Alcatraz Ferry Schedule
Departure times from Pier 33, return ferry timings
The Alcatraz ferry is the essential gateway to one of San Francisco’s most famous attractions, and knowing the ferry schedule is crucial for making the most of your visit.
Whether you’re planning to take the Day Tour, Night Tour, or a special Combo Tour, planning ahead ensures you won’t miss your ferry or waste valuable time.
In this guide, we break down the ferry departure points, timings for different tours, and helpful tips to ensure you catch your boat on time. We’ll also cover what to expect on your return trip so you can relax and enjoy the scenic journey.
Top Tickets
# Alcatraz Day Tour
# Alcatraz Night Tour
# San Francisco Bay CruiseBook the tickets early, as the Alcatraz Island tours sell out fast.
Table of Contents
Departure Point – Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing
All Alcatraz ferries depart from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on the Embarcadero.
This pier is located near Fisherman’s Wharf, just a 15-minute walk from Pier 39 at the crossroads of Embarcadero and Bay Street.
To ensure a smooth boarding process, arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you ample time to line up and check-in. The ferries are punctual, so if you miss your scheduled ferry, you may not be able to reschedule for the same day.
Insider Tip: There is no parking at Pier 33. Consider using public transportation or nearby parking lots if driving to the pier.
Day Tour Ferry Schedule
Day Tour ferries run approximately every 30 minutes for most of the day, with more frequent departures during peak season.
- Peak Season (March to November):
- First ferry departs at 8:20 AM, followed by 8:40 AM, 9:20 AM, and so on until the last ferry at 3:50 PM.
- Return ferries from the island start at 9:05 AM and run until the last ferry at 6:35 PM.
- Off-Peak Season (November to March):
- First ferry departs at 8:40 AM, with the last departure at 1:35 PM.
- Return ferries start at 9:05 AM, with the final departure at 4:30 PM.
Peak Season Schedule (March 9, 2025 – 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 |
Off-Peak Season Schedule (November 2, 2025 – 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
The Night Tour operates with limited ferry departures, and you’ll be assigned a specific time based on your tour booking.
- Peak Season (March to November):
- Ferries depart at 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, and occasionally a third departure at 7:05 PM on busy summer days.
- Return ferries are scheduled at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:30 PM.
- All night visitors will be off the island by 9:30 PM.
- Off-Peak Season (November to March):
- Only one or two night ferries are available: 3:50 PM and 4:45 PM (on selected days).
- Return ferries are at 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM.
Night Tour Schedule (Nov 3, 2024 – Mar 8, 2025)
| Departure Times | Return Ferry Options |
|---|---|
| 3:50 PM, 4:45 PM* | 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM |
Night Tour Schedule (Mar 9, 2025 – Nov 1, 2025)
| Departure Times | Return Ferry Options |
|---|---|
| 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:05 PM | 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:30 PM |
*Alcatraz Night Tours are available only from Tuesday to Saturday.
Behind the Scenes Tour Ferry Schedule
- Summer: Depart at 4:20 PM and 4:50 PM. These tours are part of the Night Tour program, with returns by 9:30 PM.
- Winter: Depart at 2:15 PM and 2:45 PM. Return ferries are at 4:30 PM or 6:30 PM.
Behind the Scenes Tour Schedule (Mar 9, 2025 – Nov 1, 2025)
| Departure Times | Return Ferry Options |
|---|---|
| 4:20 PM, 4:50 PM | 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:30 PM |
Behind the Scenes Tour Schedule (Nov 3, 2025 – Mar 8, 2026)
| Departure Times | Return Ferry Options |
|---|---|
| 2:15 PM, 2:45 PM | 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM |
Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour Schedule
The Alcatraz & Angel Island Combination Tour operates from May 24 to September 1, with two departure groups:
- Green Group visits Alcatraz first, then Angel Island.
- Yellow Group starts at Angel Island, then visits Alcatraz later.
Green Group Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:40 AM | Depart Pier 33 |
| 9:55 AM | Arrive at Alcatraz |
| 12:15 PM | Depart Alcatraz |
| 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 |
| Flexible | Return to Pier 33 anytime |
Ferry’s Travel Duration Travel Time
The ferry ride between Pier 33 and Alcatraz Island takes about 15 minutes each way, offering scenic views of San Francisco Bay. Many visitors enjoy staying on the open deck for great photo opportunities, especially on the way to the island. On the return trip, if you’re tired, you can relax inside, but the views are still worth enjoying.
Final Tips for Alcatraz Ferry
- Arrive early – Aim for a 30-minute early arrival, especially during peak times, as lines can get long.
- Ticket QR codes – Have your QR code ready for quicker check-in and boarding.
- Don’t miss your ferry – Ferries are punctual. If you miss your scheduled departure, there will be no refunds or space on the next boat.
- Return ferry flexibility – Day tour and combo tickets allow flexibility on the return ferry, but Night Tours and Behind the Scenes tours require you to catch specific return ferries.
FAQs about the Alcatraz Ferry timings
Here are some questions tourists have before booking their Alcatraz ferry.
What time does the first ferry to Alcatraz leave?
During peak season (March to November), the first ferry departs from Pier 33 at 8:20 AM. In off-peak season (November to March), the first ferry leaves at 8:40 AM.
How often do the ferries run to Alcatraz?
During peak season, ferries depart approximately every 30 minutes starting at 8:20 AM and running until the last ferry at 3:50 PM. In the off-peak season, ferries depart every 40 minutes with the last ferry leaving around 1:35 PM.
What time is the last ferry from Alcatraz?
The last ferry back from Alcatraz Island during peak season is at 6:35 PM. In the off-peak season, the last return ferry is at 4:30 PM.
How early should I arrive for my Alcatraz ferry?
It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. During busy times, such as weekends or summer, it’s a good idea to arrive even earlier to avoid long lines.
What happens if I miss my scheduled ferry ride?
If you miss your scheduled ferry, you may be placed on the next available ferry if there’s space, but this is not guaranteed. No refunds are offered for missed ferries, so be sure to arrive on time.
What time do the Night Tour ferries depart?
During peak season (March to November), the Night Tour ferries depart at 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM, and occasionally a 7:05 PM ferry on busy days. In the off-peak season (November to March), Night Tour ferries depart at 3:50 PM and sometimes 4:45 PM.
How late can I stay on Alcatraz Island during the Night Tour?
For the Night Tour, visitors are expected to leave the island by 9:30 PM, with return ferries departing at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:45 PM, and 9:30 PM.
Can I catch any ferry back to the mainland after my day tour?
Yes, visitors with Day Tour tickets can return on any regular ferry listed on the schedule. Just check the signs at the Alcatraz dock for the next available departure.
Do Alcatraz ferries operate on holidays or during bad weather?
Ferries operate on most holidays, but the schedule may be adjusted based on weather conditions. In case of heavy fog or storms, ferry departures may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons.
