San Francisco: Alcatraz Island Tickets, Golden Gate & Bike Rental

Summary

Alcatraz ferry ride, prison audio tour and cycling the city

You’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge by bus, sip coffee in Sausalito, then take a ferry to Alcatraz Island with prepaid tickets—no stress about sell-outs. Explore the infamous prison at your own pace with an audio tour before returning to San Francisco for a full day of cycling wherever curiosity takes you. It’s a day that lingers in your head long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You know you’re actually in San Francisco when the wind tastes like salt and you can’t tell if that’s fog or just your glasses steaming up. We started out with this bus ride over the Golden Gate Bridge—our guide (I think his name was Marcus?) kept pointing out all these oddball facts about Sausalito and how the light changes on the bay. I tried to snap a photo but my hair kept blowing in my face. Sausalito is almost too pretty, honestly. We had coffee there before heading back for the main event: Alcatraz.”

The ferry to Alcatraz Island was packed with people speaking every language you could think of—someone next to me was explaining ‘The Rock’ movie plot to their kid. The water smelled briny, and seagulls just hovered right above us like they owned the place. I didn’t expect how quiet it would get once we landed; even with a crowd, there’s this weird hush as you walk up toward the prison. The audio tour is included (don’t skip it), and hearing those old guards’ voices echoing through your headphones while you look at peeling paint—it’s a little eerie. I still remember that cell block smell: old stone, metal, something damp.

After wandering around Alcatraz for a couple hours (and taking way too many photos), we caught the ferry back. There’s no set pace—you can hang out as long or as little as you want. Back in San Francisco, we picked up our bikes (24-hour rental is part of this whole thing), which felt kind of liberating after being inside all morning. Riding along the Embarcadero, dodging cable cars and smelling sourdough from somewhere—I mean, that’s about as “San Francisco” as it gets. I tried riding one-handed to take a picture of Coit Tower and almost wiped out, so maybe don’t do that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Alcatraz tour and San Francisco exploration

• Take guided bus tour over Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit Sausalito for city views
• Ferry to Alcatraz Island with prepaid ticket
• Use audio headset for 3-hour Alcatraz tour
• Explore Alcatraz Island and take photos
• Return ferry to San Francisco
• Rent bike for 24-hour San Francisco exploration

Top questions

How long does the Alcatraz Island tour take?

The Alcatraz tour typically takes 2-3 hours including time for exploring and photos.

Is bike rental included in this package?

Yes, a 24-hour bike rental is included so you can explore San Francisco on your own schedule.

Are Alcatraz tickets guaranteed?

Yes, prepaid official Alcatraz tickets are included so you avoid sold-out days or times.

Does this tour include transportation across the Golden Gate Bridge?

A guided bus ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito is included at the start of your day.

Is an audio tour provided at Alcatraz?

Yes, an audio headset is provided for a self-guided tour inside the prison building on Alcatraz Island.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are permitted and specialized infant seats are available.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided bus ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito with time to explore, official prepaid tickets for both ferry rides and entry to Alcatraz Island (with audio tour inside the prison), plus a 24-hour bike rental so you can roam San Francisco at your own pace after returning from Alcatraz.