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Alcatraz

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

A mile-and-a-half offshore in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz – or ‘The Rock’ as its residents affectionately dubbed it – was one of America’s highest-security prisons until it shut down in 1963 (the razor-sharp cliffs and frigid waters were enough to deter most escape plans).

Nowadays, visitors can hop on the ferry at Perry 33 and tour the accommodations once occupied by Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Luckily, overnight visitors are no longer accepted.

Logistics

Price from: £35

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The only way to reach the Rock is by catching Alcatraz Cruise’s Alcatraz Ferry at Pier 33. During high season, ferries leave almost every half-hour between 9am and 7pm.

Alcatraz tickets often sell out, and booking ahead is essential.

Different tours are available depending on your desired departure time, and ticket prices include both the ferry roundtrip and guided tour. Tours (2.5 hours including return journey) include a ranger tour and a 45-minute audio presentation. It’s also possible to do a longer 5.5 hour tour combining visits to Alcatraz and Angel Island, where guests are taken on a one-hour narrated tram tour.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, daily. During high season, ferries leave almost every half-hour between 9am and 7pm.

Night tours, leaving pre-dusk, are the most comprehensive, and have a decidedly spooky feel. As a bonus, you can enjoy the lovely sight of the sun setting over San Francisco.

Early Bird and Day Tours use audio tour, and are less intimate and interesting than the guided Night Tours. Early Bird Tours are the least crowded, departing 8.45am.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Ultimate San Francisco Tour: Alcatraz, Muir Woods and Sausalito

San Francisco

Viator

Experience the best of San Francisco in one seamless day. Explore iconic neighborhoods, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, walk among the redwoods in Muir Woods, enjoy lunch in Sausalito, and tour Alcatraz Island with a self-guided audio tour. Enjoy four must-see experiences with a small group in comfortable minibuses. Our expert local guides provide insider stories and photo stops along the way. Alcatraz tickets are guaranteed—we reserve in advance so you don’t miss out. With all transportation and logistics handled, you can relax and take in the sights stress-free.

Price $179

Min age 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [1313 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

San Francisco

Viator

Combine three of the Bay Area's top attractions—Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito—into one tour from San Francisco. Travel in a luxury small-group tour van across the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying the scenery without the hassle of driving. Explore Muir Woods and Sausalito at your own pace. Choose between a day or night tour of Alcatraz. The night tour features a sunset cruise, cell door demonstrations, and expert talks. Both tours offer an award-winning audio guide in multiple languages, detailing the prison's dark history and escape attempts. The 8:30am option departs from 488 Post Street. Look for a black Mercedes sprinter van parked across the street. It will start with Muir Woods and Sausalito then go to Alcatraz. The 9:10am option departs from Pier 33. It will start with Alcatraz then go to Muir Woods and Sausalito. The 12:50pm option departs from Pier 33. It will start with Muir Woods and Sausalito then to Alcatraz at night.

Price $159

Min age 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [1014 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Alcatraz Island Tour Package

San Francisco

Viator

Combine a full day bike rental with tickets to Alcatraz and a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. Start off with a guided bus tour over the bridge and to the Sausalito, where you can take in the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline . Then head out to Alcatraz on the ferry with your own prepaid ticket, buying in advance avoids sold out days or times, which are frequent. Tour the island with your included 3-hour audio tour, then head back to San Francisco where you can explore further on your own with a 24-hour bike rental. *See the Golden Gate bridge *Ticket and audio tour of Alcatraz is included *Avoid the disappointment of sold-out Alcatraz Tickets *Set your own pace to explore San Francisco by bike

Price $132

Min age 1

Rating 4.59 / 5 [285 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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San Francisco Small Group City Sightseeing and Alcatraz Tour

San Francisco

Viator

This urban adventure in San Francisco takes you around the city in a safari-style open-air vehicle, then drops you off at the ferry to Alcatraz Island for the cellhouse audio tour. On this uniquely crafted sightseeing tour limited to 12 people, you will see renowned landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and hear quirky stories about the city as an entertaining guide drives your custom vehicle through SF's distinctive neighborhoods. After the four hour city tour, your tour guide will drop you off at Pier 33 where you will catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island. Most guests spend two to three hours at their leisure enjoying the audio walking tour of the former federal penitentiary known as ‘the Rock’. Hotel pickup is included.

Price $180

Min age 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [244 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Best Alcatraz Prison Tickets & San Francisco Combo Tour

San Francisco

Viator

San Francisco & Alcatraz Combo Tour – A Thrilling Adventure! Experience the best of San Francisco and Alcatraz with our exciting combo tour! Your day begins with a luxury SUV pick-up from your hotel for a guided tour of the city’s top landmarks: Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and more. Enjoy scenic stops and photo ops on this 4-hour morning tour. In the afternoon, you'll be dropped off at the Alcatraz ferry terminal for your self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz Island. Discover the history of the infamous prison at your own pace, then return to Fisherman’s Wharf or your hotel. With priority access to Alcatraz and a comprehensive city tour, this combo is the ultimate San Francisco experience. Book now for an unforgettable day exploring the city’s most iconic sights!

Price $393

Min age 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [234 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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