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.
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.
Exact tour we link to:Alcatraz Island Ferry + Audio Guide
See guided visits & pricesBooking partner: Civitatis. Free cancellation on most tours.
Official Day Tour tickets start at US$47.95, taxes included (Night Tour US$59.65); resale sites offering the same sailing charge more. Plan around the repair of the ferry dock: the operator says the island will close from October 26, 2026, with reopening expected on November 19 (subject to change); in the first week, October 26 to November 1, only a Bay Discovery Cruise runs, and it does not dock on the island.
At a glance
| Do you need a permit or reservation? | Timed ferry + island entry ticket |
|---|---|
| Cost | $47.95 |
| How to get it | Book on the official operator’s site as soon as your San Francisco dates are firm. |
| When it opens | Hard to get · Closed Oct 26–Nov 19 (planned) |
| All-inclusive alternative | Alcatraz Island Ferry + Audio Guide |
| Official rules | alcatrazcitycruises.com Temporary closure, Oct 26 to Nov 19 (alcatrazcitycruises.com) |
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 (from US$47.95) or Night Tour (from US$59.65).
- 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.
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 (from US$59.65) is a separate ticket with its own sailings.
- If your date shows sold out, check other sailing times on the official site before paying a reseller’s markup.
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?
The official site does not give a figure. Book as soon as your San Francisco dates are firm, and avoid October 26 to November 19, 2026, when the island is due to be closed.
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.