
Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides worth booking?
Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides is a 2-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $89 per person. It scores 43 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 8 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 43 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (8)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $89 per person
The Alcatraz Island Tour offers a unique glimpse into the historic former prison, accessible via a scenic ferry ride from Pier 33 in San Francisco. This package includes admission to Alcatraz Island and an award-winning 45-minute audio tour of the prison, providing insights into the lives of infamous inmates and the prison's storied past. Visitors can explore the island at their own pace, allowing ample time to absorb the rich history and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline. This tour is a must for history buffs and those seeking a deeper understanding of one of America’s most notorious landmarks.
What you get
About this experience
The Alcatraz Island Tour offers a unique glimpse into the historic former prison, accessible via a scenic ferry ride from Pier 33 in San Francisco. This package includes admission to Alcatraz Island and an award-winning 45-minute audio tour of the prison, providing insights into the lives of infamous inmates and the prison's storied past. Visitors can explore the island at their own pace, allowing ample time to absorb the rich history and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline. This tour is a must for history buffs and those seeking a deeper understanding of one of America’s most notorious landmarks.
What's included
Included
- Admission ticket to the Alcatraz Prison
- Round trip ferry rides to and from the Alcatraz Island
- Audio tour in the language of your choice
What you'll see and do
Alcatraz Island
You will take a 15 minutes ferry ride from Pier 33 to the Alcatraz Island where you are free to explore on your own with an audio tour in multiple languages. You will have access to the famous cell house and learn the history and stories of the famous Alcatraz Island Prison.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Francisco
Please have your QR code ready and proceed directly to the boarding line 20-30 minutes before your departure time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please have your QR code ready and proceed directly to the boarding line 20-30 minutes before your departure time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- de, ko, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- San Francisco Tours & Activities
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disappointed
Was super disappointed in the visit. You were only allowed to walk half of the floor and there was so many people. A lot of areas closed off.
via Viator
The tour was great but...
The tour was great but there is a significant uphill climb to get to Alcatraz. They should have more tram rides up the hills.
via Viator
Must see
It was a good site to visit. Didn’t feel rushed nor harassed by anything extra.
via Tripadvisor
Great trip and tour. Bundle up for the wind.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Alcatraz. The audio tour was great. All of the employees were friendly. I can't wait to see more improvements on the island. I do think it was excessive to have to show our tickets three times before boarding.
via Tripadvisor
Dylan’s Red van tour - Laura -and Alcatraz island mostly self guided tour
The first part of the tour was with Dylan’s tours- Laura was my tour guide. The red open air van was so nice as it traveled and maneuvered the hills.from Fisherman’s wharf through several neighborhoods- viewed Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, Fort Point ( we saw the surrounding grounds but didn’t go into the fort). We viewed North beach, Russian hill, the Broadway Tunnel, into parts of Chinatown, and back to Fisherman’s wharf to depart to Alcatraz Island. Turn your online voucher in for a ticket at the Kiosk. Bring ID. Take the ferry to Alcatraz Island- viewed the various buildings some only viewable from outside- saw the American Indian displays. The main prison sits atop the hill. After entering, you pick up your electronic tour guide with headsets. After following the tour, return your headsets and exit the prison. I learned that the prison was expensive to upkeep and thus its closure, the cells are 5 by 9 feet. I was shocked by how tiny they are. The open yard for prisoner recreation was where I could breath freely, but the air on this day was cold. Birds of various kinds and gulls occupy the island as the island is a bird sanctuary. The park system maintains the site. The rangers great you with a short orientation when first exiting the ferry. Maps are 1 dollar American that you slip into a slot. All together my Dylan’s tour and the ferry trip and tour of Alcatraz was five hours- you can stay on the island for as long as the ferry is running. I stayed for about 2 hours. There are snack foods and drinks on the ferry. It is pricey. For example I bought a seven dollar hotdog- nothing else- I brought my own water bottle and a small tote. There is a very well stocked gift shop. Postcards, books, sweat and tee shirts, brass souvenir keys- I bought one- Cups, I don’t expect so many people working for this park- in the gift shop, on the grounds, and in the prison. It was really nice for me to see. The people in the bookstore- come over by ferry earlier in the morning- I asked. Overall a worthwhile combination of tours- I would do this again especially since I know better what to expect. I would bring a water bottle and a protein bar, wear hiking shoes, bring a hat, maybe sunglasses, cash if you want a map, money for gift shop. Remember Laura with Dylan’s tours!!! She’s great and very knowledgeable and outgoing. Tips. Enough said. Bathrooms located on Alcatraz and before the ferry ride. There might have been one on the ferry. Enjoy!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $89 to $97
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by San Francisco Tours & Activities, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 42.0.
See everything San Francisco Tours & Activities runsWhy this scores 43
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides cost?
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Prices start at $89 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.
Is Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 43 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Francisco?
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San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
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September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides?
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Included: Admission ticket to the Alcatraz Prison; Round trip ferry rides to and from the Alcatraz Island; and Audio tour in the language of your choice. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides?
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Please have your QR code ready and proceed directly to the boarding line 20-30 minutes before your departure time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides offered in?
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It is offered in German, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Francisco. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Alcatraz Prison Tour with Self-Guided Audio Tour and Ferry Rides?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the overall experience. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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