My family got free Alcatraz tickets from our local library through the Discover & Go program! The experience included the ferry ride to the island, admission, and the award winning self-guided audio tour of the prison.

If you’ve been wanting to visit Alcatraz but don’t want to spend over $100 for a family, here’s exactly how to get free Alcatraz tickets.

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Favorite Things About Alacatraz

1. The Ferry Ride

It was my kids’ first time riding a ferry or any type of boat so this was a bucket list moment for them. Also, there are amazing views of the city of San Francisco and Bay Area. I was anxious that I would get seasick, but I was fine. The ride was pretty smooth and relaxing.

2. The Bird Area

Alcatraz has a bird sanctuary area where you can do some bird watching. Some birds were up close with their babies so that was fun to watch!

3. Prison Blocks

The prison blocks are so iconic as they have been featured in many films like The Rock and Psych: The Movie.

4. The Cells Where Prisoners Escaped

They feature the prison cells where 3 convicts escaped, as it was, with the dummy heads and holes in the wall that they dug.

5. The Corridor Where They Escaped

It’s so interesting to see their escape route. They have lights and a glass door to so you can the escape corridor that is among pipes and that connects all the cells.

6. The Gift Shop

We enjoyed looking around the gift shop. There were fog snow globes, large prison keys, books, merch, and a piece of the rock to purchase.

What Is Discover & Go?

Discover & Go is a program offered by many California public libraries that provides free admission to museums, attractions, and parks.

Some participating library systems occasionally offer free Alcatraz tickets, but they are extremely limited and go quickly.

Depending on where you live, participating libraries may include:

• San Francisco Public Library (SFPL)
• South San Francisco Public Library (SSFPL)
• San Mateo County and Peninsula library systems

Availability can change and be based on your zip code, so check with your local library to see if they participate in Discover & Go and offer Alcatraz passes.

How to Get Free Alcatraz Tickets

Step 1: Visit Your Library’s Discover & Go Website

Go to the Discover & Go page for your local participating library and sign in with your library card.

If your library participates, you’ll be able to browse available attractions.

Step 2: Search for “Alcatraz”

Use the search feature and type Alcatraz.

Keep in mind:

• Tickets are very limited.
• They may not appear every time you search.
• Availability changes frequently.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see them right away.

Step 3: Reserve Your Date

If tickets are available, reserve them immediately.

A few things to know:

• Reservations are typically available for up to four people.
• Usually only one date and departure time is offered for each reservation.
• The best time to check is the first day of each month, when new reservations are often released.

Because these passes are so popular, they can disappear quickly.

Step 4: Go to Pier 33 on the Day of Your Visit

On the day of your trip, head to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.

Bring either:

• the QR code on your phone, or
• a printed copy of your reservation.

An employee will scan your QR code and print your official boarding tickets.

Step 5: Board the Ferry

When your boarding time is announced, line up to board the ferry to Alcatraz Island.

The ferry ride offers beautiful views of:

• the San Francisco skyline
• the Golden Gate Bridge
• the Bay Bridge
• Angel Island

It’s worth arriving a little early so you can enjoy the scenery before boarding.

What’s Included?

Your free Discover & Go reservation includes:

• Round-trip ferry transportation
• Admission to Alcatraz Island
• The award-winning self-guided audio tour inside the prison

The audio tour is excellent and features stories from former correctional officers and inmates, making the experience much more immersive.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

Plan for 2–3 Hours

Most visits—including ferry rides—take about 2 to 3 hours.

You can stay on the island for a while before catching a return ferry.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

One thing many visitors don’t realize is that getting to the prison requires walking uphill.

The walk is roughly equivalent to climbing 13 stories using several long ramps.

It’s not difficult if you take your time and take a break in the middle, but comfortable shoes are definitely recommended.

Accessibility Transportation Is Available

If you have mobility challenges or simply need assistance, transportation is available from the dock up to the prison.

Ask a staff member after arriving on the island.

Food Is Limited

Food is not allowed throughout most of the island.

You may eat:

• on the ferry
• near the Alcatraz dock/pier area

Food and drinks are available for purchase on the ferry if you’d like a snack before or after your visit.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available:

• in the Pier 33 waiting area
• on the ferry
• on Alcatraz Island

Is It Worth Visiting Alcatraz?

Yes!!! I have been to Alcatraz over 20 years ago but I didn’t remember much except for the long hike up to the prison. This time, I brought my kids and they loved it!

Between the ferry ride, incredible views of San Francisco Bay, fascinating history, and the unforgettable audio tour, it’s easy to see why Alcatraz is one of the city’s top attractions.

Best of all, getting tickets through Discover & Go made this adventure completely free for our family as we saved $125!!!

Alcatraz Tickets Tips

If you do purchase tickets to Alcatraz, I recommend buying it ahead of time from the official Alcatraz City Cruises because 3rd party sites can mess up on the ticket times. The man waiting in line behind us to redeem our tickets, had the wrong boarding time, as he thought it was 2 hours ahead. Because he booked through a 3rd party site, they gave him the wrong time and he was frustrated.

The staff said that they couldn’t do anything about it because he booked through a 3rd party site.

Alcatraz Night Tour

There is also a 4-5 hour Alcatraz Night Tour where they take you to forbidden areas, bunkers underneath Alcatraz, and more! I would love to see this one day. This isn’t available for free through Discover and Go.

Have You Been to Alcatraz?

Have you ever visited Alcatraz Island, or are you hoping to score free tickets through your library? Let me know in the comments!