Ellis Island and Liberty Island sit in New York Harbor south of Manhattan, accessible only by ferry. Together they form the Statue of Liberty National Monument, operated by the National Park Service. Ellis Island served as the busiest immigrant inspection station in the United States, and the Statue of Liberty—a gift from France that arrived in 1884—stands at the harbour entrance as the symbol most associated with American immigration. Both islands require ferry transport and function as major visitor destinations documenting immigration history and American identity.
Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum
Ellis Island operated as an immigration inspection station where millions of people entered the United States. The island now houses the National Museum of Immigration, which interprets this history through exhibits documenting the immigrant experience. The restored Great Hall, Baggage Room, and dormitories allow visitors to experience the spaces where arrivals waited and were processed. Interactive exhibits detail the immigration process and the various national origins of those who passed through the facility.
The museum's American Immigrant Wall of Honor represents a vast collection of immigrant experiences and is open to descendants of all American immigrants as well as contemporary arrivals. Visitors can view the wall panels in person or explore them through the Foundation's website. An audio tour, included with the ferry ticket, is available at the island and provides detailed interpretation of exhibits and spaces.
The north side of Ellis Island contains the museum facilities open to visitors, whilst the south side of the island, including the original Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital complex, has separate access arrangements. The museum facilities are accessible to visitors arriving on the standard ferry service.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island, the first stop on the ferry route from Manhattan. Visitors can access the grounds of Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and—with advance crown or pedestal reservations—interior portions of the statue itself. The statue functions both as a monument and as a symbol repeatedly invoked in discussions of American identity, immigration, and national values.
The Statue of Liberty Museum on the island provides exhibits on the statue's history, construction, and symbolism. The museum is included with standard ferry access and does not require separate tickets beyond the ferry fare.
Visiting: Ferries, Tickets and Access
Ferries to Ellis Island and Liberty Island depart from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Statue City Cruises is the only authorized concessionaire permitted to sell tickets and provide ferry service to both islands. Round-trip ferry service includes stops at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, with access to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Statue of Liberty Museum included in the standard ticket.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through StatueCityCruises.com or by calling 1-877-523-9849. Advance purchase is advisable, particularly during peak visitor seasons. Additional tickets are not required to enter the museums on either island beyond the ferry ticket. Visitors seeking access to the statue's pedestal or crown must book those specific tickets in advance, as they are offered in limited numbers.
Reservation times indicated on tickets refer to entry into the security facility at Battery Park or Liberty State Park, not ferry departure time. Visitors may enter the security line up to 30 minutes before their stated reservation time. The audio tour devices are available for collection on each island and are included with ferry admission.
Planning Your Visit
A visit to both islands typically requires several hours. Ferry schedules, security procedures, and time spent on each island should all be factored into planning. The islands are exposed and can be windy and cooler than Manhattan, even in summer. The ferry ride provides views of lower Manhattan's skyline and the harbour.
Battery Park, the Manhattan departure point, is located at the southern tip of Manhattan and is accessible via multiple subway lines. The park itself offers views of the harbour and serves as the gateway to the islands. Current ferry schedules, ticket prices, and any operational changes should be checked directly through the official Statue City Cruises website or the National Park Service before visiting.
Sources: National Immigration Museum - Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation • Ellis Island - Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation • Visit - Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation • Ellis Island - Wikipedia