How to Reach Alcatraz Island — Directions, Transport & Tips (2025)
Official ferries to Alcatraz Island depart from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on The Embarcadero. Use this step-by-step guide for transit routes, parking, airport links, accessibility, and time-saving tips.
Book Official Ferry & Prison EntryQuick Overview
Ferry terminal: Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA. Nearest transit: Historic Muni F-Market & Wharves streetcar (stops along Embarcadero), weekend E-Embarcadero. Nearby bus lines: 8, 30, 39 toward Fisherman’s Wharf area (short walk). Cable cars: Powell-Hyde / Powell-Mason to the Wharf, then 15–20 min walk along the waterfront. Parking: Multiple paid garages near Fisherman’s Wharf (no parking on the island).
Best Route for Most Visitors
Take BART or Muni Metro to Embarcadero Station → ride the F-Market streetcar or walk ~25–30 minutes north along the waterfront to Pier 33.
Driving Snapshot
Aim for a Fisherman’s Wharf garage (e.g., Pier 39 Garage, Anchorage Square), then walk 10–15 minutes to Pier 33. Allow extra time for traffic and wayfinding.
Option 1 — From Union Square / Downtown
Good if you’re near hotels, shopping, and the Powell Street cable cars.
- Muni Metro/BART: From Powell or Montgomery, go one stop to Embarcadero Station → take the F-Market streetcar toward Fisherman’s Wharf and get off near Pier 33.
- Cable Car + Walk: Ride Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason to the Wharf area → walk 15–20 minutes along The Embarcadero to Pier 33.
- Rideshare/Taxi: Set drop-off to “Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing”. Allow time for traffic and passenger loading zones.
Ticket Tip
The F-Market streetcar is frequent and scenic along the waterfront—perfect if you’re short on time or want to save your legs for the island.
Option 2 — Muni Metro & BART (Fastest Core Transit)
Embarcadero Station → Pier 33
Exit to The Embarcadero. Board the F-Market & Wharves streetcar toward Fisherman’s Wharf, or walk the flat bayside promenade ~25–30 minutes north to the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing sign.
From the Mission / SoMa
Use BART (16th/24th St) or Muni Metro to reach Embarcadero, then switch to the F-line or walk the waterfront.
From Fisherman’s Wharf
Most Wharf hotels are a 10–20 min walk to Pier 33. Follow signs along the waterfront south/east toward The Embarcadero.
Wayfinding
Look for large “Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing” banners, ticket windows, and boarding queues. Bring photo ID if requested by your ticket.
Boarding & Check-in
Arrive 30–45 minutes before your ferry time (earlier on weekends/holidays). Have your mobile voucher ready and follow staff instructions for the correct boarding lane.
Option 3 — Buses & Scenic Walks
Several Muni bus routes stop within a short walk of the Wharf and The Embarcadero. If traffic is heavy, the flat waterfront path can be faster—and it’s great for photos of the bridges and skyline.
- F-Market streetcar: Runs along Market St & The Embarcadero—alight near Pier 33.
- Bus 8 / 30 / 39: Serve Fisherman’s Wharf area—walk 8–15 minutes to Pier 33.
- Waterfront walk: From the Ferry Building, it’s a flat ~25–30 min stroll to the Pier 33 entrance.
Photo Tip
Leave a buffer before your ferry to enjoy Coit Tower views, sea lions at Pier 39, and long shots of the Bay Bridge—all on the way.
From the Airports (SFO & OAK)
SFO → Pier 33
Take BART from San Francisco Int’l Airport to Embarcadero Station → transfer to the F-Market or walk the waterfront to Pier 33.
OAK → Pier 33
From Oakland Int’l, ride the Oakland Airport Connector to Coliseum → BART to Embarcadero → F-line or walk to Pier 33.
Taxi / Rideshare
30–45 min+ depending on traffic. Set destination to “Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing”. Allow extra time on weekends and holidays.
Luggage
No luggage storage at Pier 33 or on the island. Use city lockers/your hotel and travel with a small daypack only.
Time Buffer
Flights, traffic, and transit can shift—book an afternoon ferry on arrival day, or visit the day after you land.
Driving, Parking & Bikes
Parking
Use paid garages near Fisherman’s Wharf (e.g., Pier 39 Garage, Anchorage Square, 80 Francisco St). Street parking is limited and time-restricted.
Drop-off Zones
Rideshares and taxis can drop at Pier 33. Follow posted loading signs and allow time for congestion at peak hours.
Bike Access
Cycling the waterfront is easy; lock bikes at racks near Pier 33 (no bikes on the island). Consider returning via a different scenic route.
Accessibility
Ferries and island services accommodate wheelchairs. On-island, ask about the S.E.A.T. accessible tram for steep sections.
Practical Tips
Arrive Early
Be at Pier 33 30–45 minutes before departure. Lines move quickly once boarding begins.
Layers & Footwear
Bay weather changes fast—bring a warm layer and wear closed-toe shoes for hills and stairs.
Food & Restrooms
Food is not sold on the island. Snacks/drinks are available on ferries; restrooms at Pier 33 and limited on the island.
Tickets & ID
Have your mobile voucher and photo ID ready. Many tickets include free cancellation up to 24h.
Getting There Cheatsheet
Exact Location
Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, The Embarcadero (between Bay St & Chestnut St). Look for Alcatraz banners.
Closest Transit
F-Market streetcar • Weekend E-Embarcadero • Buses 8/30/39 to Wharf area.
Typical Times
Embarcadero Station → Pier 33: ~25–30 min walk or 10–15 min on the F-line (traffic-dependent).
Boarding Buffer
Arrive 30–45 min early (earlier on weekends/holidays).
Accessibility
Wheelchair-friendly ferries; on-island S.E.A.T. tram assists on steep grades.
What to Bring
Layers, closed-toe shoes, water, sun protection, and your mobile ticket + ID.
Ready to Go to Alcatraz?
Pick your route, arrive early at Pier 33, and enjoy the ferry, cellhouse audio tour, and sweeping bay views.
See Alcatraz Tickets & Tours