Alcatraz Day Tour – tickets, prices, what to expect

The Alcatraz Day Tour is your chance to explore Alcatraz Island, home to one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history.

Once a Civil War fort and military prison, Alcatraz became infamous for holding criminals like Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly.

The most popular way to experience the island is the classic Alcatraz Day Tour. The tour offers a deep dive into the island’s layered past, featuring beautiful views, historic exhibits, and access to outdoor and indoor prison areas.

With a round-trip ferry from Pier 33, you’ll arrive at the windswept island, where you can follow self-guided exploration trails, see political messaging from the 1969 Native American Occupation, and experience the award-winning “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour“.

Top Tickets

– Alcatraz Day Tour
– Alcatraz Night Tour
– San Francisco Bay Cruise (no landing)
– Muir Woods, Sausalito & Alcatraz
– Muir Woods, Sausalito & Alcatraz + SFO city tour

Book tickets early, as Alcatraz Island tours sell out quickly.

What is the Alcatraz Day Tour?

The Alcatraz Day Tour is the cheapest and most popular way to explore the island. The self-guided experience offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom.

Once you step off the ferry, you are free to explore the island at your own pace until the last boat returns to the city in the late afternoon. You can explore the gardens, walk the perimeter trail for stunning views of San Francisco, listen to ranger talks, and, most importantly, tour the main Cellhouse.

Unlike the Night Tour, the Day Tour allows for an open-ended return. You can take any returning ferry you like (until the final boat of the day), allowing you to spend as little or as much time as you wish.

What the Alcatraz day tour includes

• Round-trip ferry service – Board your ferry from the Alcatraz Landing and then return at your convenient time
• Explore the Legendary Alcatraz Prison – Walk through the Cellhouse, Recreation Yard, and historic buildings, learning about prison life and escape attempts.
• Award-Winning Audio Tour – Hear firsthand stories from former inmates and guards, making history come alive.
• Outdoor Historic Spaces – Visit Eagle Plaza, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden while enjoying breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay.
• The Big Lockup Exhibit – Gain insight into mass incarceration in the U.S. and Alcatraz’s role in it.
• Engaging Ranger-Led Programs – Join live interpretive talks throughout the day to enhance your visit.

Important: The walk from the dock to the Cellhouse is steep—a ¼-mile (0.4 kms) uphill climb with a 130-foot elevation change (equal to a 13-story building). But don’t worry because the roads and walkways are wide with several places to stop and rest or take in the breathtaking views. Wear comfortable shoes.

What are Alcatraz day tour ferry timings

During the peak season (March 9 – November 1), Alcatraz Day Tour ferries start at 8:20 AM, with departures running approximately every 30 minutes. The last ferry to the Alcatraz island departs at 3:50 PM. Return ferries begin at 9:05 AM, with the final boat leaving Alcatraz at 6:35 PM, giving late-afternoon visitors plenty of time before heading back.

In the lean season (November 2 – March 8), the first ferry departs at 8:40 AM, with fewer departures than the peak months. The last ferry to Alcatraz leaves at 1:35 PM, meaning visitors must plan for an earlier visit. Return ferries begin at 9:05 AM, with the last ferry departing Alcatraz at 4:30 PM.

*March 9 – Nov 1
**Nov 2 – Mar 8

Read more: Full Alcatraz Ferry Schedule

From where do the ferries depart: Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, San Francisco, CA. Get Directions. Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 and all Alcatraz City Cruises vessels have accessible bathrooms.

Essential visitor tips for the day tour

Once you have successfully secured your tickets, a little preparation will ensure a smooth visit:

Arrive Early: The ferry leaves promptly. Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow time to go through security.

Bring ID: The person who purchased the tickets must present a valid government photo ID to pick up the tickets or board the ferry.

The Food & Drink Rule: You cannot eat inside the Alcatraz prison. You can have a picnic at the dock area when you first arrive, but all food must be packed before you start hiking up the hill. Guests can only carry bottled water past the ferry dock.

The “SEAT” Tram: The walk from the dock to the Cellhouse is equal to climbing a 13-story building over a quarter-mile ramp. If you have mobility issues or cannot make the climb, look for the SEAT (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) tram. It is an electric shuttle that runs on a loop from the dock to the prison entrance. Boarding is first-come, first-served for those with physical needs.

No Large Bags: There are no lockers on Alcatraz Island. So when on an Alcatraz Island day tour, you must carry everything you bring. Large backpacks and luggage are not allowed on the ferry, so pack light.

Related Read: More tips on having the perfect Alcatraz tour

How to dress for Alcatraz Day Tour

The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and often significantly colder than in the city. Even on a sunny day, the winds on the ferry and the exposed island can be freezing. The best strategy is to wear layers: start with a comfortable shirt, add a warm sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windbreaker or light rain jacket. This way, you can bundle up against the bay breeze but easily shed a layer if you get warm climbing the hill to the prison.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk from the island’s dock to the main Cellhouse is a steep, quarter-mile incline equivalent to climbing a 13-story building, often on uneven concrete or gravel. Wear sturdy, broken-in walking shoes or sneakers with good support. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or high heels, as you will be on your feet for two to three hours.

Note: The glare off the San Francisco Bay can be strong, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen even if it looks cloudy.

Alcatraz day tour vs Alcatraz night tour

Visitors often struggle to choose between the Day and Night options. Both include the ferry and the Cellhouse audio tour, but the atmosphere is very different.

Choose the day tour if:

You want flexibility: The Day Tour lets you return on any boat you choose, whereas the Night Tour has assigned return times.

You want to explore the outdoors: The Day Tour grants access to the Agave Trail (seasonally) and the gardens. During the Night Tour, most outdoor areas are closed for safety.

You want the best weather/views: San Francisco is foggy; the daytime offers the best chance of clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline.

Choose the night tour if:

You want a spookier atmosphere: Seeing the prison in the dark (and the sunset over the Golden Gate) adds a haunting layer to the experience.

You want fewer crowds: The Night Tour capacity is much smaller, making the prison feel more intimate (and more isolating).

You want exclusive programs: The Night Tour often includes special guided talks and the famous Cell Door Demonstration, where they slam the heavy steel doors in unison—a sound you won’t hear during the day.

Related Reading: Detailed comparison of day tour and night tour

Day cruise or Bay cruise – which is better?

This is the most common mistake tourists make: they book an Alcatraz Bay cruise and think they will be visiting Alcatraz Island.

Alcatraz Day Tour (The Landing): When you book the day tour, you actually step foot on the island. You walk into the prison, see the cells, and use the audio guide.

San Francisco Bay Tour (The Cruise): Your boat circles around Alcatraz Island. While it doesn’t allow you to step foot on Alcatraz, it offers stunning views of the prison, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline, all while providing fascinating historical insights through a narrated audio guide.

Choose a “Bay Tour” only if Alcatraz landing tickets are completely sold out, or if you have mobility issues that make walking the steep island difficult.

Read more: Alcatraz Day Tour or Bay Cruise?

Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions tourists planning to explore the Alcatraz Island during the day, ask before booking their tickets.