How to Get to Alcatraz: Pier 33 Directions

There is exactly one place to begin an Alcatraz visit: Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, on San Francisco’s northern waterfront. It is the only authorised ferry departure point for the island — no other dock will get you there. This guide covers how to reach Pier 33 by transit, car, or rideshare, where to park if you drive, and how the arrival timing works so you do not miss your boat. Once you have your route sorted, book your ferry-and-audio tour and the rest of the day takes care of itself.

Where Pier 33 is

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing sits along The Embarcadero, San Francisco’s bay-front street, near Bay Street — between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building. The full address on your booking is Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing – San Francisco, CA 94111. Look for the ferry boarding area when you arrive; it is well signposted along the waterfront.

Getting there by public transit — the easiest option

San Francisco traffic and parking around the waterfront are difficult enough that public transit is usually the smartest choice. Your options:

The F Line historic streetcar is the most direct ride: it runs along the waterfront and the Bay Street stop is right across from Pier 33. If you are coming from elsewhere in the Bay Area, take BART to Embarcadero Station and transfer to the F or E streetcar line for the short hop up the Embarcadero.

Getting there by car

If you drive, point your navigation at Pier 33 or “Alcatraz Landing.” From the East Bay, cross the Bay Bridge into San Francisco and follow signs toward The Embarcadero, then continue north along the waterfront toward Fisherman’s Wharf.

The catch: there is no parking at Pier 33 itself. You will need a paid lot or garage nearby and a short walk to the dock.

Parking near Pier 33

There is no shortage of parking within a five-block radius of Pier 33 — by some counts, several thousand spaces across nearby commercial lots and garages. The trade-off is cost and convenience:

• Garages and commercial lots are the practical choice for an Alcatraz visit, because the full tour takes about three hours. All-day rates vary widely; some lots are modest, while waterfront garages near Fisherman’s Wharf can run considerably higher in peak season. Check posted rates before you park.
• Metered street parking exists but is a poor fit. Meters in the area typically cap at a two-hour limit, which is shorter than your three-hour visit — you would risk a ticket. Metered rates also climb in busy tourist periods.

Because parking costs and time limits shift year to year and by season, treat any specific figure as a starting point and confirm the posted rate when you arrive. For most visitors, transit or a rideshare drop-off works out cheaper and far less stressful than circling for a space.

How early to arrive

Whichever way you travel, build your timing around one fixed rule: be at Pier 33 at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure. Security screens every passenger, and the boarding queue closes a few minutes before the boat leaves. Late arrivals are denied boarding with no refund — and the next ferry may be hours away or sold out.

That 30-minute buffer is the minimum. If you are driving and parking, add extra time to find a space and walk to the dock. If you are relying on transit, leave a cushion for streetcar delays. Use any spare minutes to grab water and use the restroom — there are no food sales on the island, and you will not want to start a three-hour visit unprepared.

A simple plan for the day

1. Pick your departure time when you book, and work backwards from it.
2. Choose transit or rideshare if you can — it removes the parking problem entirely.
3. If driving, target a garage, not a meter, and add time for the walk.
4. Arrive 30 minutes early, minimum — more if parking.
5. Have your ferry confirmation and the audio-tour link ready on your phone. The operator emails the audio link the day before.

For everything that happens once you board, see our first-time visitor’s guide; for choosing a date that is still available, see the best time to visit guide.

Ready to Book?

The featured Alcatraz Ferry & Audio Tour departs from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing — round-trip ferry, the official cellhouse audio tour, and an optional night-visit upgrade. Rated 4.4/5 by 761 guests, from $77 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Check availability and book →