How to Visit Ellis Island: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More
How to Visit Ellis Island: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More
Located just southwest of the southern tip of New York City, Ellis island is a popular tourist destination for visitors and locals alike. But since it’s an island, you might need help understanding how to get there. Here’s how to plan a perfect visit to Ellis Island, plus all the important details about tickets, hours, and more!
Pro Tip: Bookmark this article as a helpful guide for your visit to Ellis Island no matter when you visit! You can also learn more about the history of Ellis Island here!
Ellis Island Tickets, Hours, Tours, And More! What We’ll Cover
Though it’s only 27.5 acres in size, Ellis Island has played a huge role in American history. During its time as the nation’s major immigration center on the East Coast (from 1892 to 1954), Ellis Island processed over 12 million immigrants, according to the National Park Service.
Many visitors have family members who passed through this famous island to begin their dream of living in America. Even if your family didn’t immigrate through Ellis Island, it’s a remarkable place to visit. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article that’s all about how to visit Ellis Island.
Ellis Island Hours and Info
Hours: Sunday – Monday, 9:30 am to 4: 30 pm
The History Center on Ellis Island is also open during the day from 10 am to 3:30 pm
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are only closed on the following days:
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
To purchase ferry tickets, you can buy them either in-person at box offices located within Castle Garden at Battery Park, online, or by booking with a tour agency.
Pro Tip: Ferry tickets can be purchased up to 6 months in advance, so save yourself time waiting in line and make sure you can visit when you’re here!
Tickets To Ellis Island
Did you know? Tickets for admittance to Ellis Island or Liberty Island (and on-site attractions) are not required. However, tickets are necessary for the ferries that transport tourists to and from both sites. Ferries depart every 20 to 30 minutes, though timetables change depending on the season.
General Admission: $23.50 per adult | $12.00 Children 4-12 | $18.00 for seniors (62+)
Other ticket options that offer special tours are also available at a higher price. These include a hard hat tour of Ellis Island and access to the Statue of Liberty pedestal.
How To Get to Ellis Island From New York City
As its name might suggest, Ellis Island is only available by ferry. There are two ferries that transport visitors to and from both Liberty and Ellis islands, one leaving from Jersey City, NJ, the other from Battery Park in downtown NYC. However, getting to the ferry also takes advance planning, and there are several ways to do so.
By Subway
There are multiple trains that can take visitors down to Battery Park to grab the ferry. Options include taking Local 1 (7th Avenue Line on New York’s West Side) to the last stop, which is South Ferry; grabbing the Express 4 or 5 trains (Lexington Avenue Line on the East Side) to Bowling Green; or the Local R/W train from Brooklyn/Queens (Broadway Line) to Whitehall Street.
By Bus
Take the M1, M6 or M15 bus lines to South Ferry. It’s the last stop on all three routes, so you can’t miss it!
By Car
If you’re coming from the east side, take the FDR Drive South to Exit 1, South Ferry/Battery Park. If coming from the west side, take the Westside Highway South (Route 9A) to Battery Park.
Pro Tip: Parking is always a challenge in NYC. Save yourself the headache and opt for public transportation to and from the ferry docks!
How Much Time To Budget For Ellis Island
Short Answer: 2 to 4 hours for both islands and their museums. This includes the ferry ride and time spent on the island.
Pro Tip: If you have the time, you should see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty together. The ferry lines and scheduling make it easier to group the two together, and the history of the two places come alive when seen as a pair. If you opt for both, it is advised to budget at least 3 hours for the entire round-trip experience. Of course, if you’ve bought tickets ahead of time that let you skip the line, you’ll save time on the front end too!
What to See and Do At Ellis Island
- Ellis Island Immigration Museum
- The Wall of Honor
- The Family History Center
- Contagious Infectious Disease Hospital of Ellis Island
- Enjoy views of downtown NYC & Liberty Island
Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty Tour Options
If you are planning a trip to Ellis Island, you should consider one of our guided tours. This is an easy solution when considering how to visit Ellis Island. As the island is one of the more popular tourism spots in New York City, lines can get very long, and we offer skip-the-line rides at the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island ferry line. Our local guides will not only illuminate the history of the place, but make the trip smooth and easy.
Facts and History Of Ellis Island
To get you excited for your trip, here are some interesting facts about Ellis Island and its history, thanks to the official Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island website.