Frequently Asked Questions

For more detailed information on photo id requirements, luggage and other helpful information, visit our Helpful Tips page.

"How do I purchase tickets to Alcatraz?" "Did anyone ever escape from the island?" "What should I wear during my visit?"

For the answers to these and other popular "FAQs", click on the links below.

• Purchasing Tickets
  Q. How can I purchase tickets to visit Alcatraz?
  Q. Where can I get the cheapest Alcatraz tickets?
  Q. How far in advance should I reserve my tickets?
  Q. How can I purchase tickets for others?
  Q. I want to book dates that are not available. What do I do?
  Q. Can I use the Go San Francisco Card, City Pass or Wharf Pass to visit Alcatraz?
  Q. Do you offer any discounts for tickets to Alcatraz?
• Group Tickets
  Q. I am a travel agent/tour operator trying to book tickets for clients. How do I get started?
  Q. Can groups go on Night Tours?
  Q. What constitutes a group?
  Q. What are the rules about chaperoning youths?
  Q. I want to take a group on a specially guided tour of the island. How do I arrange that?
• eTickets
  Q. How do I print my eTickets?
  Q. Do I need to print my eTickets on special paper or with specific print settings?
  Q. Do I still need to bring an ID if I print my tickets at home?
• Other Companies Selling Alcatraz
  Q. What should I know about people who are "scalping" Alcatraz tickets?
  Q. Are there other companies that will take me to Alcatraz?
  Q. Several tour companies offer packaged tours that include an Alcatraz ticket. Is this a legitimate way to get a ticket?
• Visiting Alcatraz
  Q. What’s the best time of year to visit the island?
  Q. How much time should I allow for my visit?
  Q. What can I see and do on Alcatraz?
  Q. What months are best for viewing nesting seabirds?
  Q. What waterbirds can I see on the island?
  Q. How should I dress when visiting the island?
  Q. How accessible is Alcatraz?
  Q. Where can I park?
  Q. How are the Day and Night Tours different?
  Q. What time do we come back from the island?
  Q. Where do I pick up my tickets?
  Q. Are minors under the age of 18 allowed to tour Alcatraz Island with out the accompaniment of an adult?
  Q. Can I bring luggage/coolers/oversized backpacks or packages to Alcatraz Island?
• Alcatraz Legends & Lore
  Q. How long did the penitentiary on Alcatraz operate?
  Q. How many cells were there?
  Q. What was the average convict's stay?
  Q. Did anyone ever escape from Alcatraz?
  Q. How many prisoners were executed at Alcatraz?
  Q. Are there man-eating sharks in the bay?
  Q. Is the island honeycombed with tunnels and dungeons?
  Q. How long was Al Capone on Alcatraz?
  Q. Did the Birdman really have birds on Alcatraz?
  Q. Was Alcatraz really as bad as it was portrayed in the movies?
  Q. Is Alcatraz haunted?
• Customer Service
  Q. I need to cancel my tickets. How do I get a refund?
  Q. I need to reschedule my cruise. How do I get a refund?
• Technical Support
  Q. We've experienced problems while trying to book online. Why?
  Q. I've been charged twice. How do I get a refund?

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Alcatraz Cruises, LLC is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

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