Ellis Island Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ellis Island. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options

• Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour With Ferry

• Starship Landmark 90-Minute Sightseeing Cruise

• NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

The only way to visit Ellis Island is with an authorized tour operator. A standard tour costs US$26 and includes round-trip ferry service to Ellis Island and Liberty Island, access to both islands' museums, and an audio guide. Sightseeing cruises that boat past Ellis Island (without stopping to disembark) start at US$20.

Yes, Ellis Island is well worth visiting. You'll gain a deeper understanding of New York City's rich immigrant history by touring the island's National Immigration Museum, and you can search for relatives' names on the Wall of Honor. Booking an authorized tour is the only way to set foot on the island, so be sure to reserve your visit in advance. Tours include a scenic boat ride from Battery Park, and you'll also be able to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum.

Per one customer who booked the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options, "I had an incredible experience visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island! The tour was well-organized, and the guides were knowledgeable, providing fascinating historical insights. Seeing Lady Liberty up close was breathtaking, and exploring Ellis Island's immigration museum was both educational and moving. The ferry ride was smooth, and the views of the New York City skyline were spectacular. Highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in history, culture, and iconic landmarks!"

No, visitors have to book combination tours. Many visitors visit the island and the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island nearby. Combination experiences typically include ferry transfers from Battery Park in downtown Manhattan and allow free time to explore both islands at your own pace.

It depends. Generally, 2-3 hours are enough to take a self-guided or ranger-led tour and view the exhibits at the National Museum of Immigration. Visiting the Statue of Liberty takes about another 1-2 hours. Ferry rides from Battery Park take about 10-15 minutes.

To avoid crowds, visit Ellis Island on weekdays. And the earlier you can get there, the better, as you will likely dodge crowds and have more time to explore. To guarantee you’ll be one of the first daily visitors, book a ride on the first ferry of the morning, usually at 9am.

One-way ferry rides to Ellis Island take about 10-15 minutes. From Ellis Island to Liberty Island, it’s another 15 minutes. A final 15-minute route takes visitors back to the initial pickup spot, either Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Yes, ferries to Ellis Island have bathrooms and concession stands with snacks and a small selection of souvenirs. The ferries and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible, and passengers can sit inside or outside. Neither smoking nor drinking alcohol is permitted.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Ellis Island. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in New York City:

• Statue of Liberty

• Empire State Building

• Central Park

• National September 11 Memorial & Museum

• Flatiron Building

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in New York City.