Alcatraz Day Tour vs. Night Tour: Which Is Right for You?

Visiting Alcatraz Island is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco, but choosing the right tour can make a big difference in your experience. The former prison is now part of the National Park Service, and the only way to visit is by ferry operated by Alcatraz City Cruises, which must be booked in advance. When purchasing tickets, you’ll need to choose between an Alcatraz day tour or an Alcatraz night tour, and while both include ferry transportation and access to the island, the experience is noticeably different.

In this post, we’re breaking down the key differences between the Alcatraz day tour and night tour, including atmosphere, crowds, timing, and value, to help you decide which option is right for your trip.

Disclaimer: This post does contain affiliate links, which if used, we can earn commission from. These type of links help us continue making honest reviews for our viewers.

Alcatraz Island

General Alcatraz Island Information (Day vs. Night Tours)

Ticket Prices & What’s Included

An Alcatraz day tour ticket costs $45.25 for adults and includes:

• Round-trip ferry transportation

• Admission to Alcatraz Island

• The guided audio tour inside the cell house

• Any ranger-led talks available during the day

The Alcatraz night tour costs $56.30 for adults and includes everything in the day tour plus:

• A ferry cruise around the island (night-only feature)

• Access to the prison hospital (night-only)

The audio tour inside the cell house is included with both options and is one of the highlights of the visit.

Inside the Cell House

How Long Can You Stay on Alcatraz?

There is no fixed time limit on the island, as long as you return on the last ferry associated with your ticket type.

• Day tour: last ferry departs around 4:00 PM

• Night tour: last ferry departs around 9:25 PM

Getting There: Pier 33 & Nearby Attractions

All Alcatraz tours depart from Pier 33, located about a 10-minute walk from Pier 39. If you’re planning to visit the Pier 39 sea lions, it’s very easy to combine both in the same day. When we’re in the area, we usually park at the Pier 39 parking garage. It’s more expensive, but it’s a secured lot with active security, and we’ve never had issues there. That said, car break-ins are common in San Francisco, so never leave bags or valuables in your vehicle.

Alcatraz City Cruises Ferry

Boarding the Ferry

Once you arrive at Pier 33, signage makes it very clear where to go. There’s a short security check where tickets are scanned, followed by a seating area while you wait for boarding.

Food and drinks aren’t allowed past security, so finish anything beforehand (we learned this the hard way and had to finish our coffee outside). When your boarding time appears on the screens, you’ll line up for the ferry. If you want a spot on the top deck, lining up early helps. Otherwise, there’s no downside to boarding later once the line thins out.

Indians Welcome Sign

Ferry Ride to Alcatraz Island

The ferry ride takes about 10–15 minutes. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and the views are excellent, you’ll see the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island itself. It’s a great opportunity for photos.

Disembarking on the island can take a few minutes, especially if you’re on an upper deck, but the views make the wait worthwhile.

Exploring the Island & Cell House Tour

Once on the island, National Park Service rangers and clear signage help guide visitors. Alcatraz is essentially one large hill, roughly equivalent to climbing 13 stories. For visitors with mobility needs, a complimentary tram is available to transport guests between the dock and the cell house. Each rider may bring one companion. At the top of the hill is the entrance to the cell house audio tour, which we strongly recommend. The self-guided tour lasts about 30 minutes and is narrated by former inmates and guards. We’ve done Alcatraz both with and without the audio tour, and it adds significant depth to the experience.

Optional Audio Tour Refund

If you choose not to take the audio tour, you’re eligible for a $15 cash refund per person. To receive it, you must visit the end of the audio tour near the main gift shop and request the refund directly there. Rangers elsewhere on the island cannot process it.

---

Alcatraz Day Tour: What to Expect

The Alcatraz day tour is a great way to explore the island at a relaxed pace, especially if you want plenty of daylight and flexibility. Day tours are also the most affordable ticket option, making them a popular choice for families and first-time visitors.

Day Tour Ticket Prices

Day tour pricing through Alcatraz City Cruises is as follows:

• Adults (12+): $45.25

• Children (under 12): $27.55

• Seniors (62+): $42.65

There is also a family ticket option (two adults and two children under 12) priced at $131.85, which can save just under $14 compared to purchasing tickets individually. These family bundles are limited and tend to sell out quickly.

Views of the Bay

Best Time to Book a Day Tour

The earliest day tour departure is 8:40 AM, and the latest is 3:50 PM. While any time slot gives you access to the full island experience, the later departures offer the least amount of time before the final ferry back, which can make the visit feel rushed. From experience, we prefer booking between 10:30 AM and noon. This allows for a slower morning while still leaving plenty of time to explore the island, enjoy the audio tour, and walk the grounds at a comfortable pace.

Weather, Fog & What to Wear

San Francisco is famous for its fog, and early morning visitors should be prepared for cooler, cloudier conditions. Fog often begins to lift by late morning and can roll back in during the early evening. No matter when you visit, wear layers. Even on sunny days, Alcatraz can be windy and chilly. We always recommend bringing a jacket. During our most recent daytime visit, we had clear skies and warm weather, which made for excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Afternoon visits are generally your best bet for avoiding fog and maximizing visibility.

Alcatraz Garden

Exhibits & Areas Open During the Day

As you walk up the hill toward the cell house, there are several smaller exhibits worth stopping at, including:

• The gardens

• The morgue

• The firehouse

• The Red Power exhibit

Most exhibits are open during the day tour, and there are plenty of park rangers and museum staff available to answer questions. One of our favorite parts of the day tour is the Alcatraz garden, which is closed during the night tour. During the day, it’s staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who share the garden’s history and explain how it played a role in prisoner rehabilitation.

What You’ll Miss on the Day Tour

There are two main things you won’t experience on the day tour:

• The prison hospital wing, which is only open during the night tour and select specialty tours

• The full island ferry loop, which is exclusive to the night tour

Day tours travel directly to the front of the island from Pier 33, while night tours circle Alcatraz for nearly 360-degree views.

Is the Day Tour Right for You?

If you don’t mind missing the hospital wing and the extended ferry ride, the day tour is an excellent choice. It’s more affordable, offers more flexibility, and allows you to explore Alcatraz at your own pace with better visibility and access to more exhibits. For many visitors, especially first-timers and families, the day tour provides the best balance of value, time, and experience.

---

Alcatraz Night Tour: What to Expect

The Alcatraz night tour offers a more atmospheric and immersive experience, with fewer crowds, special evening programs, and access to areas not available during the day. While you’ll have slightly less time to explore the island, the night tour adds unique elements that make it feel more exclusive.

Alcatraz at Dusk

Extended Ferry Ride Around Alcatraz Island

The night tour begins with an extended ferry ride that circles Alcatraz Island, a feature not offered on daytime tours. This portion of the trip provides excellent photo opportunities, with views of the island from multiple angles as the light starts to change. After circling the island, the ferry docks in the same location used for day tours, and guests disembark to begin exploring.

Exhibits, Audio Tour & Special Evening Talks

Most aspects of the night tour are similar to the day tour. The cell house audio tour is the same, and many exhibits remain open. However, some areas, such as the garden and firehouse, are typically closed at night. One of the biggest differences is the addition of special ranger-led talks, which take place about twice per hour. Topics range from the history of Alcatraz and its inmates to the Native American Occupation of the island. Schedules are posted near the entrance to the cell house, along with ferry departure times. Since there are only three ferry departures during the night tour, it’s important to note these times so you don’t miss your return.

Remains of a cell bathroom

Access to the Prison Hospital Wing (Night Tour Only)

A major highlight of the night tour is access to the prison hospital wing, which is closed during the day. Signage is limited, and we almost missed it, the entrance is located down a small stairway inside the dining hall.

Exploring the hospital after dark was one of the most eerie parts of the experience. Inside, you can walk through areas such as:

• Examination rooms

• The X-ray room

• The Birdman’s room

• Additional holding cells and living quarters

The island felt noticeably less crowded at night, giving us more space to explore, take photos, and linger at exhibits without feeling rushed.

Examination Room

Sunset, Fog & Weather Considerations

As we walked toward the lighthouse outside the cell house, the wind picked up significantly. This part of the island was cold and extremely windy, especially as the sun began to set and fog rolled in. Even at night, layers are essential.

We visited in mid-June, when the sun doesn’t begin setting until around 8:00 PM. Because the final ferry departs around 9:25 PM, there was limited time to explore the island in full darkness. If your goal is a truly dark, eerie experience, summer may not be the best time for a night tour.

That said:

• Summer is ideal if you want sunset views and early twilight

• Winter months are better if you want to experience Alcatraz after dark

Alcatraz's Hospital Wing

Is the Night Tour Worth the Extra Cost?

Compared to the day tour, the night tour adds two main features:

• The extended ferry ride around the island

• Access to the prison hospital wing

For about $11 more per person, these additions offer a different perspective on Alcatraz, quieter, moodier, and more immersive. If those elements appeal to you, the night tour is a worthwhile upgrade.

---

Booking Alcatraz Tours: Official Tickets vs. Viator

Official Booking (Recommended)

The only authorized ferry operator for Alcatraz Island is Alcatraz City Cruises, and booking directly through them is the most reliable way to secure tickets, especially for the night tour, which often sells out well in advance. Booking direct ensures you’re getting official access to the island, the correct ferry schedule, and the full National Park Service–run experience.

Alternative Option: Viator

If official tickets are sold out, or if you’re looking for bundled options (such as city tours combined with Alcatraz), platforms like Viator sometimes offer additional availability or package deals.

These can be useful if you:

• want more flexibility

• prefer booking multiple activities in one place

• are planning last-minute and official tickets are unavailable

See Available Bundle Deals On Viator

---

Final Verdict: Alcatraz Day Tour vs. Night Tour, Which Should You Choose?

Both the Alcatraz day tour and night tour are excellent experiences, but the better choice really depends on how familiar you are with San Francisco and what kind of visit you’re planning.

For first-time visitors, non-locals, or anyone with limited time in the city, the day tour is usually the better option. It offers more flexibility, more time on the island, better visibility, and access to more exhibits like the gardens. Because daytime ferry schedules allow you to return earlier, it’s also easier to pair with other activities such as Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, or exploring the city afterward. If you’re trying to fit Alcatraz into a full sightseeing itinerary, the day tour makes the most sense.

For locals, repeat visitors, or frequent San Francisco travelers, the night tour stands out as a more unique experience. The extended ferry ride around the island, access to the prison hospital wing, and smaller crowds create a noticeably different atmosphere. It feels less like a standard sightseeing stop and more like a special event, especially during non-peak seasons like spring or fall, when crowds are lighter and the island feels quieter. While the night tour does offer less total time on the island and isn’t fully dark during summer months, the mood, ranger talks, and exclusive areas make it a worthwhile upgrade if you’ve already seen Alcatraz during the day or want something a little different.

Bottom line:

• Choose the day tour if this is your first visit or you want maximum flexibility.

• Choose the night tour if you’ve been before or want a more atmospheric, limited-access experience.