Ellis Island
Ellis Island is much more than an island in New York Harbor: it is a symbol of hope and a fundamental chapter in the history of the United States 🇺🇸. Known worldwide as the main gateway for millions of immigrants between 1892 and 1954, this place represents the stories of dreams, challenges, and new beginnings that shaped the nation.
Located next to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island is a must-visit to understand the cultural mosaic of New York and the entire country. Whether exploring the museum or simply contemplating the Manhattan skyline from its shores, its unique atmosphere makes it a moving experience that combines history, memory, and reflection on the human journey. 🕊️
Why Visit Ellis Island?
Visiting Ellis Island means connecting directly with the migratory past of the United States and, for many, with their own family history. It is a place charged with emotion and meaning 🏛️ that documents the experiences of those who sought a new life in America, offering a unique perspective on immigration and cultural diversity.
Its historical importance is undeniable: more than 12 million immigrants passed through its facilities. Today, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, located in the restored main building, houses fascinating exhibitions that narrate these stories through objects, photographs, and personal testimonies. It is a living testament to the immigrant legacy.
Ellis Island is also a symbol of historical preservation. After decades of neglect, the main buildings were meticulously restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1990. It is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and constantly reminds us of the fundamental contribution of immigrants to American society.
How to Get to Ellis Island by Ferry?
Main Embarkation Points
Access to Ellis Island is exclusively via the official ferry, operated by Statue City Cruises. The main embarkation points are located in Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan (New York), and in Liberty State Park, in Jersey City (New Jersey). ⛴️
Ferry Routes and Tickets
The ferry to Ellis Island operates on a circular route that usually also includes a stop at Liberty Island (where the Statue of Liberty is located). It is essential to buy tickets in advance, preferably online, to secure your spot and avoid long lines.
- Official and sole provider: Statue City Cruises.
- Standard tickets include the ferry trip and access to the grounds of Ellis Island and Liberty Island, as well as the Museum of Immigration.
- Departure points: Battery Park (NY) and Liberty State Park (NJ).
- Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended. 🎟️
How to get to the embarkation points from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
To get to Battery Park from Central Park or Columbus Circle, you can take subway lines 1 (towards South Ferry) or lines R or W (towards Whitehall St). From the station, you will walk a few minutes to the Statue City Cruises boarding area at Castle Clinton.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or the World Trade Center, Battery Park is within walking distance. Alternatively, you can take line 1 to South Ferry or lines 4 or 5 to Bowling Green.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, you can take the NYC Ferry to Wall St/Pier 11 and walk to Battery Park, or take the subway. From Williamsburg, take the L line to Union Square and transfer to lines 4 or 5 to Bowling Green.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
From Long Island City or Flushing, you can take the 7 line to Grand Central and transfer to lines 4 or 5 (downtown direction) to Bowling Green. Another option is to take the E line to World Trade Center and walk to Battery Park.
Harlem
From Harlem, take subway lines 1, 2, or 3 (downtown direction) to South Ferry or Chambers St (and walk), or lines 4 or 5 to Bowling Green to reach Battery Park.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK, take the AirTrain to Howard Beach (A line) or Jamaica (E/J/Z line) and continue by subway to Lower Manhattan near Battery Park. From LaGuardia (LGA), take the Q70-SBS bus to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and take the subway (E or R) towards Lower Manhattan. From Newark (EWR), take the AirTrain and NJ Transit to Penn Station (NY), then subway line 1 to South Ferry. To get to Liberty State Park (NJ), from EWR you can use a taxi/rideshare or combine NJ Transit with the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail.
What to Do on Ellis Island?
Ellis Island offers a profoundly moving and educational experience, centered on the history of immigration to the United States. Beyond being just a tourist destination, it is a place to connect with the past, learn about the complexities of the immigrant journey, and reflect on American identity.
Explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
The heart of the visit is the National Museum of Immigration, located in the impressive restored main building. Tour iconic rooms like the Registry Room and the Baggage Room. The exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, oral histories, and documents illustrating the immigrant experience. 📜
Search for Ancestors at the American Family Immigration History Center
If you have family roots that passed through Ellis Island, you can visit the American Family Immigration History Center®. Here (or in its online database), you can search ship manifests and find records of your ancestors who arrived between 1892 and 1954. It is a very personal and emotional experience for many visitors. 💻
Take the “Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour”
For a different perspective, consider the “Hard Hat Tour”. This guided tour (requires a separate ticket and has age restrictions) takes you through the unrestored hospital complex on the south side of the island. It offers a fascinating and somewhat haunting look at the medical facilities where sick immigrants were treated. 🏥
Enjoy the Views and Reflect
Stroll through the island’s outdoor grounds. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, and, of course, the Statue of Liberty. Find a moment to sit at the American Immigrant Wall of Honor® and reflect on the millions of stories that converge on this small piece of land. 🏙️🕊️
Attend Special Programs and Events
Check the National Park Service (NPS) schedule to see if there are any ranger-led tours, documentary screenings in the museum theater, or special educational programs during your visit. These can greatly enrich your understanding of the site and its history.
Attractions Near Ellis Island
Although Ellis Island is an island in the middle of the harbor, the ferry trip and its departure points in Manhattan and New Jersey place you near other significant attractions, especially in Lower Manhattan.
Statue of Liberty (Liberty Island)
The inseparable companion to Ellis Island. The same Statue City Cruises ferry will take you to Liberty Island, where you can admire the iconic Statue of Liberty 🗽 up close. Access to the pedestal or crown requires separate reservations booked well in advance, but walking around the base and visiting the island’s museum is already a great experience.
Battery Park (Manhattan)
The ferry departure point in Manhattan, Battery Park, is a beautiful green space with harbor views. It houses monuments like Castle Clinton (the original fort and former immigration center before Ellis Island), The Sphere (rescued from the WTC), and several memorials. It’s ideal for a stroll before or after your visit to the islands.
Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
If you embark from New Jersey, Liberty State Park offers spectacular panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Within the park is the poignant Empty Sky Memorial, dedicated to the New Jersey victims of 9/11, and the Liberty Science Center (although the latter is a bit further from the ferry dock).
Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
Located in Battery Park City, very close to Battery Park, this important museum explores Jewish life and culture before, during, and after the Holocaust. It offers a complementary perspective on history, memory, and resilience.
National Museum of the American Indian
Located in the impressive historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, near Battery Park, this free museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution. It presents exhibitions on the life, history, culture, and art of the Native peoples of the Americas.
One World Observatory / 9/11 Memorial & Museum
A short distance from Battery Park are the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a solemn place to remember and reflect on the 2001 attacks, and the One World Observatory, offering unparalleled views from the top of One World Trade Center. These are essential visits in Lower Manhattan.
Tips for Visiting Ellis Island
Visiting Ellis Island is a rewarding experience but requires some planning to make the most of it, especially due to the ferry transportation and security checks.
Best Time of Day to Go
Try to catch one of the first ferries of the morning ☀️. This will allow you to avoid the biggest crowds, both in the security and boarding lines and in the museum itself. The complete visit (including Liberty Island) can easily take 4-5 hours or more, so starting early gives you enough time without rushing. Always check the official ferry schedules.
Avoiding Crowds
The best way to avoid crowds is to buy ferry tickets online in advance for a specific date and time. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends and holidays. Arrive at the embarkation point well in advance of your reserved time, as you will need to go through airport-style security screening.
Security
Be prepared for a rigorous security check before boarding the ferry 👮♂️. All visitors and their belongings will be scanned. Follow the instructions of the security personnel and NPS Rangers on the islands. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, as in any busy tourist spot.
What to Bring and What Not to Bring
Wear comfortable shoes 👟; you will do a lot of walking on the ferry, on the islands, and inside the museum. Dress in layers and wear weather-appropriate clothing, as it can be windy or cold in the harbor, even in summer. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and your camera 📸. Food service is available on both islands, but it can be expensive. Check restrictions on large backpacks or prohibited items before you go. 🎒
