Overview
There is only one legal way onto Alcatraz, and it is the official ferry. Your ticket bundles the crossing from Pier 33 with island admission and the cellhouse audio tour, which is why you cannot buy “just entry” — no ferry, no visit.
Capacity is set by boat schedules rather than by the island, and in summer the day tours regularly sell out two to four weeks out. Official day tickets run around US$48 for adults; the countless resale sites offering the same sailing charge considerably more for it.
How the permit works
- 1Book on the official operator’s site as soon as your San Francisco dates are firm.
- 2Choose the tour type: Day Tour, the smaller Night Tour, or a combined bay itinerary.
- 3Pick a sailing time — the first departures of the morning are the calmest on the island.
- 4Print or save the ticket with its sailing time; it’s scanned at Pier 33.
- 5Arrive 30 minutes before departure. The boat does not wait, and a missed sailing is a missed visit.
Missed the window? Book a guided visit with entry included
Licensed operators hold their own allocation of tickets. A guided visit is the realistic way in when the official release is gone — and you skip the queue.
See guided visits & pricesBooking partner: Civitatis. Free cancellation on most tours. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Required documents
- Ticket QR with your specific sailing time
- Photo ID for the lead booker
- Warm windproof layer — the bay crossing is cold even in August
Insider tips
- The first morning sailing gets you into the cellhouse before it fills; the last afternoon boat is the second-best bet.
- The Night Tour has a smaller allocation and a ranger-led programme, and is often still open when day tours aren’t.
- If everything shows sold out, check the official site again a few days before — returned tickets are re-released there, not to resellers.
Sold-out alternatives
If your dates are gone, these get you a comparable experience.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead do Alcatraz tickets sell out?
In summer, commonly two to four weeks. In winter you can often book a few days out, though weekends still go early.
Can I take my own boat or kayak to Alcatraz?
No. Landing is only permitted via the official ferry operator, and the ticket includes island admission.
Are third-party Alcatraz tickets legitimate?
Many are real but marked up well above face value. Start at the official operator’s site — it’s the only place selling at the actual price.