Ticket Options
Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour
Step beyond the public areas of Ellis Island and explore parts of the historic hospital complex that remain largely untouched by time. Led by an expert guide, the fully guided Hard Hat Tour provides exclusive access to unrestored buildings where visitors can experience a fascinating chapter of America's immigration story that few ever get to see.
Hard Hat Tour tickets include everything included with General Admission, plus guided access to the Ellis Island Hospital Complex.
Hard Hat Tour Timing
Your ticket time is your security screening entry time before boarding the ferry, not your Hard Hat Tour start time.
Your tour begins approximately 2.5 hours later, allowing time to explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Please check in at the museum's Information Desk before your tour begins.
Refer to the Hard Hat Tour Time Reference Chart for your scheduled tour time.
Hard Hat Tour Time Reference
Ticket Time (Security Screening) | Tour Start Time
9:00 AM | 11:30 AM
10:00 AM | 12:30 PM
11:00 AM | 1:30 PM
*Your ticket time is your reserved time to enter the security screening facility before boarding the ferry.
Early Bird Hard Hat Tour
Enjoy the same Hard Hat Tour experience with an earlier start time and less time between security screening and your tour.
The standard Hard Hat Tour begins approximately 2.5 hours after your scheduled security screening time, allowing more time to explore Ellis Island before your tour. The Early Bird Hard Hat Tour begins approximately 1.5 hours after screening, making it a great option for visitors who prefer to start their tour sooner.
Early Bird Hard Hat Tour Time Reference
Ticket Time (Security Screening) | Tour Start Time
9:00 AM | 10:30 AM
*Your ticket time is your reserved time to enter the security screening facility before boarding the ferry.
What's Included with a Hard Hat Tour Ticket?
Your Hard Hat Tour ticket includes all General Admission benefits, plus access to one of the most unique and exclusive experiences available on Ellis Island.
General Admission Includes:
- Round-trip ferry transportation from New York or New Jersey
- Access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island
- Admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum
- Admission to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
- Self-guided audio tours available in 12 languages
ⓘ Please note: The Hard Hat Tour ticket does not include access inside the Statue of Liberty monument.
Explore with the National Park Service
Once on Liberty Island, National Park Service Rangers are available throughout the grounds and museums to answer questions, share stories, and help bring the history of the Statue of Liberty to life. Free Ranger-Led Tours are offered daily on Liberty Island. Visit the information desk upon arrival for tour schedules and sign-up details.
Traveling with children?
Stop by a Junior Ranger Station where kids can complete activities and earn an official Junior Ranger badge.
How Long Should I Plan For?
Every visit is different. Whether you're short on time, looking for the perfect photo, or planning to explore both islands in depth, here are a few popular ways guests choose to experience the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
*Estimated visit times do not include ticketing, security screening, or boarding wait times, which can range from little to no wait to over one hour during peak seasons, holidays, and other high-demand periods.
What Will I See on the Hard Hat Tour?
The Hard Hat Tour takes visitors through several historic areas of the Ellis Island Hospital Complex that are not accessible to the general public.
Depending on operational conditions and preservation requirements, highlights may include:
- The Laundry Building
- Infectious Disease Wards
- Kitchens and Service Areas
- Medical Examination Spaces
- The Mortuary (Morgue)
- Outdoor Courtyards and Connecting Passageways
Along the way, your guide will share stories of the immigrants, doctors, nurses, and staff who passed through these buildings and helped shape Ellis Island's history.
Know Before You Visit on the Hard Hat Tour
Safety & Security
- All visitors must pass through airport-grade security screening before boarding the ferry.
- Hard hats are provided and must be worn during the tour.
- Closed-toe shoes are required.
- Lockers are NOT available at the security screening facilities at Battery Park or Liberty State Park. Suitcases, carry-on luggage, and other large parcels will not be permitted on the ferry systems or at Liberty and Ellis Islands.
- Prohibited items include drones, scooters, skateboards, firearms, explosives or flammables, knives or sharp objects, pepper spray, mace, and all markers (permanent or erasable). Please visit NPS Security and Standards for a full list of prohibited items.
Ticketing
- Participants must be at least 13 years old to join the Hard Hat Tour. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the tour.
- AVOID TICKET SCAMMERS. Please be aware that the Ticket Scammers along the perimeter of Battery Park do NOT sell genuine Statue of Liberty tickets.
Accessibility
- Because the tour takes place in unrestored historic buildings, the site currently does not meet ADA accessibility requirements. Participants must be able to climb stairs and navigate uneven surfaces.
- Unfortunately, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not permitted on this tour at this time.
Learn More
- Please watch this short video from Save Ellis Island before your tour. It provides important information about check-in times, tour guidelines, and what to expect during your visit.
- Watching this video ahead of time will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable Hard Hat Tour experience.
For more details, visit Plan Your Visit