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Home/USA/New York/New York City/Ellis Island

Ellis Island Tours & Historical Experiences

Embark on a profound journey through time at Ellis Island, the gateway to America. Discover the moving stories of millions of immigrants through immersive historical tours and fascinating museum exhibits. Whether you are exploring the iconic New York Harbor via a scenic boat tour, enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, or taking a guided walking tour of this legendary landmark, Ellis Island offers an unforgettable cultural experience. Perfect for families and history buffs alike, our curated selection of sightseeing adventures ensures you connect deeply with the heritage and spirit of New York City. Book your historic adventure today!

4.66/5 avg ratingFrom $31.50 per person121 unique experiences72% free cancellation

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.66★ average

Based on 68,533 pooled reviews with ~87% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$60–$276 typical

Median price is $113, with a wide range from $32 to $800

Tour Duration

Tour Duration

2 hours median

Most options range from 30 minutes to 4 hours

Booking Tip

Booking Tip

Book in advance

33% of tours are flagged likely to sell out

Tour Type

Tour Type

Cultural sightseeing

52% are sightseeing tours and 50% focus on cultural themes

Languages

Languages

8 languages offered

Includes English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean

126 Products

Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

4 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.97 (773 reviews)
97.26%
2.74%
greatfunGreat Tour
Viator
$388
Book now
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Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
Summary

Experience the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with ExperienceFirst, guided by a local expert. This private tour offers a personalized exploration of these iconic New York City landmarks. Your visit includes a ferry ride, along with all necessary entrance fees. Delve into the rich history of Lady...

Inclusions
  • Access to the museum on Ellis Island
  • Professional guide
  • Access to the new museum on Liberty Island
  • Round-Trip ferry ticket to Liberty and Ellis Island
Exclusions
  • Crown and Pedestal access at the Statue of Liberty
Itinerary
  • Battery Park
  • Manhattan Skyline
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability) or be offered a refund, Dress appropriately for the weather. Downtown Manhattan is particularly windy, Security screenings will take place prior to entering the ferry and pedestal at the statue. The Statue of Liberty is managed by the United States Park Police and visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screenings. All persons and property are subject to search., Prohibited items: any weapons (self-defense or otherwise), locking blades, tools of any kind, large non-folding umbrellas, tripods, laptops, tablet keyboards, luggage, coolers, drones, basketballs, sewing kits, lighter fluid, and anything propelled by aerosol., Backpacks, strollers, large items, & food and beverages must be checked into lockers on Liberty Island prior to entering the statue pedestal. These lockers are available for $0.25 per locker. This fee is NOT included in the tour price.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

5 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.81 (14,171 reviews)
93.63%
6.37%
Fantastic tourwonderfulexcellent guide
Viator
$59
Book now
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Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
Summary

Experience America’s most iconic symbols of freedom without the guesswork. This comprehensive guided tour takes you from the bustling shores of Battery Park through the hallowed halls of Ellis Island. With Reserved Access tickets, you’ll bypass the massive general admission lines and dive straight i...

Inclusions
  • Skyline Views
  • Statue of Liberty Museum
  • Expert NYC Storyteller
  • Immigration Museum Access
  • Reserved Ferry Access - significantly reducing your wait time
  • Ellis Island Experience (Comprehensive Tour)
Exclusions
  • Pedestal & Crown Access
  • While your guide provides essential history outside, museums are self-guided to comply with rules.
  • small locker fees for oversized bags ($0.25) are not included.
Itinerary
  • Castle Clinton National Monument
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Statue of Liberty Museum
  • Ellis Island
  • Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. The tour departs promptly and if late, you will NOT be able to catch up and will miss the tour. There are no refunds for missing the tour., Please note the earliest time tour will have the least wait. Later tours will encounter longer wait times., Your ferry ticket includes access to both islands, although for afternoon tours, there may not be enough time to visit Ellis Island., Food available for purchase on the ferry, at the Statue of Liberty, and on Ellis Island, Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately., Security screening will take place prior to entering the ferry. Visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screening., Photographs are permitted, but tripods and monopods are prohibited., Children 3 and under free with paid adult ticket., Guides are wearing orange hats AND/OR blue shirts or jackets., Pedestal and crown access are not included in your tour. Guided tours are not allowed in the pedestal or crown at the Statue of Liberty
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manhattan Adventure Sightseeing Boat Tour - from Chelsea Piers

Manhattan Adventure Sightseeing Boat Tour - from Chelsea Piers

1 hrFree cancellation
4.99 (708 reviews)
98.38%
1.62%
Awesomefundefinitely recommend
Viator
$99
Book now
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Manhattan Adventure Sightseeing Boat Tour - from Chelsea Piers
Summary

The ultimate custom sightseeing experience in New York Harbor! Enjoy the city from great vantage points and photograph the world-famous skyline on the same boat media agencies charter to cover breaking news! Our Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes you on an unforgettable ride through the harbor. The na...

Inclusions
  • U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain
  • TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
  • Local taxes
Exclusions
  • Tour-guide/Captain gratuities are not included
Itinerary
  • Little Island
  • Financial District
  • Battery Park City
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Governors Island
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • New Jersey
  • Hudson Yards
  • Manhattan Bridge
Good to know
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Our tours run with a minimum of 4 passengers, Minimum age is 4 years; minors must be accompanied by an adult., Adult pricing applies to all passengers, Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to your late arrival, No high heels; flat shoes only, Recommended: Bring sunglasses and your camera!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

15 minsFree cancellation
4.75 (1,300 reviews)
86.42%
13.58%
amazing experiencebreathtakinggreat to see
Viator
$272
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NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
Summary

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 12-15 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park ...

Inclusions
  • Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)
  • Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Live commentary on board, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin
Exclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Souvenir photos (available for purchase!)
Itinerary
  • HeliNY
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Brooklyn
  • Governors Island
  • New York Harbor
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
  • One World Trade Center
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Little Island
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
  • Rockefeller Center
  • The Vessel
  • Hudson Yards
  • Madison Square Garden
  • One Vanderbilt
  • Times Square
  • Central Park Tower
  • Central Park
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing more than 275 lbs (124 kg) may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend., A current, valid, government-issued photo ID is required on the day of travel., All bags are subject to inspection. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying., Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge., All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

20 minsFree cancellation
4.75 (1,158 reviews)
88.59%
11.41%
best experience everabsolutely amazingAmazing views
Viator
$319
Book now
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NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing
Summary

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 17-20 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park,...

Inclusions
  • Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)
  • Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Live commentary on board, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin
Exclusions
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase!)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Brooklyn
  • Governors Island
  • New York Harbor
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
  • One World Trade Center
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Little Island
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Hudson Yards
  • The Vessel
  • Madison Square Garden
  • One Vanderbilt
  • Times Square / Theater District
  • Central Park Tower
  • Central Park
  • Columbia University
  • George Washington Bridge
  • Yankee Stadium
  • Palisades
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 275 lbs may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend., A current valid government issued photo ID is required on the day of travel., All bags are subject to inspection. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying., Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge., All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

1.5 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.85 (797 reviews)
92.53%
7.47%
great viewslovelyGreat experience
Viator
$79
Book now
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Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise
Summary

See many major New York sights on a 90-minute boat cruise on a 1920s-style yacht! Enjoy views from the open bow, or relax in the spacious climate controlled glassed-enclosed observation cabin. The boat cruises along the Hudson River offering views of Manhattan's west side and booming skyline. Pass b...

Inclusions
  • One complimentary beverage included
  • Cruise around New York Harbor
Exclusions
  • Gratuity is not included, but recommended for the captain and crew.
  • Light snacks available for purchase onboard. If bringing food please keep it to a light snack
  • Please note we do not guarantee passing by the Brooklyn Bridge on this tour
Itinerary
  • Manhattan Skyline
  • Ellis Island
  • Statue of Liberty
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Service animals are permitted; Emotional Support animals and pets are not permitted, Please coordinate with the operator in advance if assistance is required for boarding or if you have any questions about general accessibility. Accessibility varies by boat, Large group bookings are not permitted. Multiple bookings are subject to added fees or cancellation by operator, Guests are not permitted to bring alcohol onboard, Guests will be assigned elegant tables and comfortable seating in the grand salon. Tables may be shared with a clear partition divider depending on party size
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry

4 hrsFree cancellation
4.7 (2,374 reviews)
84.76%
15.24%
Bestincredible to visitGreat guide
Viator
$59
Book now
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Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry
Summary

The Statue of Liberty is a verifiable American icon and a must-do on anyone's New York bucket list. This flexible tour offers two convenient options for visiting Lady Liberty with expert insights so you can choose whichever best fits your travel plans and preferences. If you're short on time, the tw...

Inclusions
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Access to Immigration Museum at Ellis Island (4-hour option only)
  • Pre-reserved ticket to Statue of Liberty Island (exterior access)
  • Official audio guide on Ellis Island (4-hour option only)
  • Pre-reserved ticket to Ellis Island (4-hour option only)
Exclusions
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick up and Drop off
  • Statue of Liberty Crown and Pedestal
Itinerary
  • Battery Park
  • Castle Clinton National Monument
  • Liberty Island
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island Immigration Museum
  • Battery Park
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, The tour is in English., Only the earliest booking time has access to the first ferry., This tour does not include access to the Statue of Liberty's Crown and Pedestal, This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty., We are able to accomodate guests with mobility impairment or wheelcharis, please make sure to email our Guest Experience team at the time of your booking for proper arrangements., Please note that pre-reserved ticket to Ellis Island & Ellis Island museum is included in 4-hour option only.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NYC: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour

NYC: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour

2 hrsPrivate tour
4.6 (2,919 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$59
Book now
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NYC: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour
Summary

Get to know the Statue of Liberty, an American icon who once greeted millions of immigrants passing through New York Harbor, on this private or shared guided tour in New York City.

90-Min NYC Statue of Liberty & Skyline Cruise

90-Min NYC Statue of Liberty & Skyline Cruise

1.5 hrs
4.6 (4,908 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$34
Book now
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90-Min NYC Statue of Liberty & Skyline Cruise
Summary

Cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and NYC's iconic skyline on a 90-minute sightseeing cruise. Capture unforgettable photos while expert guides bring New York's history to life.

NYC Statue City Cruises: Official Statue of Liberty Tickets

NYC Statue City Cruises: Official Statue of Liberty Tickets

5 hrs
4.58 (20,420 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$33
Book now
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NYC Statue City Cruises: Official Statue of Liberty Tickets
Summary

Explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with Statue City Cruises, the official ferry. Discover both islands and their museums at your own pace with audio guides and enjoy skyline views.

...

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Ellis Island.

Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial
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Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial

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Liberty State Park
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Liberty State Park

1.1 km away • from $8.21

Statue of Liberty
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Statue of Liberty

1.2 km away • from $12

Colgate Clock
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Colgate Clock

1.5 km away • from $119

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Across booking platforms, Ellis Island tours and tickets range widely depending on what's included and the tour type. The typical price band is $60–$276, with a median of around $113. The full spread goes from $32 to $800, so you'll find options for different budgets. Sightseeing tours are the most common type, making up about half of all options we compare, and they tend to sit in the middle of that range. Booking ahead is worth doing, since roughly a third of the options we compare are flagged as likely to sell out.

Most tours reach Ellis Island by boat or ferry, which account for about 48% and 17% of the options we compare respectively. A smaller share use helicopter (13%), and a few include walking components (9%). The boat and ferry options are the standard way to experience the island and typically include views of the Statue of Liberty along the way. Cruise-based tours make up about a third of all options, so if you prefer a larger vessel experience, that's readily available.

About half of the tours we compare come with a guide included, which is the most common add-on. Beyond that, roughly a quarter include drinks, while smaller shares come with entry tickets or all fees and taxes covered upfront. A few options (7%) include a helicopter ride as part of the package. Since inclusion varies widely, it's worth checking the details of each tour to see what's bundled in at your chosen price point.

Yes. Tours are offered in 8 languages across the options we compare: English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean. This makes Ellis Island tours accessible to a wide range of international visitors. If you need a specific language, it's worth filtering your search early, since language availability varies by tour operator.

Ellis Island tours usually run between 30 minutes and 4 hours, with a median duration of around 2 hours. The length depends on the tour type and what's included. Sightseeing tours and walking tours tend to be on the shorter side, while boat cruises and guided experiences with more stops can stretch toward the longer end. Check the itinerary to make sure the duration fits your schedule.

Yes, most options offer flexibility. About 72% of the tours we compare offer free cancellation, so you have a good chance of booking without penalty. Additionally, roughly 76% offer instant confirmation, meaning you can book and receive your ticket right away. These features combined make it easier to plan ahead without worrying about losing your money if something changes.

Ellis Island tours are very highly rated, with an average of 4.66 stars across more than 68,000 reviews combined across booking platforms. About 87% of reviews are positive overall. Reviewers frequently use words like wonderful, amazing, fantastic, and incredible, and they often praise knowledgeable guides and great views. The consistent praise reflects the landmark's cultural and historical significance and the quality of the tour experiences available.

Yes. About 19% of the options we compare are private tours (roughly 23 listings), giving you the choice between group and private experiences. Private tours offer a more personalized visit, though they typically come at a higher price point within the $60–$276 typical range. Group tours remain the most common format at 41% of options, followed by guided tours at 46%, so you'll find plenty of choices for either style.

Ellis Island is a cultural and historical landmark that appeals broadly to different ages. The options we compare are tagged as family-friendly in only a small number of cases (about 2%), which likely reflects the landmark's immigration history and museum-focused nature rather than a lack of family appeal. Tours are available for all ages, and the straightforward boat access and walking paths make it accessible for families with children. It's worth checking individual tour descriptions to see if they include family-specific features like shorter durations or child-focused commentary.

Ellis Island tours are predominantly cultural and historical in focus, with about half tagged as cultural experiences and 36% as historical. This reflects the landmark's significance as the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. Reviewers consistently highlight the emotional and educational value of the visit, mentioning wonderful experiences and knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life. If you're interested in American history and immigration heritage, this landmark delivers a meaningful and highly-rated experience.

A small number of tours are tagged as eco-friendly across the options we compare (about 11 listings, or 9%). These may emphasize sustainable transport, minimal environmental impact, or responsible tourism practices. If sustainability is important to you, it's worth filtering for these tags when browsing, though they represent a minority of the available options.

Purchase a reloadable MetroCard or use a contactless credit card at subway/bus stations. A 7-day unlimited pass costs $33 and covers unlimited subway and local bus rides.

Most tourist areas like Times Square, Central Park, and Brooklyn are safe. Avoid empty subway cars late at night. Stay in Midtown, Upper West Side, or Brooklyn neighborhoods for safety and convenience.

Visit free attractions like Brooklyn Bridge, High Line, and City Hall Park. Many museums offer pay-what-you-wish hours. Consider a CityPASS for discounted admission to multiple attractions.

Castle Clinton National Monument2kmBattery Park2.1kmSeaGlass Carousel2.1kmGovernors Island2.2kmStaten Island Ferry2.2kmAlexander Hamilton US Custom House2.2kmBowling Green2.2km
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