San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Active
2d
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit Alcatraz Island, the infamous former prison that once held America’s most notorious criminals. Walk through the original cell blocks, experience the award-winning “Doing Time” audio tour with stories from real inmates and guards, and enjoy stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
Use your 48-hour Big Bus ticket to see the city at your own pace. Ride in comfort on open-top double-decker buses and hop on and off at top attractions including Union Square, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Learn more with multilingual audio commentary as you discover San Francisco’s neighborhoods and landmarks.
Package also includes entry to the Aquarium by the Bay and a 1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour of the city after dark!
Highlights
Guaranteed access to Alcatraz Island
48-hour hop-on, hop-off Big Bus pass
Iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, and more
Available options
Alcatraz & Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Alcatraz Cruise Date: The date booked is for your Alcatraz Cruise. Alcatraz ticket redemption instructions will be noted on the voucher. <br/>Duration: 2 days<br/>Hop-on Hop-off Tour of SF: Hop on and off at 16 convenient stops around San Francisco and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
What's included
Official Alcatraz ticket, including ferry ride to the island
No additional fees
Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour
Round-trip ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island
48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket
1-hour Digital Walking Tour of Chinatown
1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour
Aquarium by the Bay admission
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
KO
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.1
327 reviews
5★
177
4★
79
3★
32
2★
15
1★
24
Tripadvisor
4.3
319 reviews
5★
214
4★
51
3★
24
2★
10
1★
20
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
To receive your Alcatraz Island Ticket you must check into the Big Bus Visitor Center one day prior to the Alcatraz Tour date, or before 9am on the date of your Alcatraz Tour.
Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
Photo ID is required.
Please note that the date you have selected is the date for your Alcatraz Tour.
Your tour time will be assigned 5 days in advance of the tour date. Once a time is assigned we are not able to make any changes, please note your timed entry will be allocated by Alcatraz this will not be able to be personally selected
Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid during operating hours for 48 hours after first use.
Important notes
Please present your online voucher/QR Code via your mobile device to any of the Big Bus staff that are located at any of the Big Bus stop on the route, where they will be able to activate your ticket.
**Important information about visiting Alcatraz. This ticket includes admission to Alcatraz and return ferry transfers from Pier 33.
Please note that the date you have selected is the date for your Alcatraz Tour. After booking, Your tour time will be assigned 10 days in advance of the tour date. Once a time is assigned we are not able to make any changes, please note your timed entry will be allocated by Alcatraz this will not be able to be personally selected. Please email Alcatraz@bigbustours.com for any questions. We will need all names for all other guests included in the booking (and ages if they are under 18). This must be confirmed at least 10 days in advance of your visit. Same-day bookings are not available. Please redeem your e-tickets at our Pier 41 Marine Terminal Information Center between 9:30am–5:30pm on the day before.**
You must bring your photo ID on the day of your booking.
Redeem your voucher at - Big Bus Tours San Francisco, 99 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Customers are advised to visit our website or to download our app to find out more about our new health and safety measures and for the most update service information.
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
