Alcatraz Night Tour – tickets, prices, what to expect
The Alcatraz Night Tour offers a rare opportunity to explore Alcatraz Island after dark, adding an eerie atmospheric touch to the experience.
Limited to just a few hundred visitors per evening, this exclusive tour features special programs, guided talks, and demonstrations unavailable during the daytime.
As your adventure begins, the ferry takes a special route around the island, offering live narration and breathtaking sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Once docked, visitors can enjoy the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour, watch a cell door demonstration, and participate in optional evening talks by Alcatraz historians.
What’s ahead
Why choose this tour?
- Exclusive after-dark access – Experience Alcatraz at night, with fewer crowds and a more immersive atmosphere.
- Live ferry narration & scenic route – The ferry circles Alcatraz, offering a unique perspective and incredible views of San Francisco’s skyline at night.
- Award-winning cellhouse audio tour – Hear firsthand accounts from former prisoners and guards, including stories of daring escape attempts.
- Special night-only programs – Join guided talks, cell door demonstrations, and interactive exhibits available only on the Night Tour.
- Spooky & atmospheric experience – Walk through dimly lit prison corridors and solitary confinement cells, feeling the intensity of life inside Alcatraz.
Insider Tip: 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.
Book This TourSchedule of Alcatraz night tours
Night tours of Alcatraz are available Tuesday to Saturday, except on July 4, 2025, when no tours are offered.
| Season | Departure times | Return ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 9 – Nov 2 | 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:05 PM | 7 PM, 8 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:30 PM |
| Nov 3 – Mar 8 | 3:50 PM, 4:45 PM* | 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM |
*Selected dates only
Where to meet?
Meeting Point: Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, San Francisco, CA. Get Directions
Accessible bathrooms are available at Pier 33 and on all Alcatraz City Cruises vessels.
What to wear?
Alcatraz can be chilly and windy at night, so dress in layers. Wear long pants, a warm jacket or windbreaker, and comfortable walking shoes to stay warm and comfortable throughout your visit.
Who is the night tour best for?
The Alcatraz Night Tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience, making it perfect for different types of visitors.
If you’re a thrill seeker or paranormal enthusiast, exploring Alcatraz after dark is an unforgettable experience. The island is quieter, the prison feels more eerie, and the ghost stories make it even spookier.
For history lovers, this tour goes beyond the basics. You’ll learn about Alcatraz’s military history, its time as a high-security prison, and the Native American Occupation through exclusive evening talks.
Photography enthusiasts will love capturing the San Francisco skyline glowing at night and the prison’s hauntingly beautiful interiors under dim lighting.
If you’re traveling as a couple or in a small group, this tour is a great way to experience something unique and different from the usual daytime sightseeing.
Finally, true crime and mystery fans will enjoy stepping inside solitary confinement cells, hearing real inmate stories, and reliving dramatic escape attempts that made Alcatraz so famous.
Alcatraz night or day tour?
Both the Alcatraz Day Tour and Alcatraz Night Tour include a round-trip ferry ride and the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour, giving you a deep dive into the island’s fascinating history.
However, if you are drawn to Alcatraz’s dark and eerie past, the Night Tour offers a more haunting and unforgettable experience, with fewer crowds and a mysterious atmosphere.
Read more: Alcatraz’s day tour or night tour?
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions tourists have before booking their night tour of Alcatraz.
How far in advance should I book Alcatraz Night Tour tickets?
It’s best to book as early as possible since the Alcatraz Night Tour is very popular and can sell out months in advance. Secure your tickets as soon as you finalize your travel plans.
When will I receive my tickets, and how do I redeem them?
Your Alcatraz Night Tour tickets will be emailed to you when you purchase. On the day of your tour, show the QR code on your mobile ticket at Pier 33 and proceed to the boarding line to catch the ferry.
Do I need a printed ticket for the Alcatraz Night Tour?
No, you do not need a printed ticket. You can show your ticket on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, for entry.
Can I use my National Parks Pass for the Alcatraz Night Tour?
No, the Alcatraz Night Tour is not included with the National Parks Pass. You must purchase the tickets separately.
What time does the Alcatraz Night Tour start?
During the peak season (March 9 to November 2), Alcatraz cruises depart for the night tour at 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:05 PM. During the winter season (November 3 to March 8), departures are earlier at 3:50 PM and 4:45 PM. Regardless of the season, it’s best to arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
How long can I stay on Alcatraz Island during the Night Tour?
You can stay on Alcatraz Island for as long as you like, as long as you catch the last ferry back at 9:25 PM. Your ticket is for a specific departure time to the island, but you have flexibility when returning to Pier 33.
Is the Alcatraz Night Tour worth it?
Yes! The Alcatraz Night Tour offers a spooky, immersive experience with fewer crowds and a unique atmosphere. The lighting and shadows make the prison feel more eerie, and visitors can enjoy special evening programs and guided talks unavailable during the Day Tour.
Is the Alcatraz Night Tour guided?
The tour is self-guided, but visitors receive an award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour, available in 11 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Russian. The audio guide provides fascinating stories about the prison, its history, and former inmates.
Can children visit Alcatraz at night?
Yes, children can visit Alcatraz at night, but parents should keep in mind that the Night Tour has a darker, more eerie atmosphere, which may not be suitable for very young kids.
Can I bring food to Alcatraz Island?
No, food is not allowed on Alcatraz Island. However, snacks and drinks are available for purchase on the Alcatraz ferry and Bay Cruise boats.
Are backpacks, luggage, or strollers allowed on the Alcatraz Night Tour?
Only small backpacks are allowed. Large luggage, coolers, and strollers are not permitted. For security reasons, the maximum allowed backpack size is 16” x 20”.
Is the Alcatraz Night Tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Alcatraz ferry and Bay Cruises are wheelchair accessible. However, some areas of Alcatraz Island have steep hills that may be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. The S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram is available to assist visitors with mobility needs.
Is Alcatraz Landing accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Alcatraz Landing, including the Ticket Booth, waiting areas, and boarding zones, is fully accessible. However, wheelchairs are unavailable for loan at Pier 33 or Alcatraz Island.
