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 | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:40 | 08:55 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 09:20 | 09:35 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 09:40 | 09:55 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 10:10 | 10:25 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 10:35 | 10:50 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 11:00 | 11:15 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 11:30 | 11:45 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 12:00 | 12:15 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 12:30 | 12:45 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 13:05 | 13:20 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 13:35 | 13:50 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 14:15 | 14:30 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 14:45 | 15:00 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 15:20 | 15:35 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 15:50 | 16:05 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Daily |
| 17:55 | 18:10 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 18:30 | 18:45 | 15m | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Alcatraz Island) | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 19:05 | 19:20 | 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
Eighteen departures a day and 120 sailings a week make this one of the busiest short crossings in the United States: 1.4 nautical miles from San Francisco's Pier 33 to Alcatraz in fifteen minutes, from 08:40 to 19:05.
Two day patterns govern it. The later departures — those after seven in the evening — do not run every day, which is what separates the night tour from the daytime service.
The island held a military prison from the 1860s and the federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963; between 1969 and 1971 it was occupied for nineteen months by Native American activists, whose graffiti is preserved on the water tower. Everyone who visits arrives on a scheduled boat and leaves on one — the fifteen-minute crossing is the only way on or off.
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
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 August 12, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Pier 33 on the map
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