United States
Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Pier 33
California
Arrives
Alcatraz Island
California
At a glance
The Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island ferry takes about 15m, with 18 listed sailings between 08:40 and 19:05. It is operated by Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island).
- First sailing
- 08:40
- Last sailing
- 19:05
- Sailings listed
- 18
- Crossing
- 15m
Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island ferry timetable
| Departs | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:40 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 09:20 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 09:40 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 10:10 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 10:35 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 11:00 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 11:30 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 12:00 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 12:30 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 13:05 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 13:35 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 14:15 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 14:45 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 15:20 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 15:50 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 17:55 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 18:30 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 19:05 | 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 Pier 33 – Alcatraz Island crossing
Alcatraz Island is reached from San Francisco's Pier 33 by a 15-minute ferry crossing. This is the only public passenger ferry service to the island. The route covers a distance of approximately one nautical mile across San Francisco Bay.
The ferry is operated by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Departures are scheduled every day, with 18 sailings listed in the current timetable. The first sailing leaves at 08:40 and the last boat of the day departs at 19:05.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Passenger ferries
- Hybrid-electric vessels
- Audio cellhouse tour included
- Day & night tours
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
Can I book the return crossing too?
Yes, check the return route for its own times and fares.
Is this a domestic or international route?
Domestic — the whole crossing stays within United States.
How long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 15m under normal conditions.
What's the sailing frequency per day?
18 sailings a day on this route.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island).
What time is the first sailing?
First departure is 08:40, last is 19:05.
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 08:40, last 19:05), 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 July 24, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Pier 33 on the map
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