Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco: The 10 Ways Across

1.Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,460 reviews · 3 hours · from $79Our pick

Take the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, then follow a self-guided app tour through the cell blocks, including areas linked to Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. Plan on about three hours, but you may stay longer and return on a later ferry. The route includes steep sections, though transport is available for visitors who need help with the hill.

“this trip was very well organised you arrive at your allocated time which avoided unnecessary ques. the ferry was fast and there was plenty of seating. the audio tour was great and you got plenty of time to explore. There is transport laid on for customers unable to climb the hill”

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2.Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,245 reviews · 2 days · from $120

Spend two days seeing San Francisco at your own pace. Visit Alcatraz by ferry with the excellent Cell House audio guide, ride Big Bus routes across the Golden Gate Bridge, join Doug’s Chinatown walk, and take a one-hour panoramic sunset tour. Redeem your voucher at 99 Jefferson Street before the Alcatraz date.

“Only in San Francisco for a sort time so using the Hop on Hop off tour seemed the perfect way to see everything, the tour didn't disappoint, got to go all over San Francisco and Alcatraz, absolutely amazing”

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3.Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,228 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $149

Spend about 6.5 hours seeing San Francisco by coach and visiting Alcatraz Island. Expect stops at the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lands End, and Twin Peaks, followed by a ferry ride and Cellhouse audio tour. Guides such as Michelle add local stories, but city stops can feel brief.

“It was a great tour! I would recommend it to friends and family. Will probably take it again myself.”

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4.Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,577 reviews · 4 hours · from $135

Visit Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary with round-trip ferry tickets, a 45-minute cellhouse audio tour, and a separate 60-minute Bay Cruise. Hear inmate and guard accounts, see Al Capone’s former prison, pass Pier 39 sea lions, and cruise beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Plan extra time, dress warmly, and arrive at Pier 33 30 minutes early.

“Great Alcatraz tour plus bay cruise. Very well run especially with the number of people part”

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5.One Day in San Francisco: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and SF City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,445 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $129Top rated

Start in North Beach with a local guide such as Patrick, Roger, Per, or Barry, then tour San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, walk among the redwoods at Muir Woods, and stop in Sausalito for lunch. The day ends at Pier 33 for the Alcatraz ferry and official cellhouse audio tour.

“Our guide Per did a very professional, enthusiastic and informative tour of his adopted city in CA. His knowledge, and true love of the city really came thru. I am now a big fan of San Francisco!”

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6.Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,049 reviews · 4 hours · from $125

Visit Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary by roundtrip ferry, follow the cellhouse audio tour in nine languages, and take a separate one-hour Bay cruise from Pier 39. The Alcatraz departure time is fixed, while the cruise can be used on another day, subject to space. Allow for wind, queues, and a jacket.

“The tour of Alcatraz The instructions regarding tickets as not easy with no WiFi”

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7.Alcatraz Tour with Muir Woods and Sausalito

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,017 reviews · 7 hours · from $143

See San Francisco’s top contrasts in one seven-hour outing: ancient redwoods, a Golden Gate Bridge photo stop, seaside Sausalito, and Alcatraz Island. A live English-speaking guide such as Roman, Dustin, Anja, or Robert handles the driving and local context, while Alcatraz includes the excellent Cellhouse audio tour. Choose the order that suits your day.

“Great tour. Missed out on Muir Woods due to it being closed because of the government shut down. Our guide Judith was fabulous.”

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8.Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf & Optional Extras

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 663 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $99

Walk San Francisco’s waterfront with guides such as Robert, Seth, Jamie, or John, then cruise to Alcatraz for its cell-house audio tour. You’ll see Pier 39 sea lions, Hyde Street Pier, Musée Mécanique, and Gold Rush landmarks. Optional upgrades add a one-hour bay cruise or a SkyStar Wheel ride 150 feet above Fisherman’s Wharf.

“Seth was amazing! Very knowledgeable and exudes passion for the city. I enjoyed his lighthearted humor and recommendations for other things to see. He’s the best!”

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9.Alcatraz, Ferry & Audio Tour w/ Night Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 617 reviews · 3 hours · from $78Best value

Take the official ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, then explore the prison, gardens, ruins, protest sites, and bay views at your own pace. Your ticket includes the official Cellhouse audio tour plus a companion audio guide for the ferry and island. Choose the night option for evening access, ranger introductions, and special programs.

“Overall it was a good visit. Although there was the Asian lady at the counter with a lot of attitude. She Definitely need to look at different job because customer service is not her best skill. Other then that it was a good experience”

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10.Alcatraz Island Prison Tour & Bay Cruise Combined Package

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 399 reviews · 4 hours · from $112

Ride the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, explore the former prison with the 45-minute Doing Time audio tour, and return at your own pace. Add a separate Bay Cruise on any available day and departure, passing the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Mason, the Presidio, Crissy Field, and Alcatraz Island. Ticket pickup is at 571 Post Street.

“We enjoyed the tour. Everything was efficient. The stories in Alcatraz were depressing so be prepared with that. Overall, it went well.”

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