The hours of operation vary with the season - departures are available about every half hour throughout the day beginning at 9:30 am. Evening tours and combined Angel Island - Alcatraz Island tours are also available depending on the season. Alcatraz is open every day except Christmas and New Year day. Alcatraz frequently sells out in advance, as much as a week in advance in summer and near holidays. For schedules, prices, and to purchase tickets in advance please visit the Alcatraz Cruises website.

From the south
Take Highway 101 North to Highway 80 East, exit at 4th Street, then stay left onto Bryant Street (get in right lane). Stay on Bryant Street to The Embarcadero, then turn left onto The Embarcadero. The Alcatraz Cruises ferry terminal is on the right.

From the north
Take Highway 101 South across the Golden Gate Bridge, pass through the Toll Plaza and stay to your left. Take Lombard Street Exit (on right side) and follow Lombard Street to Van Ness Avenue. Take a left onto Van Ness Avenue (stay right) and follow Van Ness Avenue to Bay Street (about three blocks). Turn right on Bay Street and continue to The Embarcadero
* Turn right on Embarcadero - the Alcatraz Cruises ferry terminal is a few blocks away on the left.

From the east

* Take Interstate 80 West across the Bay Bridge. Take Harrison/Embarcadero Exit (on left side) and turn right at Harrison Street (end of off-ramp). Follow Harrison to The Embarcadero and turn left onto The Embarcadero. The Alcatraz Cruises ferry terminal will be on your right