Alcatraz night tour standby tickets – a last minute gamble

The Alcatraz Night Tour is a highly sought-after experience, offering visitors a unique chance to explore the infamous prison after dark.

However, tickets sell out fast, sometimes months in advance.

If you didn’t book ahead, standby tickets offer a last-minute way to secure a spot—but it’s a gamble.

Here’s everything you need to know about trying to get standby tickets to the Alcatraz Night Tour.

How to get standby tickets for Alcatraz Night Tour

Alcatraz City Cruises, the company that runs the Alcatraz tours, sets aside a small number of standby tickets each morning. 

These tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis at the Alcatraz Landing ticket office.

Tips to improve your chances:

• Arrive early – Some people start lining up as early as 5 AM.
• Be first in line – The ticket office opens at 9 AM, and only 10 to 20 standby tickets are available each day.

If you get a ticket in the morning, make sure to return 30 minutes before the evening ferry departs to claim your spot.

Departure times for stand-by ticket holders

Since the evening ferries to Alcatraz depart at 5:55 PM and 6:30 PM, you should arrive at least 30 minutes early to check for any available spots due to no-shows.

During the winter months, this nighttime ferry departure happens at 3:50 pm.

Standby tickets are honored in the order they were sold—meaning those who got their tickets first have priority over later buyers.

Does a standby ticket guarantee a Tour?

Just because you got a standby ticket doesn’t mean you will go on the Alcatraz island tour.

On average, 50% of the tourists with standby Alcatraz tickets return home without boarding the ferry. The lucky 50% go on a night tour of Alcatraz Island.

If you don’t get on, you can return to the ticket office for a refund. The office is open until 7 PM.

Alcatraz Night Tour combo tickets – a better alternative

Standby tickets aren’t your only option if you’re looking for last-minute Alcatraz tickets.

Another way to secure a ticket is by booking an Alcatraz combo tour—they bundle the Alcatraz Night Tour with other attractions around San Francisco.

These combo tours increase your chances of stepping foot on Alcatraz island when the standard night tour tickets are sold out.

Most tourists don’t mind paying extra for the Alcatraz combo tickets because they can see more San Francisco in one package.

While others are just happy that they get to board a ferry to Alcatraz and may not even want to do the other activity.

Alcatraz Night Tour + Bay Cruise

Sail around San Francisco Bay for one hour before heading to Alcatraz. The cruise takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge, offering breathtaking views.

Alcatraz Night Tour + Muir Woods & Sausalito

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stop at a scenic viewpoint, then visit the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods. Explore the charming seaside town of Sausalito before heading to Alcatraz.

Alcatraz Night Tour + Yosemite Day Tour

On Day 1, experience the Alcatraz Night Tour, where you’ll explore the infamous prison after dark, followed by entry to the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39. On Day 2, embark on a full-day trip to Yosemite, which includes a guided tour of the park and three hours of free time to explore its breathtaking landscapes at your own pace.