Tickets, prices, the Pier 33 mistake everyone makes, and how to avoid overpaying.
Last verified: September 29, 2026
Closure notice: Alcatraz Island will be closed to visitors from October 26 to November 18, 2026, for ferry dock repairs, according to the National Park Service. Weather could change these dates. If you already have tickets for this period, your ticket seller will contact you about refunds or rebooking.
Alcatraz tickets sell out, and the ferry leaves from a pier many visitors get wrong. Here’s how to plan your visit.
Quick answer: Alcatraz City Cruises (cityexperiences.com) is the only company that can land visitors on the island. Tickets go on sale 90 days ahead and sell out early in summer. Ferries leave from Pier 33, not Pier 39. Adult Day Tour tickets are about $47.95.
Who Sells Alcatraz Tickets
Alcatraz City Cruises, now operating as City Experiences, is the only company allowed to land visitors on the island. You can book at cityexperiences.com, by phone, or at the Pier 33 ticket office. Other sites resell official tickets, sometimes at a markup, and some sell “Alcatraz” bay cruises that only sail past the island without landing. If a listing doesn’t mention Pier 33 or costs much more than the prices below, check what you’re actually buying.
2026 Ticket Prices
Day Tour: about $47.95
Night Tour: about $59.65 (select evenings only)
Behind the Scenes Tour: about $104.65 (ages 12 and up)
Tickets include the round-trip ferry and the cellhouse audio tour. Children, juniors, and seniors pay different rates.
When to Book
Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance. Summer dates and weekends often sell out weeks ahead, and the Night Tour and Behind the Scenes Tour go faster than the Day Tour. If you know your dates, book as soon as they open.
If your date is sold out, keep checking the official site. Cancellations open up spots, especially in the last few days before a date. Some tour companies also sell combo packages with their own ticket allocations.
The #1 Mistake: Wrong Pier
Pier 33, Not Pier 39
The Alcatraz ferry leaves from Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) on the Embarcadero, south of the much better-known Pier 39. Pier 39 is a shopping and sea lion area with no Alcatraz ferry. Mixing them up can cost you your sailing.
What Time to Arrive
Your ticket shows the ferry’s departure time. Arrive at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes before that time. Boarding closes shortly before departure, so don’t cut it close.
On the Island
- Day Tour ferries start at 8:45am and leave about every half hour. Most people spend 2.5 to 3 hours on the island, and you can return on any later ferry that day.
- The Night Tour includes evening ranger programs, but it runs only on select evenings and has much smaller capacity.
- Food: There’s no restaurant or cafe. The bookstore sells water and light snacks, and eating is allowed only in the dock area, so eat before you go.
- Layers: The island is windier and colder than the city, even in summer.
- Comfortable shoes: The path up to the cellhouse is steep. A tram is available for visitors with limited mobility.
Getting to Pier 33
Pier 33 is on the Embarcadero, between the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf. The F-line historic streetcar runs along the Embarcadero. Rideshare drivers should enter “Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.” Parking nearby is limited and expensive. See our guide to getting around SF without a car, our Fisherman’s Wharf parking guide, or our San Francisco ferry guide.
Book Your Alcatraz Tour
The links below go to authorized tour sellers. Compare their price with the official price on cityexperiences.com before booking.
Day Tour
The classic self-paced visit with the cellhouse audio tour and round-trip ferry.
Night Tour
Evening ranger programs and smaller crowds. Capacity is limited, so book early.
Private Behind the Scenes Tour
A private guided tour for your own group, including areas not open on the regular tour. Check group size and pricing on the booking page.
Where to Stay
Staying near the Embarcadero, North Beach, or Fisherman’s Wharf puts you close to Pier 33. See our San Francisco neighborhood guide.
Book Your San Francisco Stay
Find a hotel or vacation rental near the waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alcatraz closed in fall 2026?
Yes. The National Park Service says Alcatraz Island will close to visitors from October 26 to November 18, 2026, while crews replace pilings on the ferry dock. Weather could change the dates. People with tickets for that period will be contacted by their ticket seller about refunds or rebooking.
How much are Alcatraz tickets in 2026?
Adult prices in 2026 are about $47.95 for the Day Tour, $59.65 for the Night Tour, and $104.65 for the Behind the Scenes Tour. Tickets include the round-trip ferry and the cellhouse audio tour. Check cityexperiences.com for current prices.
Where does the Alcatraz ferry leave from?
Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) on the Embarcadero. It is not Pier 39.
How far in advance can I buy Alcatraz tickets?
Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance through Alcatraz City Cruises, and summer weekends often sell out weeks ahead. Book as soon as your dates open.
Is there food on Alcatraz Island?
There’s no restaurant or cafe. The island bookstore sells bottled water and light snacks, and eating is allowed only in the dock area. Eat before you board.
When should I arrive at Pier 33?
At least 30 minutes before your ferry’s departure time.
Quick Reference: Alcatraz Tickets 2026
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 closure | October 26 – November 18, 2026 |
| Official operator | Alcatraz City Cruises (cityexperiences.com) |
| Departure pier | Pier 33, NOT Pier 39 |
| Tickets go on sale | 90 days ahead |
| Day Tour (adult) | About $47.95 |
| Night Tour (adult) | About $59.65 |
| Behind the Scenes (adult) | About $104.65, ages 12+ |
| Arrive at the pier | At least 30 minutes early |
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