San Francisco · ALCATRAZ TOURS

Alcatraz Tickets & Tours: The 15 Best Ways Onto the Island

84 tours  ·  from $40

Every ticket is a ferry seat, which is why the island sells out and the pier has no standby line. These 15 sort the plain sailing from the night visit and the combinations that bundle a bay cruise or a city tour, with prices and how far ahead each really needs booking.

San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App - The ferry crossing and the first view of Alcatraz
Alcatraz Tours, Guided, San Francisco Self-Guided Audio Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App

1.Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,460 reviews · 3 hours · from $79Our pick

Meet at Pier 33 for a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, then explore the cellhouse, former cells, island grounds, and San Francisco views at your own pace. Your $79 ticket includes the official ferry, island admission, and a self-guided app tour. A National Park Service cellhouse audio tour may also be available on site.

“was really informative loved the self guide tour could take your time and absorb the info”

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San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour - What the Big Bus route shows you
Alcatraz Tours, San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

2.Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,245 reviews · 2 days · from $120

Visit Alcatraz with its excellent Cell House audio guide, then use a 48-hour Big Bus pass to explore San Francisco. You’ll also get Aquarium by the Bay, a Chinatown walking tour, and a panoramic sunset ride covering the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and more.

“What an incredible day! Alcatraz was fascinating, eery, bleak but well worth a visit! The ferry there and back was very well organised with regular boats back and forth. Really worth the money including the 2 day hop on and off bus instead of Ubers and has earphones to learn about all the landmarks. Glad I booked this and even better that the weather was incredible!”

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Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour - A broad city tour before the ferry
Alcatraz Tours, City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour

3.Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,228 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $149

Begin with a guided San Francisco coach tour covering the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Lands End, Chinatown, North Beach, and more. Afterward, take the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz for the Cellhouse audio tour. Guides such as Michelle may lead the city portion, but assignments vary.

“Everything about Alkatraz was good n the Golden Gate though the rain.Also the tour guide did a great job n was very friendly n accommodative.”

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San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise - Inside the Cellhouse with Doing Time
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San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

4.Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,577 reviews · 4 hours · from $135

Visit Alcatraz by ferry, follow the 45-minute Doing Time cellhouse audio tour in your language, and take a separate Blue and Gold Fleet cruise past Pier 39, the waterfront, and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Plan extra time, dress warmly, and arrive at Pier 33 30 minutes early.

“The Alcatraz tour was excellent. The boat ride was enjoyable and short, capturing great views of the city. I loved the audio guided tour of Alcatraz and we even got to enjoy some live informative talks from the national park guides at Alcatraz! Please allow yourself more time though for both tours. 4 hours is not necessarily an accurate estimate of the time it takes to do both tours. I would allow yourself at least 6 hours to enjoy both tours without rushing and with time to grab a bite to eat in between. Also really valued that the boat to and from Alcatraz was both solar and wind powered.”

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One Day in San Francisco: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and SF City Tour - Pacific Heights, the Presidio, and the best photo stops
1-Day Tours, Alcatraz Tours, City Tours, Muir Woods Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

One Day in San Francisco: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and SF City Tour

5.One Day in San Francisco: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and SF City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,445 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $129Top rated

Start in North Beach for a guided San Francisco drive, then cross the Golden Gate Bridge, walk among the redwoods at Muir Woods, and stop in Sausalito for lunch. Finish at Pier 33 with the official Alcatraz ferry and prison tour. Guides such as Patrick, Roger, Per, and Barry add local stories and humor.

“Nice itinerary! Our driver is very knowledgeable of the area. He was able to accommodate a change in pick up location for me and my friend due to a minor accident.”

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Alcatraz Tour Plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip - Golden Gate Bridge views at North Vista Point
1-Day Tours, Alcatraz Tours, Muir Woods Tours, Sausalito Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Alcatraz Tour Plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip

6.Alcatraz Tour Plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,194 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Start early with a narrated coach trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods and Sausalito, then visit Alcatraz from Pier 33. You get a 45-minute cellhouse audio tour, free time in the redwoods, and a short Sausalito stop. The bus portion ends before Alcatraz.

“Really enjoyed Alcatraz. Recommend any to do this tour. Muir Woods was lovely if you are a nature lover. I rate the woods tour 6/10 with Alcatraz 9/10. We also went to the town Sausalito which was lovely but it was a fill in tour.”

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Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour - Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge
Alcatraz Tours, Muir Woods Tours, Sausalito Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

7.Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,131 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $159

See Alcatraz with its ferry and Cellhouse audio tour, walk among ancient redwoods at Muir Woods, and explore Sausalito. A Mercedes Sprinter van carries up to 14 people, with guides such as Ben, Anja, Dustin, and Katia providing local stories. Expect a full, tightly timed day with no transport after Alcatraz.

“We had a great experience. Our your guide was very informative and he tried his best to accommodate despite the federal park closures”

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Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz - One hour among the redwoods at Muir Woods
Alcatraz Tours, Golden Gate Bridge Tours, Muir Woods Tours, Sausalito Tours, Tour Reviews

Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

8.Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,106 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $119

Travel by minibus with a local guide such as Patrick, Per, or Brendan through San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, into Muir Woods, and on to Sausalito. You get water, a snack, photo stops, and free time for lunch. An Alcatraz option is available when tickets remain.

“We booked this day trip while in SF because it covered a few of the top areas we wanted to see and having a guide always makes it so much better! Our guide Brendan was fabulous! Very knowledgeable and funny and provided some great recommendations for food and entertainment. We toured the SF area and made our way to Muir Woods which has been one of my “must do” activities for years. Perfect day to explore the easy loop and get some stunning photos. Lunch in Saulusito was quick but good. Try Spinnakers and ask to sit by the water. We made it to the docks to board to Alcatraz…”

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San Francisco: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise - The audio tour gives the prison its voice
Alcatraz Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, San Francisco Bay Cruises, Tour Reviews

San Francisco: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise

9.Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,049 reviews · 4 hours · from $125

Take the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, follow the award-winning cellhouse audio tour in your choice of nine languages, then enjoy a separate one-hour Bay cruise from Pier 39. The cruise may be taken the same day or on another day, subject to space.

“absolutely fantastic, we spent 3+1/2 hours on the island, the audio guide was very informative. there's lots of information all throughout the tour. would highly recommend this excursion. worth every penny. seeing Alcatraz today - it's such a pretty island with beautiful gardens tended to by volunteers and a variety of birds.”

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San Francisco: Alcatraz Tour with Muir Woods and Sausalito - Muir Woods, where the day slows down
Alcatraz Tours, Muir Woods Tours, Sausalito Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Francisco: Alcatraz Tour with Muir Woods and Sausalito

10.Alcatraz Tour with Muir Woods and Sausalito

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,017 reviews · 7 hours · from $143

Spend seven hours with an English-speaking local guide and up to 13 other people. Choose Muir Woods first at 8:30 AM or Alcatraz first at 9:10 AM. Expect redwoods, Sausalito, a Golden Gate photo stop, ferry tickets, and Alcatraz’s excellent cellhouse audio tour.

“The tour was great. Robert, our tour guide, was very nice and talked about a lot of those interesting details which made the trip so much better.”

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Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise - The 45-minute cellhouse audio tour
Alcatraz Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, San Francisco Bay Cruises, San Francisco Night Tours, Tour Reviews

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

11.Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 969 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $139

Start at Pier 33 for a ferry to Alcatraz, where a 45-minute audio tour brings former inmates and guards into the story. Explore at your own pace, then take a separate 60-minute cruise from Pier 39 past the sea lions and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Choose day or night Alcatraz access.

“It was a very interesting experience and I enjoyed the harbor views and learning the history of Alcatraz”

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San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and optional Alcatraz tour - Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge photo stops
Alcatraz Tours, Muir Woods Tours, Sausalito Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and optional Alcatraz tour

12.San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and optional Alcatraz tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 755 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $119

Start in Little Italy at 9 a.m. for a guided minibus tour through San Francisco, with photo stops at Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge, 90 minutes in Muir Woods, and time in Sausalito. The optional Alcatraz upgrade adds one of the city’s most memorable sights.

“Fantastic tour. Small group made it flexible to what we wanted. Patrick has a wealth of knowledge. Highly recommend and we will book again next time in SF.”

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San Francisco: Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf & Optional Extras - Fisherman’s Wharf beyond the seafood stalls
Alcatraz Tours, Fisherman's Wharf Tours, Tour Reviews

San Francisco: Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf & Optional Extras

13.Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf & Optional Extras

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 663 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $99

Walk Fisherman’s Wharf with an English-speaking guide, visiting Pier 39, Hyde Street Pier, Musée Mécanique, and the Barbary Coast trail. Then take the ferry to Alcatraz for a self-guided prison visit with multilingual audio. Optional upgrades add a bay cruise or SkyStar Wheel ride.

“Robert was a blast! So much knowledge told in a fun way. Lots of tips for the area and made the tour really fun. Really worth doing the tour! We went on to Alcotraz afterwards and it was great as well, so much history really interesting to see and the rangers are all great over there too. Thanks to Robert again for a great tour!”

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San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour - The recorded commentary is better than background noise
Alcatraz Tours, San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

14.Alcatraz Island & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 647 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $120

Visit Alcatraz by ferry, hear the Cell House audio tour, and use a 48-hour open-top bus pass to explore San Francisco. You can board at 15 stops, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Aquarium by the Bay, walk Chinatown with a digital guide, and join a panoramic sunset bus tour.

“Amazing experience! Alcatraz was an incredible experience, the narrated tour was fantastic, educational and entertaining. The hop on hop off bus was great, just layer up if you’re sitting up top to go across the Golden Gate Bridge. We almost froze! Highly recommend”

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San Francisco: Alcatraz, Ferry & Audio Tour w/ Night Option - Alcatraz Island: cliffs, gardens, ruins, and old island life
Alcatraz Tours, Audio Tours, Evening Experiences, San Francisco Night Tours, San Francisco Self-Guided Audio Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Francisco: Alcatraz, Ferry & Audio Tour w/ Night Option

15.Alcatraz, Ferry & Audio Tour w/ Night Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 617 reviews · 3 hours · from $78Best value

Take the official ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, then explore the cellhouse, gardens, ruins, and protest sites with two audio experiences. Your phone guide covers the full journey, while the official cellhouse tour adds inmate voices and prison history. A night option includes ranger introductions and special access.

“I enjoyed the experience on Alcatraz - I think I had thought I may learn more about the inmates on the Audio. The extra talk we listened to about the escapes was really good and worth stay for. The boat trip over was easy and the views were fabulous”

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New in Alcatraz Tours

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