Every official ferry to Alcatraz Island leaves from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on The Embarcadero. This page covers the streetcar, buses, BART, walking, rideshare, parking, accessibility, bag rules, security, and how early to arrive.
For most visitors, the F line streetcar or a rideshare is simplest. There is no parking at Pier 33, so the operator and the National Park Service both recommend public transport or a drop-off.
The F line runs along Market Street, turns north on The Embarcadero, and passes right by the ferry terminal on its way to Fisherman’s Wharf. It is the most direct transit option from downtown.
The ferry operator specifically recommends rideshare because parking nearby is limited and expensive. It is also the easiest choice for early departures or if you are coming from across the city.
Pier 33 sits roughly a quarter mile southeast of Fisherman’s Wharf. The waterfront promenade is flat, so this is an easy walk if you are already in the area.
The operator lists the 8 Bayshore, 8BX Bayshore Express, and 39 Coit as stopping within walking distance of Pier 33. Use them when your starting point is not on the F line.
Embarcadero is the closest BART station to Pier 33. From there, either board the F line north or walk the waterfront, which takes roughly 20 minutes on foot.
Useful for school, cruise, or tour groups with a set meeting point. Check the voucher carefully, because combo and third-party products can have their own instructions.
Neither cable car line stops at Pier 33. The Powell-Mason line ends at Bay and Taylor Streets, about six blocks west, and the Powell-Hyde line ends further away at Aquatic Park.
All official Alcatraz ferries leave from Pier 33 on The Embarcadero near Bay Street. Pier 39 is a separate attraction, and the bay cruises that leave from there do not land on the island.
Look for the large “Alcatraz Landing” sign at the pier entrance. You need a ticket to enter the queue, either as a QR code on your phone or a printed ticket.
Some packages pair Alcatraz with a separate bay cruise that leaves from Pier 39. The Alcatraz ferry itself still leaves from Pier 33, so read which part of your voucher is which.
Ferries leave on a strict schedule. If you reach the wrong pier first, you lose the time you need for check-in and security screening.
The historic F Market & Wharves streetcar runs along Market Street and The Embarcadero, passing right by Pier 33. Streetcars are sometimes replaced by buses during events, so check service before you travel.
Use this if you are starting near Market Street or the Ferry Building. From Embarcadero station, it is a short ride north along the waterfront.
Muni sometimes swaps F line streetcars for buses during parades, events, and track work. Confirm the route before you leave, especially on weekends and holidays.
Plan your trip with the SFMTA trip planner and check service alerts before you travel.
Alcatraz City Cruises lists the 8 Bayshore, 8BX Bayshore Express, and 39 Coit as stopping within walking distance of Pier 33. Your best line depends on where you start.
These lines reach the North Beach and waterfront edge near Kearny Street and North Point, a short walk from Pier 33.
A small local route that connects Telegraph Hill with the Fisherman’s Wharf area. Handy if you are staying nearby.
Buses face more traffic delays than the F line. Confirm the current route and stop, then leave extra time for the pier walk.
These are route-planning patterns, not minute-by-minute promises. Use the live planner on the day, then finish at the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing sign.
| Starting point | Simple route | Why it works | Final step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Square / downtown | Muni Metro or BART to Embarcadero, then F line | One transfer, frequent service | Get off at The Embarcadero & Bay St |
| Fisherman’s Wharf | Walk southeast along The Embarcadero | Flat, about a quarter mile | Keep going past Pier 39 to Pier 33 |
| Embarcadero hotels | Walk north or take the F line | Stays on the waterfront the whole way | Look for the Alcatraz Landing sign |
| Market Street corridor | F line toward Fisherman’s Wharf | No transfer needed | Get off near Pier 33 and walk a short way |
| SoMa / Caltrain area | N Judah to Embarcadero, then F line | Clearer than driving and parking | Continue to the Pier 33 landing |
| North Beach | Walk, or take the 8 / 39 bus | Short distance to the waterfront | Confirm you are at Pier 33 before queuing |
There is no luggage storage at Pier 33, and luggage is not allowed on the ferry or the island. Drop your bags at your hotel before heading to the waterfront.
BART runs from SFO to Embarcadero station in central San Francisco. From there, take the F line north along the waterfront or walk.
The simplest door-to-door choice, but traffic into the city can be heavy at peak times. Only use it for a same-day ferry if you have already dropped your bags.
Flights run late, and baggage, transit, and a hotel stop all take time. Visitors who arrive with luggage cannot board and there are no lockers at the pier.
Caltrain ends at 4th & King in SoMa. Take the N Judah Muni Metro to Embarcadero station, then transfer to the F line.
Amtrak trains stop at Emeryville. Connecting Amtrak Thruway buses cross the Bay Bridge into downtown San Francisco.
From downtown, take the F line to The Embarcadero & Bay Street and walk to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.
The Embarcadero promenade is flat and wheelchair accessible, with bay views most of the way. The walk gets slower once you start inland and cross busy streets.
Head north along the bay side of The Embarcadero. Expect around 20 minutes at an easy pace.
Walk southeast along The Embarcadero. You will pass Pier 39 first; keep going to Pier 33.
There is no parking at Pier 33. There are about 15 commercial lots within five blocks, with more than 3,000 spaces in total, but prices vary widely.
The drop-off is on The Embarcadero near Bay Street. A generic “Fisherman’s Wharf” request can leave you a long walk away.
Alcatraz City Cruises has no parking of its own or any link to local garages. A visit takes at least 2.5 to 3 hours, so street meters are usually too short.
The National Park Service notes an accessibility drop-off zone at the Pier 33 entrance for visitors with special needs arriving by car.
Pier 33 and the ferries are wheelchair accessible. The hard part is on the island itself, where the road to the Cellhouse is steep.
Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is fully accessible, as are the ferries and the dock area on the island. Accessible restrooms are available at the pier.
It is about a quarter mile from the dock to the Cellhouse, with a 130-foot rise in elevation, roughly equal to climbing 13 floors.
An accessible electric shuttle runs about twice an hour between the dock and the Cellhouse for visitors who cannot manage the climb. Seats are first come, first served.
One companion can ride along if space allows. Strollers cannot be taken on the shuttle.
Pier 33 has airport-style screening with bag checks. Only small bags are allowed, and there are no lockers or luggage storage at the pier.
Backpacks up to 16 x 20 inches are generally allowed. Luggage, coolers, oversized backpacks, and large packages are not allowed on the ferry or the island.
Food is not allowed on the Pier 33 landing. Food and drinks are sold onboard, and on the island you may eat only in the dock area. Bottled water is fine everywhere.
Bags can be searched at any time. Weapons, bikes, skateboards, and drones are prohibited, and alcohol is not allowed on the island.
All adults need a valid photo ID. Save the QR code and the pier details on your phone before you leave, in case your signal drops at the waterfront.
Your departure time is the deadline. Before it, you need to reach the pier, clear security, and join the boarding line.
The operator asks visitors to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in, security, and boarding. Ferries leave on time and do not wait.
If your voucher gives an earlier meeting time or a different meeting point, treat that as your arrival time.
Do not navigate by a generic “Fisherman’s Wharf” pin. Use the street and pier names instead: reach The Embarcadero, approach Bay Street, then look for Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.
These are not four separate destinations. They are confirmation points as you move toward the ferry entrance.
This is the main waterfront street you want. If your stop, drop-off, or walking route puts you on The Embarcadero, you are on the right corridor for Pier 33.
If you are on the F line, get off at The Embarcadero & Bay Street stop. Do not ride on to the Fisherman’s Wharf stops.
Once you are near the corner of Bay Street and The Embarcadero, stop relying on the neighborhood name and look for the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing sign.
This is the only official departure point. Have your ticket and photo ID ready and join the queue for your departure time.
A good route only helps if it ends at the right pier at the right time. Save the pier details, your ticket, and your transport plan before you head out.
Use the latest ticket or operator email, not an old screenshot or calendar note.
Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, The Embarcadero near Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Every adult in your group needs valid photo identification.
No luggage is allowed on the ferry and there is no storage at the pier.
F line streetcars are sometimes replaced by buses during events and works.
The island is often windy and cold, even when the city feels warm. Wear shoes with good grip.
Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on The Embarcadero near Bay Street, not Pier 39 or a general Fisherman’s Wharf stop.
For most visitors, the F line or a rideshare is the easiest way to reach the boarding point.
Be at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure. Late arrivals cannot move to a later ferry.
