Bags & BackpacksLarge bags are not allowed on Liberty or Ellis Islands. There are no locker facilities at the New York and New Jersey embarkation points. Backpacks, strollers and large umbrellas are not permitted in the Monument.
People Also Ask
Statue Cruises is the authorized concession for the park. How long do I need to visit Ellis Island? It will depend upon what you want to do while visiting. Generally, two to three hours is ample time to visit.
We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes (1 hour during peak travel season) prior to your scheduled tour time to allow ample time to pick up your tickets and go through the security screening process (airport-style security).
Tickets are non-transferable.The names of those in your party must be provided at the time of purchase. Each ticket holder will be required to show photo ID (except minors without ID) matching the name printed on the ticket prior to entering the Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty TicketsThere are no lockers at either departure points. Lockers are located on Liberty Island for those entering the Monument however large bags are not permitted. All weapons are prohibited. Food and drink are not allowed inside the Monument.
Backpacks, strollers and large bags are permitted inside the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. On Liberty Island, lockers are located adjacent to the secondary security screening building for a small fee. Ellis Island does not provide guest lockers.
There's no other way. Even the difference from 8:30 to 9:30 is significant so it's best to push yourself to arrive early. If it's impossible to fit the statue into your schedule first thing in the morning, you can visit in the early afternoon.
As a tour guide, a question I hear a lot is: “Is it worth it to see Ellis Island?” For those who have no familial connection or relation to the people who passed through, its importance and influence can often be overlooked. Which is why I am here to tell you that it is absolutely, 100% worth it.
Ellis Island Hotel features fully renovated rooms and suites to accommodate any stay from a fun layover to an extended vacation in Las Vegas. Our affordable rates and convenient location near the Strip make Ellis Island the ideal place to drop off your bags and explore!
The main building on Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Ellis Island is open every day except the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving) and December 25.
Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
What is considered carry-on baggage? Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.
Visiting the pedestal is a great addition to your trip to Liberty Island. There are 215 steps or approximately 10 stories to climb to the top of the pedestal. There is an elevator for those who cannot use the stairs. Tickets to the pedestal are limited and can sell out in advance.
Tickets are limited based on safety and security standards. To visit both islands in one day, the National Park Service recommends an early ferry departure. Tickets are purchased through Statue City Cruises, the official ferry service provider. Ferries provide transportation to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
I don't think people realize just how steep and tight the stairway up is! The statue museum is amazing and it was just surreal to see it up close! The views from the ferry are better... but it is so worth it to plan ahead and book tickets to climb to the crown at least once in your life!
You can take an elevator to the pedestal level of the Statue, but beyond that, there are just steps. Depending on your pace, it will take about 15-20 minutes to climb to the top of the crown and back, but you might want to spend some time on the pedestal level before or after your ascent.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen.Similarly, you might need to stand on the ferry, which requires shoes with grip. Even if you are not climbing the Statue of Liberty, you'll still want to walk all the way around Liberty Island. It's bigger than you might realize, so dress for comfort.
Screening will be located at the point of departure before boarding. For boarding locations, refer to our directions page. It is recommended that you include ample time and maintain a flexible schedule. Wait times at the security check point can be several hours during peak seasons.
There is a variety of food options on Ellis Island including salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Dining: The Ellis Café has a variety of snacks available such as organic fruit, chips, ice cream, and cold beverages.