Alcatraz is one of the most popular destinations in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The only former federal penitentiary open to the public, it attracts more than 1-4 million visitors each year.

Accessibility Contact Information

Access to the island is provided by Alcatraz Cruises. For more Information about boat departures/ticket purchases please visit www.alcatrazcruises.com, call (415) 981-7625 or the TDD. (415) 438-8385

Alcatraz is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's day. Alcatraz frequently sells out in advance, as much as 3 weeks or more in advance in summer and near holidays.

Transcripts of the Cellhouse Audio Tour are available for visitors in braille and large print upon request. Please see park rangers to request a copy. Videos shown on the island are open captioned.

Sign language interpreters are available upon request, we need five days advanced notice and tickets must be purchased prior to making request. To make a request use the e-mail link below or call the Pacific West Regional Information Center via telephone or TDD.

There are no pay phones on Alcatraz and cell phone reception can vary throughout the island.

For further information please E-mail Us

Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Fort Mason, B201
San Francisco, CA 94123

Alcatraz Island Ranger Station
(415) 561-4900

Fort Mason TDD: (415) 556-2766

Fort Mason Voice: (415) 556-4700

PARKING
There are 5 Accessible parking spaces inside the Alcatraz Cruises ferry lines at pier 33. You must have a disabled placard or a temporary disabled tag on the vehicle. As you enter pier 33 you must stop and show the above tags to the Alcatraz Cruises employee.

"Accessible Drop Off Zone" is located at the entrance to Alcatraz Cruises at Pier 33.

TRANSPORTATION ACCESSIBILITY

The distance from the dock to the cell house is about a 1/4 of a mile (.4 km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters). This is roughly equivalent to climbing a three story building.

Visitors unable to climb up Alcatraz's steep road due to mobility needs can take SEAT-Sustainable Easy Acess Transport- an electric shuttle that runs twice an hour from the dock to the prison building, and twice an hour from prison to dock. The tram can not stop on the hill, boarding is only at the cell house and the dock. Boarding is available on a first come, first serve basis. SEAT can only accommodate up to two wheelchair users, Only those individuals with mobility or physical needs may ride the shuttle with one companion.

When in San Francisco public transportation is the best way to get around. The Muni F Line runs along Market Street (east) then turns north on The Embarcadero, and runs right past the ferry terminal (on your right) and then on through Fisherman's Wharf. For detailed information on mass transit in San Francisco please visit the San Francisco Municipal Railway web site or http://511.org.

 

Restroom Accessibility

Once on the island, the restrooms on the dock are accessible as well as a more private single user unisex restroom.

Another unisex restroom is located next to the audio tour entrance, where SEAT drops off visitors for the cell house audio tour.

 There are additional accessible restrooms in front of the cellhouse right next to the lighthouse, you can access these restrooms by entering the cell house from the SEAT drop off area and taking the elevator to the second floor. The Restrooms are on the other side, outside the end of the cell house.

Exhibit Accessibility

All exhibit information is available in large print and braille. Please call or see any park ranger to request a copy.

There are no wheelchairs available for loan on Alcatraz Island.