United States
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) Schedules 2026
Alcatraz from Pier 33 — the ferry is the ticket
Est. 1973San Francisco, California
Photo: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay — Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 15m
- Avg crossing
- 1973
- Founded
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) is a ferry operator, founded in 1973 and based in San Francisco, California. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports in United States. Customer contact: +1 415-561-4900. Across its network, crossings average about 15m.
Live board
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) departures today
Filtered to sailings that operate on today's date — open a departure for its full timetable.
Timetables
Which routes does Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcatraz Island → Pier 33 | 15m | 23 / wk | 1 | United States |
| Pier 33 → Alcatraz Island | 15m | 18 / wk | 1 | United States |
Alcatraz Island1 route
Pier 331 route
Network
Where does Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) sail?
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Departs Pier 33 on the Embarcadero
- Crossing bundled into island admission
- Cellhouse audio tour
- Ferry from Pier 33 is the only access; the crossing is part of the admission ticket
- Entry by reservation and timed slot — sells out days or weeks ahead
- Occupied by Native American activists in 1969
- Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series runs May to September
- The Big Lockup exhibition: 1.9 million people are imprisoned in the US today
About
About Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island)
Alcatraz sits in San Francisco Bay, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the only way on or off is the ferry from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero.
The ticket is the ferry
The National Park Service manages the island; the boats are run by an authorised concessioner, and there is no separate ferry fare — the crossing is bundled into the island admission. Entry is by reservation and timed slot, and it routinely sells out days or weeks ahead in summer. You cannot turn up and sail. The park publishes advice on planning an off-season visit for anyone who cannot book far ahead.
The island is not only the prison
Alcatraz was occupied by Native American activists in 1969, an occupation that helped launch the modern movement for tribal sovereignty and self-determination — the park presents this as Welcome to Indian Land rather than as a footnote to the penitentiary story.
The Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series runs from May to September, giving the platform to people who have themselves been imprisoned. The Big Lockup exhibition in the New Industries Building sets the island against the present: 1.9 million people are behind bars in the United States today.
Practical
Hours vary by season, and historic preservation work is ongoing — parts of the island close and reopen, so check current conditions. The park publishes a dedicated accessibility page covering which features can be reached, and runs a Junior Ranger programme for children.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) founded?
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) was founded in 1973, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Where does Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) sail?
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in United States, including Alcatraz Island, Pier 33.
How do I contact Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island)?
You can reach Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) by phone on +1 415-561-4900, or via their official booking site.
What facilities are available on Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) ferries?
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) ferries typically offer Departs Pier 33 on the Embarcadero, Crossing bundled into island admission, Cellhouse audio tour. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island).
How do I find Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 9, 2026.
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