Ellis Island was incorporated as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument on May 11, 1965. Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million steerage and third class steamship passengers who entered the United States through the port of New York were legally and medically inspected at Ellis Island.

Reopened on September 10, 1990 after a massive restoration, the Main Building on Ellis Island is now a museum dedicated to the history of immigration and the important role this island claimed during the mass migration of humanity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ellis Island is Federal property within the shared territorial jurisdiction of the States of New York and New Jersey.

 Directions 

Plane - The New York City metropolitan area is served by three major airports: Newark-Liberty International, LaGuardia, and JFK International.

Car - Liberty Island is accessible by Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc. ferries only. One round trip ferry ticket includes visits to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Round trip ferry tickets cost $10.00 for ages 13+, $8.00 for senior citizens (62 and over), and $4.00 for children 3-12. ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASES CAN BE MADE ON-LINE OR BY CALLING 1(800)600-1600; OR (301) 784-9023 OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA. Ferries depart from Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Battery Park is located at the Southern tip of Manhattan, off the West Side Highway South or the FDR Drive South. Parking is limited and can be expensive. Using public transportation is recommended. Please contact the ferry company at (212) 269-5755 for ferry schedules.