Alcatraz Tickets
Alcatraz is an infamous prison located on a small lonely island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, California.
Before it became a national landmark for tourists to visit that draws one million annually, it was a max security federal prison for dangerous criminals.
Alcatraz means “The Rock” in Spanish and that’s exactly what it is, a fortress with bunkers and military fortifications.
Many prisoners claimed that Alcatraz was where only the toughest convicts were allowed to stay.
Alcatraz was the first federal penitentiary, opened in 1934 and built from steel instead of stone and iron.
However, Alcatraz got closed down in 1964 due to expenses in maintenance.
Everything you need to know about Alcatraz Prison is covered in this article.
Why online tickets are better
Online Alcatraz tickets are better owing to the fact they are more convenient and cost-effective.
With online tickets, you can purchase tickets from anywhere, anytime and with the click of a button.
Additionally, buying tickets online often allows you to get discounted rates on regular and special events, making it easier to budget and plan your visit to Alcatraz.
Furthermore, online tickets provide a streamlined, efficient process compared to other purchasing methods, like over the phone or in person.
Finally, online tickets help reduce overcrowding and long lines at the ticket window, allowing visitors to quickly and easily access the island.
How online tickets work
Online Alcatraz tickets are purchased through a website that is maintained by the National Park Service.
The tickets are valid for a specific date and time and can be purchased well in advance.
The tickets are non-refundable and are subject to availability.
When purchasing tickets, visitors must select an available time slot and provide their personal information.
Once the tickets are purchased, they will be emailed to the visitor and should be printed or saved on their mobile device for use at the time of their visit.
Upon arrival at Alcatraz, visitors must present a ticket and a valid government-issued photo ID to gain admission.
Types of Alcatraz tickets
With so many things to do and see, it’s important to know which type of Alcatraz ticket is right for you.
There are five different types of tickets to choose from: Guided tours, Day trip tours, Bike tours, Cruise tours, and Alcatraz Combo tour tickets.
Each ticket offers a unique experience and can help you make the most of your visit to Alcatraz Island.
Here are some of the best Alcatraz tour tickets categorically
| Tour Category | Ticket | Ticket price range |
|---|---|---|
| Combo | Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour | $115 to $150 |
| Guided | San Francisco: Golden Gate Bike Tour and Alcatraz Ticket | $179 |
| Day trip | Tour Alcatraz + Muir Woods & Sausalito Day trip | $119 to $159 |
| Bike | San Francisco bike tour and Alcatraz ticket | $235 |
| Cruise | San Francisco Bay Cruise with Alcatraz Tour | $129 to $139 |
Where to buy tickets to Alcatraz
If you would like to purchase Alcatraz tickets, you can do so in person, over the phone, or online
At Pier 33 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, Alcatraz Cruises has a ticket booth where you can purchase tickets in person.
Due to the Island’s limited occupancy, demand for Alcatraz tickets is quite high and time slots tend to fill up quickly.
If you’re trying to get a last minute Alcatraz ticket, don’t worry, it’s sold out everywhere.
In such a case, it is recommended to book an Alcatraz combo tour that also includes access to Alcatraz Island.
Plus, these combo tickets are an economical last-minute option.
What to expect at Alcatraz
If you are visiting Alcatraz, you can expect to see a lot of history.
Alcatraz Island is a dramatic gem in San Francisco Bay, with panoramic views that span the city and its surrounding.
During its operation, it housed some of the most famous criminals in the country, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
Today, it is a popular tourist destination and visitors can take a ferry to Alcatraz island, tour the prison and learn about its history.
The prison was known for its harsh conditions and strict rules.
The Prison inmates were not allowed to speak to each other and were only allowed to leave their cells for an hour each day.
Once you reach this national landmark, you can take a self-guided tour around the spooky cells of Alcatraz. Check out other best combo Alcatraz guided tours.
The tour includes the cell block, the dining hall and the exercise yard.
Visitors can also see the island’s lighthouse and learn about the Native American history of the island.
Also, from the area by the lighthouse, you can have a lovely view across the bay and into the city.
Best time to visit Alcatraz
If you’re planning a visit to Alcatraz prison, it’s crucial to know the best time to visit in order to make the most of your trip.
Generally, early mornings are the best time of the day to visit Alcatraz since the park is less crowded in the morning.
You can avoid the crowds if you hop on the early bird ferry tour at 8.45 am from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero.
Mondays through Thursdays are often the best days of the week to visit Alcatraz if you want to escape the peak numbers of tourists who like to visit on weekends.
San Francisco has a pretty unpredictable climate one day; it’s nice sunny hot, shorts & tee shirt weather; the next overcast cool and you will need a sweater.
So if you want pleasant weather for your visit, plan a trip in April to May or September to October.
Late winter months, from January to March, are also the least crowded and the best months to visit Alcatraz island.
However, it rains frequently in the winter and the first few weeks of spring.
It is crowded during the American federal holiday weekend, so don’t expect to be the only one considering this idea.
How long does a tour of Alcatraz take?
There is no single answer to this question as to, how long does Alcatraz take to explore?
Well, it all depends on how much time someone wants to spend exploring the island.
There is a lot to see and do and the island is large enough that you won’t feel like other tourists are crowding you.
While the ferry ride to Alcatraz only takes about 15 minutes, visitors should plan on spending at least half a day exploring the island.
A rough estimate would be that it would take around 2-3 hours to explore Alcatraz fully.
Once you arrive at Alcatraz, you’ll want to take the audio tour, which is included in the price of your ferry ticket.
The tour is self-paced, so you can take as long as you want.
The tour covers the island’s history, from its days as a Native American fishing village to its time as a military fortification to its years as a maximum-security prison.
Such a fun tour! The audio tour of Alcatraz was very informative and interesting. They shared a wealth of information not only about the Alcatraz Prison, but also about the island and its history. The boat ride was beautiful and gave a great view of San Francisco and the bridges as well. I definitely recommend this.
Taylor P, TripAdvisor
Alcatraz FAQs
What is the cost of an Alcatraz ticket?
The cost of an Alcatraz ticket varies depending on the visitor’s preferences.
The cost of Alcatraz combo tours, which include excursions throughout San Francisco, ranges from $113 to $160 for an adult.
This excludes the price of the luxury combo, the price of which is determined by the rental automobile.
The cost of the cruise tour is $139 per adult, compared to $235 for the San Francisco bike tour plus Alcatraz admission.
The Alcatraz Ticket + Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour ticket, which costs at $99 for an adult, is the most economical option.
Is it difficult to get tickets for Alcatraz?
Alcatraz is so popular among San Francisco visitors that reservations are usually made months in advance.
Hence, obtaining tickets on-site is nearly impossible, especially during peak tourist season.
So it’s advisable to book the Alcatraz tickets early online.
Is Alcatraz island open all year round?
Alcatraz Island is open all year long except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year days.
What are the different types of tour options available?
Four alternative tour options are available to visitors visiting Alcatraz Island: the Early Bird Tour, Day Tour, Night Tour, and Behind the Scenes Tour.
You are advised to book tickets in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment due to limited occupancy at Alcatraz prison.
Are there any food, drinking, or smoking restrictions?
Eating food (including candy and chewing gum) and drinking are not allowed beyond the dock.
Smoking is only permitted on designated parts of the dock, beyond that only drinking water in non-glass bottles is allowed.
Are the tour timings different for different seasons?
Yes, apart from the early Bird Tour, all other tour timings differ according to the season. For more information, visit our Alcatraz ferry schedule seasonal timings.
Is food service available on the island?
No, food services are not available on the island.
However, visitors can bring their own food and eat it at the picnic area located at the dock, also bottled water is available all throughout the island.
Are there any restrictions on photography at Alcatraz?
As long as the location being photographed is accessible to the public, there are no restrictions on photography on the island.
Is COVID vaccination proof required for the Alcatraz tour?
No, COVID vaccination proof is not required however face masks are mandatory in boarding queues, onboard our vessels and in all indoor spaces on the island.
Featured Image: Tupungato / Getty Images