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San Francisco Alcatraz and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 48 hr

TourTruth score 6.9 out of 10

Average

3 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • San Francisco
  • 2 days
  • Updated October 31, 2026

Explore San Francisco by open-top bus for 48 hours, then ferry to Alcatraz Island for its historic Cell House audio tour.

About this tour

See San Francisco from the open air, then cross the bay to explore one of its most storied landmarks. This combination pairs a flexible 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass with a visit to Alcatraz Island.

Board the open-top double-decker bus at 99 Jefferson Street and explore the city across 16 stops. Pre-recorded commentary is available in 10 languages, and you can hop off to discover San Francisco at your own pace. The experience also includes a guided Chinatown walk and a 1-hour panoramic sunset tour.

For Alcatraz, take the round-trip ferry from Pier 33 and explore the island with an audio tour of the Cell House, available in 11 languages. Your Alcatraz entry time is assigned in advance, while the bus pass begins its 48-hour validity at first activation. With city sightseeing and a ferry journey across the bay in one package, this San Francisco Alcatraz and hop-on hop-off bus tour offers two distinct ways to experience the city. Book your visit and plan your San Francisco adventure.

Highlights

  • Explore San Francisco at your own pace aboard an open-top double-decker bus
  • Step inside Alcatraz’s Cell House with an audio tour in 11 languages
  • Ride the ferry to and from Alcatraz Island from Pier 33
  • Join a guided walking tour through Chinatown
  • Take in city views on a 1-hour panoramic sunset tour

What's included

Included

  • 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass for the open-top double-decker bus
  • Alcatraz Cell House audio tour in 11 languages
  • Round-trip ferry ticket to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33
  • Authorized Alcatraz Island ticket
  • 1-hour guided walking tour of Chinatown
  • 1-hour panoramic sunset tour
  • Pre-recorded commentary in 10 languages on Red Route buses
  • Free headphones to keep

Not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • A valid photo ID is required
  • Your selected date is the booking date for the Alcatraz tour
  • Alcatraz tickets are sent one day before the tour or by 7:00 AM on the tour day
  • Alcatraz assigns your entry time 5 days in advance; assigned times cannot be changed or selected
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  • The bus pass is valid for 48 hours from first activation during operating hours
  • The bus tour starts at 99 Jefferson Street, at the corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets; first departure is at 10:00 AM
  • Alcatraz ferries depart from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing
  • Please request wheelchair assistance when booking
  • Wheelchair accessible; service animals allowed
  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health

Frequently asked questions

Where does the bus tour start?

The bus tour starts at 99 Jefferson Street, at the corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets. The first departure is at 10:00 AM.

Where do ferries to Alcatraz depart?

Ferries depart from the official boarding point at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.

How long is the hop-on hop-off pass valid?

The pass is valid for 48 hours from its first activation, during operating hours.

When will I receive my Alcatraz ticket?

Your ticket is sent one day before the tour or by 7:00 AM on the day of your tour.

Can I choose my Alcatraz entry time?

No. Alcatraz assigns your entry time 5 days in advance, and the assigned time cannot be changed.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 3.67 from 3 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in San Francisco
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 6.9.

Provider rating distribution in San Francisco

How many tours in San Francisco have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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