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Accessibility

Accessibility

Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly, so visitors should be prepared for an uphill walk. The distance from the dock to the prison at the top of the Island is about .25 mile (.4 km), and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters), equivalent to climbing a thirteen-story building.

Alcatraz City Cruises is committed to making the island accessible for all visitors, offering features such as accessible parking (2 spots that are first come, first served), service animal accommodations, assisted listening devices, American Sign Language interpretation, and mobility support to help guests navigate the island comfortably and safely. 

  • The Alcatraz Landing area at Pier 33 includes the ticket booth, waiting and boarding areas, all of which are accessible.
  • Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is home to a tactile model of Alcatraz Island, a tactile model of Pier 33, as well as outdoor exhibits depicting historical moments on the Island.
  • Accessible bathrooms are found at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing and on all Alcatraz City Cruises vessels.


Keep in Mind: Wheelchairs are not available for loan at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing or on Alcatraz Island.

Once you arrive on Alcatraz Island, you will be asked to listen to a short introductory announcement on the dock. Ramps leading from the Alcatraz City Cruises vessel to the dock and the dock itself are accessible. Accessible restroom facilities are available at the dock on Alcatraz Island.

Find the accessible tram (S.E.A.T.), which transports visitors with mobile impairments to the Cellhouse. Information about accessing the S.E.A.T. tram can be found here.

The distance from the Alcatraz Island dock to the Cellhouse, which is located at the top of the Island, is about ¼ (0.4km) of a mile and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters). This is roughly equivalent to climbing a 13-story building, but spread out over approximately ¼ of a mile.

If you would like to access Building 64, (the barracks for officers and their families during the Federal Penitentiary years), before getting onto the S.E.A.T. Tram at the dock, you will need to head uphill approximately 100 feet from the dock to the entry ramp. Inside Building 64 is a theater, exhibits and bookstore.

There is a fully accessible elevator inside the Cellhouse.

Once inside the Cellhouse, you can request an audio-described or Braille transcript of the audio tour. The award-winning “Doing Time – The Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour” is available in American Sign Language. Please indicate to a Cellhouse staff member that you need the American Sign Language version of the tour and they will provide you with a handheld device. The audio-described tour includes 12 strategically placed tactile markers and a tactile replica of the bar spreader used in one of the famous escape attempts. Large-print and Braille transcriptions of the Cellhouse audio tour and other interpretive materials are available upon request.

Accessible restroom facility is located adjacent to the Cellhouse.

S.E.A.T. Tram info and schedule for visitors with mobility issues on the Island.

  • For those who may find the climb challenging, the S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram offers an accessible option. Return service is available at regular intervals throughout the day. One attendant may accompany each guest using S.E.A.T. if space allows.
  • Please note that the tram cannot accommodate families with small children or strollers, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The accessible tram is only available for the 2:15 PM Behind the Scenes Departure (Winter Schedule) and 4:50PM for the Summer Schedule. If any member of your party will need to utilize the accessible tram, you must notify Alcatraz City Cruises at least 72 hours in advance so that special arrangements can be made for extra staffing of the Behind the Scenes Tour.
  • 72-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling required to receive a refund.

View the Terms and Conditions of ticket purchases.

Are service animals allowed on Alcatraz and Angel Island tours?

Service animals are permitted in strict compliance with applicable laws, including the ADA.

What counts as a service animal?

Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability—for example, guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone who is deaf, pulling a wheelchair, or assisting during a medical emergency. If a facility is reasonably able to accommodate it, the ADA also has specific regulations regarding miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals, while important companions, are not considered service animals under this law.

In most cases, yes. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed, or tethered. If that isn’t possible because of the type of work they do, handlers must keep them under control using voice commands, signals, or other methods.

Can staff ask questions about my service animal? 

Staff are only allowed to ask two simple questions: 

  • Is your dog a service animal required because of a disability?
  • What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? 

They will never ask for medical documents, ID cards, or proof of training.

Can allergies or fear of dogs be a reason to deny access?

Allergies are not valid reasons for refusal. If someone nearby has an allergy or fear of dogs, staff will do their best to accommodate both guests without limiting your access. 

Can a service animal ever be excluded?

Only in rare situations, for example, if a service animal is out of control and the handler doesn’t step in, or if the animal isn’t housebroken. Otherwise, they’re welcome wherever the public is allowed to go.

Are there extra fees for service animals?

Never. Guests with service animals are not charged extra or treated differently. The only time fees might apply is if damage is caused by the animal, just as with any guest.

Will staff provide care for my service animal?

Staff are not responsible for feeding, caring for, or supervising service animals. Handlers should plan to provide everything their service animal needs during the visit.

Where can I learn more about ADA rules on service animals?

You can find full details on the ADA Service Animals page or by calling the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (Voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

For More Information About Accessibility on Alcatraz Island

The National Park Service strives to make your experience as accessible as possible at Alcatraz Island and throughout all of America’s National Parks. Please feel free to submit comments and suggestions by calling 415-561-4700. For more information visit NPS accessibility.

For Contact National Park Service:

  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Building 201, Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123-0022 
  • National Park Service Accessibility Program Manager: 415-561-4958
  • National Park Service Pacific West Region Information Center: 415-561-4700