Quick answer: Every ticket that lands on Alcatraz is sold by Alcatraz City Cruises, the only National Park Service–authorised ferry. Official 2026 prices are Day Tour $47.95 adult ($29.15 child 5–11, $45.15 senior 62+), Night Tour $59.65, and Behind the Scenes $104.65, all including the ferry and the excellent cellhouse audio tour. Tickets go on sale 90 days ahead and summer dates — especially the Night Tour — sell out weeks in advance. The Day Tour is the right choice for most people; the Night Tour is worth the extra for atmosphere and smaller crowds; Behind the Scenes is for enthusiasts. If tickets are gone, third-party tours that include Alcatraz (above) are the only alternative — anything else is a cruise past the island.
Related: Alcatraz Tours: Day Tour or Night Tour?
Alcatraz Options Compared
| Option | Adult | Youth 12–17 | Child 5–11 | Senior 62+ | Includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Tour | $47.95 | $47.95 | $29.15 | $45.15 | Ferry, island, cellhouse audio tour (11 languages), ranger talks | Most visitors |
| Night Tour | $59.65 | $58.35 | $34.85 | $55.25 | Same + evening programmes, city lights on the return | Atmosphere, fewer people |
| Behind the Scenes | $104.65 | $100.35 | Not permitted | $97.25 | Small-group guided tour of restricted areas + night tour | Enthusiasts, repeat visitors |
| Alcatraz + Angel Island | Combo (check current) | — | — | — | Both islands in one day | Full day on the bay |
| Under 5 | Free (day/night) | — | — | — | — | Families |
| Third-party tour incl. Alcatraz | ~$90–180 | — | — | — | Alcatraz ticket + city tour / bike / cruise | When official is sold out |
| Bay cruise past Alcatraz (no landing) | ~$35–50 | — | — | — | Sail-by only | Photos, last resort |
Prices from the National Park Service fee page for Alcatraz City Cruises (checked September 2026). Ranger-led talks are free. Ferries depart from Pier 33; allow 2.5–3 hours for the Day Tour.
Top-Rated Alcatraz Tours & Tickets
Day Tour: The Standard Visit
A 15-minute ferry, then the island at your own pace with the audio tour — narrated by former inmates and guards, and genuinely one of the best audio tours anywhere. Take the first ferry (around 8:45) for the emptiest cellhouse; return on any boat. Wear layers and real shoes: the walk up is steep and the wind is constant.
Night Tour: Worth the Extra $12?
Yes, if you can get it. Fewer visitors, special programmes (cell-door demonstrations, talks), sunset over the Golden Gate on the way out and the city lights on the way back. Runs Tuesday–Saturday in most seasons; sells out fastest of all.
Behind the Scenes
A small-group guided tour (about 4.5 hours total) into areas closed to the public — the hospital, the underground jail cells, the industries building — followed by the Night Tour. Adults and teens only. Book the day tickets are released.
When Tickets Are Gone
Alcatraz City Cruises releases tickets 90 days ahead; for June–August, buy on the release day. If you missed it, a few tour operators hold official tickets and sell them bundled with a city tour, a bike hire or a bay cruise (above) at $90–180 — expensive, but the only legitimate way onto the island at short notice. Do not buy from resellers on the street or listings that are vague about landing.
| Tour | From | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour | $109 | ★ 4.8 (1,586 reviews) |
| Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour | $159 | ★ 4.5 (1,218 reviews) |
| Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise | $139 | ★ 4.2 (1,012 reviews) |
| Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour | $120 | ★ 4.3 (675 reviews) |
| Inside Alcatraz Tour Including Fisherman’s Wharf Lunch Credit | $130 | ★ 3.8 (519 reviews) |
| Alcatraz Inside tour with Round trip ferry & Audio App Packages | $86 | ★ 4.5 (373 reviews) |
Practical Tips
Arrive at Pier 33 30 minutes before departure. No food on the island except water. Bring a jacket in any season. Combine with Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building. Related: how far ahead to book, and our San Francisco hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Alcatraz tickets in 2026?
Day Tour $47.95 adult ($29.15 child 5–11, $45.15 senior 62+), Night Tour $59.65, Behind the Scenes $104.65, all including the ferry and audio tour. Under-5s are free on day and night tours.
How far in advance should I book Alcatraz?
Tickets are released 90 days ahead; buy on release day for summer dates and for the Night Tour.
Is the Alcatraz Night Tour worth it?
Yes for atmosphere and smaller crowds, plus sunset and city lights from the ferry, for about $12 more than the Day Tour.
What if Alcatraz tickets are sold out?
A few tour operators bundle official tickets with city tours or cruises. Otherwise only sail-by cruises are available, which do not land.
Is the audio tour included?
Yes, the cellhouse audio tour is included with every ticket, in 11 languages.
Can children do the Behind the Scenes tour?
No — it is restricted to adults and teens 12 and over.
Kratos Review is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and policies were checked on 28 September 2026 and can change.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!