Ellis Island

The basics

Explore the Immigration Museum on a 45-minute self-guided audio tour through exhibits including photos, films, archive material, and recordings. Additional audio tour options describe exhibits in more detail via in-depth interviews with historians, architects, and archaeologists. Visitors can also book private Ellis Islands tours to maximize their experience and understanding of the site, or a combo tour of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Things to know before you go

• The 45-minute audio tour is available in nine languages and included in the cost of a ferry ticket.

• Book all Ellis Island tickets through Statue City Cruises, the only authorized vendor.

• An audio tour for kids aged 6 to 10 is also available in five languages.

• Ellis Island can be seen up close, for free, from the deck of the Staten Island commuter ferry (though passengers can’t get off at Ellis Island).

• The island and ferries to it are fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

How to get there

Ellis Island lies off the southwest tip of Manhattan. From New York City, catch a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The first ferry stop is the Statue of Liberty, followed by Ellis Island. The closest subway stations to Battery Park are South Ferry (1 train), Whitehall Street (R train), or Bowling Green (4 or 5 train); the M5, M15, and M20 buses stop at South Ferry as well.

When to get there

Weather permitting, the island is open every day of the year except December 25. Ferries run from 9:30am to 3:30pm, with later departures in the summer and around holidays. Once on the island, you can stay until the last ferry departs, which changes seasonally.

Portraits at the Museum

Ellis Island hosts a number of temporary exhibits. Past highlights include New Americans: Photographs by Jill Enfield, featuring 30 wet collodion photographic prints of contemporary immigrant portraits. There is also a small glass house of immigrant portraits made from antique windows that visitors can enter.

Is a tour of Ellis Island worth it?

Yes, visiting Ellis Island is worth it. The former immigration complex is one of the most meaningful historic sites in the US and is home to the National Museum of Immigration. Visitors can tour the main building and view world-class exhibits and collections of historical artifacts.

Can you visit only Ellis Island?

No, visitors have to book combination tours. Many visitors visit the island and the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island nearby. Combination experiences typically include ferry transfers from Battery Park in downtown Manhattan and allow free time to explore both islands at your own pace.

How long does a tour of Ellis Island take?

It depends. Generally, 2-3 hours are enough to take a self-guided or ranger-led tour and view the exhibits at the National Museum of Immigration. Visiting the Statue of Liberty takes about another 1-2 hours. Ferry rides from Battery Park take about 10-15 minutes.

What is the best day to visit Ellis Island?

To avoid crowds, visit Ellis Island on weekdays. And the earlier you can get there, the better, as you will likely dodge crowds and have more time to explore. To guarantee you’ll be one of the first daily visitors, book a ride on the first ferry of the morning, usually at 9am.

How long is the ferry ride to Ellis Island?

One-way ferry rides to Ellis Island take about 10-15 minutes. From Ellis Island to Liberty Island, it’s another 15 minutes. A final 15-minute route takes visitors back to the initial pickup spot, either Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Is there a bathroom on the ferry to Ellis Island?

Yes, ferries to Ellis Island have bathrooms and concession stands with snacks and a small selection of souvenirs. The ferries and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible, and passengers can sit inside or outside. Neither smoking nor drinking alcohol is permitted.

Ways to explore

Ellis Island has three floors of exhibition areas to discover. Explore the Immigration Museum on a 45- to 60-minute self-guided audio tour through exhibits including photos, films, archive material, and recordings. Alternatively, see the sights on a National Park Service ranger-led walking tour of the museum; you do not need to book separate tickets to take part. Visitors can also book private Ellis Island tours to maximize their experience and understanding of the site, or a combo tour of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty—a convenient and time-saving way to visit both New York Harbor highlights.

Accessibility

All ferries and areas of Ellis Island are accessible to wheelchair users; wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also accommodations for visitors with deafness and hearing loss or blindness and vision loss, and service animals are permitted.

Age limits

None, although very young children may not be interested in the subject matter.

What to pack

Layers, weather-proof gear, water, snacks

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing; ferry trips can be cool and breezy, even in summer.

Not allowed

Pets, large bags, bulky items

Amenities

Food and drink concessions, audio guides, restrooms

Address

Ellis Island is only accessible by ferry. You can book ferries operated by Statue City Cruises, the only licensed ferry service. Statue of Liberty cruises depart from the Battery, at the southern tip of Manhattan, and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. If you’re visiting NYC, take public transit or taxis to the Battery.

Driving

While you could drive to the Battery in Lower Manhattan, the most popular departure point for Ellis Island cruises, navigating the busy streets and limited parking options could be challenging. It’s much more convenient to take public transit or a taxi. To drive to Liberty State Park, take I-95 to I-78 E/New Jersey Tpke Newark Bay Ext.

Public transportation

To get to The Battery using public transportation, take the 1 train to South Ferry; the N, R, or W to Whitehall Street–South Ferry, or the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green. To get to Liberty State Park using public transportation, take PATH trains to Exchange Place, and then take the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail to the Liberty State Park stop.

Best times to visit

It’s best to get to Ellis Island either early in the day or later in the afternoon, when there are likely to be fewer fellow visitors. Ferry schedules vary depending on the time of year, but generally operate from 9am–late afternoon. Check schedules before your visit.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are usually calmer at Ellis Island, while weekends and public holidays draw the biggest crowds.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are excellent times to visit Ellis Island—the weather should be suited to outdoor exploring, but you’ll miss the summer’s heat and crowds.

Special events

The Fourth of July is a particularly festive time at Ellis Island, as fireworks displays happen nearby in the New York Harbor.