Premium Ticket + Alcatraz (Off-Peak)

Explore Alcatraz

Discover the world's most infamous prison.

Also known as 'The Rock', the federal prison once established on Alcatraz Island is synonymous with notorious bank robbers and murderers like Al Capone, 'Machine Gun' Kelly, and the 'Birdman of Alcatraz', Robert Stroud. Now empty, and managed by the National Park Service, you can hop on a ferry to visit Alcatraz for yourself. Once you arrive, you'll have hours to explore the infamous facility with a personal audioguide. Learn about the lives of prisoners and guards alike, inspect the cells, and take in magnificent views of surrounding San Francisco Bay.

Alcatraz Need-to-Know

Important information about visiting Alcatraz.

This ticket includes admission to Alcatraz and return ferry transfers from Pier 33. After booking, our team will get in touch with you to confirm your preferred Alcatraz tour date and time. 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 Big Bus Welcome Center (99 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94133) at 9:00am on the date of your Alcatraz visit. Note that Photo ID is required for each adult in the group over the age of 18. Please note that Alcatraz tour times cannot be changed and are considered confirmed tickets once a time has been allocated. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to reach out to the team at Alcatraz@bigbustours.com

Pre-recorded Commentary

Available in 10 languages.

Pre-recorded commentary is available in 10 languages on all Red Route buses via complimentary headphones that you can keep when you hop off the bus. Languages featured include English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Cantonese.

Hop on, hop off

Explore San Francisco at your own pace.

Make the most of your time in San Francisco with our flexible hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours. Explore the city's sights at your own pace - you'll have the freedom to hop off the tour at any of our conveniently located stops, and rejoin when you're ready.

Free Walking Tour

Discover San Francisco's Chinatown

Discover more of San Francisco with a complimentary Chinatown Walking Tour. Walk through this world-famous historic neighborhood. See the magnificent Chinatown gates, the busy marketplace and the vibrant mix of historical and modern day culture. This tour is led by a qualified guide who will give you an insight into the area’s history and must-see locations. You can join the Chinatown Walk from Stop 5 (Union Square South). Tour operates daily at 12:00pm . The Walking Tour duration is approximately 1 hour.

Free Bike Rental

Rent for 1 hour, get 1 hour free.

Blazing Saddles offers Big Bus Tours customers 1 hour free with the purchase of a 1-hour bike rental. This deal is available from any Blazing Saddles shop, where the team will equip you with all the necessary gear and explain how to make the most of cycling in San Francisco.

Extra Hygiene Measures

The health and safety of our staff and customers is our number one priority, so we've introduced a number of enhanced health and safety measures. We are continuously following government advice and the requirements of local health authorities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Free Mobile App

Now with live bus arrival times!

Download our free mobile app for the perfect pocket companion to your sightseeing adventure. Our live bus arrival times feature lets you spend a little longer sipping that latte, browsing at the museum or taking that all-important selfie, so you can simply arrive 5 minutes early at the bus stop. In addition to live bus arrival times, you'll also get detailed maps and route information, live bus tracking, walking directions, facts about famous landmarks and attractions, ticket offers and more. Save memory-making minutes on your city adventure with Big Bus Tours.

Check Service

Plan ahead for your tour with our service updates

Visit our Service Information Page for up-to-date information about our current service.