Ferry Alcatraz, Ferry port and public transport stop in San Francisco, US
Ferry Alcatraz is a ferry port and public transport stop at Pier 33, also called Alcatraz Landing, on San Francisco's northern waterfront. The boats cross the bay to Alcatraz Island, with the ride taking around 15 minutes each way.
Pier 33 was once a working cargo pier before it became the sole departure point for trips to Alcatraz. The company Alcatraz Cruises now holds the exclusive contract to operate ferry service from this dock to the island.
The ferry leaves from Pier 33, a dock on San Francisco's northern waterfront known as the Embarcadero. Visitors waiting there come from all over the world, drawn by the story of the island prison that sits in plain view across the water.
Tickets should be bought in advance through the official Alcatraz Cruises website, as availability fills up quickly, especially in summer. Arriving at Pier 33 a little early is a good idea, since boarding can take time and the waterfront area gets busy.
Alcatraz Cruises is the only operator allowed to sell tickets for the island, so any offer from a stranger near the pier promising cheaper tickets is likely a scam. The dock sits just a short walk from Pier 39 and Pier 41, but those piers do not offer direct service to the island.
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