How Do You Get to Ellis Island? | Ferry Routes Explained

Ellis Island is reached only by the authorized ferry from The Battery in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

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Getting to Ellis Island is simple once you avoid the sightseeing boats that only pass it. The only ferry that lands on Ellis Island is operated by Statue City Cruises, with departures from Lower Manhattan and Jersey City.

Your ferry ticket covers a round trip, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, both museums, and audio tours. Choose the mainland departure that fits your day, arrive early for security, and allow at least three hours for Ellis Island alone.

Getting To Ellis Island: Both Ferry Routes Compared

Ellis Island has two official departure points, and each route visits both islands in a different order. The Manhattan ferry stops at Liberty Island first, while the New Jersey ferry reaches Ellis Island first.

• From New York: Board behind Castle Clinton in The Battery. The route runs to Liberty Island, then Ellis Island, then back to Manhattan.
• From New Jersey: Board at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The route runs to Ellis Island, then Liberty Island, then back to New Jersey.
• For Ellis Island only: Stay aboard at the first island stop when needed, then leave the ferry at Ellis Island. The fare is not reduced when you skip Liberty Island.

Current tickets and entry times can sell out on busy dates, so compare the available ticket options before heading to the dock:

Which Ferry Departure Should You Use?

The Battery is the easier departure for most Manhattan visitors, while Liberty State Park works better for drivers and many New Jersey travelers. The New Jersey route also puts Ellis Island first, which saves time when the immigration museum is your main reason for going.

The Battery In Lower Manhattan

The New York ticket office is inside Castle Clinton National Monument, and the security screening area is behind the fort on the waterfront side. Nearby subway stations include South Ferry on the 1 train, Bowling Green on the 4 and 5 trains, and Whitehall Street on the R train.

Street parking near The Battery is scarce and costly. Public transit is the practical choice unless a mobility need or a wider driving itinerary makes a car necessary.

Liberty State Park In Jersey City

The New Jersey ticket office and screening area are beside the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive. Paid parking is available, making this the simpler starting point for travelers arriving by car.

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stops at Liberty State Park, but the station is about 1.4 miles from the ferry area and no shuttle connects them. Budget time for the walk or arrange a local ride to the terminal.

Ellis Island Ferry Tickets And Current Prices

General Admission is enough for Ellis Island because it includes the ferry, both island grounds, the Statue of Liberty Museum, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and audio tours. Pedestal and Crown reservations matter only when you also want interior access at the Statue of Liberty.

Price check: These published 2026 rates can change with fees or operating updates. Confirm the total shown for your date before payment.

Security, Boarding, And Ferry Timing

Ellis Island passengers must complete airport-style security before boarding, and the time on a ticket is the security-queue time rather than a guaranteed ferry departure. Arrive at least 30 minutes early; peak waits can exceed one hour on summer days, weekends, and holidays.

The National Park Service confirms the authorized operator, departure points, route order, parking details, and ban on private-boat docking in its official Ellis Island directions.

• Do not bring suitcases, carry-on luggage, or large parcels; lockers are not available at the mainland screening areas.
• Buy only from Statue City Cruises online or at the official booths. Sellers around Battery Park may offer harbor cruises that do not land on either island.
• Check the seasonal ferry schedule before leaving. Final island departures and museum hours change during the year.
• Keep your ticket available until you return to the mainland.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Ellis Island alone needs about three hours once security and boarding are included, while a proper visit to both islands takes four hours or more. A late-afternoon ticket can leave too little time for the immigration museum, so an early entry is the safer choice.

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration deserves at least 90 minutes for the Great Hall, immigration exhibits, and family-history areas. Add time for lunch, ferry queues, and the crossing if your group moves slowly or visits with children.

A practical half-day sequence from Manhattan is:

1. Reach Castle Clinton 30 to 45 minutes before the ticket time.
2. Clear security and board the next authorized ferry.
3. Stay on at Liberty Island when Ellis Island is your only stop, or allow 60 to 90 minutes there.
4. Leave the ferry at Ellis Island and spend 90 minutes to two hours in the museum.
5. Join the return-ferry line well before the final departure.

Where To Stay For An Early Ferry

Lower Manhattan is the most convenient base for an early departure from The Battery. The Financial District, Battery Park City, and the World Trade Center area place many hotels within a walk or short subway ride of Castle Clinton.

Travelers departing from New Jersey can stay in downtown Jersey City near Exchange Place or Grove Street, then use a taxi or local ride to Liberty State Park. Compare locations against the ferry terminal before choosing a room:

Pick The Right Ticket And Departure

The right choice depends on which island access matters and where your day starts. General Admission covers every visitor whose goal is Ellis Island and the immigration museum.

• From Manhattan: Choose General Admission from The Battery, book a morning screening time, and remain aboard at Liberty Island when you want Ellis Island only.
• From New Jersey: Choose Liberty State Park for easier parking and direct first-stop access to Ellis Island.
• For the Statue pedestal or crown: Reserve the matching ticket well ahead; those spaces are limited and can sell out.
• For the hospital complex: Choose the Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour, which is limited to visitors age 13 and older.

For most first-time visitors, a morning General Admission ticket from The Battery gives the cleanest plan: Liberty Island first, Ellis Island second, and enough daylight to see both museums without racing the return ferry.