All Alcatraz ferries depart from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, on The Embarcadero at Bay Street in San Francisco. Not Pier 39, not the Ferry Building. Visitors arriving at the wrong pier is the single most common reason people miss a sailing.
Where Pier 33 is
- On The Embarcadero, between Bay Street and Lombard Street.
- About a 15-minute walk east from Fisherman's Wharf.
- About a 20-minute walk north from the Ferry Building.
- Directly served by the historic F-line streetcar.
Getting to Pier 33
| Mode | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| F-line streetcar | Market Street to The Embarcadero | Stops within a block of the pier |
| BART | To Embarcadero station, then F-line north | Best from SFO and the East Bay |
| Muni bus | Routes serving The Embarcadero and North Beach | Check live times before travelling |
| Cable car | Powell–Mason to Bay Street, then walk east | Scenic but slow; allow extra time |
| Rideshare / taxi | Drop-off on The Embarcadero | Traffic is heavy on summer weekends |
| Walking | Waterfront path from Fisherman's Wharf or the Ferry Building | Flat and pleasant |
Parking near Pier 33
There is no dedicated Alcatraz visitor lot. Paid garages and metered spaces exist nearby but fill quickly and are expensive. If you must drive, arrive at least 60 minutes before your sailing to allow for parking. Transit or a rideshare drop-off is almost always faster.
What is at the terminal
- Ticket collection and boarding gates organised by departure time.
- Restrooms — use them before boarding.
- A small shop and refreshment counter.
- Covered waiting area; the queue itself is partly outdoors and windy.
Pier 33 with luggage, kids or mobility needs
Large luggage cannot be taken aboard, and there is no left-luggage service, so do not plan the visit between hotel checkout and a flight unless you have stored bags elsewhere. Boarding is level and step-free. Strollers can travel on the ferry but not into the cellhouse. See accessibility.
After you return to Pier 33
Fisherman's Wharf is a short flat walk west; the Embarcadero promenade runs south past Pier 7 toward the Ferry Building. Itinerary ideas are on Alcatraz trip and Alcatraz San Francisco.
Frequently asked questions
What pier does the Alcatraz ferry leave from?
Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on The Embarcadero, at Bay Street in San Francisco.
Is Pier 33 the same as Pier 39?
No. Pier 39 is a shopping and sea lion attraction roughly half a mile west. Alcatraz ferries do not depart from there.
Is there parking at Pier 33?
There is no dedicated visitor lot. Nearby paid garages and meters fill quickly, so allow an extra hour if you drive.
How early should I get to Pier 33?
Thirty minutes before your sailing, and 45 minutes on busy summer weekends.