Alcatraz Ferry Schedule
Departure times from Pier 33, return ferry timings
The Alcatraz ferry is your gateway to the infamous island, and knowing the schedule is key to making the most of your visit.
Whether you’re taking a Day Tour, Night Tour, or a special combo trip, it’s important to plan ahead so you don’t miss your boat!
In this guide, we’ll break down the ferry departure points, timings for different tours, and tips for catching your ride.
Plus, we’ll cover what to expect on the return trip so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Departure Point
All Alcatraz ferries depart from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on The Embarcadero.
This is near Fisherman’s Wharf (about a 15-minute walk from Pier 39), at the cross streets of Embarcadero and Bay Street.
It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to line up and board.
The ferries leave right on time, and if you miss yours, you may not be able to reschedule that day.
There is no parking at Pier 33 itself, so use public transport or nearby parking lots if coming by car.
Frequency of Alcatraz Ferries
Day Tour Ferry Schedule
Day tour Alcatraz ferries run roughly every 30 minutes for most of the day.
In peak season (early March to early November) the first ferry is around 8:20 and then 8:40, 9:20, 9:40, and so on until the last day tour ferry of the day sets sail at 3:50 PM.
During this period, the return ferries from the island to the mainland start at 9:05 AM and the last ferry is at 6:35 PM.
In the off-peak season (early November to early March), the schedule is shorter – the first day tour starts at 8:40 AM, and the last ferry leaves Alcatraz landing at 1:35 PM.
During this period, the first return ferry from the island is at 9:05 AM and the last one is at 4:30 PM.
From: March 9, 2025 to November 1, 2025
| Departures to Alcatraz | Returns from Alcatraz |
|---|---|
| 8:20 AM | 9:05 AM |
| 8:40 AM | 9:40 AM |
| 9:20 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 9:40 AM | 10:35 AM |
| 10:10 AM | 11:05 AM |
| 10:35 AM | 11:30 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 12:30 PM | 1:35 PM |
| 1:05 PM | 2:05 PM |
| 1:35 PM | 2:45 PM |
| 2:15 PM | 3:15 PM |
| 2:45 PM | 3:50 PM |
| 3:20 PM | 4:20 PM |
| 3:50 PM | 4:50 PM |
| – | 5:20 PM |
| – | 6:00 PM |
| – | 6:35 PM |
From: November 2, 2025 to March 8, 2026
| Departures to Alcatraz | Returns from Alcatraz |
|---|---|
| 8:40 AM | 9:05 AM |
| 9:20 AM | 9:45 AM |
| 9:40 AM | 10:10 AM |
| 10:10 AM | 10:35 AM |
| 10:35 AM | 11:05 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
| 11:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
| 12:30 PM | 1:35 PM |
| 1:05 PM | 2:05 PM |
| 1:35 PM | 2:50 PM |
| – | 3:10 PM |
| – | 3:50 PM |
| – | 4:30 PM |
Night Tour Ferry Schedule
If you have a Night Tour ticket, you’ll be assigned a specific departure (you cannot just take any night ferry, since there are only one or two).
During the peak months of early March to early November, Alcatraz ferries for night tours depart Alcatraz Landing at 5:55 PM and 6:30 PM. Occasionally a third departure at 7:05 PM is added on very busy summer days.
The return ferries for Night Tour are at 7 PM, 8 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:30 PM.
Essentially, all night visitors will be off the island by ~9:30.
During the lean months of November to early March, there is only one night ferry – at 3:50 PM. Occasionally, based on demand, there may be a second one at 4:45 PM.
During this period the return ferry timings are 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM.
| Season | Departure times | Return ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2024 – Mar 8, 2025 | 3:50 PM, 4:45 PM* | 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM |
| Mar 9, 2025 – Nov 1, 2025 | 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:05 PM | 7 PM, 8 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:30 PM |
*Selected days only
**Alcatraz Night Tours are available only from Tuesday to Saturday.
Behind the Scenes Tour ferries
In summer, these leave at 4:20 and 4:50 PM (and those tours then join the night program and return by 9:30 PM).
In winter, BTS tours leave at 2:15 and 2:45 PM and those groups catch earlier returns (4:30 PM or 6:30 PM, etc.).
If you book a Behind The Scene tour, just follow the time on your confirmation and be early – they will not wait if you’re late since it’s a small group.
| Season | Departure Times | Return Ferry Options |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2024 – Mar 8, 2025 | 2:15 PM, 2:45 PM | 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM |
| Mar 9, 2025 – Nov 1, 2025 | 4:20 PM, 4:50 PM | 7 PM, 8 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:30 PM |
*Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour are available only from
Alcatraz & Angel Island tour schedule
The Alcatraz & Angel Island Combination Tour is available from May 24 to September 1.
Passengers on the combination tour are split into two groups based on their itinerary: the Green Group and the Yellow Group.
- The Green Group visits Alcatraz Island first, then heads to Angel Island.
- The Yellow Group starts at Angel Island and visits Alcatraz later in the day.
The Green Group’s ferry departs Pier 33 at 9:40 AM and their return from the Angel island is via the 3:25 PM ferry.
The Yellow Group leaves Pier 33 at 9:50 AM, and since they have flexible return, they can get back on any of the Alcatraz ferries leaving the island all through the day.
Green Group Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:40 AM | Depart Pier 33 |
| 9:55 AM | Arrive at Alcatraz Island |
| 12:15 PM | Depart Alcatraz Island |
| 12:45 PM | Arrive at Angel Island |
| 2:55 PM | Depart Angel Island |
| 3:25 PM | Return to Pier 33 |
Yellow Group Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:50 AM | Depart Pier 33 |
| 10:30 AM | Arrive at Angel Island |
| 1:00 PM | Depart Angel Island |
| 1:35 PM | Arrive at Alcatraz Island |
| Flexible Return | Depart Alcatraz on any returning ferry |
Return Ferry Flexibility
For Day Tours and the combo’s Yellow Group, you do not have a fixed return time.
After exploring the island, you can hop on any return ferry lining up at the Alcatraz dock.
Just keep track of the time; you can find the day’s return ferry times on signs at the Alcatraz dock.
For Night Tour and Green Group combo, you have a set return ferry (or limited choices) – these are structured tours.
Ferry’s Travel Time
The ferry ride between Pier 33 and Alcatraz Island takes about 15 minutes each way. It’s a scenic ride – you might stay on the open deck for photos. On the way back, many people are tired and might sit inside, but you can still enjoy the views if you like.
In summary, plan your Pier 33 arrival about 30 minutes before departure (earlier on peak days, as the boarding line can get long). Print or download your ticket QR code beforehand for faster check-in.
The ferry schedule is well-coordinated, and ferries are punctual, so don’t be late!
If you miss your scheduled outbound ferry, the staff might try to put you on the next one if there’s space, but this isn’t guaranteed (and no refunds for missed boats).
