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• Alcatraz Prison Tours
• Night Tours

Alcatraz Night Tour: What to Expect from this Popular Tour of The Rock

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: March 18, 2024

The Alcatraz night tour offers a more personalized option for visiting this top San Francisco attraction. This is also a great option for anyone who has already visited during the day and is looking to experience something a little different. 

I love visiting Alcatraz at night because the groups are smaller and the only people on the island are the people from your ferry. This way, you can get around quite a bit better and squeeze in more photos that aren't crowded with other visitors. 

One question I get a lot is if I like the day or night tour better. My response is always the Alcatraz night tour.

It's such a cool feeling to be on the island at night, as you get a better idea of what it was like to be a prisoner here. I also like it better because there are fewer people around.

It costs a little more than the Alcatraz day tour and does not run as frequently, so it's a little more difficult to fit it into most people's schedules. 

However, if you do have the choice between the two, go on the night tour. I know you will have a great time and LOVE it! 

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

What to Expect on the Alcatraz Night Tour

Two perks that are not offered on the day tour are the boat taking you around the island before you dock and the simultaneous live narration on the ferry ride.

After you get off the ferry, the Alcatraz night tour starts with a brief overview of what to expect given a park ranger. This is the same as during the day but includes information on additional things to do that evening.

Tip: It can get pretty windy and chilly on the ferry and island at night, so bring a warm jacket or windbreaker. I also recommend wearing long pants and comfortable shoes.

Even though they call them night tours, they are really evening tours as you will arrive on the island before it gets dark and leave shortly after dark.

Special Programs at Night

As you walk up the steep hill to the main cell house, additional rangers are on hand giving details on the history of this old federal and military prison and its famous prisoners .

Just to give you an example of what to expect, during my last visit, they had a very informative talk about Al Capone ( learn more about him and why he ended up here ) at a stop along the steep hill to the cell house. 

After two or three stops for these talks, you will reach the main cell house. This is where you will pick up your self-guided audio tour headset for your walk around this iconic landmark.

Self-Guided Cellhouse Audio Tour

Once you pick up your audio you will head to the main floor of the cell hours on a self-guided tour at your own pace. The audio tour takes you on a designated path where you will learn even more about Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. 

On the Alcatraz Island night tour, you will explore this former federal prison to see what it was like to be a prisoner here. You will walk past and get the chance to enter a few of the solitary confinement cells. 

You will see the cell block and the cells where Frank Morris, John Anglin, and his brother Clarence Anglin plotted and attempted their escape. Learn more about this and other escape attempts here before your visit .

Along the way, you will see the library where books were stored for the inmates. You will also spend some time in the food service area where they ate all three meals daily. 

Even though it's a self-guided tour, it usually takes about 45 minutes. 

Want to learn more about the history of Alcatraz before you visit? Check out this page  which talks more about the prisoners and life in this maximum-security prison in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

Finishing Up Your Tour

Once you complete your audio tour, you will have some time to explore on your own. You will find a few more special programs given by the forest rangers. You will also have access to a few special areas that aren't open during the Alcatraz day tour.

During my last Alcatraz night tour, they opened some of the rooms in the medical area upstairs, where many prisoners stayed when they were ill. Rangers were also on hand to answer questions and provide additional information about these areas.

You can also roam around outside. You will get some great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco city lights, and all around the San Francisco Bay Area.

They don't publish which additional area will be open during these tours, but you can usually expect to see more of the island on the Alcatraz night tour than by day.

Alcatraz Night Tour Tickets

The challenge with the night tours is getting tickets. They only run a few nights a week and only one or two ferries a night.

Not only do they run on a limited schedule, but they also only allow around 300 people per tour. This creates a more intimate visiting experience, but it also creates a high demand for these tickets.

Limited access to these tickets and this tour also make it a more special trip. 

Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service. However, you cannot visit with your National Parks Pass. You must purchase tickets before your visit.

Winter Schedule: Early November - Early March

During the winter months, Alcatraz City Cruises only runs one tour a night to the island, only Tuesday through Saturday. This means that only 300 people a day can take this tour. 

The departure time is 3:50 pm from Pier 33 and the return time is 6:40 pm from the island. 

They do offer a second tour at 4:45 pm only during the busy holiday weekends. 

Summer Schedule: Early March - Early November

In the summer, they run three ferries. The first one usually leaves at 5:55 pm, the second at 6:30 pm, and the third at 7:05 pm. 

The return ferries leave the island at 7:55 pm, 8:40 pm, and 9:25 pm.

They will tell you all of this when you arrive, so you don't have to worry about writing it all down or bringing it with you.

I just want to give you an idea of how long you get to stay on the island during the Alcatraz night tour.

>> More about taking the ferry to Alcatraz

Tickets for the Alcatraz Night Tour

In the past, tickets would only go on sale 90 days in advance. Right now, they are releasing them about six months in advance so you can book them earlier.

I don't know when or if they will switch back to the 90-day lead time, but wanted to make you aware in case you don't see any tickets for your time frame.

Here is the current pricing (subject to change at anytime):

• Adults: $56.30
• Juniors, 12 - 17 Years: $55.15
• Kids, 5 - 11 Years: $33.00
• Seniors (62+): $52.25

The only place to purchase these is directly through the official site on Alcatraz Cruises ( find tickets ). Book them as soon as you can, so you don't miss out on the amazing adventure!

Your Alcatraz night tour will leave from Pier 33 at Alcatraz Landing, which is an easy walk from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf district .

Other Alcatraz Tickets

In addition to the Alcatraz night tour tickets, you will also find these other official ticket options. You can purchase all of these directly through the official website for Alcatraz City Cruises. There are some retailers that are also allowed to sell Alcatraz combo tickets that I explain in the section below. 

Day Tours : The day tour is the most popular Alcatraz cell house tour. They run daily (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Several tickets are available each day. All Alcatraz Prison tickets include roundtrip ferry transportation. Learn more about this tour here . 

Behind-the-Scenes Tour : The Behind-the-Scenes tour is another great option. This one offers a personally guided tour that lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. It's also a small group tour with only about up to 20 people per tour. It runs during the day, costs a bit more, but is an amazing way to really get to see a lot of Alcatraz.

Note : I get questions all the time about purchasing Alcatraz day and night tours from other venues. There are a handful of designated resellers that will allow you to find tickets when they are sold out (a few are recommended below). However, not all tickets are legitimate. If you are unsure, please reach out to me and I'll help you decide if where you plan to buy is offering real tickets. I usually answer back within 24 hours.

More Alcatraz Combo Ticket Options

If you find that the Alcatraz night tour is booked or you would prefer to go during the day, then check out some of the great combo tour tickets available. These are also great for last-minute purchases or if the day tours are sold out as well.

The one I recommend often is the one through GetYourGuide. This Alcatraz tour package includes the day trip to Alcatraz as well as a 1-day ticket for their Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. You can see several of our most popular attractions with the ease of their bus tour that takes you right to each one. Find out more about the tickets on GetYourGuide .

Other combo tickets are available on GetYourGuide. They've created a round-up of the best offerings from agencies all around town. Some include a visit to Alcatraz as well as a ferry ride to Sausalito, a wine tour, or a bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. Find their ticket selection here .

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Alcatraz Day Or Night Tour – Which Is Better?

Planning a trip to San Francisco and wondering which is better, the Alcatraz day or night tour?

As one California native and frequent travelers to the state, we’ve got all the expert info on San Francisco and Alcatraz prison.

While both the day and night tour of Alcatraz are good and definitely worth doing, there are advantages and disadvantages to each option (though our favorite was the night tour).

➡️ Our Top Pick: For last minute Alcatraz tickets or just a combo tour of the prison and San Francisco, we recommend Dylan’s Tours .

🌉 Overview: Alcatraz Day Or Night Tour?

👉 We spent time out on Alcatraz island during our last Northern California visit so we can share all the differences between the day and night tour, pros & cons of each, what to expect, and tour & last minute ticket options for the prison.

✅❌ Alcatraz Day VS Night Tour (Pros & Cons)

There are pros and cons for both the day and night tour options on Alcatraz, so which one is better comes down to personal preference . Both are consistently busy, but each has its own perks.

🌞 Alcatraz Day Tour Pros & Cons :

• Early mornings (first boat) are less crowded
• Explore the island for as long as you want
• Tickets are slightly cheaper
• Sometimes warmer outside
• Peak visitors at midday
• Can’t access same areas as night
• Less spooky in the sunlight

*️⃣ Tip: During the day, it’s better to do the Alcatraz tour in the early morning vs afternoon to avoid the largest crowds (unless you plan on staying through to the night ferries).

🌚 Alcatraz Night Tour Pros & Cons :

• Spookier at night
• More access to other parts of the prison
• Fewer tickets sold
• Beautiful SF city light views on the way back
• Better picture opportunities when waiting to be one of the last to start the audio tour
• Less time to explore the island
• Much colder
• Tickets are more expensive
• Tickets sell out fast

*️⃣ Tip: The Alcatraz tour (day or night) is better and less crowded during the middle of the week, Tuesdays through Thursdays, compared to weekends or holidays.

👉 Alcatraz is worth visiting day or night, but we think the night tour is best to access other parts of the prison, avoid the largest crowds, and have a beautiful, spookier setting at the prison.

🌁 What To Expect On The Alcatraz Tours

Besides a few modern updates like bathrooms and a gift shop, it looks like nothing has changed at Alcatraz prison and it’s definitely one of the most interesting places to tour in San Francisco (day or night).

🌞 What To Expect On The Alcatraz Day Tour :

• Depending on where you’re staying in SF , you can walk, cable car, or Uber to Pier 33 where the Alcatraz tour (both day and night) starts
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to get in line and get a good spot on the ferry (outside at the front of the boat is best for views)
• The ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes
• Off the boat, a short guided tour starts as everyone walks uphill to the main prison (there’s a decent amount of walking at Alcatraz)
• Once inside, the whole tour is a self guided audio tour done by former guards and prisoners (it’s very interesting)
• After the audio tour, wander open areas until the last ferry leaves (but at least 3 hours is recommended)

*️⃣ FAQ: The Alcatraz day or night tour includes a roundtrip ferry, self guided audio tour, access to all open areas, and the permanent exhibit (The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States).

🌚 What To Expect On The Alcatraz Night Tour :

• Like the day tour, the Alcatraz night tour also leaves out of Pier 33
• Alcatraz night tours start in the winter at 3:50 pm, and in the summer at 5:55, 6:30, and 7:05 pm (we suggest eating dinner before to be able to explore the island until the last ferry leaves )
• The Alcatraz ferry ride, short guided tour, and self guided audio tour are all the same at night as day
• After the audio tour, explore until the last ferry leaves and see other areas of the prison (they had the hospital open when we visited)
• As crowds head back, the island gets even spookier as it empties out, and though it’s not “scary”, the eerie feeling is why we prefer the night tour

*️⃣ FAQ: The Alcatraz self guided audio tour, day or night, is about 35 minutes long straight through (though we paused it often to look more deeply at things).

🪨 Best Alcatraz Tour

Alcatraz tickets should definitely be purchased in advance, they often sell out (especially night tours), but for those that can’t get them ahead of time or need them after they’ve sold out, there are options .

Normal pre-purchased tickets for Alcatraz are sold through City Experiences (all others go through a middleman) while combo tours, last minute tickets, or sold out dates can be bought through tours ⬇️.

⭐️ Alcatraz Tour Tickets:

• San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz add on
• Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge Express (cheapest option)
• Private San Francisco with Alcatraz add on
• Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz pass by tour (Golden Gate or whale watching type tours pass by Alcatraz but don’t tour the island)

🤑 Alcatraz Tour Ticket Prices :

The cost for just an Alcatraz tour ranges from about $45-100 depending on time and type. Last minute or combo tour prices range from $100 to $400 depending on the type of city tour.

📔 Alcatraz History (Know Before You Go)

While the Alcatraz audio tour explains plenty about the prison, it makes the tour (day or night) even better with some extra knowledge :

• Alcatraz was where the worst of the worst ended up, but what really made it so bad was the isolation (we went in “the hole”, the hospital wing, and the “mentally ill” room and could see how that’d make someone crazy)
• Guards and other prison employees did live on Alcatraz with their families
• The Birdman (Robert Stroud) was one of the worst prisoners at Alcatraz

• Al Capone was moved from Atlanta to Alcatraz prison in 1934
• Aside from sharks, the cold temperatures, strong currents, and long distance to shore made swimming out of Alcatraz almost impossible
• No one knows if the 3 Alcatraz escapees survived , but some believe they may have gotten away with it
• There are no prisoners still serving time at Alcatraz, as the prison shut down for good in March of 1963

*️⃣ Tip: For more info, watch Alcatraz movies like Escape From Alcatraz , Birdman of Alcatraz , and Murder in the First before a day or night tour.

🔁 Wrap Up: Alcatraz Day Or Night Tour?

Both the Alcatraz day tour and night tour are worth doing, but we personally prefer the night tour because it’s spookier, there’s more access to other parts of the prison, the city light views are beautiful, and less tickets are sold.

Haley is the owner and author of Fernweh Foreigner, a travel blog that helps users explore the world while eating healthy & staying active. When she isn't writing blog posts about her favorite destinations, she is out playing or watching soccer, getting inspired by books & film, or cooking (because there is so much cooking with a clean lifestyle!)

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The Complete Alcatraz Tour

Duration: Approximately 2 ½ Hours Available: Tuesday thru Saturday. Until March 9th: 3:50 PM check-in. Beginning March 12th: 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:05 PM check-in.

• E-Ticket Mobile Check-in
• Alcatraz Island roundtrip ferry
• Access Inside Alcatraz Prison
• 45-minute Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Orientation video
• Ranger and docent tours
• Onboard narration
• Guided tour
• Other special activities

The Alcatraz Night Tour provides an engaging evening Alcatraz experience with special programs. This tour includes a personally narrated boat tour around the island; guided tours from the dock to the main prison building; "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour". Also, several programs and presentations are offered only at night. Visitors may choose to attend one or two during the course of their evening. Enjoy a sunset and breath-taking views of San Francisco as night falls. A truly exceptional experience.

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Alcatraz Tours: Day, Night, and Behind the Scenes – Which is the Best Way to Visit The Rock?

Alcatraz Island is known worldwide for its infamous federal prison that formerly housed some of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century. It’s lesser known for the national park unit that now protects, preserves, and shares these stories, and so many others.

That’s right: Alcatraz Island is a national park unit. It became a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972, opened to tours in 1973, and it is one of the most unique national parks you can visit.

Haunted by the ghosts of its dark past, Alcatraz Island lures millions of people to its rocky shore every year hoping to get a glimpse of what life was like for notable criminals like Al Capone, Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson and more inside their cramped and secluded cells.

There are three main Alcatraz tours offered to explore Alcatraz Island: the Day Tour, the Night Tour, and the Behind the Scenes Tour. Each tour offers different experiences, along with some similarities, and raises one main question: which is the best?

We’re going to break down all three and give you all the inside information so you can decide which is right for you and/or your group for your trip to the Rock.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, view my privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Overview

California is teeming with national parks , and a cluster of them are located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Established in 1972 to bring parks to the people of urban settings, Golden Gate National Recreation Area protects numerous diverse ecosystems in and around the city of San Francisco.

It is the third most visited park unit in the country, regularly seeing more than 12,000,000 visitors annually, and for good reason! Sprawling more than 80,000 acres of land, featuring beautiful beaches and captivating coastlines, gorgeous groves of Coastal Redwoods, magnificent military history in old fort structures, and so much beyond, this park is an urban oasis that has something for everyone who recreates here.

There are several individual sites inside of this park, including Alcatraz Island, the Presidio, and more.

The Bay Area features other national park sites outside of Golden Gate as well, like San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Muir Woods National Monument , John Muir National Historic Site, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, and Point Reyes National Seashore .

Overflowing with opportunities for exploration, education, and adventure, the most highly trafficked of these park sites is Alcatraz Island.   

When to Visit Alcatraz Island

Most people would expect summer to be the ideal time to visit any national park, Alcatraz Island included, but it’s vital to know the weather in San Francisco often does what few would expect.

Here’s a sample of what you might expect during the seasons in San Francisco.

While the temperatures never normally go below freezing, winter in San Francisco often see’s a lot of precipitation and gloomy overcast skies. More than 75% of the Bay Area’s annual rainfall occurs in winter.

Despite the higher rain chances, San Francisco has a very stable climate, and winter can actually be a pleasant time to visit.

The main perk is that the city and its attractions will be much quieter as winter is not peak travel season, and it may be the easiest time to score tickets for Alcatraz.

The early stages of spring have a chance to see some rainy days, but winter eases its grip on the region as spring blooms and bursts into life.

The historic gardens in particular really shine in the springtime, and you’ll be able to beat the onset of the massive summer crowds that are sure to follow.

Summer in San Francisco usually brings the cooler times of the year. While pleasant temperatures/days can and do appear, there is often an overcast of fog and blustery winds.

Locals tend to refer to the summer months as “no sky July” and “Fogust.” It’s common to see a chilly, breezy, overcast morning, with a clearing in the early afternoon, and fog returning by early evening.

Aside from the temperatures, summer on Alcatraz Island is also the fly season. Thousands of pesky flies inhabit the island, attracted to the Brandt’s Cormorants colonies.

These flies are completely harmless, though they tend to be extremely annoying, and many visitors find this to be an unpleasant surprise, but the bottom line is the flies are unavoidable.

If you’re looking for great views from the island, a lack of bugs, and less crowded times, summer may not be the peak time of the year to visit Alcatraz Island.

This is also when tickets tend to be booked up months in advance, so if you are planning to visit in the summer, book as early as you possibly can.

It may seem odd, but Autumn is what most consider to be San Francisco’s true summer season. This is due to an abundance of warmer days and sunnier skies.

Autumn is also the end of the fly season, meaning a much more enjoyable experience in the city, and on Alcatraz Island.

Autumn just may be the best season to visit Alcatraz Island for the warmer temperatures, clearer skies, and dispersing of the summer crowds.

No matter when you visit, you’ll want to keep a jacket with you. You never know when the chill of the Pacific Ocean air will creep in.  

A Brief Timeline of Alcatraz Island History

A majority of the people who come to Alcatraz from around the world tend to have only one thing on their agenda when visiting “The Rock,” and that’s to tour the Alcatraz Cell House.

Yet, when these visitors arrive on the island every day, most are stunned to see Alcatraz has far more layers of history than just an old cell house. 

In the year 1775, ​​Spanish naval officer and explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala became the first man to document the rocky island in San Francisco Bay.

He dubbed a neighboring island, “La Isla de Los Alcatraces” after observing the immense seabird population dominating the craggy isle, but the name was later applied to what we now know as Alcatraz Island, which also is home to large colonies of seabirds.

Decades later, in 1846, the United States purchased Alcatraz Island for $5,000. 

A Civil War Fort

Little known fact: Alcatraz Island did not begin as a prison, but rather as a stronghold created during the American Civil War as a defensive strategy.

You read that correctly: Alcatraz Island began as a Civil War fort, designed to protect the Bay as the Gold Rush ran its course.

The original fortification was designed with bunkers, tunnels, 111 canons, a fort on the summit, and several cells throughout the island to discipline disorderly army recruits, but the original intent was never to become a prison.

As the Civil War ended, and advancing war technology outran the fort’s capabilities, the future of the island seemed uncertain, until the commanding officers realized Alcatraz had great potential as an actual prison.

The island’s citadel was torn down by its then-current military prisoners, who then built the iconic Alcatraz Cell House atop its remaining dry moat and basement.

This was when the brutal military prison era of Alcatraz began, and the legends and lore of the mysterious and horrifying prison on Alcatraz Island were born.

This military prison operated until the Federal Bureau of Prisons took over in 1933. 

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary

Beginning the era the island is most known for, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary opened in 1934. The reign of the federal prison saw some of the most dangerous criminals locked up behind its walls.

Seeking the stories of those men and the conditions in which they lived is what attracts most visitors to the island today.

The federal prison years of Alcatraz Island lasted for a mere 29 years, before rising costs and other factors finally shut the prison down for good, and its remaining prisoners were sent to other institutions to continue their sentences. 

It was over six years after the federal prison closed when Alcatraz Island reclaimed the world’s attention, but as a sanctuary rather than a penitentiary.

Indigenous Occupation of Alcatraz

On November 20th, 1969, a group of Native American activists calling themselves the Indians of All Tribes claimed the island for all American Indians in a fight for Native American sovereignty.

Their protest and plight reached all corners of the world, drawing support for the Red Power Movement and fueling their fight for over 19 months.

When the occupation dwindled and came to an end on June 11th, 1971, the world wondered, What would come next for Alcatraz Island?

National Park Service

And what came next was the birth of a new national park attraction. Alcatraz Island was added to Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 and opened to tours in 1973. 

Today, visitors come in search of answers to questions about this mysterious place, then discover this place truly is so much more than just a notorious old prison.

It takes advance planning to get to what’s been called “the most infamous island in the world.” Step one of your trip to The Rock is securing tickets to the island.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sticker

Tips for booking alcatraz tour tickets.

Book With the Correct Company

First, you want to make sure you’re buying tickets from a legitimate source. Alcatraz Island is federal land, and those allowed to dock on its shores are strictly supervised.

Simply put, no random person is allowed to drive a boat up to the island, and not every Bay cruise company has permission to come.

PRO TIP : There are several different vendors that will promise you “the Alcatraz experience,” but be wary; there is only one concessionaire company authorized to sell real Alcatraz tickets and to bring visitors to Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz City Cruises.

Whether you’re trying to book a Day Tour, Night Tour, or Behind the Scenes Tour, you need to purchase your tickets online from Alcatraz City Cruises . You can also call (415) 981-7625 to make your reservation.

If you purchase tickets from another source claiming to be “Alcatraz Island Tickets,” you are risking buying tickets that will not actually get you to Alcatraz Island, but possibly just a boat ride around it.

Some third-party sellers will actually buy and resell tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises, but for a hiked-up price. There’s usually no way to know if the risk you’re taking will actually pay off and get you on any of the Alcatraz tours.

We know it’s tempting to try to outsource because it’s common to see Alcatraz tickets “sold out” on the City Cruises website, but just be aware you may not make it to the island.

Check Current Conditions

Check the island schedule before you book. Generally, it is open daily from about 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

It’s also a good idea to check Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s current conditions and the weather .

Fees and Park Passes

For National Park Pass holders, your annual pass is not a ticket for Alcatraz Island. You will need to purchase tickets from the authorized concessionaire to bring you to Alcatraz.

Why is there no discount? There is actually no park entrance fee to visit Alcatraz Island. You are paying for the boat ride over and the audio tour. Your annual pass does not grant you a discount for these non-entry fee purchases.

Reserve Tickets as Early as Possible

Here’s the best and most important tip for securing Alcatraz tickets : BOOK EARLY!

Tours are often sold out weeks or months in advance. Especially during the busy summer season, tickets tend to be sold out several months ahead of time.

If you’re trying to book last minute, your best chances will always be on weekdays or in slower travel seasons like winter.

Are Alcatraz walk-up tickets available? Are there ever last-minute tickets?

The short answer is maybe. There are times when hopeful visitors are able to buy walk-up Alcatraz tickets from the ticket booth on Pier 33.

This is not a guarantee, though, and more often than not, people are turned away. If you’re planning to gamble on the chance of being a walkup, prepare to be disappointed. 

Lastly, if you check Alcatraz City Cruise’s website early enough, and plenty of tickets seem to be available on your preferred date, don’t hesitate! Buy them at that moment. There is a strong chance they will sell out.

Don’t risk missing out on your chance to tour Alcatraz Island. Buy them as early as you can.

Comparing the Different Alcatraz Tours

Each of the three Alcatraz tour experiences can be vastly different, with some similarities. Knowing the details of what each offer will help you choose which tour is right for what you want to get out of your visit to Alcatraz Island.

Every Alcatraz Tour Includes: 

• A round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island
• Access to the award-winning Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour (available in 11 different languages)
• Optional, free park ranger/docent-led programs and/or walking tours
• Entry into other island exhibits, like the award-winning “The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States” Cell House exhibit
• Free access to use S.E.A.T, the accessibility tram that can take anyone with mobility needs or health conditions to the top of the island should they need it
• The option to participate in the Jr. Ranger Program and earn an Alcatraz Jr. Ranger badge

Alcatraz Day Tour

Alcatraz Day Tour Rates :

Adults : $42.50

Children (ages 5-11): $25.80

Juniors (ages 12-17) $42.15

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $39.80

Family Pack (2 adults and 2 children): $123.10

The most common and easily accessible of the Alcatraz tours is the Day Tour, and while this may seem unexciting compared to the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour, this particular adventure offers nothing short of incredible opportunities on Alcatraz Island. 

During the daylight hours, Alcatraz Island gives off an entirely different impression from what one may think. The true beauty of the island is in full sight during the daytime. This includes the chance to explore and truly appreciate the colorful flowers and diverse plants of the historic gardens.

You’ll also see the breathtaking views of the City of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco Bay, plus the chance to observe nesting seabirds all across the island. 

Once you arrive at Alcatraz and step off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by a park ranger who will give a mandatory orientation to the island and will tell you all of the things you can experience on your day there, like what exhibits are open, which programs are happening and when, etc.

Some days, programs may not be offered on the island due to low staffing or other reasons, so there is never a true guarantee for walking tours or programs on the Day Tour. If you see a park ranger, know they’re happy to answer any question you may have about the island and its history.

From there, you get to decide how you want to organize your time on the island. More sections of the island are open to the public throughout the day as opposed to the Night Tour and/or the Behind the Scenes Tour.

If you want to go straight up to the cell house for your audio tour, you can. If you want to take some time and explore different parts of the island, you can do that as well. 

Alcatraz Island has so much to offer during the day, and visitors spend an average of 2-4 hours on the island. You can make your trip last as long as you want.

Return ferries will run throughout the day, and you’re free to choose any boat at whatever time you wish to return. 

Certain sections of the island are only open during the day, and these places are inaccessible to those who go on the Night or Behind the Scenes tours, like the North Road and upper level/exhibits inside the New Industries Building (the workshop where the prisoners of the island were sent to work labor jobs).

As of September 2022, the exhibits inside include one that educates about prison labor while the other commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Native American Occupation of Alcatraz (installed in 2019), though these exhibits are subject to change. 

The two best features of the Day Tour are that these tickets are the cheapest option to visit Alcatraz, and they provide you the most freedom to explore more of the island on your own and at your own pace.

Book official Alcatraz Day Tour tickets

Alcatraz Night Tour

Alcatraz Night Tour Rates : 

Adults : $52.70

Children (ages 5-11): $31.00

Juniors (ages 12-17) $51.55

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $49.00

When the sun starts to set, a creeping feeling of the mystique of Alcatraz Island and its dark past comes to life. The cell blocks barely illuminated by a darkening sky give visitors the true sense of the desolate feelings of Alcatraz prisoners who were trapped behind the bars.

The Alcatraz Night Tour offers its guests a firsthand look at the gloomy cell house at dusk and dark. 

When you make it onto Alcatraz Island for the Night Tour, the boat you’re on will be divided into large groups (usually up to 100 people), and you’ll exit the boat with whichever group you find yourself in.

Your group will be greeted by a guide (either a park ranger or expert tour guide), and they’ll guide you up the hill to the infamous cell house telling you stories along the way.

You cannot leave the group and go on your own; you must stay with your group until you get all the way to the top of the hill.

Once your group makes it to the main prison entrance, your guide will depart and leave you to take the Cell House Audio Tour. 

After the groups finish the audio tour, the real fun of the Night Tour begins. Unlike the Day Tour, when you may or may not have ranger/docent-led programs throughout the day to choose from, the Alcatraz Night Tour is chock full of different talks and walks you can attend.

Visitors have the option to check out various topics, like daring escape attempt stories, history talks, and everything in between.

Don’t forget to take some time and explore the West Road of the island to try to catch the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge!

You do have the option to traverse down the hill on your own when you’ve had your fill of adventures, but there are also guided treks down if you’re looking for more stories to hear along the way.

If you go on your own, keep in mind you’re in for a straight shot back to the dock area, as sections and paths on the island open during the Day Tour remain closed at night for safety reasons. 

When you look at the Day Tour compared to the Night Tour, the key difference is the freedom to explore more of the island vs. having more interpretation of the island and its stories from an expert guide. While programs like this can be available during the Day Tour, you are guaranteed them at night.

You’ll also have the chance to see Alcatraz Island settle down as the sunlight fades and the darkness takes hold of the infamous and spooky island.

Book official Alcatraz Night Tour tickets

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour Rates : 

Adults : $97.70

Juniors (ages 12-17) $93.55

  Seniors (ages 62 and up): $91.00

The hardest Alcatraz Island tour to obtain is, without a doubt, the Behind the Scenes Tour, and it’s for good reason, too.

These tickets may be the most expensive of any tour option, but you’ll also get the most bang for your buck.

The Behind the Scenes Tour allows you to not only experience the lesser seen parts of Alcatraz Island but to really dive in-depth into the stories of this place through the experience of an expert guide in a small, intimate group. 

Limited to a group size of 30 or less, your tour will start right as you step off the Alcatraz ferry and are greeted by your guide. Your guide will either be a park ranger or an expert tour guide.

From there, you’ll be brought to several exclusive areas of the island, like the last remaining communication tunnel, the lower level of the industries building, the prison chapel, a gun gallery overlooking the cell blocks, the A-Block of the prison, the citadel (often called the “dungeons”) and the prison hospital (some of these areas, like the hospital or the A-Block, may open during the Night Tour, but there is never a guarantee).

The exclusive access you get to these secluded areas as well as the unforgettable stories you’ll hear from your guide are just the beginning of this tour. 

After you’ve visited all these exclusive areas, you will have the option to leave on an earlier departure ferry or stay on the island for longer.

If you need to get back to San Francisco for other reservations or you’ve just had enough, that early departure ferry is a nice option.

Should you choose to stay, you’ll also get to experience all the features of the Night Tour.

This makes for a longer time (an additional two hours at least) spent on Alcatraz Island, but it is absolutely worth it to experience the most of what you can get out of your Alcatraz Island tour tickets. 

You’ll get to do the famous Cell House Audio Tour and get involved in other programs given throughout the Night Tour as well. 

All-in-all, the Behind the Scenes Tour can be a hefty time commitment and a pricey ticket endeavor, but it’s undoubtedly the best way to experience the private and closed-off sections of Alcatraz Island that very few people get to see.  

Book official Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour tickets

The Verdict: Which is the Best Alcatraz Tour?

Every tour of Alcatraz Island offers something exciting, and no matter which you choose, you’ve made a good choice.

It can be hard to say which Alcatraz Tour is truly the best, as they all offer something special and exciting for anyone who’s able to secure tickets, and it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. 

If we had to pick one overall, we’d say the best tour you can take on Alcatraz Island is the Behind the Scenes Tour. This not only allows you to get a firsthand experience viewing areas that are not open to the general public, but you’ll also get to partake in the full Night Tour experience as well (audio tour included).

It gives you the most of Alcatraz and the most guidance on the island, and it’s an experience well worth the price of admission.

It is important to remember the Behind the Scenes Tour, because of its limited space, is often sold out months in advance. Walk-up tickets are never available for this private tour of the island.

If you’re hoping to snag a spot on an upcoming date, start trying to book as early as you can for your best chance to go. 

If you don’t manage to book a spot on the Behind the Scenes Tour, remember the Alcatraz Day Tours and Night Tours are also incredible ways to visit an incredible island.

The Day Tour offers you the most openness and freedom to explore the island, and the Night Tour will offer you the most stellar stories and guidance into The Rock’s past. 

Pin Our Guide to Alcatraz Island Tours

Alcatraz Island is a fascinating and haunting place in our national park system. The stories and legends about this place are sure to make any visit to the island unforgettable.

A little time spent planning your trip in advance can mean the difference between seeing the island from afar, or actually stepping ashore and getting to dive head first into an endlessly fascinating place. 

Have more questions about visiting Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz tours, its history, or more? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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The 7 Best Alcatraz Tours [2024 Reviews]

Alcatraz, the notorious prison situated on an island in San Francisco Bay , is a must-see for Bay Area visitors. Tour operators offer visitors unique experiences by combining a visit to Alcatraz with additional outings.

Each of these tours includes the self-guided audio tour offered by the National Park Service, plus the addition of an exclusive adventure.

Adding extra excitement to your Alcatraz trip isn’t just fun. There’s another benefit – accessibility. Tickets to Alcatraz are in high demand, and waiting until the last minute to reserve may leave you in the lurch.

If you find yourself in this situation, booking a combo tour will ensure you get to see this legendary icon of American History and have some extra fun in the process.

Best Guided Tours of Alcatraz

Be sure to see our reviews of wine tours to Napa & Sonoma Valley . Yosemite Tours and Muir Woods tours .

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Alcatraz Tours For 2024

• Best Budget Tour: Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
• Best Small Group Tour: San Francisco Small Group City Sightseeing and Alcatraz Tour
• Best Full Day Tour: Alcatraz Tour plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip
• Best Half-Day Tour: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise
• Best Combination Tour: Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz
• Best Alcatraz & Bridge Tour: Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit
• Best Bike & Alcatraz Tour: Alcatraz Island Tour Packages

We have reviewed the 7 top guided tours of Alcatraz, providing overviews and highlighting the details of each.

Alcatraz Tour Reviews

1. best budget tour: alcatraz inside and golden gate bridge bay boat cruise.

• Departure Point : Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33
• Departure Time : 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Duration : 3 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Alcatraz Island Cellhouse Admission, Alcatraz Audio Tour, Golden Gate Bridge Bay Cruise

We recommend this tour for someone who is looking looking to take in two of San Francisco’s attractions: Alcatraz and a cruise of the bay.

The first part of the tour starts with the ferry ride to Alcatraz where departs from Pier 33. Enjoy the views and listen to the captain tell you about the history of the infamous Alcatraz island, or “The Rock” as it was called when it was a prison.

The intriguing audio tour of Alcatraz runs approximately 2.5 hours and goes into detail about some of its most notorious inmates and their crafty attempts to escape the well-guarded penitentiary.

Next up is the bay cruise where you will go under the Golden Gate Bridge, see the Transamerica Pyramid from the bay, Treasure Island, Coit Tower, Angel Island, and the Sausalito waterfront.

See the sea lions on sunning themselves on the rocks, pelicans flying overhead and if you are lucky you may even see whales in the bay! The onboard guide will give you the history of all the landmarks and of the city.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best small group tour: san francisco small group city sightseeing and alcatraz tour.

• Departure Point : Hotel pickup offered / Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33
• Departure Time : 9:30 AM
• Duration : 7 hours
• Includes : Round-trip ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island, audio walking tour of Alcatraz, Sightseeing tour of San Francisco in an open-air Jeep

We recommend this tour for those who want to make the most of their day. You won’t waste your time figuring out what’s worth visiting; and you won’t have to deal with public transport or fighting for a parking space because this tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off.

This outing is limited to a maximum of 10 people, so if you enjoy individualized attention, this is definitely a tour to consider.

This tour is great for adults and kids alike. The guides are skilled at adapting their tour to captivate and inform everyone in the group.

If you’re the adventurous type who’s interested in getting the inside scoop on all things San Francisco, as well as touring Alcatraz, this tour will definitely exceed your expectations.

The initial leg of this tour begins with a 4-hour tour of San Francisco in an open air jeep- safari style. You’ll be sure to enjoy all the must-see areas like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks.

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During the jeep portion of the tour you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask your driver/guide about insider tips for restaurants and entertainment.

This safari-styled urban tour of will keep you entertained while your guide shares wacky facts about the area, driving you through quirky neighborhoods, and taking you off-the-beaten path into areas only the locals know about.

During your city tour, you’ll stop for lunch (not included in price of tour) at a locals-approved locale, such as Gus’ Market.

After finishing the city portion of your tour, you’ll be dropped off at Pier 33 where the 15-minute ferry ride will deliver you to Alcatraz Island. Before starting your 2.5 hour audio tour of Alcatraz, you’ll be given a brief history of the Island.

When you finish the Alcatraz tour, you’ll take the ferry back to Pier 33 where the jeep will pick you up for a convenient hotel-drop off.

3. Best Full Day Tour: Alcatraz Tour plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip

• Departure Point : 478 Post St or 2805 Leavenworth Ave.
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Includes : Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach & Professional Tour Guide, admission to Muir Woods, round-trip ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island, audio walking tour of Alcatraz

We recommend this tour for those who are short on time but want to see as much as possible during their stay in the Bay area. It’s also a good choice for those who don’t mind larger groups.

The Muir Woods/Sausalito leg of your tour will include transport by coach (free wifi and restroom on board).

Make the most of your day by consolidating three different experiences into one day. Tour Alcatraz, see the spectacular redwoods of Muir Woods, and make a stop to explore the picturesque town of Sausalito.

The three legs of this tour can make for a long day, so if time isn’t a consideration during your stay, consider breaking this into a 2 day venture.

Please note, this isn’t a tour in the tradition sense, as you won’t be picked up and dropped off at your hotel by a guide, or in between the ferry and bus. It involves more DIY action than most.

This excursion starts with your arrival at the ferry to Alcatraz. After enjoying the audio tour there, you will then make your way to Gray Line Buses at Union Square for departure to Muir Woods and Sausalito.

When you return to San Francisco you will arrange your own transport back to your lodging/hotel.

4. Best Half-Day Tour: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise

• Departure Time : Variety available
• Duration : 2 to 4 hours (approx.)
• Includes : One Day Hop-on Hop-off Ticket, round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island, audio tour on Alcatraz Island, 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise

This tour is geared more for families with younger children as if they are 4 and younger they go for free!.You need to check in 30 minutes before departure so use this time to wander the waterfront and explore the shops.

You have three start options available of 9am, 10am or 2pm offering you lots of flexibility. The ferry ride to Alcatraz gives you some good views of the bay and the captain will give you some background on the former prison.

Once on Alcatraz you’ll enjoy the self-guided audio tour that you can do at your own pace. The audio guide will give you all the background of the notorious prisoners and their escape attempts. You have seen it in the movies but there is nothing like being there and seeing it for yourself and standing in the prison cells!

Next up is the bay cruise. Once on the ship, you’ll cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, which offers amazing angles for unique pictures. You will cruise past historic pier 39 and see the sea lions sunbathing. Take pictures of San Francisco’s iconic skyline from the bay.

The ship has a guide that will give you all the history and background the landmarks as you sail by them making this an informative as well as beautiful cruise of the bay .

5. Best Combination Tour: Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz

• Departure Point : Start anywhere on bus route
• Departure Time : Anytime
• Duration : All day
• Includes : Hop on – hop off bus, ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island, audio walking tour of Alcatraz

We recommend this tour for adults and families alike, and for those who feel comfortable touring with a larger group of fellow visitors.

Participants explore the city in an open-air bus, allowing for better views of the sites. Enjoy being a very important person during this full-day tour. Beat the crowds with an early entry to Alcatraz and enjoy the prison and its surroundings, minus the commotion that can come with hordes of tourists

During your early-entry tour of Alcatraz you will wander around the legendary prison and its grounds with an audio tour that gives great detail about his history and some of its most infamous inmates.

After you wrap up the Alcatraz portion of this tour, you’ll head back on the big bus and sit comfortably while you make your way through the windy streets of the city.

The animated tour guides are well-versed in the offbeat details and history of the area, and they really seem to enjoy sharing this knowledge with visitors. They make sure to tailor your experience to the group, including kids, if you’ve got your little ones along for the ride.

There is an array of options for touring Alcatraz, lots of them offering combinations with other fun activities. These combinations offer the opportunity to spend time with a local tour guide who can give insider tips and share interesting information about the area.

6. Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit

• Duration : 3 hours
• Departure Time : Varies
• Departure : 250 Beach St., San Francisco, CA 94133
• Includes : Alcatraz ticket, ferry ride to island, roundtrip Fisherman’s Wharf mini bus seat, Golden Gate Bridge stop for photos (SF side only)

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, and to fully take advantage of its splendor, I highly recommend this next tour. Alcatraz may not be all glitz and glamor, but it plays a significant role in the history of the city.

The Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit Tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city and see two of the most important landmarks in a way most don’t get to experience.

Clocking in at 3 hours and with various start times, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest of schedule. It departs right from Fisherman’s Wharf which is already a big tourist spot, so it’s easy to access as well.

Set off on the included ferry ride as you make your way to Alcatraz Island, surrounded by both manmade and natural beauty.

Upon arrival, you’ll be instantly transported back in time and get a glimpse into how prisoners were treated. Some very notorious people were locked up here, including famous mafioso, Al Capone, and you’ll learn all about him and more during the 45-minute audio presentation of the cellhouse tour.

After that, you’ll head back to Fisherman’s Wharf and board a mini bus as you make your way to the impressive Golden Gate Bridge. I was actually shocked at how big it was, and seeing it on our way to Alcatraz made me realize just how enormous it really is!

We were allowed a 30-minute stop at Vista Point where we were able to take plenty of videos, which ended up being fantastic mementos.

Oh, and we even got to see the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, which was just as impressive as the other sites we saw that day! It looks like something from ancient Rome, and it was very interesting to learn that it was built in just a couple years!

7. Alcatraz Island Tour Packages

• Duration : 2 to 3 hours
• Departure : 571 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102
• Includes : Official Alcatraz ticket, ferry ride to the island, audio tour of the Alcatraz Island inside the prison, bike rental for 24 hours (includes helmets and locks)

If you ask me, two of the best ways to see San Francisco are by two modes of transportation: the ferry and by bike. The Alcatraz Island Tour Packages experience combines both of them, leaving you with all-new insight into this magical city filled with history and mind-blowing architecture!

They even include the natural beauty surrounding the bay, offering expert guidance to further enhance your time spent exploring!

I absolutely loved how lively and entertaining the guides were, right from the very beginning! Our tour started with a guided bus tour over the Golden Gate Bridge, which was so impressive to me!

Learning about the history of the massive structure and the events that have taken place on and around it was fascinating.

Our first stop was at the Muir Woods National Monument, which had quite possibly even larger structures than the bridge! To call the Redwood trees “towering” doesn’t even do them justice – you just have to see them in person to believe it!

The average age of these beauties are anywhere from 600 to 800 years old, with the oldest reaching over a whopping thousand years old!

After taking photos of the trees and the stunning city skyline, we then headed out to the island of Alcatraz by ferry. This was a really fun trip, and we were grateful to have been able to secure tickets as I know it’s common for them to be sold out!

We got to really see a lot of the island and learned even more, thanks to the intriguing 3-hour audio tour!

After that, we headed back to the mainland where we were informed we had access to a free 24-hour bike rental to explore the city even further. Just be aware of the intense hills – my quads were definitely burning after!

Tour Guides

The San Francisco Helicopter and Alcatraz Tour is our Editor's Choice as the best Alcatraz tour with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value.

Krysha Thayer

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The Best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco: A Locals Guide

Living in Oakland, California, and having toured Alcatraz three times, I can’t recommend it enough.

It’s a popular destination, yet far from a tourist trap. Everyone I’ve introduced to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco finds it an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Choosing the right Alcatraz tour can be daunting with so many options, and not all offer good value.

To help you avoid disappointment, this guide provides essential tips for selecting the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You’ll learn how to secure last-minute tickets and which tours to skip for a memorable experience.

A local’s tips for booking the best tour of Alcatraz:

• To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the official website and will be the cheapest price.
• For the ultimate tour of the main sites in the city, the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz is the best Alcatraz tour in San Francisco . Also, it boasts many 5-star ⭐ reviews, so you can’t go wrong!
• It’s essential to secure your tickets well in advance! Tip tickets are released 90 days in advance.

Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco 2024

I’ve curated a list of the top Alcatraz Island tours and combo tours, offering you the best experiences to book.

Keep in mind, Alcatraz tickets sell out fast, so early booking is key! If you’re looking for last-minute tickets, don’t worry – I’ve got some handy tips to help you secure them.

Plus, at the end of this post, I’ve included a comprehensive FAQ section about Alcatraz, covering topics like tours to avoid, whether you can visit Alcatraz without a tour, ticket costs, recommended attire, and much more.

Alcatraz City Cruises

To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the most affordable and direct way to get your tickets for Alcatraz Island and Prison.

Alcatraz City Cruises provides three tour options: Alcatraz Day Tour, Alcatraz Night Tour, and Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour. Each includes ferry transportation, an audio-guided tour of the island and cell house, access to historic outdoor spaces, and views of San Francisco.

1. Alcatraz Day Tour

Discover Alcatraz Island’s rich history with an Alcatraz Day Tour. I have done this tour before, and I recommend it for a comprehensive and enjoyable visit. However, day tours tend to be busier than night tours. So I suggest you plan to arrive early for the ferry and expect a wait for the Cellhouse Audio Tour to minimize crowding.

The Day Tour is popular for being the most affordable and frequently available option. Tip, you can book the Early Bird Tour, departing at 8:45 or 9:10 am, to experience the island before it becomes crowded.

2. Alcatraz Night Tour

The Alcatraz Night Tour is one of the more popular options of tours offered at Alcatraz, and will typically sell out quicker than the day tours because they are limited to only a number of people per night and offer many perks that the day tour does not.

It offers exclusive perks, including special programs and activities not available during the day. Additionally, it provides a stunning upfront view of the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

3. Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

The Behind the Scenes Tour is a small group tour with your own personal guide. They will take you behind the scenes to explore off-the-beaten-path areas of Alcatraz that are closed to the general public. You also have the option to stay for longer on the island and join the night tour.

The Behind the Scenes Tour involves a lot of walking up steep hills, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time. They also do not allow children under the age of 12 to participate in the Behind the Scenes Tour due to the physical and strenuous demands.

Best Combo Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

When you are visiting San Francisco, there is so much to do and see in such little time. A combo tour is a perfect way to see Alcatraz and experience other amazing Bay Area locations and attractions in San Francisco.

Also, a combo tour is a great option if the official tickets to Alcatraz Island are sold out.

Below is a list of the best combo Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco that I believe are worth the cost and from a reliable tour company.

Best Overall Tour 4. One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz

As a Bay Area local who has visited Alcatraz multiple times, I find the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz to be the best combo tour. It’s a comprehensive, well-rounded experience, covering numerous incredible Bay Area locations in a single day.

Your One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz includes a guided city tour, visiting landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. You’ll stop in Sausalito for lunch with bay views, then visit the enchanting Muir Woods, famous for its towering redwoods. The tour concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island for a historic exploration of the prison.

• It is the perfect tour if you are on limited time
• You get to see Alcatraz, Sausalito, Muir Woods, and other famous San Francisco neighborhoods.
• Informative tour guide
• Many raving and 5-star reviews
• You do not get a lot of time at each location since you are squeezing in so much in one day.
• Muir Woods entrance fee is not included
• One of the more expensive tours on this list

✅ Book the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz here

5. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

The Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour offers a similar experience to the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz, featuring three top Bay Area attractions.

The key differences are a shorter duration, lower price, and exclusion of the San Francisco neighborhood tour. This tour suits those looking for a full day’s exploration with a smaller group (maximum of 11 people) and without the guided tour of San Francisco’s neighborhoods.

The tour begins in San Francisco, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, and first stops at Muir Woods for over an hour of hiking among the redwoods. Next, you’ll visit Sausalito for lunch and exploration, including options like my favorite spot Lappert’s Ice Cream.

The day concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island, including an audio-guided tour detailing the history of infamous inmates like Al Capone and James “Whitey” Bulger.

• A packed day of touring three must-see Bay Area locations
• Extra time to spend at each location compared to other Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Sausalito tour
• You do not get a tour of San Francisco neighborhoods.

✅ Book your Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour here

Best Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco 6. Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion

The Bucket List Excursion is ideal for adding a shorter activity to your Alcatraz visit. This approximately 5-hour tour combines a trip to Alcatraz Island with a guided exploration of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods.

Starting at Alcatraz Landing, you’ll take a ferry to the island for a self-guided audio tour that vividly recounts its history as a federal prison. The tour includes the prison cells and stories of notorious inmates and escape attempts.

After Alcatraz, you’ll join your guide for a city tour, visiting key San Francisco sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Pacific Heights, with lots of opportunities for photos.

• Great opportunity to visit Alcatraz and do a city tour of San Francisco
• Shorter tour than some of the others on this list
• Many 5-star reviews
• Knowledgeable tour guides
• More of a sightseeing tour, you do not get to stop at each of these San Francisco locations.

✅ Book the Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion here

Most Unique Tour 7. San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz

For a tour that is different and unique, I love this San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz . It is especially great if you’ve already explored San Francisco and want a differnt experience.

This 90 minute food tour starts at the historic Ferry Building, a bustling marketplace full of restaurants, specialty food stores, coffee shops, artisan meat and cheeses, specialty wine, and more.

Sample offerings from popular vendors and visit the renowned farmer’s market at the Ferry Building, known as one of the world’s best.

After your food tour, head to Alcatraz Landing, a short Uber ride or 20-minute walk from the Ferry Building, to catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island, a must-see San Francisco attraction.

On “The Rock,” you’ll use an audio guide to explore the former maximum security prison, learning its history and enjoying panoramic views of the Bay and San Francisco.

• Unique combo tour
• 4 hour tour, less time than other tours so it won’t take up an entire day
• Transportation from the Ferry Building to Alcatraz Landing is not provided
• On the expensive side compared to other tours

✅ Book the San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz here

8. Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour

Book an adventurous two-day combo tour and get the opportunity to check off some San Francisco bucket list attractions. The Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour takes place over two days, which is nice if you don’t want to cram everything into one day.

Day one features a guided bike tour through iconic spots like the Palace of Fine Arts and Fisherman’s Wharf, culminating in a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. There, enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Bay and San Francisco. You can choose to bike back, return the bike in Sausalito, or ferry back with the bike.

Day two is dedicated to Alcatraz, including ferry transport and a 2.5-hour audio-guided island tour.

• Tour spread out into two days
• Get to see many must-visit locations by guided tour
• They also offer electric bikes to help with the hills
• You may not have enough time to dedicate two days to a tour
• Not the best tour for young children

✅ Book your Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour here

9. San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket

One of our favorite things to do is cruise the San Francisco bay by boat! You get a unique and incredible view of many iconic San Francisco sights. The San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Tour is the perfect combo tour, especially if you love to be on the water.

Your tour will begin at Alcatraz Landing, where you will catch a ferry to The Rock and explore the island that famously was a maximum security prison. The audio guide will transport you back in time as you learn about the history and the interesting stories of those who lived at Alcatraz.

After your tour, your will return to Alcatraz landing and begin the catamaran cruise. The catamaran provides an exciting and fun way to see San Francisco and the surrounding sights. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions and other marine life during your cruise. Even on a sunny day, bring a jacket with you. The Bay can get very chilly and windy.

• Unique tour and way to see the city
• Get the opportunity to sail on the Bay with an experienced captain and crew
• There are two separate cruises, the catamaran does not drop you off at Alcatraz
• The exact time of the Alcatraz ferry departure may vary and you won’t be notified until 10 days before the tour.
• Weather dependant

✅ Book the San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket here

10. San Francisco: Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise

The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise is one of the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You can book a thrilling and adventurous tour and explore the waters by a high-powered Rigid Inflatable Boat. The inflatable boat provides a more exciting journey and the chance to get up close to wildlife and many iconic sights.

The tour starts with a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided audio tour, exploring prison cells and historic outdoor spaces. After Alcatraz, return to land and head to Pier 39 to join the Voyager Adventure Cruise. Your captain-guide will share insights about the area during this unforgettable sightseeing tour of San Francisco’s main attractions.

• You can get an up-close view of sights and marine life
• An adventurous and exciting way to see the Bay.
• Weather-appropriate gear is provided
• Numerous 5 star reviews
• Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or children under 5 years of age.
• There are two separate cruises, the voyager does not drop you off at Alcatraz

✅ Book The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise here

Why You Should Book a Combo Tour to Alcatraz

There are some benefits of booking a combo tour with a tour company. You get to see Alcatraz along with other top San Francisco locations. Planning a combo tour is perfect if you are visiting San Francisco for a short period of time and would like to do and see as much as possible.

Another perk of booking a combo tour is securing a ticket to Alcatraz. The tickets to Alcatraz sell out very quickly, and you typically need to book them months in advance. However, a tip for getting last-minute tickets to Alcatraz is by booking your tickets through an official Alcatraz partner.

Tips for Booking Alcatraz tickets for Sold-Out Days

If you are looking to see Alcatraz on a sold-out day there are some tips for scoring a couple of tickets. However, do not buy your tickets from a scalper.

It is illegal to resell Alcatraz tickets, but also at the departure gate, they may check to see if the name on the ticket matches yours. So to avoid all of this, I do not recommend buying your tickets from a scalper.

• Check for canceled tickets: You can do this by checking Alcatraz City Cruises
• Book a combo tour: Book one of the tours that I have listed above with a tour company
• Night tour standby tickets: Purchase a standby ticket at the box office during the day. It’s first come first serve. After they board the passengers for that night’s sailing, they allow the standbys on if there is room. You will be refunded if you do not go to Alcatraz.

What Tours I Wouldn’t Suggest

Choosing the right Alcatraz combo tour can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with San Francisco or the specific tour, you could be getting ripped off. Some tours significantly mark up prices, and in my experience, they may not offer value for the money.

An adult ticket to Alcatraz costs $45.00, and all tours include the same audio-guided experience. When considering tours with added extras like walking tours or restaurant discounts, ensure the additional cost is justified and provides good value.

How Much is an Alcatraz Tour

The cost of an Alcatraz Tour varies upon which tour you decide to do. Here is a breakdown of how much it is to book a tour to Alcatraz. This does not include any combo tours, only the cost of the Alcatraz Tour itself.

Adult & Junior: $ 45.25 Child: $27.55 Junior: $45.25 Senior : $42.65 Family Pack: $131.85 (2 adults 2 children)

Night Tour:

Adult: $56.30 Junior: $55.10 Child: $33.00 Senior: $52.25

Behind the Scenes:

Adult: $101.30 Junior: $97.10 Senior: $94.25

Can I Visit Alcatraz Without a Tour

No, you cannot visit Alcatraz without a tour. Alcatraz Island is open to the public, but Alcatraz Cruises is the only commercial boat service authorized by the National Park Service to carry passengers back and forth to Alcatraz Island.

To visit the famous Alcatraz Island and prison, you must book a tour in advance either with Alcatraz City Cruises or an approved tour company.

What to Wear Visiting Alcatraz

Even if the forecast calls for sunshine and clear skies, I always bring layers and warm clothes when visiting Alcatraz Island. The ferry ride and standing outside on the island can be very chilly and windy.

Also, the tour does require walking up some hills and walking up stairs. I suggest wearing a pair of comfortable and sturdy shoes for your visit to Alcatraz as well.

In Conclusion: Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

I hope that my list of best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco will help you decide on which epic tour to book to see the famous Alcatraz Island.

Related Posts:

• Ultimate Day Trip Itinerary to Sausalito
• Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting: Why You Should or Should Not Visit
• 18 Awesome Things to Do in Pescadero, CA
• Day Trip to Napa Valley, CA
• Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco
• Top 12 Monte Rio CA Restaurants & Where to Eat Nearby Or you can check out my California Travel page for all of my California content including Death Valley National Park , Paso Robles , Palm Springs , & more!

Alisha Rose is the founder of TTWT and has lived in California since 2016. She is a Registered Nurse, but loves exploring her beautiful home of California every chance she gets with her family and two Golden Retrievers. Also a world traveler, she has traveled to over 21 countries, a total of 5 continents, and 27 states in the US.

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Alcatraz Tour Options

As the official concessioner to the National Park Service, Alcatraz City Cruises offers in-depth visits to Alcatraz. Your visit includes round-trip transportation to the Island and outdoor National Park access.

Alcatraz Tour Options Overview

Pertinent information.

At Alcatraz City Cruises, our guests’ well-being is our number one priority. We have proudly implemented new COVID-19 procedures to keep everyone safe & healthy.

Age Policy Adult- 18-61 / Junior- 12-17 / Senior- 62+ / Child- 5-11 / Toddler 4 and under are Free

Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult.

Group Tours If booking a group of 20 or more people, please contact the Alcatraz City Cruises Group Services Department at 415.438.8361; or e-mail  [email protected]

Ticket Price

Please refer to our  Fee Breakout FAQ  for complete overview of Alcatraz Island ticket prices.

Alcatraz Island Named #1 Landmark in the U.S.

Alcatraz City Cruises is a Proud Partner and Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service

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Alcatraz Night Tour vs Alcatraz Day Tour

There are a few key differences between the alcatraz night tour and the alcatraz day tour, read more below to find out which one is more your style.

The Alcatraz night tour is a unique way to see Alcatraz. While it only runs certain times of the year, it can be worth the wait.

Looking for tickets? Book your Alcatraz tours here!

• History of Alcatraz
• Alcatraz Day Tour
• Alcatraz Night Tour

A quick history of Alcatraz

In 1962, three men left behind dummy heads in their bunks and used makeshift rafts made from old raincoats to make their escape into the icy San Francisco Bay.

Less than a year later, due to deteriorating buildings and high costs of maintaining a maximum security prison on an island, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed its final cell door.

Alcatraz Island didn’t open up to the public until almost 10 years later in 1972.

We wouldn’t even be able to visit this former Civil War Era fortress turned federal prison if it hadn’t been for a bold 19 month occupation of the island by Indian American students at San Francisco State University (Go, Gators!), led by activist and student Richard Oakes.

If you look closely, you’ll find historic graffiti that has been preserved from the Indian Occupation of Alcatraz.

Our personal favorite piece of graffiti is at the entrance to Administration Building (the Alcatraz audio tour takes you through this entry). Look for the eagle above the door, it’s perched on a shield with the American flag and looked between the stripes where you will find the word “FREE”.

All of this history can be explored on both the San Francisco Alcatraz Night Tour and Alcatraz Day Tour.

But what’s the main difference between the Alcatraz Night Tour vs the Alcatraz Day Tour?

Let’s break it down to make your tour choice a lot easier!

Alcatraz day tour

When does the Alcatraz day tour run?

The Alcatraz day tour runs every day, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Departure times vary depending on the season, but always begin around 9am.

How do you get tickets?

How much does the alcatraz day tour cost.

Alcatraz Day Tour Tickets : 

Prices of Alcatraz Day Tour tickets vary from about $25 – $41 depending on age. For the most updated ticket pricing, check the official Alcatraz City Cruises website.

How long is the Alcatraz tour?

There’s no official Alcatraz tour length – you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Or at least until the last ferry leaves!

Most people explore the island for about two hours before heading onto a ferry back to the city. The official Alcatraz City Cruises website recommends three hours to cruise the island.

You can return to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing with any ferry that goes to San Francisco. Make sure to arrive at least one-half hour prior to the departure time.  

What is included in the Alcatraz day tour?

• Ferry ride to Alcatraz
• Narrated tour while on the ferry
• Guided tour
• Self guided tour of the cell block

Tickets to Alcatraz during the day include a ferry ride to Alcatraz and one back to San Francisco, as well as an audio tour of the cell house. This audio tour was the first tour they had, so it’s unlike any others they offer.

The Alcatraz audio tour was produced by a local interactive non-profit theatre company after interviewing former inmates, guards who watched over the infamous Birdman of Alcatraz and children who grew up on the island in the shadow of the San Francisco prison.

Many of the voices you’ll hear have since passed away. Some of the voices you might recognize in the gift shop. Guest authors can often be found signing books and answering questions in the gift shop.

Also, there are various ranger-led tours throughout the day, but the schedules of the tours are posted per day. This means you can’t check it before you go to Alcatraz so be sure to check for extra tours led by rangers and historic interpreters as soon as you’re on the dock of Alcatraz!

Where can you buy day tour tickets for Alcatraz?

You can buy Alcatraz tickets through Alcatraz City Cruises; this is the only official ferry operator to Alcatraz. If they sell out you can buy tickets via third parties, like Dylan’s. We offer tickets to Alcatraz which are included in our 1 day Alcatraz Experience tour . During this tour, we explore San Francisco, Muir Woods and Alcatraz , perfect for those with only one day to see everything in the city.

View all of our  Alcatraz tours here!

Alcatraz night tour

When does the night tour run?

The Alcatraz Night Tour usually has two sailings per day Tuesday – Sunday between March and November. Check the official Alcatraz City Cruises website for the most accurate departure information.

How much does the Alcatraz night tour cost?

Alcatraz Night Tickets : 

Prices of Alcatraz Night Tour tickets vary from about $28 – $48 depending on age. For the most updated ticket pricing, check the official Alcatraz City Cruises website.

How long is the Alcatraz night tour?

The Alcatraz Night Tour is about two and a half hours.

There are only two ferries that leave the island on the night tour so you can’t leave early.

Make sure to check the schedule on the Alcatraz City Cruises website and arrive at least one-half hour prior to the departure time. The first ferry that leaves the island usually reaches capacity so keep that in mind.

What is included in the Alcatraz night tour?

Your night tour of Alcatraz begins with a guided tour around Alcatraz Island, with the day tour it’s just a ride straight to the island so this is a big plus!

Your guide will point out hidden spots used for attempted escapes and prison structures that are unreachable by foot.

Once you arrive at the island a ranger-led walks you up the hill to the cell house while highlighting the history of the island. You can tour the cell house at your own pace while listening to the audio presentation.

The difference with the day tour is that you are able to see parts of the prison that are normally closed off.

There will also be behind-the-scenes tours, cell door demos, and other bonus walking tours. All of these extras make the night tour more of an ‘Alcatraz Behind the Scenes tour’ than the day tour option.  

Where can you buy Alcatraz night tour tickets?

You can purchase tickets for the Night tour directly through Alcatraz City Cruises.

Unfortunately, no third-party operators can sell Alcatraz tickets for the night tour.

Tickets to Alcatraz are notorious for selling out quick and the Alcatraz night tour is no exception, so book early if you have your heart set on seeing Alcatraz at night!

*Note: Because Alcatraz Island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreational, there isn’t an official Alcatraz ghost tour or Alcatraz haunted tour, but we’re still hoping one of these years they’ll make it happen for a themed Alcatraz Halloween Tour. We’ll let you know if that ever happens!

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We’re sure that whether you choose the Alcatraz day or night tour, you’re going to have a great time on this historical island. Just make sure to book your Alcatraz tour today or ASAP to make sure you get to see the island during your time in San Francisco.  

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Alcatraz Tours Review: Is The Day Or Night Tour Worth It?

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: September 2, 2020

UPDATED: October 20, 2023

Alcatraz Island has a story so intriguing that it draws in over 1.5 million visitors each year. But are the Alcatraz day and night tours worth your valuable time and money ?

In short, the answer is yes. But you are not here for the short answer.

San Francisco is not a cheap place to visit and with limited time to explore, you need to know exactly how to spend your time and money wisely.

Not only have we been to San Francisco multiple times, but we have personally visited Alcatraz for both a day and night tour on separate occasions.

You can consider us experts when it comes to helping determine which of the Alcatraz tours is for you.

Let’s dive deeper into what you can expect and why the tours of Alcatraz are worth putting a dent in your San Francisco travel itinerary.

Alcatraz Island Fact File

City : San Francisco

State : California

Nickname : The Rock

Prison Opened : August 11th, 1934

Prison Closed : March 21st, 1963

Annual Visitors : 1.5 million tourists

Prisoner Capacity : 336 (never reached max capacity

Famous Prisoners : Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Robert Stroud, Whitey Bulger, The Anglin Brothers

History Of Alcatraz

Much like the air of mystery that surrounds the entire Island of Alcatraz, the history of the San Francisco Bay and the buildings of Alcatraz make for a dramatic story.

Fort, military prison, maximum security federal penitentiary and freedom all play a role in the colorful narrative of the eerie, forbidding and isolated island a mile offshore in the center of the San Francisco Bay.

Grab a comfy seat and a bit of popcorn because this one is going to a doozy. But our guide is loaded with photos and we hope to inspire you to visit this interesting part of US history someday.

The Founding Of Alcatraz Island

Juan Manuel de Ayala was the first man to sail into San Francisco Bay and lay eyes upon what is now Alcatraz Island.

When the Spanish explorer mapped the bay in 1775, he named the tiny island Alcatraces. At this time, this word meant ‘Gannet’ in relation to the North Atlantic seabird.

But over time, the original name Alcatraces was anglicized to Alcatraz. There has been debate about the exact meaning of Alcatraz, but this term typically refers to a ‘pelican’ or ‘strange bird.’

This term seemed to fit as Brown Pelicans are extremely common in the San Francisco Bay area.

The name Alcatraz feels slightly less sinister now you know it means Pelican, right?! You can ignore this fact if you want the name to retain its mystique.

Use As A Military Fort

Following the Gold Rush and booming of San Francisco in the 1850’s, the US military built a fortress at the top of Alcatraz to protect the bay from naval invasion.

On June 1st, 1854, the Alcatraz Light became the first lighthouse built on the West Coast of America. By the late 1850’s, Alcatraz had received its first military prisoners.

No shots were ever fired from the enormous cannon at Alcatraz fortress and its requirements as a defensive installation become obsolete.

The US army demolished Alcatraz fortress in 1909 and military prisoners at the time built what would become ‘the Rock.’

Punishment To Fit The Crime

Following rampant crime in the 1920’s and 1930’s, Alcatraz was the perfect symbol for the Department of Justice to show its citizens they were taking crime seriously.

The prison was categorized as maximum security as well as minimum privilege and opened in 1933.

Alcatraz would be the new home for those who were incapable of reform or who had gained culture repute.

Native American Occupation

Alcatraz prison was finally closed on March 21st, 1963 after almost 30 years of operation. Its closure had nothing to do with escape attempts (which we will get into later) and everything to do with finances.

It simply just wasn’t cost effective to maintain the prison any longer. Following the closure of Alcatraz prison, the island was left deserted and abandoned for 6 years.

In 1969, a group of Indigenous activists known as ‘the Indians of All Tribes’ occupied Alcatraz and raised awareness of the troubles they faced.

Support for Natives grew throughout their 19 month stronghold on Alcatraz until they lost control and buildings were burned down. Federal Marshalls intervened and removed all people from Alcatraz in 1971.

Alcatraz Museum And Tours

In 1973, Alcatraz was opened to the general public as a museum under the National Park Service and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

You can visit the official Alcatraz NPS website for more information.

Alcatraz remains one of the most popular park service sites and receives over 1 million visitors each year.

Travel Tip : If you collect the National Park Passport Stamps , be sure to pick up your stamp on Alcatraz island. There are two stamps to collect, one for the Alcatraz Island Lighthouse and one for the Golden Gate Recreation Area .

How To Get To Alcatraz From Pier 33

There is only one way you can reach Alcatraz Island as a tourist and that is from Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing.

Google Maps Location for Pier 33 .

Pier 33 is located halfway around San Francisco’s Embarcadero, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building.

Alcatraz Cruises owns sole rights to ferry crossings from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island under contract with the National Park Service.

It’s not worth looking into chartering a private boat to access the island because you won’t be able to enter the museum.

Pier 33 is also equipped with an accessibility drop off zone for those with special needs.

Alcatraz Tour Parking

If you are planning on driving your own vehicle with the aim of parking nearby, be warned there is no parking available directly at Alcatraz Landing.

You may be lucky to find on-street parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, but it can be extremely difficult to find. Every parking space also has a parking meter which won’t give you enough time for your Alcatraz tour.

Another option is a commercial parking lot. There are 15 commercial lots with 3,000 parking spaces within a 5 block radius of Pier 33.

The closest commercial parking lot is 80 Francisco at Kearny about one block away across the Embarcadero from Alcatraz Landing.

However, the best way to get to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is by foot or using public transport. The historic San Francisco streetcars of the MUNI F Line run right past Alcatraz Landing.

Planning to visit more of California? Don’t miss our popular guide featuring 23 stops along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego .

4 Types Of Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz is open for tours every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s day.

When you purchase an Alcatraz tour ticket, the time on the ticket will correspond to your Alcatraz Ferry.

Each Alcatraz Ferry departs for the day from Pier 33 daily about every 30 to 60 minutes beginning at 8:45am for the Early Bird Tour. Keep in mind times will vary depending on the time of year.

There are 4 different types of tours available at Alcatraz Island. Each tour will have a varying cost, access and privileges.

You can choose between the following 4 Alcatraz tours:

• Alcatraz Day Tour (Early Bird included)
• Behind The Scenes Tour

Alcatraz Night Tour

• Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour (currently unavailable)

Next, we will briefly discuss the Alcatraz Ferry schedule followed by a description of each Alcatraz tour.

The last sections of this guide will then walk you through exactly what to expect on both a day and night tour to Alcatraz. We hope to point out the major differences between these Alcatraz tours.

Ferry Schedule For Alcatraz Tours

The Alcatraz ferry is run on a winter and summer schedule. The early bird tour always begins at 8:45am no matter the season, but the summer season will have more ferry crossings later in the day when the daylight is longer.

Alcatraz Summer Ferry schedule

This summer ferry runs from mid-March to mid-October.

• Early Bird Tour : 8:45am (considered a day tour)
• Day Tour : 9:10am, 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:10pm, 2:40pm, 3:20pm and 3:50pm
• Behind The Scenes Tour : 4:20pm and 4:50pm
• Night Tour : 5:55pm and 6:30pm (Tues to Sat)

Alcatraz Winter Ferry Schedule

The winter schedule for the Alcatraz Ferry is very similar just with modified service. The winter ferry runs from mid-October to Mid-March.

• Day Tour : 9:10am, 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:05pm, 1:35pm
• Behind The Scenes Tour : 2:10pm and 2:40pm
• Night Tour : 3:50pm (Tues to Sat)

You can also check the Alcatraz Ferry Departure schedule on the City Cruises official website.

Alcatraz Day Tour

The Alcatraz day tour is a 2.5 hour long tour option which gives you the chance to freely explore Alcatraz Island on your own. A round trip ferry service to Alcatraz Island is included in the ticket.

As you investigate Alcatraz, rangers are stationed throughout the island to help assist visitors and answer questions.

There are many interpretive signs and exhibits scattered around the island to keep your interest. You can also attend the cellhouse audio tour or a themed special program to learn more about Alcatraz.

The Alcatraz day tour includes:

• Doing Time: The Alcatraz cellhouse audio tour 
• Admission to the Alcatraz cellhouse and permanent exhibit ‘The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States’
• Entrance to outdoor spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden
• Entrance to the New Industries Building highlighting influential Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes
• Close up views of the exteriors of the Cellhouse, Building 64, Warden’s House, Water Tower, Officer’s Club and Model Industries Building

Day tour tickets for Alcatraz begin at $42 for adults and $25 for children (5-11).

During the Alcatraz Night Tour, you get a little more bang for your buck. But the night tour is only available Tuesday to Saturdays.

Similar to the day tour, a round trip ferry service to Alcatraz Island is included in the ticket. However, you will enjoy a narration on the ferry as the boat takes a special route around Alcatraz Island.

At the dock, you are greeted by a park ranger or docent for a personalized guided tour straight from the dock to the cellhouse. During this guided tour, you will learn about the history of Alcatraz and the people who have lived there.

After the guided tour, you can choose to attend the cellhouse audio tour, explore the additional special exhibits or explore the island on your own.

The Alcatraz night tour includes:

• Doing Time: The Alcatraz cellhouse audio tour
• Optional full length programs and exhibits
• Docent guided tours and talks
• Ability to watch the sunset from Alcatraz Island

Night tour tickets for Alcatraz begin at $53 for adults and $31 for children (5-11).

Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour

The behind the Scenes Tour of Alcatraz is a unique opportunity and limited to a maximum of only 30 people.

This 1.5 to 2.0 hour small group tour is led by a National Park Service Ranger or expert historical educator.

The behind The Scenes tour is a great way to capture unusual photos and explore many areas that are off limits to the general public as you hear stories about Alcatraz.

After the tour you will also have the chance to explore the island further.

The Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tours includes:

• Optional programs and exhibits throughout the island
• West side views from Alcatraz Island facing San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge

As a Behind the Scenes Tour guest, you have the two options after your tour. You can extend your time on Alcatraz Island by joining the night tour or you can return to San Francisco on any departing vessel from Alcatraz.

Please note if you choose to stay for the night tour, you will be on Alcatraz Island for about 5 hours. There is food available on the Alcatraz ferry, but not on the island. You will need to plan accordingly.

Behind The Scenes tour tickets for Alcatraz begin at $98 for adults and $94 for children (5-11).

Alcatraz And Angel Island Tour

This 5.5 hour tour offers a round trip ferry to Alcatraz and Angel Island as well as an audio guided tour and an Angel Island Tram tour.

Unfortunately, this the Alcatraz and Angel island Tour is currently unavailable due to health and safety reasons.

Alcatraz Island Tickets

City Experiences are the official provider of Alcatraz Island Tour tickets. The best way to book Alcatraz tickets is directly with City Experiences on the official website.

However, a combination tour is an extremely popular option if you want to see everything San Francisco has to offer. Each tour we mention is an authorized seller of Alcatraz Cruises through City Experiences.

Here are several top rated San Francisco tour options which include an Alcatraz Tour:

• Alcatraz Ticket + 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Night Tour – Explore the island of Alcatraz and enjoy 2 days of sightseeing with insightful commentary from a live guide.
• Small Group Tour: Alcatraz, San Francisco and Muir Woods with Lunch in Sausalito – See everything in one day… the main sights in San Francisco, a lunch break in Sausalito, a walk around Muir Woods and the Official Alcatraz tour in the afternoon.
•  Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket – Walking tour to top attractions including Ghirardelli, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 followed by Alcatraz.
• Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit – Combine visits to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge into one day.
• Golden Gate Bike Tour and Alcatraz Ticket – Explore San Francisco by bike and visit Alcatraz for two tours over the course of two days.
• San Francisco City Tour and Alcatraz Ticket – Climb aboard an air conditioned coach for a 4-hour guided tour of San Francisco then board a ferry and sail to Alcatraz Island.
• Alcatraz Island and SF Madame Tussauds – This two in one pass includes ferry transport to Alcatraz Island and access to the island itself as well as admission to the world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Walkthrough Of Alcatraz Island Day Tour

We don’t want to give too much of the Alcatraz day tour away so instead of going into great detail, we will simply give you an idea about what you can expect. You can then determine if this is the tour for you.

We took the Alcatraz day tour in the fall of 2019 and while the tour has slightly changed with one way systems after the pandemic, the day tour experience has remained the same.

Welcome to the Rock!

Upon arrival to Alcatraz Island, you will disembark and find a crowd amassed outside of Building 64.

Also known as Residential Apartments, this 3 story ex-military barracks and prison officer accommodation was the first building to be built on Alcatraz.

Next, a guide or park ranger will explain important information for your visit before you can explore freely. Be sure to listen so you can find out which special programs are available for the day.

You also want to take note of the boat schedules at the dock or in the cellhouse. You need to know when to be back at the dock to catch the return ferry.

Pick a reasonable time to break away from this group otherwise you will be in a very long line for an audio tour headset once you reach the old shower room.

Travel Tip : After you hear about the special programs for the day, beeline it for the cellhouse audio tour so you can spend the rest of your time exploring the island (you will see plenty of signs directing you where to go).

The Alcatraz Prison Tour Begins

Walk up and around the slaloming walkway as you head straight to the main prison entrance. There should be a sign outside stating the start of the cellhouse audio tour.

This will be your first real taste for the prison of Alcatraz. As you cast your eyes on the rusting grey-blue metal doors, you will immediately feel your insides crawl and shudder.

Once inside, make your way to the long narrow and very open shower room. Imagine taking a shower with some of the most hardened and creepy criminals in the history of the United States.

“Hey Mr. Scarface, could you please pass me the soap?”

Line up here until you reach the front to pick up your audio headset which is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Mandarin.

This is where your Alcatraz tour will officially begin. But if you are interested in any of the special programs taking place, you will need to consider your timing.

The cellhouse audio tour runs on a one way system and you should have time to finish this audio tour before any of the special programs take place.

But if you have any questions about timing, feel free to ask the rangers how you should schedule your time. The rangers and guides are incredibly helpful.

We attended two special programs during our Alcatraz day tour:

• Sounds of the slammer
• Escape attempts

Personally, we enjoyed the special programs more than the audio tour because the guides telling the stories were extremely animated. There was also a small Q&A section at the end for any questions you many have.

Sounds Of The Slammer Special Program

The Sound of the Slammer special program discussed a typical cell in Alcatraz along with the different prion blocks.

Alcatraz housed four main cell blocks (A,B, C and D) each with three tiers of cells. Some cells in Alcatraz measured no more than 9ft by 5ft wide.

Imagine a bed, toilet and sink inside those tiny dimensions. This certainly doesn’t leave a lot of room for maneuvering.

Cell blocks B and C were the longest rows and contained the most cells. In between cell blocks, each corridor was a given a famous street name such as Broadway, Michigan and Park Avenue.

Cell block D is where misbehaving prisoners were sent. If they had a particularly serious offence, they would find themselves in one of the six segregation cell units, also known as ‘the Hole.’

Each hardened steel cell door was operated by a series of levers and mechanisms located at the end of that particular row of cells.

Individual or multiple cells (not necessarily next to each other) could be opened at the same time using this mechanism at the end of each row.

This was innovative technology at the time, replacing the traditional lock and key method.

We enjoyed the Sounds of the Slammer because this program discussed the opening and closing of cell doors. But it also included a practical demonstration plus stories from during and after the operation of Alcatraz prison.

Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to open the cell door using bed sheets and a wheel to lasso the level like Sean Connery in the Rock !

Escape Attempts Special Program

Alcatraz was officially dubbed the ‘inescapable island’ but there were a series of attempts.

Did anyone make it our successfully? Well, that still reamins a mystery.

Are you a romantic who wants to believe that someone managed to escape, despite the fact they were in prison for committing a serious and heinous crime?

Or are you a firm believer of facts, logic and physics that suggest no one made it out alive?

The escape attempts special program takes place in the dining hall next to the cell house. If this talk is on during your visit, do not miss it.

This special program was the highlight of our Alcatraz day tour thanks to some fantastic storytelling by the park ranger who led the program.

As you can see, the room was packed full of tourists utterly engrossed in a wide semicircle.

In a nutshell, there were 14 escape attempts made by a total of 36 inmates throughout Alcatraz prison history. Some of the stories are sad while other stories are downright hilarious and full of ingenuity.

We will not divulge any more information here so you can hear all about these crazy stories for yourself when you visit.

Or if you can’t wait, you can read more about each escape attempt here in detail.

Views From Alcatraz Island

For the rest of our Alcatraz day tour, we spent our time exploring the island on our own.

Sections of this tour include walking around external areas, such as Alcatraz Lighthouse. You can also explore the recreation yard and parade ground after the audio tour has finished.

But remember you are in the center of San Francisco Bay, which means you have 360 degree views around the entire Bay Area.

Depending on the time of day and positioning of the sun, you can snap photographs of Oakland Bridge, San Francisco city and of course, the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge.

But don’t expect Alcatraz to be one of the better views of the Golden Gate Bridge, instead you will need to head one of these 5 best photography locations .

Further Reading : Is the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Los Angeles worth it?

Walkthrough Of Alcatraz Island Night Tour

We returned to San Francisco in October 2022 to take the Alcatraz night tour. We loved the day tour so much we just had to experience Alcatraz at night as well.

After experiencing the Alcatraz night tour ourselves, we can confirm the night tour is a slightly different experience compared to the day tour. But just like everything, each tour had its perks.

We took the Alcatraz night tour on October 11th which falls during the seasonal change schedule (Oct 11th to Nov 5th).

This time of year is the best of both worlds because we had the chance to explore areas usually closed at night due to increased lighting from daylight savings time.

A Better Ferry Experience

The first thing we instantly noticed about the Alcatraz night tour was the impressive narration on the ferry as we sailed to Alcatraz Island.

During the entire trip, we learned about the history of San Francisco and Alcatraz. Without giving much away, this narrative is certainly worth a listen.

On a side note, we were starving when we arrived to Pier 33 for our night tour because we had been relentlessly exploring San Francisco. So we tried the snack bar on the Alcatraz ferry.

To be honest, our hot dogs were pretty good and fairly priced considering we were on a tour.

We were also able to fill up our reusable water bottle on the ferry so be sure to bring one and fill up if needed. Water on the ferry is not cheap, yikes.

The ferry had many snacks available and while the line was quite long, it moved quickly.

Already a great start to our Alcatraz night tour!

Circling Alcatraz Island

Another highlight of the night tour, before we even docked on the island, was the route the ferry took after leaving Pier 33.

We completed a full circle around Alcatraz Island which is not done on the day tour. The narration on the ferry also explained additional parts of the island we had not previously learned about.

This is where you will look for sea caves near Alcatraz Island which may be have been important in one prisoners escape.

Look closely at the buoys in the water because you may get a glimpse of a sea lion sunning himself.

Audio Tour And Special Programs

There was only one boat on the island during our entire night tour which was a welcome relief from the large crowds you can experience during the day tour.

The boat was divided into two groups with the first group heading one way on the island and the other group heading another way on the island. Each group had about 100 people.

Our tour guide met us right by the dock and we had a short intro to the island with stops in multiple locations. This small guided tour took about 20 minutes and we ended at the entrance of the cell house audio tour.

Similar to the day tour, we picked up our audio guide headsets in the shower room and listened to the familiar voices once again.

When we ended our audio tour and handed in our headsets, we were met by a docent who was was about to give a special program in just a few minutes.

Perfect timing, we stayed for the special program and chatted with the park ranger. We won’t be disclosing the special programs on the Alcatraz night tour so you can be completely surprised.

The best advice we can give you is to speak with the rangers and tour guides because they always know the ins and outs of the island.

Following our own advice, the ranger we spoke to gave us some great advice about how to maximize our time on Alcatraz island. However, this won’t pertain to every night because programs and experiences are constantly changing.

As long as you attend the cellhouse audio tour, one or two special programs and spend a little time exploring in your own, you have done extremely well. Anything else will be a bonus!

Bonus Hospital Entrance

In between the two special programs we chose to attend, we learned the old Alcatraz hospital was to be opened at 5:30pm which is an area we had never seen.

So we hot footed it to the hospital just in time to see the the rememntats of the Alcatraz operating room, exam rooms, pharmacy and sick wards.

As former scientists , we enjoyed seeing how the hospital operated. This experience alone was certainly worth our visit.

More Time To Explore

Another great part about the night tour is you have a little more time to explore the island compared to the day tour. So even after our audio tour, two special programs and the hospital visit, we still had time to visit a few other areas.

Many of the same outdoor sections were open, but it was interesting to see the buildings on Alcatraz light up as the sun started to set on the horizon. The colors in the sky were just starting to become bright pink and orange.

At this point, we started to watch our time a bit more closely because we certainly didn’t want to be spending the night on the island if we missed the ferry.

Sunset On Alcatraz

Our ferry was scheduled to leave the dock as the sun was setting behind the Golden Gate Bridge. This night tour was the perfect ending to a day in San Francisco.

After we both had boarded the ferry back to Pier 33, we asked one another if the Alcatraz night tour has been worth it.

What do you think we said?!

Are The Alcatraz Day And Night Tours Worth Your Time And Money?

Yes, both the Alcatraz day and night tours are worth your time and money.

Personally, we have to say we were genuinely surprised by how good the Alcatraz day and night tours are put together. We had high expectations but they were easily surpassed.

We would recommend the Alcatraz night tour over the Alcatraz day tour for 5 reasons:

• Onboard ferry narration
• Ferry circles around entire Alcatraz island
• Smaller tour sizes make for an intimate experience
• Ability to see San Francisco bay as the sun sets from Alcatraz Island
• Chance to explore bonus areas often closed to general public

But if you can only fit one Alcatraz tour into your schedule, the day tour is still a great option.

While the prices of the Alcatraz tours appear to be a little on the steep side, we think the price point is fair considering everything you get.

Be sure to attend at least one of the special programs on the day you visit to make the most of your Alcatraz experience.

Famous Inmates At Alcatraz

Last but not least, we have to mention the famous inmates once held in this prison.

Many inmates at Alcatraz were relative unknown as were sent to the ‘supermax prison of the 30s’ because they were escape threats or committed serious offences at other prisons.

However, some inmates were of higher renown and gained a reputation through popular culture in years to follow their time on the Rock.

Here are some of the most famous Alcatraz inmates:

• Al Capone – Gained notoriety as the modern day Robin Hood while making millions in bootlegging illegal alcohol. Nicknamed ‘Scarface’, Capone let the Chicago mob outfit during prohibition but was jailed on tax evasion offenses after being named public enemy #1.
• Robert Stroud – Nicknamed ‘the Birdman’, Stroud only became famous when a movie called Birdman of Alcatraz was made. But he never actually kept any birds at Alcatraz, he kept 300 birds in his cell at Leavenworth, Kansas. A dangerous murderer, Stroud was in jail from 19 years of age until his death in 1963.
• George Kelly – A model inmate at Alcatraz, ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly was only transferred to the Rock after half joking with guards at Leavenworth that he would escape in time for Christmas. His joke was taken all too seriously. Kelly was imprisoned for kidnap and is believed to have only turned to crime because his wife pushed him into it.
• Alvin Karpis – In prison for conspiracy to kidnap, ‘Creepy’ Karpis was a near genius IQ member of the Barker-Karpis Gang along with fellow inmate ‘Doc’ Barker. They would rob banks, gunning down anyone who stood in their way. Karpis spent 26 years on Alcatraz, more than any other prisoner.

Alcatraz In Popular Culture

Before visiting Alcatraz, you might want to watch some of these old movies to get in the mood:

• Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
• Point Blank (1967)
• The Enforcer (1976)
• Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
• The Rock (1996) – Our personal favorite!
• The Book of Eli (2010)

Even the Harry Potter Franchise created by JK Rowling features Azkaban prison which can only be based on one place…

Alcatraz Island Photos

We took hundreds of photos on Alcatraz Island during our day and night tour.

This next section is nothing but photos from Alcatraz Island to further peak your interesting about this fascinating area.

What Is It Like To Visit Alcatraz Today?

Alcatraz has changed several times over the years, from fort to military prison and from maximum security federal penitentiary to tourist attraction.

Now, Alcatraz is run by the National Park Service and the Island hosts hundreds of visitors every day who are curious about its colorful history.

If you’re wondering what it is like to visit Alcatraz now, there’s only one way to find out!

Can I Go To Alcatraz Without A Tour?

It is extremely difficult to go to Alcatraz without a tour. While Alcatraz id open to public tours, the docks at Alcatraz are only available to one ferry line, Alcatraz Cruises run by City Experiences.

The only way the public can visit Alcatraz is by purchasing a tour ticket and taking on of the official ferries to the island.

Alcatraz FAQ’s

Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Alcatraz Island and tours.

Contrary to popular belief, Alcatraz prison was shut down due to financial reasons. Millions of gallons of fresh water had to be shipped to Alcatraz weekly and eventually the government decided it would be cheaper to just build a new prison!

The water around Alcatraz Island has an average temperature of around 54°F (12°C) with little variation that would prove challenging for escapes. However, avid open water swimmers do swim across the bag regularly.

Yes, there have been several escape attempts from Alcatraz. You should book an Alcatraz tour to hear the details of these very escapes.

Yes, there are sharks around Alcatraz but usually only Leopard sharks. Man eating Great Whites are frequently found nearby in the Pacific Ocean and rarely venture into the SF bay. That being said, there is footage of Great Whites close to Alcatraz. Would you swim the channel?

If you booked a day or night tour, you should plan on 3 hours for your total visit to Alcatraz.

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We hope this review for both the Alcatraz Day and Alcatraz Night Tour helps you plan your time in San Francisco!

Please let us know if you have any question about the Alcatraz Tours or San Francisco in the comments below.

Happy Planning ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

6 thoughts on “Alcatraz Tours Review: Is The Day Or Night Tour Worth It?”

Thank you so much for this post! I didn’t realize the website I almost bought tickets on was not the official tour company, so I saved money and was able to book the behind the scenes tour that the website I was looking at said wasn’t available!

You’re very welcome, Elizabeth. We hope you have a fantastic trip to San Francisco and enjoy the Alcatraz tour!

Alcatraz is easily one of our favorite San Fran attractions. We’ve been 2x. I’m always blown away by the walking tour. Absolutely love the step by step information. I always highly recommend visiting Alcatraz.

Yes we thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Alcatraz and would do it again. Highly recommend for first time visitors to SF!

Alcatraz seems like a great place to visit, so much history in one place. It must of been a harsh place to serve time but also to work, not your average commute.

You’re right, not a typical commute! We were worried the Alcatraz tour wouldn’t hold up to our expectations but it did with room to spare. Definitely recommend it if you get a chance to visit San Francisco.

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Savvy Travel Advice

Alcatraz Night Tour: Our Visit to The Rock with Alcatraz Cruises

Last updated: May 19, 2019 - Written by Jessica Norah 32 Comments

After over 3 years of living in the San Francisco Bay area, we finally made it to Alcatraz Island last week and did the Alcatraz Night Tour and explored the famous prison. While primarily known and visited because of the 29 years it served as the home for the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, the tiny island has a rich and varied history.

Long ignored by native people, the island would in turn serve as a strategic place for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, a federal maximum-security prison, the site of a 19-month occupation of Native American protesters, and finally a national recreation area and top tourist destination in San Francisco.

Ironically, while for many years people would have done almost anything to get off and escape from Alcatraz, Hollywood celebrities now come here to shoot films and paying tourists line up in droves to come over and take photos in empty penitentiary cells. We were two of those travelers and were very excited to come finally have the opportunity to visit the former prison and explore Alcatraz Island.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information on Visiting Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is located 1.5 miles offshore from San Francisco. It is accessible by boat from Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 in San Francisco. Pier 33 is at the foot of Bay Street on the Embarcadero. The boating area is a short 6-minute walk from the popular Pier 39 or a 10-minute walk from The Exploratorium at Pier 15.

Getting there?

Public transit : Taking public transportation is the best way to get here. The closest line is the MUNI F Line streetcars that stop right across from Pier 33. You can also take public transportation to Pier 39 and then take a short walk to Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33. Click here for more information on San Francisco public transportation options.

By Car : There are several paid parking garages available within walking distance. The nearest parking garage is 1 block away at 80 Francisco Street. There is limited accessible parking at Pier 33, available on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals with disability placards.

Tour times?

Tours run daily (except major holidays) throughout the year several times a day. Day and evening tours to Alcatraz are approximately 2.5 hours in length. Please check the Alcatraz Cruises  official website for the latest schedule as the tour times change seasonally.

The regular day tours are currently (as of May 2019) $39.90 for adults and youth (age 12 – 61), $24.40 for children (age 5-11), $37.65 for seniors (age 62+), and free for children age 4 or younger.

Night tours are $47.30 for adults, $46.25 for youth (age 12-17), $28.00 for children (5-11), $44.00 for seniors (62+), and free for children age 4 or younger.

The seasonal Alcatraz Island and Angel Island combination tour is 5.5 hours long and costs $78.65 for adults and youth (age 12 – 61), $52.40 for children (age 5-11), $76.40 for seniors, and free for children age 4 and younger.

Special family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children are also available, but need to be purchased in advance by phone.

The Alcatraz Day Island Tour can be included as a combo pass with the San Francisco City Pass or the 3 or 5-day Go San Francisco Card . But you have to follow specific directions at purchase to be able to use it for Alcatraz. The combo passes can be purchased at the Alcatraz Cruises Ticketbooth, located at Pier 33 in San Francisco, or by phone at (415) 981-7625.

Booking Reservations?

If you plan to visit Alcatraz Island during your visit to San Francisco, you should make reservations in advance as tickets can sell out several weeks in advance. While you may get lucky with same day or next day reservations in the less crowded winter months (January through March), it is always good to book in advance.

**Please use caution when purchasing tickets as Alcatraz Cruises is the only commercial boat service authorized by the National Park Service to carry passengers to and from the island. Several other companies in San Francisco offer narrated cruises around Alcatraz Island; however, only Alcatraz Cruises has permission to actually land on the island.**

On-line: The easiest and quickest way is to book directly through the Alcatraz Cruises website. Purchased tickets can be conveniently printed at home or picked up in-person.

In-Person: You can purchase tickets in person by visiting Alcatraz Landing ticket office at Pier 33, The Embarcadero.

By Telephone: Phone reservations can be made by calling the Alcatraz Cruises ticketing center at 415-981-7625.

San Francisco CityPass: If you plan to purchase the  San Francisco CityPASS  you will have the option to book a Alcatraz Island day tour (subject to reservations and availability). However, you must purchase and reserve the tour in a specific way. See the instructions here .

San Francisco Go Card:  If you plan to purchase a 3 or 5 day Go San Francisco Card directly from Alcatraz Cruises, you may visit Alcatraz Island (subject to reservations and availability). The Go San Francisco Card including an Alcatraz Tour may ONLY be purchased through Alcatraz Cruises directly. The Alcatraz Tour is only available on 3-day and 5-day cards.

Can I eat on the Island?

There is no food service available on the island and only water is available. Eating, drinking, and smoking is only allowed at the dock level. Public bathrooms are available.

Can I stay overnight at Alcatraz?

Generally no. There is an evening tour of Alcatraz, but you are not permitted to stay overnight. However, each year several hundred people are allowed to stay overnight at Alcatraz after having applied for a permit and been granted one.

Given the high demand and limited resources, currently only non-profit organization groups are eligible to apply for permits. You can find out more information here .

Day tour versus Alcatraz night tour?

There are pros and cons of taking a Alcatraz Night Tour over a Day Tour. Some pros for taking a night tour are there are fewer people, you get great views as the sun is setting, you get a free brochure, and there is extra programming available in the evening that is not available during the day. It is also perhaps easier to appreciate the isolated and eerie nature of the prison in the dark than during the day.

While the night tour has a lot of benefits over the day tour, I do wish we had had more time to explore other parts of the island. We would have liked to see more of the museum displays, seen more of the buildings, and hiked some of the short trails to see more of the plants and gardens on the island. Part of the issue is a lack of time as coming over for the evening tour you must leave when the last boat leaves, but the other issue is that some areas are closed during the evening that are open during the day.

The other factor to take into consideration when deciding is that the night tour is more expensive than the day tour.

Where can I find out more information?

You can visit the National Park Service  official website on Alcatraz Island for tons of information regarding planning your visit, accessibility, history of the island, educational materials, how to request permits for events or overnights, and other information.

As noted earlier, to check the boat schedule, make reservations, or book tickets you can visit Alcatraz Cruises . While the island is maintained by the National Park Service, Alcatraz Cruises is the official and only boat service authorized to carry passengers back and forth to Alcatraz Island.

 Our Experience doing the Alcatraz Night Tour

Ethan and I had been wanting to visit Alcatraz since we first moved to San Francisco over 3 years ago. We came very close to going in October while my family was in town for a visit. We had all purchased a San Francisco CityPass and scheduled an Alcatraz day tour with Alcatraz Cruises.

Unfortunately, the U.S. government decided to shut down during their stay so we had to settle for a Bay cruise instead. While lovely, we were all disappointed by not being able to visit this infamous prison, especially since my father actually works for a federal prison. We were however given complimentary photos at the end of our Bay cruise despite not having visited Alcatraz.

Several months later, however, Alcatraz Cruises provided us complimentary tickets as travel writers to finally do this tour. We chose the night tour as we went with a large group of Ethan’s friends and co-workers. We took public transportation, taking the MUNI F Line street car to the stop (Embarcadero &  Bay Street stop) across from Pier 33.

The Alcatraz Landing area is well marked and hard to miss. We collected our tickets and met up with our group before getting into the line. They begin allowing people onto the boat about 10 minutes prior to departure and the line moves somewhat slowly as they take pictures of each person or group before they board (photos are available for purchase after the tour).

Once aboard, we chose to go to one of the upper decks and sit to check out the views. After safety instructions, a narrated history of Alcatraz Island is provided as the boat cruises around the island. It was a great time for some pictures of the island and a good way to get oriented to the island’s layout prior to our visit.

It was a pleasant 15-20 minute ride and there are snacks and drinks available for purchase in the bottom part of the boat.

Once docked, we all got off and stood near the dock to listen to one of the park rangers give some instructions and go over the evening’s programming options. We were also given souvenir brochures that provide some information on the Island and a helpful map (normally $1.00 on day tour), which are particularly useful if you plan to explore parts of the island outside the dock area and Cellhouse.

We then slowly made our way up the winding path of the hill with a few short stops as the ranger provided us with information about the buildings along the way.  The path is paved but is 1/4 mile long and uphill, so it may be particularly difficult for those with mobility issues or small children. A free electric shuttle helps escort anyone who is not able to make the climb.

As we passed the ruins of the old social hall and Officers’ Club, one of the more interesting pieces of information to us was about the guards and their families that lived on the island. A number of the officers’ families lived here with children taking a ferry to San Francisco each day to attend school. Many of the children report this as having been an idyllic place to grow up and few families even bothered to lock their doors, having almost no contact with any of the prisoners.

After making our way up the hill, we were finally standing in front of one of the entrances to the prison. You stand in line as people make there way inside and are each given an audioguide which contains the Cellhouse Audio tour “Doing Time”, which is available in a number of languages.

The tour was not guided by any rangers, but the audioguide makes for a very clear and structured tour and helps point out things as you walk along. It is also nice that you can pause the narration at any point. The audioguide contains the voices and stories of several prison guards and several former inmates at Alcatraz which adds richness to the narration.

The cell blocks are interesting to see up close and a few are open so you can walk inside. They are very small with nowhere to sit except on the cot or these little metal seats/shelves bolted to the wall. Most prisoners spent the vast majority of their time in their cells and you can get a brief sense of what it must have been like to sit in these tiny little cells for such long periods of time.

As you walk around you’ll hear the history of the prison, tales about the most famous inmates, the daily routine of prison life, attempted escapes, and the 1946 bloody Battle of Alcatraz. We both learned a lot of interesting information about the prison and discovered that some of the information we knew from films was inaccurate (e.g., famous inmate Robert Stroud known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz” was never allowed to keep any birds at Alcatraz).

After vising the solitary confinement cells, library, guards’ rooms, and warden’s office, you’ll walk outside. This is a great place to pause the narration and take some pictures of San Francisco and the Bay. We were lucky to have a particularly clear day with minimal fog.

After coming back indoors, you’ll return to the Cellblock for some more information and eventually end the tour in the Dining Room. The Dining Room is a dangerous place in a prison given the number of prisoners and potential weapons available (dishes, silverware, trays, etc.). After the narration ends, you can then return your audioguide and head to other parts of the island for further exploration. There are staff and a program guide here that can tell you what other tours and videos are available.

During our visit, the hospital (stairway is located near the entrance to the dining room) was open so we headed upstairs before leaving the Cellhouse. Everyone in our group was a health care worker of some type so this was particularly interesting. You can see the operating room, X-ray room, room for hydrotherapy, and cells for those prisoners housed in the hospital. Many of the items are not original but are from the same period. All medical care for prisoners was provided here, from surgery to dental care, so that prisoners would never need to leave the island.

After returning our audioguides, we had a few options regarding what to do next which included Cellhouse cell demonstrations (this is where you can actually experience getting locked in a cell), a talk titled something like  “Murder and Obsessions”, and a talk related to the Native American occupation.

We chose to do the talk on “Murder and Obsessions” where a guide related the tale about the relationship between two prisoners that led to one murdering the other. It was interesting but definitely not appropriate for children with themes of murder, violence, and sexuality. Finally, we finished our tour with watching a short 17-minute video “Alcatraz: Stories from the Rock” before it was time to board the boat back to the dock for our pleasant 15 minute cruise back to Pier 33.

Whether you choose to do a day tour of night tour of Alcatraz, here are our top 5 reasons you should consider including Alcatraz in your San Francisco trip itinerary:

• Learn the history of the island
• Experience the infamous prison up close and personal
• Capture some great views of the Bay and San Francisco
• Appreciate the flora and fauna of the island
• Enjoy the short Bay cruise and the fact you have the privilege to escape from this isolated island.

Have you done the Alcatraz Night Tour or a day tour to Alcatraz? As always, we’d love to hear any questions, thoughts, or tips you may have.

**Disclaimer: As travel writers, we were provided free tickets from Alcatraz Cruises to review the cruise and tour; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. We did not receive any financial compensation for the writing of this post, do not work for Alcatraz Cruises, and receive no commission for any sales of these tours.**

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Hannah Renton Post author

October 8, 2015 at 3:19 am

This looks like so much fun! If I ever get round to visiting San Francisco, I will definitely try and get tickets for Alcatraz! Great Post!

travelcats Post author

October 12, 2015 at 3:01 am

Hi Hannah, yes Alcatraz is one of my favorite tourist attractions to recommend to visitors in San Francisco. The audioguide is really good and having to take a boat ride over makes it a fuller experience I think. Tickets can sell out, especially in the summer months, so do plan ahead if you are in SF.

Postcards from Rachel Post author

March 12, 2014 at 12:01 pm

We did a tour during the day but I’d love to go back at night. I bet it’s so creepy!

Great photos!

March 12, 2014 at 7:37 pm

Thanks Rachel, I think the day and evening tours are both totally worth it! I think Alcatraz is one of those places you could definitely re-visit.

Meredith Post author

March 11, 2014 at 2:48 pm

Sounds like this tour is definitely worth going on the “must-do” list for San Fran! I always found it kind of amusing that they managed to turn one of the most notoriously difficult prisons to escape into a tourist destination. That said, I’m totally on board for checking it out – hopefully sooner than later! It’s great to know some of the pros and cons to day versus evening – always helpful when trying to plan out an itinerary 🙂

March 12, 2014 at 3:16 am

Yes, I definitely think it is a great place to add to your SF itinerary!

Karen Peterson Post author

March 11, 2014 at 12:22 pm

I’ve been to San Francisco so many times and I have never once been to Alcatraz. Looks like such an amazing place to see!

March 12, 2014 at 3:12 am

It is amazing to me how many people living in the Bay area have not been to Alcatraz (or really lots of famous sites). I think when you live close to a place or visit often you take things for granted until you leave. I know I was like that in OH and NM.

Ashlee Post author

March 10, 2014 at 11:30 am

Holy crap! This is on my bucket list. And that picture of San Francisco from the island is INCREDIBLE. My number one goal in life is to travel so I’m definitely subscribing to your blog! : )

March 11, 2014 at 11:51 am

Yes, the views of San Francisco are fantastic from the island on a clear day. You can also get some good ones of the Golden Gate Bridge from the boat if you have a good zoom on your camera. We’d love to have you as a new reader, you can subscribe to the blog by email for post updates on the sidebar!

Nicki Lewis Post author

March 10, 2014 at 10:57 am

Great pictures. I have always wanted to go see Alcatraz. Maybe will have to make the trip. Will keep your tips in mind

I am having a link up on Thursday, and would love you to stop by to join in

March 11, 2014 at 11:48 am

Thanks, and sure I’ll try to stop by on Thursday!

Meghan Post author

March 10, 2014 at 9:08 am

I’ve only ever been one one of those boats that goes around the island, but never ashore. What a chilling experience, especially at night! Will definitely have to do the tour.

It was really fun to actually be able to walk around the island go inside the old prison. I would definitely recommend it!

AwesomelyOZ Post author

March 10, 2014 at 7:17 am

That’s so cool – regardless, they had quite a view from that island! That “hospital’ looks trippy and I’m not sure on the quality of care those inmates probably received. Either way what a great experience to have visited that spot! 😀 Have a great one Jessica! -Iva

March 11, 2014 at 11:47 am

Thanks Iva for stopping by. Supposedly the medical care (and food) was pretty good for the time, but who really knows!

Michelle Post author

June 28, 2019 at 5:36 am

Hi we are visiting this September and really want to do the night tour but my mum has limited mobility. Do you know if the SEAT bus runs for the night tours? Thank you

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

June 29, 2019 at 11:39 am

Hi Michelle,

I believe that the SEAT tram should be running for the evening tours to Alcatraz. I had another reader ask this and it was running for her evening tour. I would of course double check to make sure it is scheduled to be running on the date you want to visit (I’d give them a call or send them an email), but we have heard from a reader a couple months ago that it was running for the night tours. You can find out more here: https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/accessibility/seat-transportation/

Enjoy your visit to Alcatraz!

Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

March 10, 2014 at 6:43 am

I really enjoyed my tour when we went. I thought it was well organized, and very interesting. The whole idea of Alcatraz just stirs the imagination. I frankly didn’t even know there was a night tour, but I imagine being out there when it is dark would really help you identify with the anxiety of being incarcerated there. I always recommend people go when visiting SF.

March 11, 2014 at 11:29 am

Yes, the night tours are really interesting and have a bit of extra programming, but don’t have the advantages of being able to see as much of the nature on the island as the day tours. I definitely agree that this is a great must-see place for visitors who are spending more than a few days in SF.

Sammy Dorn Post author

March 10, 2014 at 6:02 am

This is a place I would be really interested to visit. You wrote a really great review. I find old prisons such great places to see. There is one in Australia called the ‘Old Dubbo Jail’ and I have memories of walking into the complete darkness of an isolation cell as a kid and running straight back out to my mum!

March 11, 2014 at 11:28 am

Hi Sammy, that prison sounds like a great place to check out whenever we get to Australia! That is a fun childhood memory:)

Erica Post author

March 10, 2014 at 3:06 am

Looks so interesting… and kind of creepy or eerie too!

March 11, 2014 at 11:27 am

It was a very interesting tour, and I think it has that appeal for some people of being a bit morbid and creepy:)

Kaelene @Unlocking Kiki Post author

March 10, 2014 at 2:36 am

When we visited San Fran last summer we tried to go to Alcatraz. Of course I hadn’t even thought of booking tickets early, big mistake they were sold out until the next spring!

March 11, 2014 at 11:25 am

Oh wow, yes, the Winter (Jan. – March) is the best time to try to get last minute reservations, but the tours (especially night tours) sell out weeks in advance normally. Hopefully you will get to visit on your next visit to SF!

Anja Post author

March 10, 2014 at 2:10 am

What a great article! I visited Alcatraz 8 years ago during the day and really enjoyed it for all the reasons you mention in your post. Hats of for the detailed, informative and structured way you give information about this site!

March 11, 2014 at 11:24 am

Thanks Anja and I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to Alcatraz as well.

Johlet Post author

March 10, 2014 at 2:07 am

Woah I got some freaky goosebumps while watching your photos! I loved the Alcatraz series, too bad it only lasted for 1 Season. 🙁 I would love to one day visit Alcatraz!

March 11, 2014 at 11:23 am

Some people find it really creepy at night. I would actually love to do an overnight here:)

Louisa Post author

March 9, 2014 at 11:46 pm

I would find this tour fascinating! Great review Jessica. You covered what I wanted to know.

March 10, 2014 at 12:41 am

Thanks Louisa, yes the tour is really interesting and informative! A few people in our group had already been a few times before so I think it is one of those places you can revisit every few years and learn something new.

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Alcatraz Night Tour – San Francisco’s Infamous Island Prison After Dark

Published: August 9, 2024

by Nicolea Wiener

Ever wondered what it feels like to walk through the eerie halls of Alcatraz after sunset? The Alcatraz Night Tour offers a unique experience that daytime visitors miss. As the sun sets over San Francisco Bay, the island transforms into a hauntingly beautiful place. Shadows stretch across the prison yard, and the stories of infamous inmates come to life. Guides share chilling tales that make the hair on your neck stand up. This tour isn't just about seeing the prison; it's about feeling its history. Ready to step into the past and explore the darker side of Alcatraz?

Why Take the Alcatraz Night Tour?

Visiting Alcatraz Island during the day is fascinating, but experiencing it at night adds a whole new layer of intrigue. The shadows, the quiet, and the eerie atmosphere make it feel like stepping back in time. Here are some must-see spots on the Alcatraz Night Tour.

The Cellhouse

The Cellhouse is the heart of Alcatraz. At night, it feels even more imposing and mysterious.

• D-Block : Known as "The Hole," this area housed the most dangerous inmates. The darkness and isolation of these cells are palpable.
• Broadway : The main corridor of the Cellhouse, where you can almost hear the echoes of the past.
• Solitary Confinement Cells : These cells are chilling, especially when you imagine the inmates who spent days, even weeks, in complete darkness.

The Recreation Yard

The Recreation Yard offers a stark contrast to the confined spaces of the Cellhouse. At night, it feels vast and desolate.

• The Yard : Imagine inmates playing baseball or exercising here, surrounded by high walls and barbed wire.
• The Bleachers : These concrete seats provide a view of the entire yard, a place where inmates would gather and socialize.

The Warden's House

Once the home of the prison's warden, this building now stands in ruins. At night, it takes on a ghostly appearance.

• The Ruins : The skeletal remains of the Warden's House are haunting, especially when illuminated by moonlight.
• The View : From here, you can see the lights of San Francisco, a stark reminder of the freedom just out of reach for the inmates.

The Lighthouse

The Alcatraz Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Its beam cuts through the night, guiding ships and adding to the island's mystique.

• The Tower : Standing tall, the lighthouse offers a beacon of light in the darkness.
• The Fog Signal Building : This building housed the foghorn that would sound during foggy nights, a sound that added to the island's eerie atmosphere.

A visit to the Morgue is not for the faint of heart. This small, cold room was used to store bodies before they were taken off the island.

• The Autopsy Table : The centerpiece of the Morgue, where autopsies were performed.
• The Storage Drawers : These drawers once held the bodies of deceased inmates, a grim reminder of the island's harsh reality.

The Dock is where your night tour begins and ends. It's the gateway to Alcatraz and the last place you see before heading back to the mainland.

• The Arrival Point : Stepping off the boat, you feel the weight of history as you set foot on the island.
• The Departure Point : As you leave, the lights of Alcatraz fade into the distance, leaving you with lasting memories of your night tour.

Experience Alcatraz Like Never Before

The Alcatraz Night Tour offers a unique way to explore San Francisco's infamous island prison. With fewer crowds and a more intimate setting, you can truly appreciate the eerie atmosphere and rich history. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into the lives of the prisoners and guards, making the experience both educational and thrilling.

Don't miss the chance to see the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge illuminated at night. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a memorable adventure, the Alcatraz Night Tour is a must-do. Book your tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. This after-dark adventure will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of one of America's most notorious prisons.

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Which Alcatraz Tickets Should You Buy?

While several entities are authorized to offer Alcatraz tickets for sale, there is only one company authorized to visit Alcatraz Island and provide an official Alcatraz tour: Alcatraz Cruises.

Though several boat tour companies offer guided commentary on the island as they cruise past it, none are allowed to dock there.

Private boats are also prevented from landing on the island.

There are 5 ticket/tour options. We list 4 in the next section below . Click here for a detailed explanation of the night tour ticket .

NOTE: Free Tours by Foot does not offer tickets to Alcatraz Island. Please follow the links on this page for help organizing your tickets.

• Alcatraz Island Tickets
• Sold Out Tickets
• Deals and Ways to Save
• Other Boat Cruise Options

Alcatraz Tours Compared

• Things to Do in San Francisco

You could buy your tickets through Alcatraz Cruises or with any of a number of sightseeing tour companies in San Francisco that offer Alcatraz Island as part of a combination ticket .

The National Park Service provides a Cellhouse Audio Tour that is included in the cost of your ferry ticket.

Hear the tales of Machine Gun Kelly, Al Capone (Scarface), and even Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz) as you drift closer to the island.

At your own pace, you can follow in the footsteps of former prison guards and inmates.

This tour is very well done and worth the time.

The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour (also an audio tour) is available in English, Spanish, German, Mandarin, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, and Portuguese. The tour is also provided in Braille in English.

You can even experience the audio tour right now.

Early Bird Tour

Beat the crowd, be the first one on the island during the less busy, Early Bird Tour.

Includes a ferry ride to and from Alcatraz (20 minutes each way), a self-guided audio tour of the prison lasting 45 minutes, and time for self-exploration of the grounds.

Most guests typically spend about 2 hours on the island. Departs from Pier 33.

Ticket Prices:

• Adult (18-61) - $45.25
• Junior (12-17) - $45.25 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $42.65
• Child (5-11) - $27.55 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Toddlers (4 and under) - Free
• Family Pack (2 Adults + 2 Kids) - $131.85
• Get tickets or learn more .

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Reviews of the Early Bird Tour: 

Alcatraz is one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting San Francisco, so it's no surprise that it comes highly rated on TripAdvisor.

The Early Bird Tour is ideal for early morning risers as it allows visitors to beat the crowds and still have a free afternoon to pack with other fun activities.

In fact, the Early Bird Tour is so popular that there are only 4 and 5-star reviews written about it. TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars.  

The Day Tour has the same content as the ‘Early Bird’, but with higher attendance rates and 12 departure opportunities.

You won’t be alone on the island as you self-explore during these times!

Departure Times (from Pier 33) | April - Early October

8:45 am, 9:10 am, 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:10 pm, 2:40 pm,  3:20 pm, 3:50 pm

Departure Times (from Pier 33) | Late October - March

8:40 am, 9:20 am, 9:45 am, 10:10 am, 10:35 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:05 pm, 1:35 pm

Reviews of the Day Tour:

Identical to the Early Bird Tour but with a later start time, the Day Tour is also very well-liked by most guests.

Don't be disappointed with the fact that this is an audio tour!

"Doing Time" is an award-winning audio tour that is described by some visitors as the "best audio tour possibly worldwide" and the "highlight of the tour."

Negative reviews are rare and usually come from guests who find the island too crowded.

If you're worried about this, opt for the Early Bird Tour instead! TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars. 

Behind the Scenes Tour

The Behind the Scenes Tour offers guests a much more intimate look into the history of Alcatraz.

The tour includes everything offered in the Early Bird and Day Tour, such as the ferry ride to and from Alcatraz (20 minutes each way), a self-guided audio tour of the prison lasting 45 minutes, and time for self-exploration of the grounds.

In addition, it offers a personally guided small group tour that lasts approximately 2 hours and takes guests “off the beaten path” and “behind the scenes” of Alcatraz.

Also included are special programs and presentations offered by staff as part of the Alcatraz Night Tour, which lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

This is advertised as a "physically strenuous tour" that lasts between 4-5 hours in total.

Alcatraz Cruises suggests that guests eat before the tour, as there is no food service on Alcatraz. Departs from Pier 33.

Departure Times (from Pier 33) :

4:20 pm from mid-April until mid-October | Tuesday - Saturday

2:15 pm from mid-October until mid-March | Tuesday - Saturday

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Ticket Prices: 

• Adult (18-61) - $101.30
• Junior (12-17) - $97.10 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $94.25
• Children (under 12) -  not applicable. This tour has a minimum age of 12 due to its lengthy duration.

Reviews of the Behind the Scenes Tour:

This is the perfect tour for those hoping to really maximize their time on Alcatraz.

Though reviews of this tour are limited, they are all extremely positive and praise the tour for offering such thorough insight into the history of the prison.

A really fun tour, but be sure to bring snacks as it's a long day on the island and there are no food and beverage facilities.  TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars. 

Alcatraz Cruises offers night tours of the island, departing twice a day, Thursday through Monday.

Departures for the night tours leave from Pier 33.

Be sure to check out our post on other things to do at night in San Francisco.

Night Tour (Tuesdays - Saturdays at 5:55 pm and 6:30 pm)

This tour offers more features than the Early Bird Tour and Day Tour for a little extra money.

On the night tour, you receive a narrated boat ride to the island to learn more about the history of Alcatraz, before it was a prison.

You also receive a guided tour from a specially trained National Park Ranger.

Additionally, Alcatraz Prison hosts special talks and lectures during the evening tours that are not offered during the day.

The 6:30 pm (18:30) departure time limits your time allowed on the island. The last ferry leaving Alcatraz departs at 9:25 pm (21:25).

Winter hours are at 3:50 pm from Tuesday - to Saturday.

They also have a holiday schedule from Late November to early January which includes an additional time slot at 4:45 pm.

• Adult (18-61) - $56.30
• Junior (12-17) - $55.10 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $52.25
• Child (5-11) - $33 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Learn how to get the night tour .

Reviews of the Night Tour:

The Night Tour of Alcatraz is especially highly rated as it includes perks not otherwise included in the daytime tours.

For example, visitors of the Night Tour comment on the added pleasure of seeing the skyline and two bridges on a clear evening as they return to the mainland, as well as visiting the hospital and cell lockdown.

Though this is not a ghost tour, some guests report that they found the Night Tour to be a bit creepy, especially when visiting the solitary confinement area.

However, most seem to think the experience is more educational and interesting rather than scary, so it really just comes down to personal preference! TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars. 

How scary is the Alcatraz night tour?

Alcatraz is a national park and not a spooky place, so there is nothing to feel frightened about.

That said, many people have reported an eerie feeling when walking around the prison after dark.

Is the Alcatraz night tour better than the day tour?

Visitors can view areas of Alcatraz prison that are typically off-limits during the day on the Alcatraz night tour.

However, the majority of Alcatraz Island's outdoor activities and viewpoints are inaccessible during the night trip.

So It all depends on your personal opinion.

How long does the night tour take?

Night tours last for around 2.5 - 3 hours.

Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour (Seasonal)  

This is a combination tour that visits 2 of the most well-known islands in the Bay Area: Alcatraz and Angel Island.

The tour includes the ferry ride to and from Alcatraz and Angel Island, a self-guided audio tour of the prison lasting 45 minutes, and a one-hour narrated Tram Tour of Angel Island.

The total tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours and departs from Pier 33.

NOTE: This tour option is not currently available, but it might be offered again in the future.

• Adult (18-61) - $78.65
• Junior (12-17) - $78.65 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $76.40
• Child (5-11) - $52.40 (must be supervised by an adult)

Reviews of Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour: 

Though only offered seasonally, this tour is also extremely popular with guests who want to experience Alcatraz but also witness the beautiful scenery available on Angel Island.

Many reviewers write that they opted to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on Angel Island after their Alcatraz visit - making for a perfect afternoon!

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars.  

HOW TO BUY TICKETS:

There are 3 options to purchase tickets to Alcatraz Island. There is also a chance for standby tickets .

This section will provide details about each ticket option and tips on which options you might want to choose.

1. Buy Direct Tickets

First, you can get tickets directly from the Alcatraz Cruises website . This is the most common way to purchase.

Unless you are planning on purchasing a bus, bike, or boat combo ticket , this is also the most affordable option.

We recommend that you get your tickets at least 90 days in advance, as they tend to sell out very quickly during the busy season (summer and holidays).

If tickets are sold out, there are some other ways to get tickets. Read our section below .

2. Get a Combination Package

Second, you can also obtain a ticket to Alcatraz as part of a combo package with other tours, such as a hop-on-hop-off bus, popular attractions, and/or for a day trip to Muir Woods or Wine Country.

These combo packages are an excellent option for anyone who wants to enjoy multiple activities.

They are also typically a bit more affordable than 3rd party vendors, as there are not as many fees involved.

Check out our section on Tour Company Combos to learn more.

3. Third Party Vendors

Lastly, you can buy tickets from a 3rd party vendor. These companies buy bulk tickets from Alcatraz Cruises, so their prices may be slightly higher.

One of the biggest 3rd party vendors is none other than Stubhub, and they sell day tickets, night tickets, and (sometimes) behind-the-scenes tickets for around $10-$15 more on average.

There are reports that the 3rd party vendors selling these tickets may not technically be allowed to do so.

However, they have been selling Alcatraz tickets this way for years, and Stubhub themselves have set up individual pages for these tours.

Chances are that even if it's frowned upon, StubHub still allows it.

If you are planning to buy 3rd party, we recommend comparing prices with those offered in combination packages .

When you factor in fees from Stubhub, combo deals could easily be more affordable!

Near Pier 39 you can find 3rd party vendors that typically sell pre-arranged packages, which means you’ll have to buy Alcatraz tickets along with something else, usually a Bay cruise).

NOTE: Free Tours by Foot does not offer tickets to Alcatraz Island.  Please follow the links on this page for help organizing your tickets.

What pier do Alcatraz tours depart from?

The Alcatraz Cruises boats depart from Pier 33, on the northern waterfront of San Francisco.

NOTE: All boarding members must have an ID present to board with their ticket. 

Regardless of which form of transportation you choose to get here, we recommend using this Google Maps link for directions to the pier .

Streetcar ($2.25):

In our opinion, this is the easiest way to get to Pier 33.

If you are starting your trip anywhere on Market Street or along the waterfront, the streetcar can take you right to Pier 33.

Just get off at the Bay Street Station.

See our post on how to ride the streetcars  to get more information on schedules, maps, and prices.

Bus ($3.00):

There are three Muni buses you can take. Click on any of these links to go to a route map and schedule for each bus.

• 10 Townsend (only weekends)
• 8X Bayshore Express
• 82X Presidio & Wharves Express

NOTE: 10 Townsend and 82X Presidio & Wharves Express are currently suspended, and we do not know when they will return to full service.

You can drive directly to Pier 33 and you can get dropped off right in front of the boat loading zone.

We have put together a map of the closest parking lots in the area:

Note: If you have to park, be sure to arrive early! We would suggest arriving up to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Parking can be extremely difficult along the waterfront, especially in the busy spring and summer months.

You don’t want to miss your departure time, so be sure to give yourself enough time to find parking and walk to the dock.

How much time do you need for an Alcatraz Tour

An Alcatraz tour is a four-part trip:

1. The ferry ride to Alcatraz 2. The audio tour of the prison 3. Exploring the island 4. The ferry ride home

The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes each way. The audio tour is a 45-minute self-guided tour.

The biggest variable in how long your journey will take is your exploration of the island.

While on Alcatraz, we would encourage you to take one of the many ranger-led talks in the prison dining hall.

These talks usually run for about 20 minutes and cover topics as wide-ranging as escape attempts, the types of plants on the island, and the history of the island itself.

In general, we would recommend that you plan about 2.5 hours for the entire trip.

Can you walk around Alcatraz without a tour guide?

Yes, Alcatraz tickets includes the ferry transportation service by Alcatraz City Cruises and the cellhouse audio tour provided by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy which can help you to get around Alcatraz on your own.

How long are Alcatraz tours?

A tour lasts for 2.5 to 5.5 hours depending upon the tour you select.

Can you take the ferry to Alcatraz without a tour?

Yes, Alcatraz City Cruises offers ferry services to Alcatraz Island which can be used to reach.

Is there a lot of walking at Alcatraz?

Yes, the roads and walkways on the Island are steep. Also, the distance and elevation change make the overall trip equivalent to climbing a 13-story building.

For those with mobility concerns, the island offers tram services.

SOLD OUT TOUR/LAST-MINUTE TICKETS

Due to the island's huge popularity, Alcatraz Cruises advises visitors to book their tickets 90 days in advance, especially during high season.

However, for those who aren't able to secure tickets ahead of time, there are a few last-minute booking options.

Buy a Combination Tour Ticket:

This is the option if your time is worth more than your money.

Several companies sell combo tour tickets that combine Alcatraz with other tours, such as a hop-on-hop-off tour, or an activity, such as a day trip to Muir Woods or Napa Valley.

This is a reliable option, as many of these companies buy tickets in bulk to have certainty for their guests.

Therefore, when Alcatraz Cruises is sold out, these companies may not be.

Check out our combo ticket section to find out more.

Check for Cancelled Tickets:

Alcatraz Cruises updates its website several times a day to add tickets that have been canceled by guests.

Be sure to check their website periodically to see if your preferred dates open up.

Same-Day Tickets from Alcatraz Cruises:

Alcatraz Cruises tickets are often sold out months in advance and they no longer offer same-day ticket options for walk-up guests.

Standby Tickets for the Night Tour:

Guests can also get standby tickets for the night tour by lining up before the box office opens at 7:30 a.m.

You are then given a standby ticket and told to come back right before 5:55 pm and 6:30 pm departures to see if there are any no-shows.

The standby tickets are honored in the order by which they were purchased in the morning, from first to last.

Due to its popularity, a very limited number of tickets are available via standby every day.

This option is also a gamble, as you are not guaranteed tickets, even if you get standby status.

Tickets for the night tour are usually  available on StubHub , but you will pay more for these.

NOTE: Purchasing tickets on StubHub is apparently against the no re-selling rules, but considering that there seem to be no complaints online, it doesn't appear to be enforced. StubHub also guarantees refunds for tickets.

People also sell Alcatraz tickets on Craigslist, but we do not recommend this option as the chances of a scam are high.

TOUR COMPANY COMBO TICKETS 

Combo packages are actually one of the easiest methods for getting your tickets to Alcatraz Island.

You can get tickets to the island separately, but they are very popular and can be difficult to obtain.

Alternatively, a combo tour helps guests secure Alcatraz tickets, while also enjoying other popular sites.

Below, we list 3 affordable options. There are many more options to choose from if these don't suffice.

TIP: If you are thinking about a tourist combo ticket or pass, you should read our comparison post to help understand which one, if any, is best for you.

Even though Alcatraz Island Tour tickets are not included, some include boat trips around the island.

Big Bus and Skyline Sightseeing combine their hop-on-hop-off bus tours of the city with a ticket to Alcatraz and offer the best value for most readers.

Extranomical Tours and Tower Tours, on the other hand, combine other day trips such as Muir Woods and Wine Country with an Alcatraz ticket.

Learn more about combination tours by checking out our pages on day trips to Muir Woods , Yosemite , Sausalito , Sonoma Valley , and Napa Valley .

Skyline Sightseeing Tours (formerly City Sightseeing)

Skyline Sightseeing offers an Alcatraz Combo Tour which includes a 3-day hop-on-hop-off tour featuring 4 different loops: The Official City Tour, Downtown San Francisco Tour, San Francisco Night Tour, and Sausalito Bus Tour.

The ticket also comes with an Alcatraz Island tour, which includes transportation to and from Alcatraz, a 45-minute audio tour, and free time to explore on your own.

This option is very similar to what Big Bus has to offer, though it is a 2-day pass rather than a 24-hour pass.

Combo Tours: 

San Francisco Hop-on, Hop-off Alcatraz Tour    

Online prices:

• Adult $139.99
• Child $104.99

Reviews: 

Skyline Sightseeing is a very popular tour company with a fairly good reputation.

The quality of the guided commentary varies depending on the driver, though most visitors find it informative and enjoyable.

Some guests had trouble hearing the driver due to a poor PA system on the bus.

However, most of those comments come from several months ago, suggesting that the problem has likely been remedied.

Overall, visitors who traveled with Skyline Sightseeing found the experience very enjoyable and straightforward. TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5 stars.

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Big Bus Tours 

Big Bus Tours offers an Alcatraz Package Tour that combines an Alcatraz Island ticket with a 1-day hop-on-hop-off Big Bus Tour.

The latter includes a live English-speaking guide, pre-recorded commentary in 10 different languages, drop-off and pick-up at 20 different key landmarks, and a voucher for free 'pint and play'.

Buses are meant to arrive at each stop every 10-20 minutes, making it extremely easy to travel around the city.

Additionally, guests also receive a ticket for the Alcatraz Day Tour at an available time.

This package isn't quite the cheapest package (at least during the summer), but it just may be the best value out there.

Alcatraz Combo Ticket

• Alcatraz Ferry and Entrance Ticket
• Big Bus Premium Ticket (good for 1 day of hop-on-hop-off bus service)
• Free walking tour
• 1-Hour Bike Rental
• $120 for Adults (online price)

Big Bus Tours receives lots of positive feedback for their reasonable prices and ease of transportation.

While reviewers recommend this package for all of its activities (kid-friendly!), there is a consistent complaint of buses taking more than the 10-20 minutes promised to reach certain stops during high traffic or busy weekends.

However, guests who were aware of potential delays found the issue less problematic.

We recommend this package for the planner who knows how to use a map and plan a day to maximize time, since hopping on and off this bus to cross the city may eat up a lot of it.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4 stars.

This company is relatively new to San Francisco, but they have a great reputation internationally and so far have received several excellent reviews for tours offered in the Bay Area.

Currently, they are offering a combo ticket which includes a ticket to Alcatraz Island along with a Chinatown tour and a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

This is a great alternative to some of the other combo deals because it doesn't require you to take a day trip or pay for a hop hop off bus tour.

• $104 per person
• Availability: Sun & Sat
• Hours: 10 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 4 hours
• Includes Alcatraz Island ticket.
• Includes Chinatown walking tour.
• Includes a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
• Not currently available.

This combo tour has received very favorable ratings, with guests typically referring to their guide as knowledgeable, funny, and informative.

Some customers described the service as smooth and quick, indicating that everything was easy to enjoy.

Extranomical Tours 

Extranomical Tours usually sells several different types of day trips from San Francisco, most of which can be combined with an Alcatraz ticket.

Though sold as a package, the ticket for Alcatraz is good for the day after whatever day trip you choose to combine it with.

They also offer pick-up and drop-off at almost any hotel in San Francisco, making the door-to-door service very convenient.

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• Alcatraz Island and City Highlights Tour - from $139 per person
• Yosemite with Alcatraz Tour - from $210 per person
• Muir Woods, Wine Country, and Alcatraz Tour - from $158 per person
• Wine Lovers with Alcatraz Tour - from $203 per person

NOTE: Extranomical Tours is only offering their Alcatraz Island and City Highlights tour at the moment. This will likely change in the future as tourism starts to open up a bit more.

Reviews for Extranomical Tours are generally very positive, with many guests referring to their experience as “wonderful” and something that “should not be missed.”

The company’s guides also receive high praise for being “knowledgeable, humorous, and well organized.”

Though some guests complained that the microphone on the bus was inadequate, the infrequency of these comments suggests that this issue has been fixed. TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars. 

Dylan’s Tours

This is one of the most popular tour companies in the Bay Area, and they currently offer one of the best combo tickets which includes a trip to Alcatraz.

In addition to the Alcatraz ticket, you’ll also receive a day trip to Muir Woods and a full tour of San Francisco.

If you're also interested in seeing the redwoods of California, this is an excellent opportunity.

Both tours will take place on their comfortable minibusses, ensuring a more personable experience.

With the trip to Alcatraz included, this outing will take approximately 10 hours to enjoy. Their tour departs daily at 8 a.m. from Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Francisco, Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour

Includes a San Francisco bus tour, a Muir Woods bus tour, and an Alcatraz Island Tour.

• $189 – Adults | $129 – Children 
• Departs daily at 8 am
• Duration: 10 hours

Dylan’s Tours has received an overall rating of just over 4 ½ out of 5 stars for this service. 

Most customers are very pleased with their tour guides, referring to them as both fun and knowledgeable.

Even those who weren’t as impressed still enjoyed their trip, as there aren’t any truly negative reviews of this outing.

BOAT CRUISES THAT PASS BY ALCATRAZ 

If you are unable to secure tickets to visit Alcatraz or if you are not interested in taking a tour of the former prison, then a boat cruise that passes by the island might be a great alternative.

There are several different boats that go by Alcatraz -- most of which also feature guided commentary about the history of the place.

These cruises are also a great way to get an excellent view of the city's skyline.

Blue & Gold Fleet and Red & White Fleet are the 2 major boat tour companies in the Bay Area.

Of their many different cruises, the following feature is Alcatraz.

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Blue & Gold Fleet :

• Escape the Rock - The ONLY boat tour dedicated specifically to Alcatraz.
• SF Bay Cruise Adventure – A 1-hour sightseeing cruise of all the major attractions in the Bay

Red & White Fleet : 

• California Sunset Cruise – A 2-hour sunset cruise around the Bay to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island, and Alcatraz at sunset.
• Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise – A 90-minute audio tour covering the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Ferry Building, Bay Bridge, and AT&T Park.
• Golden Gate Bay Cruise – Their original 1 hour San Francisco Bay tour with views of the San Francisco waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge, and notorious Alcatraz Island.

To learn more about different San Francisco cruise options, check out our post listing the best boat tours in the Bay , as well as our posts about boat tours with the Red & White Fleet  and the  Blue & Gold Fleet .

So what's the difference between a tour of Alcatraz during the day and a trip to the island at night?

Well, according to several TripAdvisor reviews, there are some notable variations.

Quite a few guests have indicated that visiting the prison after dark is pretty creepy and eerie.

There was at least one notable escape attempt during the night, so it's definitely interesting to see what those prisoners might have experienced after the sun went down.

Other visitors noted that views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco were phenomenal during the sunset, going so far as to say that the scenery was at least as enjoyable as the trip to Alcatraz.

During the Alcatraz night tour, live guides provide a special presentation that focuses on the loud steel doors of the prison as they all close at the same time.

The sound of these doors is apparently very disturbing, adding to the already spooky atmosphere of this prison after dark.

Certain services (such as the audio tour and cruise around the island) are offered during every Alcatraz tour.

That being said, several people indicated that the atmosphere of this historic prison changes after dark, making even the regular activities a little spookier.

If you're interested, we recommend booking several weeks in advance to avoid sold out tickets.

There is also a Behind the Scenes tour which lasts longer and includes every service offered during the night tour.

This trip features special programs that you won't experience on other Alcatraz tours.

During these activities, a park ranger will introduce you to hidden tunnels, underground jails, and secret gardens.

If you can't get tickets for the night tour, this is an excellent option, but it's important to keep in mind that this tour is not available for children.

Both the behind the scenes and night tours are more expensive than daily excursions.

The higher price tag is likely the result of limited availability and access to special programs.

RELATED POSTS:

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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

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• Alcatraz Tours

By  Karen

Updated June 5, 2024.

Alcatraz Tours & Tickets for 2024

A local's guide to choosing the best Alcatraz tours, and how to save money on booking Alcatraz tickets.

Here's the inside scoop on how the Alcatraz tours and tickets work: my secrets on navigating the system! 

• What are the Alcatraz tours like?
• What's the best way to get Alcatraz tickets?
• What if Alcatraz tickets are sold out?
• What to do and see on the island?

The bleak remains of Alcatraz prison sit on a windy island in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

Every year, over 1.4 million people visit Alcatraz, definitely one of the most popular of San Francisco attractions. A fascinating spot - both creepy and beautiful! Highly recommended.

The dark history and sense of isolation seem to seep out of the penitentiary's damp walls. It's no Disneyland ride; this is real and has a rough edge to it. Plenty of "atmosphere"! Lots of people have said this was their favorite San Francisco attraction.

What Alcatraz tours are available now? 

The Day Tour , the Night Tour , the Behind the Scenes Tour, and t he combo Alcatraz/Angel Island Tour are all running now

New for 2024: both the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour have added one extra sailing each day, which may explain why it's easier to get last-minute tickets now (for the Night Tour, anyway).

And the combination of Alcatraz with a visit to Angel Island has finally returned after an absence of several years!

Happy note: currently (early June, 2024), you can usually get next day   tickets  for the Alcatraz Day and Alcatraz Night Tours ! And lots of them. I have never seen this; they are usually sold out for a couple of months at this time.

However, the Behind the Scenes tours are often sold out over 6 weeks in advance, with maybe a single ticket available here and there before that.

Day tour: daily , 8:40 am to 3:50 pm, about every 30 minutes.

Night tour:  Tue-Sat, at 5:55, 6;30 and 7:05 pm.

Behind the Scenes tour: Tue-Sat,  at 4:20 and 4:50 pm.

Alcatraz/Angel Island tour:  daily, at 9:40 and 9:50 am.

General Info on the Tours

My insider tips on:

• The best ways to get Alcatraz tickets
• What the different Alcatraz tours are like

What if Alcatraz is sold out for the dates you want? It's still possible to get tickets! See my page on the ways to get last-minute Alcatraz tickets for sold-out days.

The best ways to get Alcatraz tickets...

Tickets for Alcatraz go on sale 90 days in advance of the tours. These tickets book up, so get them as soon as you know your travel dates!

There are two ways to buy Alcatraz tickets :

• Tickets for Alcatraz only
• Tickets for Alcatraz combined with another tour

Single Alcatraz tickets or Alcatraz combination tours?  

You can get tickets just for Alcatraz or you can book a package that combines Alcatraz with some other fun San Francisco attractions or activities (see information on  combo tours below).

Getting tickets for Alcatraz only

The best way to get the Alcatraz tickets is to purchase them directly from City Experiences (cityexperiences.com), the "official" seller of the tickets and the company that runs the only ferries out to Alcatraz.

There are three ways to buy them from City Experiences:

• Online: at cityexperiences.com
• By phone: 415 981-7625
• At Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, on the Embarcadero

Warning: don't overpay.  There are no "discounted" Alcatraz tickets and other companies sell the individual tickets for much higher prices. There is no reason to buy individual tickets from other companies, and here's why...

Not only are the prices a lot higher than with the with official seller, cityexperiences.com, you don't get to pick your dates and times directly and you'll have to stand in line to exchange your voucher to get a ticket!

So how do those companies sell individual Alcatraz tickets? They "sell" a ticket to the customer (for considerably more that the official ticket costs), then go to the cityexperiences.com website and buy the ticket in your name with the credit card you provided.

Problem:  aside from being overcharged when you book from them, you also can't see the number of spaces available for each day and departure time, you can't just download the ticket and print it out like you can from City Experiences.

So basically you're paying them to buy the ticket from City Experiences for you, with your credit card.

It's legit, but why bother? Why not just go directly to the source and pay a lot less. Plus, you won't have to wait in line at the ticket booth at Pier 33 to exchange your voucher for a ticket.

You can get right on the boat with the ticket you print out from City Experiences or use the mobile version they give you on your phone.

Inflated prices:   one major company you'll see in the search results sells the official $45.25 adult day ticket for $41.01, plus a $10.99 service charge per ticket, plus a $6.95 processing fee per order: total = $58.95!

You get nothing extra with that, and if the official company, City Experiences, is sold out, they are sold out as well.

Plus, you have to select three possible departure times when you book, and they'll give you one of your choices in order requested (if available) so you don't know which departure time you are getting, if any, when you book it.

When you book directly with cityexperiences.com , the price is a lot cheaper, and you choose the departure time you want from all those available at the time.

You know which tour you're doing when you book the ticket. The official ticket company has no "service" fees or "processing" fees tacked on.

Another prominent company you'll see in the search results sells the $45.25 adult ticket online for $53.25.

Combo tickets: Alcatraz + another tour

Package tours.  City Experiences does sell bundles of tickets to approved tour companies who combine them with other tours.

Buying the packages that include Alcatraz is a popular way to get tickets for Alcatraz, and basically the only way of getting deals.

Are you thinking about visiting Muir Woods or Sausalito, doing a bay cruise, or taking a city tour?

There are no bargain or discounted tickets for Alcatraz per se, but if you are planning to take another tour or tours while you're here, you may save some money by doing a combination of Alcatraz plus another attraction(s).

In some cases, it's actually more expensive to do the combos, but may be the only way of snagging tickets for sold out days. See the list below.

This article contains affiliate links and I get a small commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you. See affiliate disclosure . This helps me provide all the free information on the site. Thank you!

Alcatraz Combo Tours

Here are some of the most popular Alcatraz combination tours:

Alcatraz & Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour.  Get a 1-day pass on the hop on hop off tour bus that hits most of the main San Francisco sights (including Sausalito), and a visit to Alcatraz. $123.30.

See  Hop On Hop Off & Alcatraz  for info and booking.

Alcatraz, SF & Bay Cruise.  See Alcatraz combined with a city tour. Plus sail around the bay and out to the Golden Gate Bridge. Great views out on the water (and goes under the bridge - very cool). All in one day. $169.

See  Alcatraz, SF Tour, & Sail the Bay  for info and booking.

Alcatraz plus a City Bus Tour.  See the city sights by bus, with photo stops at the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and more, and visit Alcatraz, all in one day. Hotel pickups and lunch included. $160.

See  Alcatraz & City Tour  for more info and booking.

Alcatraz, Muir Woods & Sausalito. Tour Alcatraz and explore the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods all in one day, with a stop in the charming, seaside town of Sausalito. $170.

See Alcatraz, Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour for info and booking.  

Alcatraz & Bike the Golden Gate Tour. This is a 2-day tour, with a visit to Alcatraz one day, and the day before, a guided bike tour through the waterfront, over the Golden Gate Bridge, and down to the seaside town of Sausalito. $179.

See  Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour  for info and booking.

Or check out  Alcatraz combo tours  to see a list of the many combinations available; there are lots!

Alcatraz Night Tour combos

The good news: starting in 2018, some tour companies started offering the harder-to-get, Alcatraz Night Tour in combination with other tours.

They're not as many combos as with the day tours, but they're worth checking out, especially if the night tour is sold out.

The bad news: since Covid, most of the night tour combos haven't been running, but I've found a couple that are running.

This used to be a good way to get night tour tickets when they were sold out. Hopefully it will be again.

January 2024: two of the night tour combos are now available! 

The Alcatraz Night Tour combo tours:

Alcatraz Night Tour & SF Bay Cruise.

The Alcatraz Night Tour is combined with a one-hour boat cruise of the bay.

Sail out under the Golden Gate Bridge and along the waterfront for a great view of the bay and city skyline.

See Alcatraz Night Tour & SF Bay Cruise for info and booking.

Alcatraz Night Tour & HOHO City Bus Tour.  

See Alcatraz one evening, then tour the city on the Hop On Hop Off bus at your leisure, getting off to explore any of the sights.

See Alcatraz Night Tour & City Bus Tour for info and booking.

How the Alcatraz Tours and Tickets Work

Alcatraz Island is administered by the National Park Service .

All the tours on the island are free and are given by US Park Rangers or volunteer guides.

The ticket to Alcatraz pays for the ferry ride out to the island and includes all the activities once you're on the island.

The only thing you have to pay for once you're out there is bottled water or shopping in the gift store.

All the tickets for the Alcatraz ferry are sold by the City Experiences company at cityexperiences.com  (formerly alcatrazcruises.com).

You can get the tickets either directly from them (via their website or ticket office), or through third parties (other tour companies) authorized by them to combine their tickets with other tours.

Tickets for Alcatraz aren't transferable. They are issued in the name of the purchaser, and once sold, can't be resold (to deter scalping).

How do you get out to Alcatraz Island?

The only way to get out to Alcatraz Island is to buy a ticket for one of the Alcatraz ferries. These are the only boats that stop at Alcatraz and allow you to get off and explore the island and prison.

The ferries out to Alcatraz Island are run by City Experiences,  which currently holds the Alcatraz ferry concession from the U.S. Park Service. 

How often do the ferries run? The Alcatraz ferries for the day tours run seven days a week, starting at 8:45 am, and leaving about every 30 minutes during the day.

The ferries for the night tours and the Behind the Scenes tours run four nights a week, Tuesday through Saturday. There are two night tour sailings each evening (one sailing in winter).

Where do you catch the Alcatraz ferry? The ferries leave from Alcatraz Landing, located at Pier 33 on the San Francisco Embarcadero.

How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz? The ferry over to the island takes about 15 minutes. The views are spectacular: the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, SF Bay and Angel Island.

For more information on taking the ferry, plus how to get to Pier 33, and suggestions for parking, see my page on visiting Alcatraz .

What do you get with your Alcatraz tickets?

All of the Alcatraz tours include the following:

• Roundtrip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
• Self-guided audio tour of the prison
• Free guided tours by park rangers and staff
• Film about Alcatraz and its history
• Exploration of the prison and island

Note: there are also Alcatraz cruises that go around the island (see below for my recommendations), but don't allow you to visit Alcatraz itself.

They are great fun too (see my page on SF Bay Cruises for tips on the different bay cruises), but that may not be what you were looking for. So read carefully about the tour being offered.

• Book early. In summer, especially on weekends, and around holidays, these trips are very popular. The Alcatraz ferries get sold out, weeks or months in advance, so it pays to plan ahead. There are ways to get tickets when Alcatraz is booked-up, but it's better to buy them well in advance if you can (up to 90 days, usually).
• Alcatraz sold out?   There are ways to get tickets for sold-out days, for both the day and night tours. If you find yourself in this situation, check out my tips for getting last-minute tickets . It can be done! But they don't do the early morning line-ups for day tours anymore.
• Save money. Buy individual tickets directly from cityexperiences.com (the official company) or get a combination package (sometimes cheaper, sometimes more, see combo tours ).
• Avoid the lines. If you buy your tickets online directly from cityexperiences.com and print them out (or use the mobile version), you won't have to wait in a line to (a) buy a ticket, or (b) pick up your "will call" ticket when you get to Pier 33.
• E-tickets. If you buy your tickets online, you can either print them out or use your mobile phone version. They can scan either format at the boarding gate. If you have a voucher, exchange it for a ticket at Pier 33.
• Discount passes. Can you visit Alcatraz on the Go San Francisco Card , or the  San Francisco CityPass  ? Yes, but only if you buy the cards from the City Experiences company at Pier 33 or by phone through their company at 415 981-7625.

Hardest times to get tickets: June, July & August, plus around the Christmas/New Years holidays, Easter break, Memorial Day (end of May) and Labor Day (beginning of September). And to a lesser extent: April, September and October.

In other words, just about any time can be tough to get tickets, except for January, February and early March!

However, ever since Covid, it's been a lot easier to get tickets. So far (end of December 2023), you can usually get tickets just one week out for the day tours and night tours!

Toughest tours to book: in order of how fast the tickets book up:

The Behind the Scenes Tour

• The Night Tour (most popular)
• Early Bird Day Tour (first day tour of the day)

Alcatraz Sold Out?

Alcatraz Sold Out for the dates you want?

Don't despair! There are ways to get tickets. I've given the steps of how to do it on my page, Last Minute Alcatraz Tickets .

Also, see above for some Alcatraz combination tours that might have tickets for sold-out days.

Alcatraz is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Also, the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour don't run on July 4th, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Something cool for California residents.  Residents get a good deal on Alcatraz tickets during the slow season. 

The  Buy One Get One Free  sale is available for Day Tours on select dates in January and February each year.

The Alcatraz Prison Tours

The tours of Alcatraz island come in four flavors.

The different types of Alcatraz prison tours:

• Behind the Scenes Tour
• Alcatraz/Angel Island Tour

What to see on the island...

Once you're on Alcatraz, in addition to seeing the prison itself, you're free to explore the island, including the Civil War era buildings, seabird nesting areas and the Alcatraz gardens.

You'll be able to walk the halls where Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly did their time, and see the solitary cells where  Robert Stroud, the Bird Man of Alcatraz, sat out most of his sentence.

The first floor of the prison cell block is open for visitors to explore; the audio tour directs you through the prison to see various places of interest, like Al Capone's cell (B 181, on the second tier of cells near the starting point of the audio tour.

The cell door is open and the light is on, but it's not labeled as his cell.

The former prison exercise yard is also open to visitors; from there, you can see how close San Francisco must have looked to the inmates.

They had a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, too!

Some areas are off-limits due to safety issues or fragile historical artifacts, mainly on the second floor of the prison.

But some of those areas are included on the night tour or the Behind-the-Scenes tour, like the Civil War tunnels and the basement cells.

Now you can also go into the New Industries Building where the prisoners worked in the laundry, which use to only be accessible on the Behind the Scenes Tour.

Spring/Summer Schedule Starts in March

For all the tours, check the current schedule and ticket availability on their website: cityexperiences.com .

Day Tours of Alcatraz

This Alcatraz island tour includes:

• The boat trip to and from Alcatraz
• The self-guided Audio Tour of Alcatraz prison
• Guided tours by park rangers and volunteers

Day Tour Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $45.25
• Juniors (12-17): $45.25
• Kids (5-11): $27.55
• Seniors (62+): $42.65
• Under 5: free
• Family (2 adults and 2 kids ages 5-11): $131.85

The Early Bird Tour. The first tour of the day is called the Early Bird Tour, leaving at 8:40 am.

This one's very popular because it's the first boat out to the island and you can explore before it gets really crowded. This tour gets booked up faster than the other day tours, so booking ahead for this one is even more important.  

Alcatraz Day Tours Ferry Schedule

Spring/Summer schedule.   The Alcatraz Day Tours run seven days a week, and leave about every 30 minutes from Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing). Daily, 8:40 am-3:50 pm.

Fall/Winter schedule (October - March). Daily, 8:40 am-1:35 pm.

The return boats leave Alcatraz every 60 minutes; the last one leaves Alcatraz at 6:30 pm in summer (4:25 pm in winter) and you can take any of the boats back. The return times are posted at Pier 33 and at the dock on the island.

In summer, there are 15 day-tour sailings out to the Rock, and 11 sailings in winter. Each boat trip carries about 300 people to the island.

As the day progresses, it tends to get more crowded, since there's no time limit and visitors can take any boat back; as a result, the morning tours tend to be more popular and book up faster.

How much time do you need to see Alcatraz? Allow at least 3 hours for the whole trip; you may find yourself spending more than that once you get exploring the prison and the island.

Once on the island, there are free guided tours by Park Service staff and the self-guided Alcatraz prison audio tours , included in the ticket.

And you are also free to explore the island and the buildings remaining from the time when Alcatraz was a fort and military prison.

During the Civil War, Confederate prisoners and were held there, and during WW1, the prison held POW's and conscientious objectors.

At other times, it was used as a stockade for U.S. military prisoners.

How long is the ferry ride? The boat ride to Alcatraz island is about 15 minutes. There's no presentation during the trip, but the views of the city and the bay on the way over are spectacular!

Views from Alcatraz. Alcatraz has an amazing view of the San Francisco skyline. If you walk down to the southern side of the island (facing the city), there's a walkway along there with a spectacular view of the city. Both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge are visible from this side as well.

There's also a great view from the area by the lighthouse; you'll end up here at the end of the audio tour.

Alcatraz Night Tour

This version of the Alcatraz prison tours is very popular and includes:

• Ferry ride to and from Alcatraz
• A narrated cruise around Alcatraz island
• The self-guided Alcatraz Audio Tour of the prison
• Guided tours inside the prison
• A variety of lectures only given at night
• Access to areas not open on the day tours

Night Tour Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $56.30
• Juniors (12-17): $55.10
• Kids (5-11): $33.00
• Seniors (62+): $52.25

Night Tour vs. Day Tour

Advantages of the night tour.

• There are fewer people on the night tours, so the prison is much less crowded and has a more intimate feel.
• There are interesting tours and talks by the park rangers about Alcatraz history and stories about the prisoners.
• You have access to areas of the prison that are off-limits during the day tours.
• You circle the entire island by boat.
• You get to watch the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge and see the lights all around the bay begin to sparkle.

What Happens on the Night Tour

There are three night-tour sailings to Alcatraz most of the year, and one nightly sailing in winter (two over Christmas holidays). They recently added the third night tour sailing, so it's easier to get tickets now.

The night tour runs five days a week , Tuesday through Saturday. Each boat carries about 150 people to the island.

Cruise around the island. The Night Tour ferry makes a trip around Alcatraz Island before arriving at the dock (unlike the day tour ferry, which sails directly to the dock).

During the cruise, you'll hear information about the island and its history. 

Arriving at the Dock

The passengers will be let off in three groups, so that not everyone arrives at the prison at the same time. Groups are chosen by who's in line first.

Each group is assigned to a park ranger, who gives a brief talk on what to see on the island, how the tours work and what activities are scheduled for that evening.

The ranger takes you up towards the prison entrance, where you head inside to pick up your equipment for the audio tour.

From there, you are free to explore the prison and start the audio tour, explore the other buildings and gardens, watch the film in the dock's theater, or otherwise ramble over the island and enjoy the views.

Special Evening Programs

There are a couple of guided tours given by the park rangers each night that take you into places not normally accessible, like the gun gallery on the second floor, and other blocked-off areas.

Plus there are scheduled talks on various subjects related to Alcatraz. The topics vary from night to night.

These tours and talks are posted inside the prison, just as you enter, and inside the gift shop, plus the ranger who takes you up to the cellblock goes over them as well.

What to do first? Here's what I recommend:

Figure out which guided tours and talks you want to go to.

Then, to avoid the crowds inside the prison, go outside and explore the grounds and admire the views.

After that, come back later, in an hour or more, and do the audio tour after the others have finished and left the prison.

Most people do the audio tour first, and people tend to get bunched up around the points of interest the recording is telling you about, so this approach is one way to have the prison (almost) all to yourself while you do the tour!

The evening's topics vary , depending on which rangers are doing them.

On one of my visits, one of the guided tours took visitors to the areas of the prison connected with Machine Gun Kelly, and there was an interesting talk on the kidnappings of the 1930's (and the kidnappers who ended up in Alcatraz).

Another time we heard talks on the gangsters' bank-robbery techniques and prisoner escape attempts.

At posted times during the evening, they also demonstrate the opening and closing (en mass) of all the cell doors; pretty intense!

Night Tour Schedule

In summer , the Alcatraz Night Tour leaves Tuesday through Saturday at 5:55 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:10 pm from Pier 33 and lasts about 2.5 hours. You can return on either the 8:40 pm or 9:25 pm boats.

The sun doesn't set until around 8:30 pm in mid-summer, so it will be light for the first couple of hours, good for exploring the island.

During winter , (October-March) there is only one night tour, leaving at 3:50 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, returning at 6:40 pm.

At the darkest time of year in San Francisco, the sun has usually set by 5 pm, so you'll see both the sunset and the city lights.

There's a special holiday schedule  in Dec & Jan, with an additional night tour leaving at 4:45 pm, returning at 7:40 pm.

Return times are posted at Pier 33 and at the dock on Alcatraz.

The three night tour sailings (5:55 and 6:30) resume in March each year. That time of year, the sun sets around 7:15 pm, so if you take the later boat, it will be dark 30 minutes after arrival on the island.

The prison is even eerier after dark, and if it's a clear night, the lights of San Francisco are truly magical.

For lots more about the night tour , plus photos, see my page on the Alcatraz night tour .

This one is the smallest tour , limited to 30 people max.

The Behind the Scenes tour includes:

• Boat trip to and from Alcatraz
• Extra 2-hour guided tour of the island and prison

Change in format. This tour is back to being a late afternoon tour that allows you to join the night tour afterwards.

Behind the Scenes Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $101.30
• Juniors (12-17): $97.10
• Seniors (62+): $94.25

This tour starts out with a special, guided 2-hour tour of the island with a park ranger, going into places that the other tours don't go.

Then you rare free to do the other activities on the island, including the audio tour of the cell block, for a 4 to 5 hour total Alcatraz experience.

Tip: taking the Behind the Scenes Tour is one way to enjoy the night tour even if the night tour tickets are sold out;-).

After the guided Behind the Scenes Tour, you are free to explore the island as you would on the Day Tour, which includes the Cell House self-guided audio tour, but you can also join in the Night Tour events.

Cool places only this tour goes: this tour can take you into the dungeon cells in the basement (creepy!) and underground through a Civil-War-era tunnel leading to a different part of the island.

The tour group may go inside the crumbling, New Industries building, the island factory where prisoners worked and did the army's laundry.

You may also be allowed into A Block, a cellblock normally closed off, as well as the eerie prison hospital or the prison chapel.

Where you actually go on the tour depends on the guide and on construction issues.

There are repairs ongoing at the prison which result in certain areas not being available at any particular time, so the content of the tours is unpredictable...it'll be a surprise. But very interesting!

Requirements: this tour involves a lot of walking up and down stairs and steep hills and is limited to age 12 and above for that reason.

They describe this one as "strenuous". They say they don't have breaks, so eat (and whatever else you need to do) before the tour! But there was one bathroom break about half-way through when I was there.

What does "strenuous" mean? I went on this tour and can reassure folks that you don't have to be really fit to do this. Basically, if you can climb one flight of stairs and walk at a reasonable pace, you can do this tour. There's plenty of standing and hearing stories interspersed with the stairs and hills.

Behind the Scenes Tour Schedule

Summer Schedule: the Behind the Scenes Tour leaves from Pier 33 at 4:20 pm and 4:50 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.  You can return on either the 8:40 pm or 9:25 pm boats with the night-tour folks.

Winter Schedule:  (October-March) the boats leave at 2:15 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and you can return on any of the afternoon boats. 

So far, there aren't any combination tours that bundle the Behind the Scenes Tour with other attractions.

For more details about what this tour is like , and photos of some of the places it visits, see my page on the Behind the Scenes tour .

Alcatraz & and Angel Island Tours

This tour running again!

The Angel Island/Alcatraz combined Tour includes:

• The ferry to Alcatraz
• All the features of the Alcatraz Day Tour
• The ferry to Angel Island
• Tram tour around Angel Island (narrated, one hour)
• Time to explore Angel Island
• Return ferry to Pier 33

This was a handy combination if you wanted to make a day of it and see both sights. Plan to spend at least 5½ to 6 hours doing this tour.

Angel Island is a beautiful place with spectacular views of SF Bay. It was the Ellis Island of the West Coast, and thousands of immigrants from Asia came through Angel Island, especially during the Gold Rush era.

The Immigration Station there has been made into an interesting museum, recreating the furnishings of the  dormitories and common rooms; it's one of the stops on the tram tour, and worth a visit.

There are some pretty hikes to do once you're on the island as well.

For more on this this tour, and booking tickets, see  Angel Island/ Alcatraz tour  .

Do-It-Yourself Angel Island Tour

You can also see Angel Island on your own by taking the Blue and Gold Ferry to Angel Island from Pier 41 or the Ferry Building.

Once on the island, in addition to beautiful hiking trails, there are tram tours, bicycles for rent, an immigration museum and cafes. You could easily make a full day of it.

See my tips on what to see and do on Angel Island .

Doing Angel Island on your own (ferry ride from SF plus tram tour) would run around $33.50 for adults, less for seniors and kids.

The three prisoners who escaped in 1962 were headed for Angel Island on a homemade raft. Did they make it? Possibly; some evidence suggests they did.

Doing the Alcatraz Prison Tours

Once on the dock at Alcatraz, you can take one of the guided tours which will lead you up the hill to the prison and finish at the cellblock entrance (day tours only).

Or you can walk up the hill to the cellblock on your own, and explore the Civil War era buildings on the way up.

The audio tour starts inside the cellblock.

The Alcatraz Audio Tour

You will receive your headset for the Audio Tour after you enter the prison, following a steep climb up the hill.

If you don't want to do this tour, tell the people passing out the headsets and you'll get a refund of $8.00 for adults, a bit less for others. Refunds are only available on the day tours.

It really adds a lot to the experience, so I highly recommend doing it if you can.

The Audio Tour is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, and Mandarin.

This 45-minute, self-guided audio tour is a very well-done presentation that takes you through the prison: cellblocks, dining hall, library, prison yard, warden's office, etc.

You can pause it or rewind it and so take your time going through the prison.

Some of the cells are set up and furnished as they would have been then: grim 9' by 5' rooms with a small cot, toilet and desk.

The prisoners spent most of their days alone in their cells and talking was forbidden. Rather chilling.

On the recording, you'll hear the voices of actual prisoners and guards describing their experiences at Alcatraz.

The narration directs you to particular spots in the prison where interesting events took place.

Explore the solitary cells where the Bird Man of Alcatraz spent most of his time, passageways where inmates crawled to escape, and scenes of murders and shootouts.

You can walk around in the prisoners' exercise yard and see how close San Francisco must have looked to the inmates.

In spite of the desperate escape attempts, Alcatraz' location defeated them all. (Or did it? Three escapees left on a raft and were never seen again. There is some evidence two of them made it to Brazil.) The water was too cold and the current too strong.

Even though the City was close enough for the prisoners to hear voices and laughter, they couldn't swim the distance: only 1.25 miles (2 km).

At the end, it's sort of relief to "escape" from the oppressive atmosphere in the jail and come out by the Alcatraz lighthouse.

This is where you'll have another spectacular view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The S.E.A.T. Tram

For those who have difficulty getting up the hill, there is a tram that leaves from the dock every 35 minutes, and carries people back down as well.

More things to do on Alcatraz

In addition to the cell block which you can explore with an audio tour, you can roam all over most of the island.

There are buildings from the Civil War era and a lighthouse, as well as pretty gardens, and of course the amazing city and bay views. 

Guided Tours by Park Service Volunteers

These Alcatraz tours are free and are offered on a variety of topics, like "Escapes", "Famous Inmates", and "Fortress Alcatraz".

These guided tours are available for visitors doing the day tours; they start at the dock and travel up the hill, ending at the prison.

The people doing the tours are volunteers with the Park Service - folks who have a passion for the history of Alcatraz and enjoy sharing their knowledge.

Times of Guided Tours

There is no fixed schedule for these tours. When you get to the dock on Alcatraz, check out the list of tours on the chalkboard to the right of the bookstore. They also post a list on the dock at Pier 33.

Each tour lasts about 45 minutes. The last time I was there, they were scheduled at 10:00, 10:30, 1:00 and 3:30.

I went on an "Escapes" tour, given by an entertaining guide (in "real life" a middle school history teacher) who told us interesting anecdotes about the escape attempts, along with some Alcatraz history.

(The Great White Sharks patrolling along the coast rarely come into San Francisco Bay - who knew? But the prisoners were told they would be eaten if they swam in the water.)

Highly recommended!

Guided Garden Tours

There are also free, guided, docent tours of the extensive gardens on Alcatraz, including tours of areas normally off-limits to visitors.

Tours are Friday and Sunday mornings at 9:45 am, leaving from the Alcatraz dock (you would have to take the first or second ferry).

Also, the Officers' Row area is open every Wednesday from 11 to 2, with a docent present for questions.

Most of the garden areas are open to explore on your own.

Seabirds on Alcatraz

Thousands of seabirds use Alcatraz Island as a breeding ground.

In spring, cormorants, gulls, and snowy egrets hatch their young here and you can see the nesting areas.

Note:   Construction and repairs. Alcatraz is starting to crumble from the effect of sea air on the metal frames of the buildings, so they're fixing up various sections of the prison.

They recently completed some major repairs on the main cellblock building and repainted it, so the areas normally open on the day tour are all open again.

The areas affected by the repairs are mainly those that would be available for the Behind the Scenes Tour , such as the prison hospital, underground tunnels, prison factory, etc. 

Consequently, that tour varies depending on what is accessible at the time, and it changes from day to day.

Can't get enough of Alcatraz?

A cool board game has been released,  Alarm 22, Escape from Alcatraz,  where you play as one of the inmates and try and escape from the Rock. 

It's a fun game created by Jimmy Treehorn, who designed the large scale model of Alcatraz that you'll see at the Pier 33 dock.

It's based on a number of actual escape attempts, and the game play is a good balance between strategy and luck.

You can find it at a number of local shops, including the Alcatraz Gift Shop at Pier 39. Also available online. See the  alarm22.com  website or Amazon for more info or purchase.

Alternatives: Sail Around Alcatraz

If you aren't able to get tickets to Alcatraz, or you don't have time to do an Alcatraz tour, you can still get a good look at the island and the outside of the prison by taking an Alcatraz cruise.

These bay cruises also take you out under the Golden Gate Bridge, a really a cool experience.

There are a number of bay cruises available that sail around Alcatraz Island, but don't stop there.

You'll get a close-up view of the entire island as they circle around and most of them will give you some information about Alcatraz as they circle it.

Some popular Alcatraz bay cruises...

These are tours that have been around for a long time and have generally high ratings.

Escape from the Rock Cruise. This is a nice, 90-minute bay cruise on the Blue and Gold Ferry that gives you a tour of San Francisco Bay and takes you out under the Golden Gate Bridge.

In addition, you'll circle Alcatraz Island and hear what Alcatraz was like for the prisoners and some stories of the more dramatic escape attempts. And with each child ticket, you get a pair of souvenir binoculars. Leaves from Pier 39. $46 for adults. See Escape from the Rock tour for more info and booking. 

If the Escape from Alcatraz cruise is sold out, the next cruise is always available:

Blue and Gold Ferry. This is a one-hour bay cruise with a recorded narration about the sights that leaves from Pier 39. You sail past the sea lions, and head out to the Golden Gate Bridge. You go out under the bridge, then turn around and sail for Alcatraz, making a full circle around the island.

Super views of the city skyline, Angel Island and both bridges. $38. See Blue & Gold cruise for more info and booking.

Fancy going out on sailing on San Francisco Bay?

Catamaran Sunset Cruise. This is another fun boat tour, sailing on a catamaran that takes the same route as the ones above: out under the Golden Gate Bridge, across the bay, and around Alcatraz.

Being on a sailboat on the bay is a great feeling, plus beer, wine and snacks are available for purchase. Alcatraz and the bridge with a glass of wine...not bad!

Audio tour available in 8 languages. $80, 90 minutes.

See Adventure Cat sunset cruise for more info and booking.

They also have a  catamaran day cruise .

There are a huge variety of bay cruises available: quick one-hour tours, more leisurely brunch and dinner cruises, and sailing trips on catamarans and sailboats. 

Check out my list of what I think are the best bay cruises .

Escapes from Alcatraz

Alcatraz was supposed to be escape-proof.

It had to be, because many of the prisoners there had already escaped from other federal prisons, and they were really bad guys.

Did they make it?

Most of the escape attempts resulted in death or recapture. But one in 1962 may have succeeded.

The video below tells the story and describes recent evidence of what may have really happened to those three prisoners.

A new book about this escape was recently published:  Inseparable , by David Kruh.

It's a fictional account of how this escape could have happened. It's gotten good reviews and is available through the author's website , or from Amazon .

More Tips on Visiting Alcatraz

For information on:

• How to get to Pier 33
• Taking the Alcatraz ferry
• What to bring
• What to see on the island

See my page on visiting Alcatraz .

Check out the best (and safest) places to park near Pier 33. 

More things to do on the bay...

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 15 Best Alcatraz Tours

15 Best Alcatraz Tours

Once home to some of the most notorious and dangerous criminals in the history of the United States, Alcatraz entices and allures thousands upon thousands of visitors to its shores every year with the myths and legends that still swirl around the old prison cells.

Also known as ‘the Rock’, no one ever succeeded in escaping from the famous prison.

Its image as an unwelcoming and unforgiving place has endured until today and is just one of the reasons why so many people visit the island.

Located in San Francisco Bay, the chilling waters surrounding Alcatraz only made it harder to escape from; even renowned prisoners such as Al Capone and Robert ‘The Birdman’ Stroud had to see out their sentences here.

A fascinating place, Alcatraz is well worth visiting when in San Francisco.

With so many tours on offer, here are the fifteen best Alcatraz tours to help give you an idea of what’s available to you.

1. 72-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Alcatraz Ticket

A fantastic option if you’re going to spend a few days in San Francisco, this tour offers a great package deal.

As such, you will get to see a lot of the city as well as visit Alcatraz itself.

Over a 72 hour period, you can hop on and off the bus as many times as you want.

Consequently, you’ll get to see all of the main sights, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more.

With three different loops included, each bus is accompanied by a guide who will light up the city for you.

The undoubted highlight is, of course, the trip to Alcatraz, where you’ll get to explore the eerie prison cells and old barber shop that the inmates frequented.

2. San Francisco Helicopter and Alcatraz Tour

A simply unforgettable experience, this whirlwind of a tour will take you up into the skies to see San Francisco and Alcatraz from above; the stunning views will surely live long in the memory.

After the fifteen to twenty-minute helicopter ride, it’s time to take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, where your audio guide will educate you about the fascinating history of the prison and entertain you with hair-raising stories about some of its most famous inmates.

Well worth the price, the views from both the waters and skies are reason enough to choose this package tour.

View Prices & Reviews

3. Alcatraz Ticket with 3-Hour Bicycle Tour at Sunset

One of the most popular tours on offer, this combo deal will not only take you to ‘the Rock,’ but also on a mesmerizing bike journey that you won’t forget any time soon.

While the tour around Alcatraz is special enough, the spectacular views and sunset from the Golden Gate Bridge are absolutely stupendous; watching the lights turn on across San Francisco as dusk falls is breathtaking.

The bicycle tour takes you along the bridge as well as to some of the city’s other waterfront sights, such as Fort Point and the famous piers.

4. San Francisco VIP Segway Tour and Alcatraz Ticket Combo

A very hilly city, what better way to explore San Francisco than by Segway? Accompanied by a trained guide, you’ll experience the city in a whole new light as you whip about town, stopping at such famous locations as North Beach and the San Francisco Waterfront; you’ll even be able to take in the fantastic views from Coit Tower.

From Pier 33, you will catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island.

Here, you’ll be given an audio guide which will explain everything there is to know about the famous prison.

5. San Francisco City Tour with Visit to Alcatraz

A fabulously beautiful city with a wealth of things to see and do, this combo tour will take you around San Francisco’s main sights before you head off to explore the delights of the forbidding Alcatraz.

Perfect for architecture, history and culture lovers, the guided part of the tour delves into various parts of San Francisco’s identity and offers a fascinating look at some of the city’s most impressive buildings and cultural landmarks.

After getting dropped off at Pier 33, it is time to head to Alcatraz and learn about why this renowned prison is so famous.

Very popular with tourists, this tour comes highly recommended and also includes a visit to the Palace of Fine Arts Museum.

6. Half-Day Golden Gate Catamaran Cruise and Alcatraz Visit

A special tour, this combo deal sees you take to the waters of San Francisco Bay before ferrying across to visit Alcatraz Island.

The catamaran cruise is a magical experience and zipping across the waves under the Golden Gate Bridge is exhilarating; you may even see a sea lion here and there.

The 90-minute cruise offers another view of beautiful San Francisco, and after that, it’s time to explore ‘the Rock’. Wandering around the old prison cells is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the award-winning audio guide really brings the place to life.

7. Alcatraz Combo Full-Day Adventure Package

After hearing evocative stories from past inmates and former prison wardens on Alcatraz Island, it’s time to drive around San Francisco in your own little GoCar – a unique two-seater that recounts the stories of the city as you drive about.

A wonderful piece of technology, the GoCar allows you to go about at your ease; you simply have to follow the GPS as it tells you about the history of all the wonderful sights you pass by.

With fantastic views out over the Pacific Ocean and Alcatraz itself, this combo is definitely worth checking out.

8. Alcatraz Ticket and Walking Craft Beer Tour

If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy both the local beer scene and the sights and sounds of Alcatraz, why not try out this special tour? The visit to Alcatraz is fortunately in the morning, so your head will be clear and ready to take in all the information surrounding the prison.

The afternoon is dedicated to beer tasting, as an enthusiastic guide explains San Francisco’s beer history while you stop off in some of the best breweries in town.

9. Alcatraz and Big Bus Premium 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off

One of the most popular combo deals out there, this fantastic tour not only includes an audio-guided tour around Alcatraz but also the chance to see most of San Francisco through the hop-on, hop-off day pass.

Stopping at 21 different locations, you’ll see all the main sights and can also take part in any one of four walking tours around the city.

In addition to this, there is a magical panoramic night tour included which is well worth joining.

10. San Francisco: Alcatraz and Wine Country Combo

If wine is your thing, this is the tour for you.

As California is renowned for its lush vineyards, it is well worth checking out, even if you’re not a wine connoisseur.

With visits to the Sonoma and Napa valleys included in the package, you’ll get to try some of the region’s premium wines and learn about how they’re produced.

In addition to exploring the vineyards, there is a delightful narrated cruise to Alcatraz on offer, which is then followed up by the fantastic ‘Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour’ once you are on the island.

11. Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Adventure

Wandering along the paths that weave their way amidst the towering Redwoods, which are centuries-old, is a humbling experience which nature lovers will absolutely adore.

After having explored the amazing forest, the tour takes you off to Sausalito, a small and scenic Mediterranean-esque town not far from San Francisco.

The day is capped off with a tour around Alcatraz Island and an insight into some of the prison’s most notorious prisoners.

12. San Francisco Grand City Tour with Alcatraz Ticket

Highly rated amongst tourists, exploring San Francisco by bus is much easier than traipsing up and down its many hills.

On the tour, you’ll see all the main highlights, such as Chinatown, Union Square, and Nob Hill.

With knowledgeable guides to help you out, you’ll get a better idea of what San Francisco is all about.

The tour culminates in a visit to Alcatraz Island, where you’re free to wander around to your heart’s content.

13. San Francisco City Tour and Alcatraz Entrance Ticket Combo

There aren’t many better ways to start your day than with a ferry ride from the famous Pier 33 to the iconic Alcatraz Island with such a fascinating past.

After being educated and entertained in equal measure during the audio-guided tour around the prison, it is time to explore the sights in the city on the 3.5-hour bus tour.

With its interesting commentary that helps explain the importance of the landmarks and buildings, you can stop off and marvel at them up close before continuing on your tour.

14. Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour and Alcatraz Ticket Combo

After having completed your visit to Alcatraz Island and the amazing prison complex, this tour continues in the form of a three-hour bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, where you can enjoy exploring the picturesque town.

The amazing views of San Francisco are simply sumptuous and worth the price of this tour alone.

15. Alcatraz Tour with Walk-on Walk-off San Francisco Tour Pass

Valid for seven days, this combo deal allows you to take part in eight walking tours around various neighborhoods in San Francisco, each of which offers up a unique look at a particular part of the city’s history.

On one of those days, you can visit Alcatraz and marvel at the stories that former guards and inmates tell about their time on the island.

15 Best Alcatraz Tours:

• 72-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Alcatraz Ticket
• San Francisco Helicopter and Alcatraz Tour
• Alcatraz Ticket with 3-Hour Bicycle Tour at Sunset
• San Francisco VIP Segway Tour and Alcatraz Ticket Combo
• San Francisco City Tour with Visit to Alcatraz
• Half-Day Golden Gate Catamaran Cruise and Alcatraz Visit
• Alcatraz Combo Full-Day Adventure Package
• Alcatraz Ticket and Walking Craft Beer Tour
• Alcatraz and Big Bus Premium 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off
• San Francisco: Alcatraz and Wine Country Combo
• Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Adventure
• San Francisco Grand City Tour with Alcatraz Ticket
• San Francisco City Tour and Alcatraz Entrance Ticket Combo
• Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour and Alcatraz Ticket Combo
• Alcatraz Tour with Walk-on Walk-off San Francisco Tour Pass

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Last updated: April 27, 2021

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Alcatraz Island Golden Gate National Recreation Area 201 Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123

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The best things to do in San Francisco: Exclusive experiences and more

Add these san francisco activities to your bucket list.

With its stunning views, dynamic culture, and iconic sights, San Francisco is a top choice for travelers. From gourmet dining and upscale shopping to unique experiences and key attractions, this city has it all. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in San Francisco.

Fine dining experiences

1. gary danko.

Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, Gary Danko is synonymous with culinary excellence. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that blends French, Mediterranean, and American flavors. The impeccable service and extensive wine list make it a perfect spot for a memorable evening.

2. Atelier Crenn

Helmed by Chef Dominique Crenn, the first female chef in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars, Atelier Crenn is a culinary masterpiece. Each dish is a work of art, reflecting Chef Crenn’s poetic approach to cuisine. The tasting menu is a journey through innovative and exquisitely presented dishes, making it a must-visit for food connoisseurs.

Another gem in San Francisco’s Michelin-starred collection, Benu offers an intimate and sophisticated dining experience. Chef Corey Lee’s menu is a blend of Asian and American influences, presented with precision and creativity. The wine pairings and serene ambiance add to the luxurious experience.

High-end shopping

4. union square.

Union Square is the epicenter of luxury shopping in San Francisco. Here, you’ll find flagship stores of high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci , and Tiffany & Co. Plus, the square itself is surrounded by upscale hotels and renowned restaurants.

5. Fillmore Street

Located in the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood, Fillmore Street offers a mix of high-end boutiques, designer shops, and charming cafes. Stroll down this fashionable street and explore stores like Alice + Olivia and Aesop .

Exclusive experiences

6. private yacht charter.

Experience San Francisco Bay in style by chartering a private yacht. Companies like SF Bay Adventures offer personalized yacht tours that provide breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. Enjoy gourmet meals and fine wine on board while cruising the picturesque waters.

7. VIP helicopter tour

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a VIP helicopter tour of San Francisco. SF Helicopters offers exclusive tours that provide a bird’s-eye view of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz Island. The panoramic views and exhilarating ride make this a must-do for luxury travelers.

8. Spa day at Nob Hill Spa

Indulge in a day of relaxation at Nob Hill Spa, located in the elegant Huntington Hotel. The spa offers massages, facials, body wraps, and more. Enjoy the serene ambiance, stunning views of the city, and access to the infinity pool and steam room.

Cultural and scenic highlights

9. san francisco symphony.

Experience world-class performances at the San Francisco Symphony. Located in the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, the symphony offers a season of classical and contemporary concerts. Opt for a VIP package to enjoy perks like premium seating, pre-concert receptions, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

10. Alcatraz Island night tour

Explore the infamous Alcatraz Island with a night tour that offers a unique and intimate perspective of this historic landmark. The tour includes a narrated ferry ride, guided tour of the cell house, and access to areas normally closed to the public. The eerie ambiance and stunning views of the city at night make this an unforgettable experience.

Nature and scenic attractions

11. golden gate park.

While San Francisco is known for its urban sophistication, it also offers beautiful natural escapes. Golden Gate Park is an oasis with gardens, lakes, and museums. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a serene experience or explore the de Young Museum’s impressive art collections.

12. Muir Woods National Monument

A short drive from the city, Muir Woods National Monument offers a tranquil escape into nature. Stroll among towering ancient redwoods and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this forest. Guided tours and private hiking experiences are available for those seeking a more tailored visit.

What is the best time to visit San Francisco?

San Francisco is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is typically during the fall (September to November) when the weather is warm and the summer crowds have thinned.

Can I visit Napa Valley from San Francisco?

Yes, Napa Valley is about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. Consider booking a private wine tour for a day trip to one of the world’s premier wine regions.

What is the most visited place in San Francisco?

The most visited place in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views, walking and biking paths, and photo opportunities.

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New York Today

On governors island, you can dance at a jazz age lawn party.

Michael Arenella will be the bandleader at the event, and he’ll also be dancing the Charleston.

By James Barron

Good morning. It’s Friday. Today, and on Fridays through the summer, we’ll focus on things to do in New York over the weekend.

Dancing the Charleston — which you can do this weekend on Governors Island, across New York Harbor from Lower Manhattan — “takes more confidence than skill, I think,” Michael Arenella said.

He knows how, and there will be moments when he will be doing the Charleston — or the Black Bottom or the fox trot, all dances rooted in the 1920s — to whip up the crowd at the event on Governors Island, the Jazz Age Lawn Party .

Arenella, the bandleader and impresario behind this weekend of phantasmagoria, will provide the soundtrack for the dancing, the wine and vintage cocktails that will be available and the croquet that can be played. It begins tomorrow at 11 a.m. and continues on Sunday.

There will be Charleston lessons led by Roddy Caravella, whose 1920s bona fides include owning a 1929 DeSoto, according to Arenella, the former owner of a 1925 Studebaker. He himself now has a 1930 Buick. “I modernized,” he said. “Got to stay with the times, you know?”

The music is also authentic, Arenella said: He transcribed it himself, from 78 r.p.m. recordings of songs like “The Vo-do-deo-do Blues,” (Vo-do-deo-do was “a meaningless jazz refrain” from the 1920s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary .) Arenella is also partial to Duke Ellington songs like “Jig Walk,” from before Ellington took the A train and became a household name.

It’s the sound of the Roaring Twenties, and the Jazz Age Lawn Party also has a look. Some attendees dress as people did in the decade between World War I and the Great Depression. There are slim and sleeveless flapper dresses and feather boas — and seersucker suits and suspenders.

But there is more to the Jazz Age Lawn Party than appearances. If anyone has F. Scott Fitzgerald in mind, Arenella does not.

“Everyone talks about ‘The Great Gatsby,’” he said, “but there was so much better literature that that era yielded, so much literature with much more depth and more culturally relevant that shaped the thought of the era.” He mentioned “the likes of Edna St. Vincent Millay, Langston Hughes and Gertrude Stein” before saying that “‘Gatsby’ was about idle wealthy people. That doesn’t speak to the working class and the Black culture of that time, which is where the art was happening and the dance and the music.”

Arenella started the Jazz Age Lawn Party 19 years ago on Governors Island, a former military outpost that grew in the early years of the 20th century — nearly 4.8 million cubic yards of rocks and dirt excavated for the Lexington Avenue subway line added just over 100 acres to the island’s girth.

In the Roaring Twenties, Governors Island, still under the Army’s control, was the scene of polo matches and mock battles that the public could watch. And it was a place to watch the shape of New York City change as skyscrapers rose across the harbor in Manhattan.

“The spirit of the 1920s was one of looking forward,” Arenella said. “The 1920s cut ties with the past so quickly and clearly. It created newfound freedom for young people.”

And that fueled the exuberance of jazz, which, as Arenella noted, was “still considered the underground music” when the 1920s began. The audience changed with the bandleader Paul Whiteman, who he said “made jazz digestible for the quote-unquote upper classes” with “Rhapsody in Blue,” which Whiteman commissioned from George Gershwin and which is celebrating its centennial this year. That milestone will be observed at the Jazz Age Lawn Party with a performance of a solo arrangement by the pianist Elliot Sneider. (The composer Ferde Grofé was responsible for three orchestra versions, including the one for the premiere.)

“‘Rhapsody in Blue’ was the soundtrack of American progress, American innovation,” he said. “It was the soundtrack of the skyscrapers being built in New York City and the soundtrack of the workingman and woman having mobility. And it’s melded with the blues. That’s what it is at the Lawn Party. It’s the sound of progress, of social suffering, of social striving. It’s uniquely American, and something our country should be a lot more proud of.”

Weekend Weather

While Tropical Storm Debby’s power will diminish , prepare for chances of showers and thunderstorms on a breezy Friday and early Saturday . On Sunday , enjoy a mostly sunny day. Throughout the weekend, temperatures will be in the low to mid-80s during the day. At night, temperatures will range from the high 60s to the mid-70s.

ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING

In effect until Tuesday (Tisha B’Av).

What Else to Do This Weekend

Exhibits closing on sunday.

Weekend at Whitney : The museum’s biennial ends this weekend, but enjoy free entry on Friday starting at 5 p.m., with drinks and music.

An exhibit on the “Archaeology of Memory” : On Sunday, see a retrospective of the artist Amalia Mesa-Bains’s work at El Museo del Barrio .

Enjoy the great outdoors, with music

Blues and Barbecue : At 1 p.m. on Saturday, enjoy performances, games and food from several New York barbecue joints for the Blues festival in Hudson River Park .

Great Jazz on the Great Hill : Listen to some jazz and have a picnic in Central Park this Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Celebrating merengue: Attend the Dominican Day Parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Manhattan.

The Battery Dance Festival : Enjoy performances this Sunday by dance companies from around the world .

For more events in New York, here’s a list of what to do this month .

A close-by island cruise

Manhattan has its characters, and so do places in New York that are technically uninhabited.

My colleague Laurel Graeber writes that Classic Harbor Line offers opportunities to observe them during its narrated Urban Naturalist Tour . On Sundays and Mondays at sunset, a three-hour cruise on a 1920s-style yacht sails past points like U Thant Island , Mill Rock and the North and South Brother Islands . Those are out-of-the-way places where species like ospreys, double-crested cormorants, snowy egrets and various kinds of herons now nest.

Binoculars are a must, but if you’re lucky, you may see one of these majestic birds swoop just overhead or take off from a channel marker. The tour also covers harbor history, with lore about shipwrecks, the Statue of Liberty and Typhoid Mary, the cook who infected more than 50 New Yorkers in the early years of the 20th century. She was exiled to North Brother Island, which the writer Anthony Bourdain called “a ramshackle Alcatraz” roughly half a mile from another island that houses a real prison, Rikers Island.

METROPOLITAN diary

Volleyball practice

Dear Diary:

I was on my way to meet a high school friend for lunch on the Upper West Side and had walked from Midtown through Central Park.

Leaving the park, I hustled in the direction of Amsterdam Avenue. I passed the schoolyard outside the Anderson School on the way. I saw some boys playing volleyball without a net, and I watched their ball fly over the very high chain-link fence and land at my feet.

I looked at my watch. I had three minutes to get to lunch on time. I placed the ball at the base of the fence. A boy of about 13 locked eyes with me from the other side.

“You’re going to have to come out and get this,” I said. I did not trust my throwing skills.

He shook his head calmly.

“Please,” he said. “Just try.”

I tried to lob the ball over the fence but failed to make it even a third of the way to the top.

By now, a medium-size crowd of middle schoolers had gathered to watch. I could not fail my audience.

I looked at the boy again.

“Try again,” he said, crouching into a deep squat with his arms extended. “Like this.”

Using this new technique, I tried again. This time, I was just a few feet shy of the top. The crowd was cheering me on.

I tried once more, this time with more force, and ball went over the fence.

The crowd went wild. I turned and saw an older woman standing nearby who was also cheering.

I waved farewell to my fans and hurried off to lunch. I was about 10 minutes late.

— Estee Pierce

Illustrated by Agnes Lee. Send submissions here and read more Metropolitan Diary here .

Glad we could get together here. See you Monday. — J.B. P.S. Here’s today’s Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee . You can find all our puzzles here .

Luke Caramanico, Melissa Guerrero and Ed Shanahan contributed to New York Today. You can reach the team at [email protected].

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James Barron writes the New York Today newsletter, a morning roundup of what’s happening in the city. More about James Barron