How to reach Alcatraz

Alcatraz island is located in the San Francisco Bay, about 1.5 miles from Fisherman’s Wharf and 3.2 miles from the mainland. Get Directions

Due to its remote location in the middle of nowhere, the only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz City Cruises LLC.

San Francisco’s ferry tours are one of the best ways to visit Alcatraz.

The ferry to Alcatraz island leaves from the landing dock at Pier 33 on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, the city’s east-facing waterfront.

Hence, knowing the ferry timings is crucial to ensuring your vacation runs smoothly.

Pier 33 also known as Alcatraz landing is about a 7-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Pier 39 also known as Fisherman’s Wharf.

The ferry ride to Alcatraz island usually takes 15 minutes from Pier 33.

Visitors are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to depart.

Note: Ferries to Alcatraz island depart every 30 minutes, depending on the season and the time of day your visit, the ferry timing varies. Check out Alcatraz’s opening hours.

You will find the ticket booth, the waiting area, and the boarding area at the Pier, where visitors can book their ferry tickets at the ticket booth or online.

Featured Image: Exp1.com