Plan Your Travel to Alcatraz Island

Tour Duration
You can stay on Alcatraz as long as you like, but allow at least 2 ½ hours for sailing to the island, taking the Cellhouse audio tour, exploring the rest of the island and its historic exhibits, and returning to the mainland. Departures back to Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing are listed above.

Photo ID Requirements
A photo ID is required for every person who books tickets to Alcatraz Island. Photo ID’s are required at boarding. Photo ID’s are not necessary for every person in the party, but are required for the person who purchased the tickets.

Luggage and Backpacks
We are unable to accommodate suitcases, large backpacks or oversized duffel bags at Pier 33 or on Alcatraz Island. Oversized luggage or packages cannot be boarded on vessels or stored at Pier 33. Bags larger than a standard backpack, 16” x 20”, are not allowed on Alcatraz Island. Visitors with luggage or oversized backpacks will be unable to board Alcatraz cruise vessels or visit Alcatraz Island. There are no exceptions to this regulation.

Other Restrictions
Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades or skates, “wheelie” shoes and weapons are not allowed on Alcatraz Landing or on Alcatraz Island. Limited bicycle parking can be found at Pier 33 on a first come, first served basis. Bicycles must be walked to the bike racks upon arrival at Pier 33. Alcatraz Tickets assumes no responsibility for bicycles parked on premises.

Minors at Alcatraz
Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to visit Alcatraz Island, unless accompanied by an adult. Minors must be supervised at all times while visiting Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz Landing and while onboard Alcatraz cruise ships.

Service Animals
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. These service animals are allowed on Alcatraz Island and on Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33. Pets or companion animals are not allowed in either location.

Food and Beverages
Picnicking and consuming food on Alcatraz Island is allowed at the dock area from the picnic tables to the restrooms only. Bottled water is allowed on all areas of the Island. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase only on boats departing Alcatraz Island for Pier 33. Alcoholic beverages are not offered for sale onboard vessels bound for Alcatraz Island.

Walking Alcatraz Island
The roads and walkways on Alcatraz are steep. The distance from the dock to the cell house is approximately 1/4 mile (.4km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters), the equivalent of walking up a 13 story building. The roads and walkways are wide with several places to stop along the way to rest and take in the breathtaking views, and are shared with the S.E.A.T. vehicle For more information on S.E.A.T. see below. Comfortable shoes are a must. Athletic or walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Sustainable Easy Access Transport (S.E.A.T
Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz's steep roads can take advantage of the S.E.A.T. - Sustainable Easy Access Transport – vehicle, an accessible shuttle that runs twice an hour from the dock to the prison building and twice an hour from the drop off location back to the dock. Boarding SEAT is on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, please contact us via email or call toll free. We are happy to assist with reservations, information, group tour planning, and event services.