What is the difference between Ellis Island and Staten Island?

Nearby Ellis Island isn't much bigger, but loomed large in the passage of some 12 million immigrants who arrived here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Staten Island is the least populated of the city's five boroughs, a mostly suburban area with a few unexpected attractions far off the usual tourist trails.



People Also Ask

The smallest is the best known – Liberty Island, site of the iconic statue that towers over New York Harbor. Nearby Ellis Island isn't much bigger, but loomed large in the passage of some 12 million immigrants who arrived here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

MORE DETAILS

Staten Island Ferry The Staten Island Ferry is a free transportation service provided between Manhattan and Staten Island. Each boat is quite large, carrying over 4,000 people. But the route across New York harbor takes you directly in front of the statue.

MORE DETAILS

How far is Ellis Island from Liberty Island? As the crow flies, the two islands are less than a half-mile apart. But since you'll be taking the ferry, your route including walking is about a mile. The ferry from Liberty Island to Ellis Island takes 15 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

How long is the entire trip? Sailing time to each island is approximately 15 minutes. If you remain on boat for ride only without visiting either monument, it will be one hour and fifteen minutes. If you visit both islands the time depends on the time you spend on both islands.

MORE DETAILS

For the best land views of Lady Liberty, head to the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, to an area known as the Battery. Downtown Tour Loop Hop off at: Battery Park/Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty Ferry or Subway to South Ferry or Bowling Green).

MORE DETAILS

The nine-vessel fleet shepherds 22 million people every year, or roughly only one third of all the people who reside in and visit NYC. With 117 daily trips that showcase views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, the ferry serves not just as a journey but also a destination unto itself.

MORE DETAILS

For the best land views of Lady Liberty, head to the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, to an area known as the Battery. Downtown Tour Loop Hop off at: Battery Park/Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty Ferry or Subway to South Ferry or Bowling Green).

MORE DETAILS

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are only accessible by ferry.

MORE DETAILS

It's worth the visit but you have to be fit to climb up those 315 steps, in a tiny staircase at the end. Just be aware of the security: they do not allow you to take anything with you except your tickets and your camera, if you go to the crown.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can visit Ellis Island by taking a ferry. Ellis Island is free to visit, though there is a fee for the ferry ticket. Only one company has the authorization to provide Ellis Island tickets – Statue City Cruises.

MORE DETAILS

TIP: The Staten Island Ferry cruises past the Statue of Liberty for free. You can also reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the New Jersey side of the Hudson River at Liberty State Park in Jersey City (map).

MORE DETAILS

Getting to the Statue of Liberty Aim to arrive approximately 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time as there's a required security screening of all passengers before boarding.

MORE DETAILS

It takes around 20 minutes to walk to the top of the Statue of Liberty. You can take an elevator to the pedestal level of the Statue but the walk up to the crown itself will take you at least 15 minutes.

MORE DETAILS