United States
Alcatraz Island to Pier 33 Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Alcatraz Island
California
Arrives
Pier 33
California
At a glance
The Alcatraz Island to Pier 33 ferry takes about 15m, with 23 listed sailings between 09:00 and 21:25. It is operated by Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island).
- First sailing
- 09:00
- Last sailing
- 21:25
- Sailings listed
- 23
- Crossing
- 15m
Alcatraz Island to Pier 33 ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | 09:15 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 09:35 | 09:50 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 09:55 | 10:10 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 10:30 | 10:45 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 11:00 | 11:15 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 11:25 | 11:40 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 11:55 | 12:10 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 12:25 | 12:40 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 12:55 | 13:10 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 13:30 | 13:45 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 14:00 | 14:15 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 14:40 | 14:55 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 15:10 | 15:25 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 15:45 | 16:00 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 16:15 | 16:30 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 16:45 | 17:00 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 17:15 | 17:30 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 17:55 | 18:10 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 18:30 | 18:45 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 18:55 | 19:10 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 19:55 | 20:10 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 20:40 | 20:55 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 21:25 | 21:40 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Alcatraz Island – Pier 33 crossing
Nineteen departures run every day between 09:00 and 18:30, and four more leave after dark on Tuesdays to Saturdays. Those evening sailings — 18:55 through to 21:25 — are the return leg of the night visit, and they exist on five days rather than seven.
Fifteen minutes across San Francisco Bay
The crossing covers 1.4 nautical miles back to Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the concession boat is the only public way on or off.
The last boat is not optional
On an island with no accommodation and no bridge, the final departure is the end of the visit whether or not you are ready. That is true of every ferry to a closed site, and more literally true here than most.
An eight-month season
The listed departures run from 8 March to 1 November 2026. Winter sailings operate on a reduced arrangement, and the night programme in particular is seasonal.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Departs Pier 33 on the Embarcadero
- Crossing bundled into island admission
- Cellhouse audio tour
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day does it sail?
23 sailings a day.
What time is the first sailing?
First departure is 09:00, last is 21:25.
How long is the ferry ride?
Around 15m, depending on sea conditions.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within United States.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island).
Is a return sailing available?
Yes — see the return route for its schedule.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island)) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 15m and several sailings a day (first 09:00, last 21:25), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island), so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Timetable valid Mar 8, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 11, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Alcatraz Island on the map
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