New Jersey Early Bird Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour
One ticket. Two iconic landmarks. Early access to Ellis Island's Hospital Complex.
Enjoy round-trip ferry service from Liberty State Park in New Jersey, visit Ellis island and Liberty Island, explore two world-class museums, and discover the history, stories, and views that have inspired generations. In addition to everything included with General Admission, the fully guided Early Bird Hard Hat Tour offers special early access to the unrestored Ellis Island hospital complex before regular tour hours begin. Enjoy a more intimate experience as you explore abandoned wards, treatment areas, and other restricted spaces while uncovering the remarkable stories hidden within this rarely seen part of Ellis Island.
Statue City Cruises is the only authorized provider for tickets and access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Starting at
$81
Starting at
$81
Enjoy your visit with:
- Priority entry into the Screening Facility Queue saves you wait time at the departure point.
- Round trip ferry service to Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty) and Ellis Island (Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration).
- Access to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
- Statue of Liberty Museum includes three interactive galleries that tell the Statue of Liberty National Monument history.
- Audio Tours of Liberty and Ellis Island are included.
- ''Unframed - Ellis Island," Art Exhibit by renowned French artist JR on display throughout the hospital complex with installations on 16 interior walls.
How to get there?
Jersey City
New Jersey
United States
Liberty State Park New York
1 Audrey Zapp Dr
Jersey City, NJ 07305
- Liberty State Park is the departure point from New Jersey. The ticket office is located within the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal in Liberty State Park.
- Ample parking for cars and buses. Easy access from the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 78.
- We recommend that you include ample time and maintain a flexible schedule to include boarding the ferry and clearing the Screening Facility.
Additional Information
- Your selected time is your entry into the Security Facility and NOT the Hard Hat Tour start time on Ellis Island.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before to allow ample time for security screening and boarding. Entry to security screening or boarding wait times can range from little to no wait to over one hour during peak seasons, holidays, and other high-demand periods.
- When choosing your time, this is your entry into the Security Facility and not the Hard Hat Tour start time on Ellis Island. The wait time can be several hours, particularly during peak season, including summer, weekends, and holidays.
Hard Hat Tour Time Reference
- Security Check-in (Ticket Time): 9:00 AM | Hard Hat Tour Start Time: 10:30 AM
For more information, visit the Departure Schedule.
- This experience is for ages 13+.
- The tour is approximately 90 minutes and 1.5 miles long.
- Airport-style screening is required before boarding. No restricted or oversized items.
- There are no locker storage areas at the screening facilities at the departure points.
- The historic buildings have many open rooms, with no air conditioning and no heat. Tour participants are strongly encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
- Ellis Island’s south side buildings are over 100 years old and have not yet been restored or updated to current standards. The tour is inaccessible for people using walkers, wheelchairs, powered scooters or those with significant mobility issues.
Refunds will be provided if cancellations are made 24 hours prior to visit date. Refunds will also be provided if the islands are closed for security, safety or weather reasons. Unused tickets will not be refunded.
Please watch this video before your Hard Hat Tour. It contains important information from Save Ellis Island about check-in times, tour guidelines, and what to expect during your visit to Ellis Island’s South Side hospital complex.