Ellis Island, New York City: Hours, Address, Ellis Island Reviews: 4.5/5
Ellis Island
Ellis Island
4.5
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
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9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Visitors can retrace the steps of their ancestors at this famous landing point that welcomed millions of immigrants to the United States.
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Top ways to experience Ellis Island
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Ellis Island
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,940 within 5 kms
Ellis Island Cafe
118
33 m$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Fast food
Liberty House Restaurant
430
1.1 km$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Statue of Liberty Crown Cafe
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1.1 km$ • American • Cafe • Fast food
Maritime Parc
107
1.2 km$$$$ • American • Contemporary • Gluten Free Options
Lighthorse Tavern
400
1.7 km$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Surf City
115
1.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Bistro La Source
120
1.7 km$$ - $$$ • French • International • Vegetarian Friendly
Satis Bistro
172
1.7 km$$ - $$$ • European • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
sam a.m.
93
1.7 km$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Amelia's Bistro
149
1.7 km$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
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1,316 within 10 kms
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Parks • Scenic Walking Areas
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2 kmSpeciality Museums
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
7,257 reviews
Excellent
4,250
Very good
2,071
Average
705
Poor
177
Terrible
57
travelinspiration
Dallas, TX251 contributions
Our family of 5 took a weekday 9am ferry recently (tickets in advance, best time to go!!) and the journey was very easy to both Statue of Liberty and then to Ellis. You only need max 30 minutes at Ellis unless tracing family history (which we didn't have), but if first trip to NYC it's a must visit/esp if love history! We had a private guide which made it even better (see review).
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA360 contributions
There is a ton to see here. The exhibit on the first floor gives an overview of how and why people have come to America from 1500 to the present day. It's a little wordy, but very thorough and interesting.
The second floor explains more of the details about immigrating through Ellis Island, and those exhibits feature more artifacts and individual stories. Overall, a great experience learning about the story of American immigration.
The second floor explains more of the details about immigrating through Ellis Island, and those exhibits feature more artifacts and individual stories. Overall, a great experience learning about the story of American immigration.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
njt1993
Sheffield, UK164 contributions
This was one of the main reasons for our return trip to NY and we're very glad we came back. Ellis Island is an important part of America's history, as well as that of many other countries too.
We got an early ferry across which we were glad about as by the time we left it was starting to get really busy. It's a magnificent building and the restoration work is fantastic. There is so much to see, to read, to take in, the accounts of the people who passed through as well as the artefacts which are now exhibits.
A truly fascinating place, rich in history and the photos and words help to make you feel what it must have been like to be there at the height of the immigrants passing through.
At least 2-3 hours is needed and it's well worth it, something not to be missed.
We got an early ferry across which we were glad about as by the time we left it was starting to get really busy. It's a magnificent building and the restoration work is fantastic. There is so much to see, to read, to take in, the accounts of the people who passed through as well as the artefacts which are now exhibits.
A truly fascinating place, rich in history and the photos and words help to make you feel what it must have been like to be there at the height of the immigrants passing through.
At least 2-3 hours is needed and it's well worth it, something not to be missed.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Namz
Paris, France138 contributions
Family
Was an interesting spot to visit but after a long day around the statue of liberty... No chance to read all those information in the Museum.
Some Interactive places catch your attention and that was helpful for our 2 years ol child to keep going.
Some Interactive places catch your attention and that was helpful for our 2 years ol child to keep going.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elissa C
San Francisco, CA61 contributions
Definitely make sure you stop here on the Ellis Island and Liberty Island stops. The building is magnificent and there is so much history and so many stories here, whether you have a personal connection or not. There are so many exhibits, all worthwhile, and the audio tour is very informative. It has people who actually experienced Ellis Island telling their stories, which was fantastic.
I read about the ferry situation from other reviewers, and they are correct in that it is best to get there early, as in before 9:00 am. You also may want to head back on the earlier side, as the lines to get back on the boats get really long. We left from Jersey City which appeared to not be quite as crowded.
I read about the ferry situation from other reviewers, and they are correct in that it is best to get there early, as in before 9:00 am. You also may want to head back on the earlier side, as the lines to get back on the boats get really long. We left from Jersey City which appeared to not be quite as crowded.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jan W
Canton of Vaud, Switzerland529 contributions
The building itself is very beautiful and full of history.
The museum is certainly very interesting but a lot of things to read and that in English, you need a good level of English and time.
The museum is certainly very interesting but a lot of things to read and that in English, you need a good level of English and time.
Written 1 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Angelo Z
Evant, TX200 contributions
Friends
Setting foot on Ellis island was a little emotional for me as many of my ancestors had walked these very steps over 100 years ago. Enjoyed the information the park service provides about the history and people that came though here , very educational. If your people entered though Ellis island I would recommend a visit to see the first stop on their journey to a new life.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joan L
Sevierville, TN120 contributions
Friends
Sensational
Very educational
Sad but should still be in use for people to enter this country LEGALLY. Amazing family stories. Loved it
Very educational
Sad but should still be in use for people to enter this country LEGALLY. Amazing family stories. Loved it
Written 15 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
socalukgirl
Diamond Bar, CA184 contributions
We actually didn't walk through Ellis Island but instead took the Ellis Island Hospital Hard Hat Tour. It was an excellent tour of the hospital grounds. We learned about the short amount of time people were actually on Ellis Island and saw some original rooms and tables etc. My daughter loved it. We had to get back on the ferry so we missed Ellis Island (my second time missing it). Maybe one day.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jonathan Chan
La Jolla, California, USA249 contributions
On the way back from the Statue of Liberty, the ferry stops by Ellis Island as well. I loved getting to explore the unique immigration history here, and spent the rest of the afternoon here. It's amazing to see the resilience and determination of the people who passed through here.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Perla G
San Antonio, TX
Hi Kelly I am planning on buying this tour however, being a first time visitor I am confused. Do i need to purchase a ferry ticket in order to do this tour? I think this is the best tour for Statue of Liberty but I am not sure if I need a ferry ticket?
Jeffrey Koslowski
Canton, MI625 contributions
I would buy tickets through Statue City Cruises. That is the only one (that I know of) that will actually drop you off at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. There are different tours of Ellis Island you can buy but they all include the ferry.
If you do a search for Statue City Cruises, it should break down what is available but the short answer to your question is, buying a ticket for the ferry will get you onto Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty with no additional charge.
Violeta Aguila
2 contributions
Compre boleto para el tour,pero escribi mi correo mal.Podrian ayudarme y enviarmelo porfavor
235vacationmom
Minneapolis, MN213 contributions
Is the only way to get to Ellis Island to buy a ticket to both attractions? I am not interested in touring the Statue of Liberty but would like to see the museum only on Ellis island.
Mary A
Seattle, WA48 contributions
As others have pointed out, just one ticket for both stops. Before we went, someone told us to just stay on the boat for the Statue of Liberty, unless we wanted to actually go up, (which we didn’t). It saved us so much time and we got fabulous pictures from the boat. It gave us a lot more time to explore Ellis island.
Natkat
Spring, TX25 contributions
Can we stay on the ferry and skip the SOL? I’ve already seen it and it wasn’t all that interesting, so I definitely don’t want to see it again. I’d rather just skip it and go right to Ellis Island
I tried searching for this question but I can’t farther than the first 19 questions.
Thanks!
TweetyLover
Richardson, TX139 contributions
Just stay on the ferry when they stop at the Statue of Liberty to let people off and the next stop will be Ellis Island. You will NOT have a chance to stop at the Statue of Liberty on the way back. You can get good photos of the statue when people are disembarking at the statue on the way over and the boat gets close for photos on the sail back from Ellis Island. Still have to pay for both sights.
Hayley1607
Kent, UK118 contributions
I’ve booked a pedestal and Ellis island tour for 11am in a December (stupidly, I left it too late to book the crown reserve) - is there a restriction on where you go and what you see first? Does the time allocated/booked on my ticket refer to the ferry departure time or the time I should access the pedestal etc.?
Should I allow the whole day?
Travelingover50
Sandwich, MA1,092 contributions
If you booked a tour. Your guide should have given you a meeting place? We did meet ours at the ferry. We had plenty of time to go up to the pedestal, take pictures, check out the museum where the original torch is., and the shop before heading over to Ellis island. The only restrictions are that you can not bring any bags inside. They have lockers outside where you can stow your belongings while inside the statue! Once over to Ellis island we had plenty of time to look up ancestors who were held there and view all there was to see before departing! I think you’ll love it all!
788Captain
11 contributions
How long is the pedestal tour start to finish? We scheduled to start the tour at 12 pm.
Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
Los Angeles, CA7,204 contributions
As long as it takes you to climb up the stairs...and back down. I'd say 2 hours. But getting to and leaving from Liberty Island will add to that. And the views are great.
788Captain
11 contributions
Is December a bad time to take the tour?
Travelingover50
Sandwich, MA1,092 contributions
Hi. We went the beginning of July. It was very hot. I would check on line what the ferry schedules Luke like in December. We have been known to have 50 degree days in December. So, I say if the ferry schedules accommodate your dates and you can get on the islands.. Go for it! Good luck!
Linor D
24 contributions
Which day of the week will be the less crowded and what time in the morning should we be there for the security check. We've already got the tickets
Janet M
Florida146 contributions
We had tickets on Statue Cruises. We went on a Thursday and took another person's advice to go to Ellis Island first. We were there for the 8 am ferry. There is so much more to see at Ellis and nice to do before the crowds set in. The Liberty museum is small but OK.
VS69_11
High Wycombe, UK143 contributions
How much is the ticket for the hard hat tour? I can’t find it on the website.
Fe_is_Me
Cordova, TN263 contributions
I actually found it online. It is 75 dollars per person.
If it is any help, my family and I went on a 7 day vacay to NYC and bought the site seeing pass. We used a 4 day pass and saved us tons of money. We did all of our attractions with it. If you go to the website, it will explain all the details. Very easy to use and scanned straight from my phone.
TripAdvisor won't let me put the website so google "Official sightseeing pass new york city". You can also google the same thing with "Promo Code" after and get additional savings. Hope all this information is helpful
Jeremy P
Las Vegas, NV146 contributions
Does booking the Hard Hat tour of Ellis Island give you priority in the security screening line?
No, not that im aware of. All people going to Statue or Ellis MUSt go threw security period. If you want to avoid the large lines get their at 8:30 am, and a breze to get threw without waiting hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ellis Island
- Ellis Island is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Ellis Island tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 104 Ellis Island tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Ellis Island:
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options (From RMÂ 195.82)
- NYC: 9/11 Memorial Museum Tickets & Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets (From RMÂ 578.52)
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour (From RMÂ 289.24)
- Statue of Liberty 60-Minute Sightseeing Cruise (From RMÂ 133.51)
- Statue of Liberty Ticket, 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street Tour (From RMÂ 262.58)
- Hotels near Ellis Island:
- (2.81 km) Mint House at 70 Pine
- (2.24 km) Residence Inn by Marriott Jersey City
- (2.85 km) Artezen Hotel
- (2.69 km) Conrad New York Downtown
- (2.02 km) The Wagner at the Battery
- Restaurants near Ellis Island:
- (0.03 km) Ellis Island Cafe
- (1.14 km) Liberty House Restaurant
- (2.43 km) Bill's Bar & Burger
- (1.67 km) Lighthorse Tavern
- (2.99 km) Pisillo Italian Panini
- Attractions near Ellis Island:
- (1.14 km) Statue of Liberty
- (1.20 km) Sea the City Jet Ski Tours
- (2.62 km) The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- (2.24 km) Staten Island Ferry
- (3.66 km) Brooklyn Bridge