language) tour is available.
  • Staff can help with priority boarding for visitors with mobility needs.
Guests photographing sunset near Alcatraz Island during California Sunset cruise.
  • All visitors must carry a valid government-issued ID to board the ferry.
  • Large luggage and backpacks (bigger than 16” x 20”) are not allowed, either on the ferry or on the island.
  • Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, skates, “wheelie” shoes, and weapons are not allowed.
  • Professional photo and video equipment must be authorized by the administration beforehand.
  • Collecting and bringing back anything from the island is strictly prohibited.
  • Do not go behind fences or barricades.
  • Practice the Leave No Trace Seven Principles on the island.
  • Do not feed birds and wildlife on the island; they are protected by federal law.
  • Smoking is only permitted in designated sections on the dock; it is strictly prohibited on the island.
  • Eating and drinking are only permitted on the dock; only bottled water in non-glass bottles is permitted beyond the dock.
Attendees browsing books at the London Book Fair in a large exhibition hall.
  • Alcatraz Gift Shop (Pier 39): Located near the ferry departure point, this shop features Alcatraz-inspired souvenirs, apparel, books, and collectibles. It’s a great spot to pick up mementos, even if you don’t take the ferry to the island.
  • Cellhouse Store (on Alcatraz Island): Offers a curated selection of books, apparel, and memorabilia that delve into the island’s history and legacy. Many items support the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, making each purchase part of a preservation effort.
More on shopping at Alcatraz here

Visitor tips

  • The ferry offers excellent views of the city and both bridges. You can sit indoors or stand outside on the decks, and there’s a small cash-only snack bar with drinks, including beer and wine.
  • Once you arrive on Alcatraz Island, note that restrooms are located only at the dock and at the top near the Cellhouse—plan your visit accordingly.
  • Food service is extremely limited on the island and on the ferries. Only light snacks and bottled water are sold in the bookstore, so eat before you go or bring your own food.
  • You may eat only in the designated picnic area near the dock between the picnic tables and restrooms. Bottled water is permitted throughout the island.
  • If you have kids—or you’re simply curious—ask for a Junior Ranger Book at the dock for a fun and educational activity.
  • The main attraction is the self-guided Cellhouse audio tour, narrated by former inmates and guards. It lasts around 30–40 minutes and can get busy after arrival, so consider exploring or eating first to avoid headset queues.
  • Bring your own headphones for the audio tour to skip waiting for available sets.
  • Don’t miss other exhibits such as Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later in the New Industries Building or the beautifully restored Alcatraz Gardens.
  • Park Rangers and interpretive staff are friendly and love sharing stories—ask questions and join in on impromptu programs.
  • Ranger programs, like walking tours or cell-door demonstrations, usually take place between 10am and 2pm, but times vary depending on staffing. Upon arrival, check the announcement boards for details.
  • This one’s for the avid bird watchers—summer is the bird-nesting season, so bring binoculars and avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • The island’s weather changes quickly; wear layers and bring a windbreaker.

Sample itinerary for your visit

⏱ Total duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (including ferry travel)
📍Start point: Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, San Francisco
👟 Tour style: Self-paced with an audio-guide; night tours has a small section led by a guide.

Board the ferry at Pier 33

Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and find a good spot on the ferry. The short ride across San Francisco Bay offers stunning views of the city skyline, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island as it draws near.

Night Tour difference: The ferry includes live narration and does a 360° loop around the island before docking—an experience unique to the evening tour.

Arrival and orientation

Upon arrival, National Park Service staff greet you with a short welcome and share a few island navigation tips. You’ll receive a map and information on where to collect your audio guide.

Night Tour difference: A ranger-led walk from the dock to the Cellhouse sets the tone for your visit, offering stories about life on the island after dark.

Explore the Cellhouse (45–60 mins)

Follow the path uphill (or take the S.E.A.T. tram) to reach the Cellhouse. The self-guided audio tour, narrated by former inmates and guards, takes you through solitary confinement cells, escape attempt sites, and the dining hall—bringing Alcatraz’s history vividly to life.

Night Tour difference: Enjoy exclusive access to areas closed during the day, including the hospital wing, kitchen, and chapel. Optional programs and demonstrations vary nightly.

Walk the Grounds and discover more (30–45 mins)

Stroll along marked pathways to explore the lighthouse, Warden’s House ruins, and historic gardens. Don’t miss the interpretive panels detailing the 1969 Native American Occupation and other layers of island history.

Day Tour difference: You’ll have full access to outdoor areas such as the rose garden, recreation yard, and scenic overlooks, which are not open during night tours.

Relax before departure

Before heading back, take time at the dock area to browse small exhibits, visit the gift kiosks, or chat with a ranger for last-minute insights. Restrooms and seating areas are available here.

Night Tour difference: Some evening programs and ranger talks are held here before the return ferry departs.

Return ferry to San Francisco

When ready, board any return ferry—they run at regular intervals (limited at night). Grab a rail-side seat to capture photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, skyline, and the island receding behind you.

Night Tour difference: Night ferries feature a calmer, quieter ambiance and a striking view of Alcatraz illuminated against the evening sky.

Frequently asked questions about Alcatraz Island tours

All tours include round-trip ferry service, entry to Alcatraz Island, and access to the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour. Night tours also feature onboard live narration, ranger-led talks, and access to exclusive areas.