Alcatraz Island and Guided San Francisco City Tour

FAQs

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• What will we see during the city tour?

  Easily the most comprehensive city tour of San Francisco, we take you to visit the: Ferry Building, Marina District, Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, Fisherman’s Wharf, Land’s End, Cliff House, Castro District, Chinatown, Union Square, Lombard Street, North Beach, and, of course—Golden Gate Bridge!

• Is the Alcatraz portion of the tour guided?

  All tours of Alcatraz are operated by the National Park Service. While rangers are available for questions, the primary content of the tour is delivered through an audio guide available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish languages.

• What should I wear?

  San Francisco can be chilly in the morning so it’s best to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

• Do I need to bring my ID?

  You must present valid government-issued photo identification to pick up your tickets at Alcatraz Pier 33. A photocopy of a passport suffices as valid photo identification.

• What should I bring?

  Besides your valid government-issued ID, bring a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and a credit card or cash for purchasing souvenirs or snacks.

• How much time will I have on Alcatraz island?

  The amount of time you can stay on Alcatraz Island is up to you. Return ferries to San Francisco leave the island about every 20 minutes. Most guests find that 2 hours is sufficient time to do the complete prison tour. The ferry between Alcatraz Island and San Francisco takes about 15 minutes.

• Is Alcatraz accessible for those with disabilities?

  Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is fully accessible. Many areas on Alcatraz Island are also accessible with the use of the S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram.

• Why not purchase Alcatraz and a city tour separately?

  First, the combo tour makes for an easy, seamless day in which we pick you up at your hotel and deliver you to Pier 33 to catch the ferry to Alcatraz. Also, our contract with the National Park Service allows us access to Alcatraz tickets only when they are part of a tour package.

• Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

  Meals are not included on this tour. There are multiple food options available in Fisherman’s Wharf where you can purchase lunch or snacks. Please note that food is not permitted on Alcatraz Island.

• Do I need to be at Pier 33 - Alcatraz Landing before my departure?

  We will manage the day so that you are at Pier 33 one half-hour prior to your departure time to check in. You must present valid government-issued photo identification at the will call booth to collect your Alcatraz tickets.

• Why is this tour non-refundable?

  Tour operators like Extranomical must purchase the Alcatraz tickets in advance and they may not be transferred or refunded after purchase.

• How do I collect my Alcatraz tickets?

  When you arrive at Pier 33, there is a separate “Will Call” line for visitors to pick up prepaid tickets. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time to check in. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID or passport.

• Are there dining options on Alcatraz Island?

  There are no dining options on the Island. Guests may bring bottled water to drink. Please plan accordingly and enjoy your lunch after the City Tour and before your Alcatraz experience.