Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Photo: NicoleDeBartolo, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
This tour follows the harbor that millions of newcomers once crossed: from the tip of Manhattan out to the Statue of Liberty, then on to Ellis Island, where about 12 million immigrants were processed between 1892 and 1954.
You start at Castle Clinton in Battery Park, the round stone fort that holds the official ticket office. Statue City Cruises is the only ferry service that lands on Liberty and Ellis Islands, so buy tickets from its website or this office, never from sellers along the park. Expect airport-style security before you board. Pedestal and crown tickets are limited, so reserve them well ahead.
The ten stops take about four hours, including the ferry rides and short walks on each island. Allow more if you climb to the crown or linger in the Ellis Island museum. The ferries run in a loop, Battery to Liberty to Ellis and back, and the last boats leave in the afternoon, so check the schedule and start early. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a layer: the harbor is windy.
10 stops on this tour:
Castle Clinton - The Fort Before Ellis Island
Statue City Cruises - Through Security and Aboard
Statue of Liberty Museum - The Torch at Eye Level
Liberty Island Promenade - Walking Around the Star
Statue of Liberty Pedestal - Inside the Base
Ellis Island - The Nation's Front Door
Registry Room - Inside the Great Hall
Stairs of Separation - Three Ways Down
American Immigrant Wall of Honor - Names by the Water
Return Ferry - Lower Manhattan Up Close
Plan your visit
- Route: 10 stops · about 4.7 miles · walking, plus a ride for the longer legs
- Time: about 4 hours at an easy pace, with stops
- Start: Castle Clinton (directions)
- Cost: free tour
- Audio: narrated - tap ▶ Listen at the top of any stop
Stops on this tour
- Castle Clinton - The Fort Before Ellis Island
- Statue City Cruises - Through Security and Aboard
- Statue of Liberty Museum - The Torch at Eye Level
- Liberty Island Promenade - Walking Around the Star
- Statue of Liberty Pedestal - Inside the Base
- Ellis Island - The Nation's Front Door
- Registry Room - Inside the Great Hall
- Stairs of Separation - Three Ways Down
- American Immigrant Wall of Honor - Names by the Water
- Return Ferry - Lower Manhattan Up Close
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