Rate Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument
Operating Hours & Seasons
Ferry Departures
Access to Liberty and Ellis Islands is by Statue Cruises ferries only. Tickets are sold by type, date, and time at statuecruises.com. The first ferry departs at 9:30 am and the last departs at 3:30 pm, with extended hours in the summer and around holidays. Once on the island you can stay until the last ferry departs, which changes seasonally. The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island are open every day except December 25, weather permitting. Be aware that Hard Hat tickets usually sell out in advance.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:9:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Monday:9:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Tuesday:9:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Wednesday:9:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Thursday:9:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Friday:9:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Saturday:9:30 AM-3:30 PM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – No Entrance Fee; Ferry Tickets are purchased from Statue Cruises
There is no entrance fee, however, the only way to visit Liberty and Ellis Islands is via a ferry. Contact Statue Cruises at 1-877-LADYTIX (877-523-9849) or at statuecruises.com for ticket information, pricing, and to make a reservation. Please note that the Hard Hat Tour requires special tickets and even more advance planning.
About
Island of Hope, Island of Tears
How far would you travel to find a better life? What if the journey took weeks under difficult conditions? If you answered "Whatever it takes," you echo the feelings of the 12 million immigrants who passed through these now quiet halls from 1892 to 1954. Ellis Island afforded them the opportunity to attain the American dream for themselves and their descendants. Come hear their stories.
Directions
Ellis Island is located in New York Harbor, and can only be reached by boat. Ferries operated by Statue Cruises depart from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan in New York City nnd Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Visitor Centers
Ellis Island Information Desk
The Ellis Island Information Desk provides general information, including the schedule of ranger-guided tours, special program, and film times. A ranger or volunteer is available to answer questions and provide information about the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration and make recommendations for your visit. The park brochure, Passport To Your National Parks (R) cancellation stamp, and the ferry departure schedule are also located at the information desk.
Weather
It is typically colder and more windy in New York Harbor than in elsewhere in the New York City metropolitan area. Winters are cold and damp. Spring and Fall can range from chilly to warm. Summers are warm to hot and humid.
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