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This page is about the Alcatraz ferry that allows you to walk around on the island and visit the old prison. For the boat cruise that goes around Alcatraz but does not land on the island, please click here.
Insiders Tip: From late Spring through early Autumn and on major holidays the Alcatraz ferries can sell out far in advance, and on weekends year-round they sell out 10 days or more before their departure date, so BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY.
If it’s already too late and Alcatraz is sold out, click here for our page on how you can still find tickets.
Don’t be confused by the name change: The National Park Service has granted the exclusive right to provide ferry service to Alcatraz to Alcatraz Cruises, which during the pandemic rebranded to the name Alcatraz City Cruises. The name change and a difficult-to-navigate new website have created some confusion, but Alcatraz City Cruises is the only government authorized ferry service to Alcatraz.
Note: All visitors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult to visit Alcatraz. Younger teens and children may not visit alone.
San Francisco Alcatraz Ticket Prices
Note: If you’re returning to visit again after a gap of a few years, the pandemic and aftermath has driven prices up significantly. I thought it would be nicer to break it to you gently now rather than have you shocked when you get to the price table below. The good news: the audio tour cost is no longer embedded in each ticket’s price. You can buy it separately if you wish to do so.
As we’ve noted, other companies sell Alcatraz tours combined with tours of other San Francisco landmarks at competitive prices. You can also buy a cruise that goes around Alcatraz but does not land on the island.
Since Alcatraz City Cruises is the only authorized ferry operator to the island, this is the best price for Alcatraz tickets available in each category. Anyone else who sells them would have to add their own markup.
| Alcatraz Ticket Prices
Updated July 10, 2024 |
Daytime & Early Bird | Nighttime | Behind the Scenes |
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| Adults (Ages 18-61) | $45.25 | $56.30 | $101.30 |
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| Junior (12-17) | $34.25 | $55.19 | $97.10 |
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| Child (5-11) I personally would not recommend the night tour for young kids. The day tour is great. | $27.55 | $33.00 | Not Permitted |
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| Infants and Toddlers (0-4) | Free | Free | Not Permitted |
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| Seniors (62+) | $42.65 | $52.25 | $94.25 |
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Note: A discounted Family Package Ticket may be available by phone or at the Ticket Booth, not online through the Alcatraz City Cruises website. No minors under the age of 18 are allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without being with an adult, who has to stay with them at all times while on the island.
Note that the National Park Service and Alcatraz Cruises can change these Alcatraz ticket prices at any time.
You can buy all Alcatraz ticket price levels except the family pack in advance at the Alcatraz City Cruises website. During the summer we recommend you buy as far in advance as possible since (as pandemic travel fears recede) some or all sailings may sell out well in advance of the tour date.
Note for National Park Service pass holders: technically there’s no entry fee for visiting Alcatraz and you just pay for the ferry ride. This means that the America the Beautiful passes that grant access to most National Parks cannot be used here, not even for a discount. The Golden Eagle/Access/Age passes (which are no longer sold but are still honored at National Parks) likewise cannot be used at Alcatraz, and seniors have to pay the standard Alcatraz ticket prices.
Caution: If another company other than Alcatraz City Cruises sells you a ticket to Alcatraz, check the price against the prices above, and watch our for special handling or convenience charges. Many websites that list Alcatraz ticket pricess have the same availability as the official Alcatraz Cruises site, but will add a markup of $6.00 to $8.00 (or more) per ticket without telling you they’re cheaper elsewhere. If they’re charging you more than indicated above and all that’s covered is the Alcatraz visit, they may be ripping you off.
Tour companies can combine a visit to Alcatraz with other tour sites and charge you just one price, and they then have buy the ticket(s) on your behalf from Alcatraz Cruises. But they’re not supposed to increase the San Francisco Alcatraz ticket prices for the trip above “face value” unless they give you their own special tour once you’re on the island etc. We cover this in depth on our tickets information page.
