Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
Ellis Island
The gateway through which 12 million immigrants entered the United States between 1892 and 1954; the main building is now the National Museum of Immigration.
Ellis Island was the busiest immigration inspection station in U.S. history, and about 40% of Americans have ancestors who entered the country through it. The main building, a red-brick French-style structure, houses the magnificent Registry Hall, with exhibits on immigration inspections, medical exams, and personal belongings. Visitors can search immigration records and watch documentaries. There is no separate ticket for the island. You must take the Statue City Cruises ferry (the only official ferry) first to Liberty Island and then on to Ellis Island. A combined ticket costs about $25 and covers both islands. We recommend booking the first ferry in advance on the official website and setting aside at least half a day. Ferries depart from the Battery Park terminal in Manhattan.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (last ferry approx. 15:30)
Nearby sights
- Statue of Liberty
- Governors Island
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum
- Wall Street & Charging Bull
- One World Observatory
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Chinatown, Manhattan
- SoHo