Can You Visit Ellis Island?

Yes, you can visit Ellis Island by taking a ferry. Ellis Island is free to visit, though there is a fee for the ferry ticket. Only one company has the authorization to provide Ellis Island tickets – Statue City Cruises. Any other cruise ships that offer a trip to Ellis Island are not legitimate.

How to Visit Ellis Island?

Still wondering, “How to get to Ellis Island?” If you’ve purchased your ferry tickets in advance, you’ll need to locate the boarding area. If you still need to purchase your ferry tickets, you’ll need to locate the ticket booth. There are two ticket booths – one in Battery Park in New York City and one at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Each ticket includes a roundtrip ride from the island back to NYC, or NJ, and an audio tour you can collect on the islands. The audio tours are available in 12 languages, making them accessible to many visitors.

Where Do I Catch the Ferry to Ellis Island?

You can catch the ferry from the same parks that sell ferry tickets – Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

How Long is the Ferry Ride to Ellis Island?

The ferry ride only takes about 15 minutes to reach Ellis Island. From Ellis Island to Liberty Island, it’s another 15 minutes. Then, a final 15-minute route will take you back to your initial pickup spot. There is also the option of riding the ferry without getting off to see each island. If you select this option, the roundtrip route is about one hour and fifteen minutes.

What Are the Hours For Ellis Island?

The hours for Ellis and Liberty Islands change for each season. Up-to-date hours and island openings are found on the National Park Service website. Ellis Island is open to visitors every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day each year. So, you can likely see Ellis Island in person regardless of when you visit.