How to Get to Ellis Island from New York [2025 Guide] 🗽🚤

Visiting Ellis Island is a must-do when in New York City, especially if you’re interested in American history, immigration, and Statue of Liberty views. In 2025, the only way to reach Ellis Island is by official ferry service. This guide explains how to get there, where to board, ticket prices, and travel tips.

🚤 1. Official Statue City Cruises Ferry Service (Only Way to Ellis Island)

Ellis Island is only accessible by the official ferry operator — Statue City Cruises.

• Boarding Locations:
  1. Battery Park – Manhattan, New York.
  2. Liberty State Park – Jersey City, New Jersey.
• Route: Ferry → Statue of Liberty → Ellis Island → return to your departure point.
• Travel Time: About 15–20 minutes from Battery Park to Liberty Island, plus another 10–15 minutes to Ellis Island.
• Cost (2025): Around $25 for adults, $14 for children (includes both Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island).
• Why Choose This? Only legal and safest way to visit Ellis Island.

🚇 2. Getting to Battery Park (Manhattan) for the Ferry

If you’re in New York City, the easiest way is to head to Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.

• By Subway:
  • 4/5 train → Bowling Green Station (5-min walk to Battery Park).
  • 1 train → South Ferry Station (right at the park entrance).
  • R/W train → Whitehall Street Station (5-min walk).
• By Bus: M15, M20, and M55 stop near Battery Park.
• By Taxi/Rideshare: 20–40 minutes from Midtown, depending on traffic.

🚇 3. Getting to Liberty State Park (New Jersey) for the Ferry

If you’re coming from New Jersey, you can board at Liberty State Park.

• By Light Rail: Hudson-Bergen Light Rail → Liberty State Park Station → walk or use shuttle to ferry dock.
• By Car: Plenty of paid parking available near the ferry terminal.

📊 Summary Table – Transportation to Ellis Island (2025)

Step	From NYC	Time	Cost (Approx)	Notes
Ferry to Ellis Island	Battery Park	25–35 min	$25 adult	Includes Statue of Liberty
Subway to Battery Park	Midtown NYC	20–30 min	$2.90	Multiple subway lines
Ferry from Liberty State Park	Jersey City	20–30 min	$25 adult	Paid parking available

💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Ellis Island in 2025

• Book Tickets Early: Ferries can sell out, especially during summer and weekends.
• Security Screening: All passengers go through airport-style screening before boarding.
• Weather Prep: Ferries are open-air, so dress for the weather.
• Plan 3–5 Hours: Visiting both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island takes half a day.
• Photography Tip: Best NYC skyline shots are from the ferry deck leaving Ellis Island.

📌 FAQs

1. How do you get to Ellis Island from New York City?
Take the official Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan.

2. Can you go directly to Ellis Island?
No, ferries stop at the Statue of Liberty first, then proceed to Ellis Island.

3. How much does it cost to visit Ellis Island in 2025?
Adult tickets are about $25 and include both Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island access.

4. Where do you catch the ferry to Ellis Island?
From Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

5. How long does it take to visit Ellis Island from NYC?
Plan for 3–5 hours total, including ferry rides and museum tours.