Last-Minute Alcatraz Tickets – Canceled, Same Day, and Standby Options

If you’re set on visiting Alcatraz but tickets are sold out, you still have options! Discover ways to find last-minute tickets, from canceled bookings to standby and combo tours, and make your visit to this iconic site unforgettable.

Alcatraz Island is one of the most popular and iconic attractions in San Francisco, drawing a million visitors from around the world eager to see the infamous prison and its dramatic history firsthand. 

However, due to huge demand and the limited number of ferries going to Alcatraz daily, tour tickets often sell out weeks in advance. 

If your trip to San Francisco is just around the corner and you’re scrambling to score a last-minute ticket to Alcatraz, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. 

Here’s everything you need to know to get your hands on an Alcatraz tour ticket, even if it’s a last-minute quest.

What’s ahead

Ways to get last-minute Alcatraz tickets
Our top recommendation

Quick tips for a successful last-minute Alcatraz trip

How to get Alcatraz tickets?

Hand holding Alcatraz tour ticket with prison and lighthouse in the background.Pin
Image: Alcatraz-experience.com

For those planning well in advance, there are three straightforward ways to purchase Alcatraz tickets:

  1. In-person: Stop at the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing Ticketbooth in San Francisco. It’s open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time.
  2. By phone: Call Alcatraz City Cruises at 415-981-7625 from 5 am to 7 pm Pacific Time, seven days a week.
  3. Online: Some authorized travel sites and ticketing partners like ViatorGetYourGuide, and Tiqets also sell Alcatraz tickets, typically bundled with other tours and attractions in San Francisco. 

However, if your visit is approaching fast, tickets may already be sold out on the official website. 

But don’t worry—below, we’ll show you four ways to make it to Alcatraz still, even if you’re booking at the eleventh hour.

Why are Alcatraz tickets hard to find?

Alcatraz tour tickets are typically available for booking up to 90 days ahead, and demand is always high. 

During peak months (April through August), tickets often sell out 75 days in advance. 

Even during moderate months like September and October, tickets are booked up to 50 days in advance. 

So, if you’re here looking for last-minute options, you’re not alone! 

Ways to get last-minute Alcatraz tickets

Alcatraz Island tour tickets and brochure on a wooden table.Pin
Image: dylanstours.com

Below, we’ll walk you through a few ways you might still get to explore this infamous prison island.

1. Book a combo tour that includes Alcatraz

Your best bet for a guaranteed ticket to Alcatraz at the last minute is to book a combo tour. 

These combo tours pair an Alcatraz visit with other popular San Francisco attractions and are perfect for making the most of your day. 

And these tickets are a great last-minute option, as tour operators often set aside a block of Alcatraz tickets to include with their packages.

Are combo tours reliable? 

Absolutely! City Experiences, the official partner for Alcatraz tickets, allows select San Francisco tour operators to sell combo packages with Alcatraz visits. 

These tours often include activities like a guided city tour or other top attractions, so they’re both convenient and reliable if you’re booking late.

Popular Alcatraz combo tours 

Some favorite combinations include Alcatraz with city sightseeing tours, bay cruises, or even day passes to other iconic spots. 

Remember that these tickets also sell out quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as possible.

TourCost
Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz TourUS$170
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and Alcatraz ticketUS$150
Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour + AlcatrazUS$109
San Francisco City Bus Tour + Alcatraz IslandUS$160
Cycle the Golden Gate Bridge + Alcatraz tourUS$179
Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay CruiseUS$139
Alcatraz Entry + E-Bike Street TourUS$235
Alcatraz Island with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off BusUS$120
City Tour with Alcatraz VisitUS$187
Alcatraz + Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito bike tourUS$179
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express VisitUS$98
Alcatraz Island Prison Tour + San Francisco Bike RentalUS$111
Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay CruiseUS$145

2. Look for canceled Alcatraz tickets

As with any popular attraction, cancellations happen! 

When visitors cancel their Alcatraz tickets, the official website may release these back into the pool for others to buy. 

It’s a bit of a gamble, but if you’re checking the City Experiences website regularly, you might score a last-minute ticket.

3. Try for standby tickets for the Alcatraz night tour

The Alcatraz night tour is a unique way to experience the island—it’s spookier and has extra tours and programs. 

Even though night tours also sell out in advance, standby tickets for these night tours can sometimes be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do standby tickets work?

You can pick up a standby ticket at the Alcatraz Landing ticket office early in the morning, and if there are no-shows for the night tour, standby holders get in on a first-sold, first-served basis. 

It’s a bit of a gamble, but it might just be worth the risk for a unique after-hours tour.

You’ll need to return to Alcatraz Landing about 30 minutes before the evening departure time to see if any spots open. 

On average, 50% of the tourists with standby Alcatraz tickets return home without boarding the ferry. The lucky 50% go on a night tour of Alcatraz Island.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime nighttime tour of Alcatraz Island. Do have a backup plan – just in case.

Same-day Alcatraz tickets are no longer available

Every day, Alcatraz Cruises used to hold back a limited number of same-day tickets, available for purchase at their Alcatraz Landing ticket office on a first-come, first-served basis. But as of now, same-day tickets for Alcatraz are not readily available. 

The official ticketing policy has changed, and there is no longer a set allotment for same-day tickets sold at the ticket office. 

Previously, visitors could line up early in the morning for a limited number of same-day tickets, but this practice was discontinued in 2019.

Our top recommendation: Book a combo tour in advance

All of these options are possible but can involve a lot of waiting, early mornings, and some luck. 

If you want to guarantee a spot on Alcatraz and skip the hassle, a combo tour is your best bet

While these packages can cost a bit more, they’re reliable, and the added perks (like a city tour or a bay cruise) make it a win-win.

Quick tips for a successful last-minute Alcatraz trip

  • Arrive early: For standby tickets, getting there early is essential. Lines start around 4 am during peak season.
  • Bring ID: Alcatraz ticketing is strict, and a government-issued photo ID is necessary for all ticket buyers.
  • Pack your patience: Getting standby tickets means long lines, so bring snacks, water, and something to do while you wait.
  • Visit off-peak: If you can, consider planning your trip for November through February. Crowds are smaller, and tickets are a bit easier to get.

With persistence, flexibility, and these insider tips, you’re well-equipped to get that last-minute Alcatraz ticket and make your visit to “The Rock” an unforgettable part of your San Francisco adventure!

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Researched & written by
Ankita Gupta is passionate about travel and enjoys discovering new places. Her favorite way to explore the world is by visiting beaches. She finds joy in feeling the sand between her toes and watching the waves roll in. Each beach offers a new story and a fresh perspective. Ankita’s travel adventures take her to various coastal destinations where she immerses herself in local cultures. She captures moments that tell vibrant stories and shares them with others. Her love for beaches and travel shines through in her writing, making her stories both engaging and inspiring. Favorite travel movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Next destination: Kenya

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