Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Group Sales: What if I have 15 or more people in my party?
Are backpacks or luggage allowed on Alcatraz Island?
Is the Cellhouse Audio Tour available in other languages besides English?
How far in advance should I purchase tickets to Alcatraz?
How do I purchase tickets for others?
Do you offer any discounts to Alcatraz?
How many tickets can I purchase?
How do I book tickets if I am a tour operator/travel agent?
What time of year is the best time to visit Alcatraz?
How much time should I allow for the visit to Alcatraz?
What can you do on Alcatraz Island?
How should I dress for Alcatraz Island when visiting?
What time will we come back to the mainland from Alcatraz Island?
Where do I pick up my tickets?
Do I need to being a photo ID if I print my tickets off at home?
Is Alcatraz Island accessible?
How can I reschedule my visit?
Are minors under 18 allowed to visit without an adult?
Do you provide American Sign Language Interpreters?
Should I book my tickets on the the day of my arrival?
Group Sales: What if I have 15 or more people in my party?
The National Park Service has strict requirements for groups of fifteen people or more, so we're unable to handle requests beyond the maximum fourteen (14) tickets online. Group sales and youth group requests require additional paperwork, so we need to direct you to the Alcatraz City Cruises Group Sales Department. You may reach Group Sales directly by phone: 415-438-8361 or by e-mail: acc-groups@cityexperiences.com.
Are backpacks or luggage allowed on Alcatraz Island?
Bags larger than a standard backpack, 16" x 20", are not allowed on Alcatraz Island. Small packs and bags are permitted. Each visitor is required to go through extensive security prior to boarding the ferry to Alcatraz. There is no storage available at Pier 33 or Alcatraz Island.
Is the Cellhouse Audio Tour available in other languages besides English?
Yes, the Cellhouse Audio Tour (included in the Day and Night Tours) is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese and Korean.
How far in advance should I purchase tickets to Alcatraz?
Tickets to Alcatraz Island can sell out weeks in advance. We suggest that you secure your reservation as far in advance as possible to ensure that your desired tour date does not sell out.
How do I purchase tickets for others?
Tickets cannot be purchased for others at this time. The name of the person purchasing the tickets must be present at the time of the tour.
Do you offer any discounts to Alcatraz?
We do not offer any discounts at this time.
How many tickets can I purchase?
Each visitor may purchase a maximum of 14 tickets.
How do I book tickets if I am a tour operator/travel agent?
Alcatraz Island tickets must be purchased in the client’s name and credit card. The client must be attending the tour with a valid photo ID and the credit card used to secure the reservation.
What time of year is the best time to visit Alcatraz?
The best time of the year to visit Alcatraz is in the winter months (January - March) if you want to avoid long crowds. The best months to visit due to weather are April - May or September-October. The summer months can be cold and foggy on Alcatraz Island.
How much time should I allow for the visit to Alcatraz?
You should allow for at least 2 to 3 hours to visit Alcatraz Island.
What can you do on Alcatraz Island?
There are guided programs offered by the National Park Volunteers and Guides throughout the day. The guided tours will take you into places that visitors rarely see. The Cell house audio tour is provided for you to listen to the voices of former inmates and former guards as they describe life on the rock. The Audio tour is available in eight languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Dutch, and Mandarin. There is also an orientation video shown every half hour describing the history of Alcatraz Island. Museums and bookstores are available. Nesting Season is from late September to February 1st.
How should I dress for Alcatraz Island when visiting?
You should bring a light jacket or sweater when visiting Alcatraz Island as the weather can be unpredictable. Winter months can be wet so we suggest that you bring a raincoat or wet gear. Comfortable shoes are necessary because much of Alcatraz Island is steep and hilly.
What time will we come back to the mainland from Alcatraz Island?
The ferry ride to and from Alcatraz will take around 10-15 minutes. The return trips are listed on the Ferry Schedule page. Times are also posted at the dock. Ferries are first come, first serve.
Where do I pick up my tickets?
If you have not printed your tickets prior to your tour date then you may pick up your tickets at Pier 33 at the Prepaid Ticket booth (will-call). Please arrive half an hour (one hour during peak seasons) prior to your departure time to check in. You will need to present a valid photo ID and the credit card used to purchase your reservation.
Do I need to being a photo ID if I print my tickets off at home?
Yes, your photo ID will be checked while you are waiting in line prior to boarding the ferry. One member’s name must match the name on the reservation.
Is there parking available?
On-Street Parking is available near the Fisherman's Wharf area but can be hard to find. Parking Meters take nickels, dimes, and quarters. There are at least 15 commercial parking lots within the area of Pier 33. The closest commercial lot is located at 80 Francisco at Kearny.
Is Alcatraz Island accessible?
Alcatraz Island is steep and hilly. You should be prepared for long walks uphill. Visitors unable to make the climb around Alcatraz can use SEAT - Sustainable Easy Access Transport, an electric shuttle that transports visitors from the docks to the prison. The SEAT runs on a regularly schedule each day. Families with small children and strollers cannot use SEAT. Seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. The following areas are wheelchair accessible: Alcatraz Dock Area, Prison Building Main Floor, All Bookstores, Museum Displays, and the Island Theater.
May I cancel my reservation?
No, all Alcatraz Ticket sales are final. Cancellations are not allowed at this time.
How can I reschedule my visit?
All tickets sales are final. Requests to change your reservation must be made 72 hours prior to tour. There will be no compensation for no-shows.
Are minors under 18 allowed to visit without an adult?
No, minors under 18 are not allowed without an adult and the adult must be with them at all time on Alcatraz Island.
Do you provide American Sign Language Interpreters?
You can request Assistive Listening Devices at the ticket booth on Pier 33. Assistive Listening Devices may be used on all Ranger Led tours; but remember, you will need to request a device at the Pier 33 ticket booth. ASL interpreters are available on request. To request a Sign Language Interpreter we must be given at least five days advanced notice in order to guarantee that an interpreter will be available. To make a request please call the Accessibility Program Manager at (415)561-4958 or click here to email. http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/american-sign-language-interpretation.htm Individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf/blind or have speech disabilities may utilize the following Federal Relay Service numbers: (800) 877-8339 Federal Relay Service (877) 877-6280 VCO (877) 877-8982 Speech to Speech (800) 845-6136 Spanish (866) 893-8340 TeleBraille
Should I book my tickets on the the day of my arrival?
You should not book your reservation on the day of your arrival to San Francisco due to flight and travel delays. Changes and cancellations cannot be made on the same day of the tour under no circumstances.
Thank you for visiting www.alcatrazislandtickets.com. Reservations and E-tickets are genuine for the tour which includes the ferry service. We also provide extended around-the-clock customer care seven days a week, including holidays. We're a private Customer Service and Booking company. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please share your experience with us at: Customer Care. This website isn't affiliated with any government entity and isn't the official box office. Total at checkout may exceed face value.
