How to get on the Alcatraz ferry?
If your visit to Alcatraz Island is still a few months away, there are three ways to book your slot on the ferry to Alcatraz. In-person: Visit the Alcatraz Landing ticket office at Pier 33, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, and buy them in person.
How to get to Alcatraz Pier 33?
Alcatraz City Cruises - Pier 33 The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz City Cruises, LLC. They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south east of Fisherman's Wharf. There is no parking at Pier 33. See map below. Parking
How long does it take to tour Alcatraz?
How long does a tour of Alcatraz take? The Alcatraz Island day tour includes the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, the Cell House audio tour, the optional exhibits, and the ferry ride back, all of which take approximately three hours. The ferry rides take 12-15 minutes each way, allowing for two and a half hours on the island.
How much does it cost to get to Alcatraz?
The cost starts at just over $3 and usually costs between $10 and $15 depending on your pick up location. Driving is another option. However, there is no parking right at Pier 33 so you'll have to find a lot and walk over to Pier 33 for your ferry to visit Alcatraz.
What time of day is best to visit Alcatraz?
Early morning is best if you prefer to go when the island is less crowded. Midday is best if you prefer a warmer day and sunny skies. I took the photo below on the Agave Trail about 1pm in early December. It was a gorgeous sunny day with temperatures in the 60s.
What pier is the Alcatraz ferry?
Pier 33Pier 33 under a blue sky. Pier 33 is located along San Francisco's Embarcadero. This is the spot to catch the ferry that whisks you away for an experience of a lifetime on Alcatraz!
How often does the Alcatraz ferry run?
approximately every thirty to forty minutesThe ferry, operated by Alcatraz City Cruises, runs approximately every thirty to forty minutes to and from Alcatraz. You may return to San Francisco on any ferry. The island closes for the day at 6:30pm in the summer, and 4:30pm in fall, winter and spring.
Where does the ferry leave for Alcatraz?
Pier 33Alcatraz City Cruises - Pier 33 The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz City Cruises, LLC. They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south east of Fisherman's Wharf. There is no parking at Pier 33.
Can you bring bags to Alcatraz?
Bags larger than a standard backpack, 16” x 20”, are not allowed on Alcatraz Island. Visitors with luggage or oversized packages and bags will be unable to board Alcatraz City Cruises vessels or visit Alcatraz Island and will receive refunds.
How much is the ferry ride to Alcatraz?
Departure Schedule Alcatraz City CruisesBay Discovery CruisePriceAdult 18-61 years old$40.00Junior 12-17 years old$40.00Children 5-11 years old$25.00Senior 62+ years old$35.001 more row
How early should I arrive for Alcatraz tour?
To allow ample time for screening, it is strongly recommend that you arrive at Alcatraz Landing at least 45 minutes prior to your departure time. Due to social distancing requirements in the Cellhouse, there may be a lengthy wait for the Cellhouse Audio Tour.
Can I bring a water bottle to Alcatraz?
Eating, drinking and smoking is only permitted on the dock. Beyond the dock only bottled water in non-glass bottles is allowed to be consumed.
Are there bathrooms on Alcatraz?
Are there bathrooms on Alcatraz? There are bathrooms on most of the ferries on the way over and back. There are also restrooms in two locations on the island. One is right near the ferry terminal.
Is the Alcatraz behind the scenes tour worth it?
6 answers. Behind the Scenes is definitely worth the extra money, especially since it goes back into maintaining and renovating Alcatraz. The audio tour is included in all tours so it is nice to have a guide with you for part of the time. You get to go down into the moat which is very interesting.
What time does Alcatraz open?
Hours: Monday – Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Alcatraz Island is closed on the following days: January 1. Thanksgiving (4th Thursday of November)
Can you see Alcatraz from Pier 39?
PIER 39 is home to two levels of unique specialty shops that are surrounded by stunning views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz Island and the famous San Francisco city skyline.
Is ferry included in Alcatraz?
Alcatraz tickets are all inclusive. The ticket price includes the ferry transportation service provided by Alcatraz City Cruises, the cellhouse audio tour provided by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act fee.
How early should I arrive for Alcatraz tour?
To allow ample time for screening, it is strongly recommend that you arrive at Alcatraz Landing at least 45 minutes prior to your departure time. Due to social distancing requirements in the Cellhouse, there may be a lengthy wait for the Cellhouse Audio Tour.
Can you go to Alcatraz without a tour?
Is Alcatraz open to the public? Alcatraz is open to public tours. However, the Alcatraz docks are exclusively available to one ferry line, Alcatraz Cruises. So, the only way the public can visit this famous jail in San Francisco is to buy a tour and take one of the official Alcatraz ferries.
How many piers are in San Francisco?
The Embarcadero Historic District is comprised of over 20 piers and facilities that connect San Francisco to Bay Area communities and beyond. These piers have played critical roles in fishing, cargo and shipping industries, wartime efforts, transportation and more.
Where do the ferry rides leave from in Alcatraz?
Ferries leave from Pier 33 just south of Fisherman's Wharf. Your ticket is timed and you can only take that ferry to Alcatraz. Arrive no less than 20 to 30 minutes before the time on your ticket. Bring as little as possible as there are no storage lockers.
Who operates the Alcatraz ferry?
The ferry is currently operated by a company called Alcatraz Cruises. They operate all of their ferries out of Pier 33. This is a change from previous years, when the ferry to Alcatraz left from Pier 42.
How do I know which ferry to take to return to San Francisco?
Before you head over to visit Alcatraz, you might also want to plan for which return ferry you want to take. You will find this sign in a number of places. They are strict about leaving on time, so arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes in advance to secure your place on your return ferry.
How to get to Pier 33?
One option to get to Pier 33 is to take the F streetcar line from Union Square. This streetcar runs about every 15 minutes up and down Market Street.
What happens when you arrive at Alcatraz?
When you arrive to visit Alcatraz, everyone on the ferry will get off at the one and only stop.
How long is the Alcatraz hill?
It's not a race, so feel free to take your time getting up the hill. The hill is about a fourth of a mile long.
How far in advance can you take a ferry back to San Francisco?
You will find this sign in a number of places. They are strict about leaving on time, so arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes in advance to secure your place on your return ferry. You can take any ferry back to San Francisco after your visit.
Where is Pier 33 in Alcatraz?
Pier 33 is near the intersections of Sansome Street and The Embarcadero, and Bay Street and The Embarcadero. It is just 400 meters (a quarter of a mile) from Fisherman’s Wharf. The Alcatraz Landing area at Pier 33 includes the Ticketbooth, waiting, and boarding areas.
How long does a tour of Alcatraz take?
The Alcatraz Island day tour includes the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, the Cell House audio tour, the optional exhibits, and the ferry ride back, all of which take approximately three hours.
What are the tours of Alcatraz?
Alcatraz tour ticket’s inclusions 1 Ferry transportation from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island 2 On-board narration during round-trip ferry ride 3 The Cell House audio guide 4 The tour of the prison (using the audio guide) 5 Other programs and exhibits going on in Alcatraz 6 Return ferry from Alcatraz Island to Pier 33
What time does Alcatraz tour?
Alcatraz & Angel Island Combo tour happens at 9.30 am , all through the year.
How high is the cell house in Alcatraz?
Once you get down at Alcatraz Island, a steep 400 meters (1312 feet) climb takes you to the Cell House. This elevation change is 40 meters (130 feet). Some visitors prefer to rest in between, while others manage this distance faster.
How far is Alcatraz from San Francisco?
Alcatraz is a rocky island 2 km (1.5 miles) from the San Francisco shore.
How long does it take to see Alcatraz?
However, you can pause it at regular intervals and pace your exploration. Alcatraz night tours also tend to take three hours. Save up to 45% on ticket prices of the top 25 attractions in San Francisco. To save time and money during your SFO holiday, buy San Francisco’s Go Card.
Where is Pier 33 in Alcatraz?
They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south east of Fisherman's Wharf. There is no parking at Pier 33.
How much does it cost to park at Alcatraz?
Be aware that prices for parking in this area can vary greatly, as little as $8-10 for all day, to as high as $6 an hour. As a visit to Alcatraz can easily take 2 to 3 hours (or more) it can be worth while to shop around for parking. It is even better to take public transportation when possible. Public Transportation.
Where is the drop off zone at Alcatraz?
An "Accessibility Drop Off Zone" is located at the entrance to Alcatraz Cruises - Pier 33 for visitors with special needs arriving by automobile. There are fifteen commercial lots within a five-block radius of the Alcatraz Cruises - Pier 33, with a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces.
What is the best way to get around San Francisco?
Public Transportation. When in San Francisco public transportation is the best way to get around. The Muni F Line runs along Market Street (east) then turns north on The Embarcadero, and runs right past the ferry terminal (on your right) and then on through Fisherman's Wharf.
Where do the Ferries stop in the Embarcadero?
The following ferry lines terminate at the Ferry Building on The Embarcadero unless otherwise stated. Ferries that stop at Pier 41 is where passengers can transfer to MUNI’s F & E Historic Streetcar line, private transit service, or walk to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.
Who operates the Golden Gate ferry?
Operated by Golden Gate TRANSIT. Offers ferries from Larkspur and the North Bay. http://goldengateferry.org/schedules/Larkspur.php or call 415.455.2000.