Ellis Island

Ellis Island which includes heritage architecture
Ellis Island
Ellis Island featuring interior views
Ellis Island
Ellis Island showing a ferry and general coastal views


Relive 60 years of immigration history as you explore the exhibits of this poignant museum. Find out if your ancestors passed through as they entered the U.S.

Travel by ferry to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Imagine the joy and hopes that earlier immigrants felt as they finished much longer and rougher sea voyages to finally arrive in America. Over 12 million people entered the country through this structure’s golden doors. About half of today’s more than 300 million U.S. citizens descended from these brave immigrants.

Immigration services operated here between 1892 and 1954, with newly arrived visitors spending hours in an inspection process determining if they would be allowed to stay in their land of hope or would be among the 2 percent denied entry. View exhibits showing interpreters, nurses, doctors, inspectors and clerical staff whose daily actions determined the fates of hopeful visitors. Photos and stories relate the dreams of those visitors.

Note Ellis Island’s unusual rectangular shape. A smaller natural island was expanded by landfill to provide a functional base to build the original immigration and service buildings and expanded farther over time. See the history of these major projects in the exhibits on the places of importance on the island. The Main Immigration Building, now filled with three floors of exhibits, opened in 1900.

Immigration services ended here in 1954 and the buildings sat idle until the site became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. By 1990, the National Park Service opened the renovated Main Building to visitors. Search arrival records in the American Family Immigration History Center.

The only way to reach Ellis Island is by ferries leaving from Battery Park at Manhattan’s southern tip or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Purchase ferry tickets from the authorized National Park Service operator for a specific time and be sure you are in line well before departure time.

The site is open daily except Christmas Day. Join a ranger-led walking tour of the building or purchase a hard-hat tour to see the immigration hospital. Plan to spend several hours at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and enjoy a second stop to see the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, which is included in the same ferry fee.

Plan a trip to see Ellis Island

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Centric Times Square New York
NobleDEN Hotel
INNSiDE by Meliá New York Nomad

Reviews of Ellis Island

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
205
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
141
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
45
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

When you buy a ticket inside Castle Clinton, it is usable for the next three days (meaning you don't have to buy your ticket and do the trip in the same day!)

3/5 - Okay

Lauren

it was included as part of the trip to see the statue of liberty but we didn't get off the boat to walk round it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Make sure you have some time to really visit this place, very interesting with a lot of history held here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

For me, Ellis Island is a "must do" on any NYC trip. The history blows you away.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

Didn't go there

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

4 out of 5
8 Stone St, New York, NY
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown

4 out of 5
6 Water St, New York, NY
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District

3.5 out of 5
2 Washington Street, New York, NY
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District
The FIDI Hotel

The FIDI Hotel

4 out of 5
11 Stone St, New York, NY
The FIDI Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center

Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center

4 out of 5
140 Washington St, New York, NY
Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

4 out of 5
2 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson
Hyatt House Jersey City

Hyatt House Jersey City

3.5 out of 5
1 Exchange Pl, Jersey City, NJ
Hyatt House Jersey City
World Center Hotel

World Center Hotel

4 out of 5
144 Washington St, New York, NY
World Center Hotel
Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG

Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG

3.5 out of 5
50 TRINITY PLACE, New York, NY
Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ellis Island

Discover the rich history of Ellis Island with a variety of activities, including free daily tours and engaging audio tours that provide in-depth insights into the island's significance. While exploring, you can also enjoy nearby entertainment, theatre, and art, making your visit a well-rounded experience that reflects the vibrant culture of Jersey City.

Shopping

For shopping near Ellis Island, visit Newport Centre, just 3.2km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Katz's Delicatessen and Essex Street Market, both 4.8km away, provide local flavours and city energy. If you're up for a drive, explore larger shopping centres beyond that distance.

Recreation

Barclays Center Brooklyn, a vibrant sports facility, offers thrilling events and an electric atmosphere just 6.4km from Ellis Island. For a musical interlude, visit the Blue Note Jazz Club, located 4.8km away, where captivating performances await. Enjoy family fun at Pier 25 Mini-Golf, a mere 3.2km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of DreamWorks Water Park, located 12.9km from Ellis Island, offering fun-filled water attractions for the whole family. For a tranquil outdoor escape, visit Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, situated 4.8km away, where you can enjoy nature’s beauty. Don’t miss the adventure at East River Park, 6.4km away, perfect for outdoor activities.

Nightlife

For a vibrant evening near Ellis Island, start at the Bowery Ballroom for an eclectic music experience. Next, enjoy the enchanting outdoor vibes at Jane’s Carousel, before heading to the Stonewall Inn for a lively pub atmosphere filled with entertainment and romance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ellis Island

Ellis Island offers a rich blend of culture and history, perfect for tourists seeking family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore the renowned urban parks and historic buildings, immersing themselves in the area's vibrant heritage. Strolling along the streets of nearby Jersey City further enhances the experience, showcasing the local charm and providing ample opportunities for family outings and cultural enrichment.

  • Statue of Liberty: A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty stands majestically on Liberty Island, just 1.1km from Ellis Island. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of New York Harbour and learn about the cultural significance of this iconic statue.
  • One World Trade Center: Located 3.2km from Ellis Island, this historic building is a powerful tribute to resilience. The observation deck offers breathtaking panoramas of the city, while the surrounding area provides insight into New York's history and recovery.
  • Wall Street: Just 3.2km away, Wall Street is the financial heartbeat of the city. Stroll along its bustling streets to experience the vibrant city vibes, and see landmarks like the Charging Bull and the New York Stock Exchange.

Best time to go to Ellis Island

The best time to visit Ellis Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Ellis Island falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Ellis Island falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ellis Island

To save money on your trip to Ellis Island, consider visiting between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, preferably on a Sunday for the best rates. Utilise Expedia to find last-minute deals and refine your search by budget and location. Look for Eco-certified hotels to enjoy sustainable stays. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to significant savings. Always check for hidden fees and use price filters to find the most affordable options.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ellis Island are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Ellis Island about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ellis Island is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Ellis Island is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find that you can save money by combining your hotel stay at Ellis Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia