
Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 676 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour worth booking?
Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour is a 48-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $120 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 676 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (676)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $120 per person
See more of San Francisco with one flexible sightseeing package combining 48 hours of hop-on hop-off access with some of the city’s most iconic experiences. Visit legendary Alcatraz Island by ferry and explore the former federal prison with the immersive Cellhouse audio tour. Ride an open-top double decker Big Bus and explore top sights including Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, and Pier 39 at your own pace. Hop off in Chinatown, the oldest in North America, to explore the historic neighborhood with an included audio walking tour. Then take a separate 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise for panoramic views of the skyline, waterfront, and Golden Gate Bridge. In the evening, enjoy a dedicated panoramic, open-top Sunset Tour showcasing San Francisco as the city transitions from day to night. Tours may be taken on separate days, making this an easy way to experience San Francisco by bus, boat, and on foot.
What you get
About this experience
See more of San Francisco with one flexible sightseeing package combining 48 hours of hop-on hop-off access with some of the city’s most iconic experiences. Visit legendary Alcatraz Island by ferry and explore the former federal prison with the immersive Cellhouse audio tour. Ride an open-top double decker Big Bus and explore top sights including Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, and Pier 39 at your own pace. Hop off in Chinatown, the oldest in North America, to explore the historic neighborhood with an included audio walking tour. Then take a separate 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise for panoramic views of the skyline, waterfront, and Golden Gate Bridge. In the evening, enjoy a dedicated panoramic, open-top Sunset Tour showcasing San Francisco as the city transitions from day to night. Tours may be taken on separate days, making this an easy way to experience San Francisco by bus, boat, and on foot.
What's included
Included
- No additional fees
- Free Bike Rental Perk - Buy 1 hour, Get 1 free at Blazing Saddles
- Alcatraz Island Admission ticket with roundtrip Ferry
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour
- 1-hour Digital Walking Tour of Chinatown
- 1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour
- 72-Hour Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- de, ko, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Bus Tours - USA
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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- To receive your Alcatraz Island Ticket you must check into the Big Bus Visitor Center one day prior to the Alcatraz Tour date, or before 9am on the date of your Alcatraz Tour.
- Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Photo ID is required.
- Please note that the date you have selected is the date for your Alcatraz Tour.
- Your tour time will be assigned 5 days in advance of the tour date. Once a time is assigned we are not able to make any changes, please note your timed entry will be allocated by Alcatraz this will not be able to be personally selected
- Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid during operating hours for 48 hours after first use. Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 676 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
676 verified traveler reviews for Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not worth the money
Not worth the money……. We spent most of the 20min of the tour at traffic lights listening to a very poor guide with no interesting moments and quite honestly very poorly presented, not interested in five minutes of LGBTQ movement, want to hear about the history of the buildings and interesting facts. This wasn’t. 2 hour tour with hop on and hop off lasted 20mins, and then we were gone. ABSOLUTE WASTE OF TIME Bus had a brake that gave out a high pitched wail every time it was applied. Commentary was childish. Traffic was crazy, as per usual. Could have got a waymo to drive me around all day with downloaded history app for the same price we paid. 130 dollars.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
I believe that the Alcatraz tour is a must do if you are in San Francisco. I spent a couple hours out at the rock and that seemed to be about the right amount of time. A big shout out to Viatot because there was some confusion with my tickets as I bought it with another tour. Viator was great at straightening it out and everything took place without a hitch.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Alcatraz and found it to be a must-do experience in San Francisco. It sounds like you had just the right amount of time to explore the island and take in its fascinating history. We're also pleased that your ticketing issue was resolved smoothly and that everything came together for a hassle-free visit. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in San Francisco! Alex@BigBusTours
via Viator
The best way to see the city
We had a fantastic experience with Big Bus San Francisco, and Nicole deserves special recognition. She was incredibly helpful, attentive, and genuinely cared about making sure we had a great experience. People like Nicole make a huge difference when you’re visiting a city. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your glowing review! We are thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic experience with Big Bus San Francisco, and we couldn't agree more about Nicole. We greatly appreciate her dedication to providing excellent service and are so happy she made your visit even better. Thank you for recommending us!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent service, fantastic tours!
Patrique Power was the attendant that helped us with our excursion! He was friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable on what package worked best for us!! Definitely will look for him next time we visit!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words about our employee Patrique! We are thrilled to hear that he provided you with excellent service and helped you find the perfect package for your excursion. We will be sure to let him know about your positive experience and we look forward to seeing you again on your next visit!
via Tripadvisor
Fun adventures
Fabulous tours to see what we wouldn't otherwise have known about. With the bonus of a night tour and boat cruise to the bridg, it was certainly value for money. Omar was lovely and made it all very easy for us with all the different tickets we required, perfect personality to represent your business
Response from the operator: Thank you for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our tours and that Omar provided exceptional service. We strive to provide value for money and showcase unique experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Booked in 30 days
- 237
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA, who run 43 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.
See everything Big Bus Tours - USA runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour cost?
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Prices start at $120 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 Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour take?
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Plan for about 48 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 Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 676 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour?
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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 Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour?
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Around 237 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 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour 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 Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour?
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Included: No additional fees; Free Bike Rental Perk - Buy 1 hour, Get 1 free at Blazing Saddles; Alcatraz Island Admission ticket with roundtrip Ferry; Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation); and Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Korean, Portuguese, 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 Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour?
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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 Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour 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 Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour?
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Across 676 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, value for money, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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