Ellis Island, situated not far from Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty, is one of New York’s most important historical sites and is definitely not to be missed.

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It was here that the main immigration station was located, through which all foreign travellers arriving in New York to live their American dream passed.

In total, more than 12 million immigrants passed through the immigration building on Ellis Island.

Today, the site serves as a fascinating museum of immigration, which is one of the cornerstones of the United States.

The Island of Tears, the Island of Hope

The nickname, first used for Ellis Island by Charles Guggenheim in his documentary film, is perhaps the most fitting for this island.

The Federal Immigration Station on Ellis Island operated between 1892 and 1954 as the sole facility for processing applications for immigration and entry into the USA. It was not until after 1954 that applications could be submitted at foreign embassies.

Until then, it was on Ellis Island that the decision was made as to whether immigrants would be admitted or sent back to their home countries. And that is precisely why this place embodied both the hope for a better life and, at the same time, the tears and the shattering of dreams when entry to the country was refused...

Immigration Museum – admission and information

Today, the sprawling building that once housed the immigration department serves as a large, three-storey museum of immigration and emigration. It is designated a National Historic Landmark and is one of the most visited museums in the USA.

In this very extensive and well-designed exhibition, you will learn a great deal of interesting information about the origins of the modern USA, a nation founded on the very principles of immigration and the integration of cultures from around the world. The exhibition is divided thematically into several sections:

• Photographs and video recordings of immigrants’ stories
• A tour of the large registration hall
• A tour of the accommodation area for immigrants whose applications required further scrutiny
• The ‘Treasures from Home’ exhibition features more than 2,000 items belonging to immigrants, which they exchanged for dollars at the local exchange office
• The ‘Gateway to America’ exhibition provides a detailed account of the entire immigration process
• The ‘Peak Years of Immigration’ exhibition depicts the peak periods of immigration and also sheds light on the reasons for leaving their home countries

Admissionto the museum is free, or included in the price of the ferries(see below).

The museum’s official website:statueofliberty.org/ellis-island

Wall of Honour

The second attraction on Ellis Island is the unique Wall of Honour. Across more than 800 panels, you will currently find almost a million names of immigrants, as well as Native Americans, who were involved in the immigration process in any way.

You can also find the names of your ancestors here, and for a fee payable at 225 usd, you can even have the names of your ancestors who can be proven to have settled in the USA added to the Wall of Honour. Official information can be found on the websitestatueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor.

Ferries to Ellis Island: prices and timetables

The only way to reach the island is via the official ferry operator, Statue Citycruises, which runs services from Manhattan and New Jersey to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. 

Ferries depart from the piers at Battery Park or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. 

There are three ticket options to choose from; prices are the same from both ports:

• Prices are final, i.e. they include all taxes and fees.

• General Admission Including admission and ferry crossings to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, as well as entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum
  • 25,50 usd – adults
  • 22,50 usd – seniors aged 62 and over
  • 16,50 usd – children under 12
• Pedestal Reserve Ticket also includes admission to the base of the Statue of Liberty. The number of tickets is limited and requires advance booking (ideally at least 1 day in advance)
  • 25,80 usd – adults
  • 22,80 usd – seniors aged 62 and over
  • 16,80 usd – children under 12
• Crown Reserve Ticket – 24,80 USD also grants you access to the crown. Please book at least 2–6 months in advance.
  • 25,80 usd – adults
  • 22,80 usd – seniors aged 62 and over
  • 16,80 usd – children under 12

Boats depart from Battery Park every 15–20 minutes from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm.

• Official website of the Statue of Liberty National Monument: nps.gov/stli
• The sole official ticket seller and ferry operator: statuecruises.com

Ferry timetables

Ferries depart daily from 9.00 am to 3.15 pm approximately every 15 to 20 minutes and are often crowded.

The crossing time from both Battery Park and Jersey City is approximately 15 minutes.

Inside the ferry, there are free toilets and a small bistro where you can only pay in cash.

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