We return from London at 13:00 and are staying at the JFK Courtyard overnight before our flight home at 7:00 the next morning. We would like to go to Ellis Island after checking in. What is the best/cheapest way there? There are four of us. Thanks!

This is not a realistic plan.

Ellis Island closes at 17:00. It closes a little later in the summer.

Once you arrive, figure at least 1/2 hour to deplane, clear customs, and get luggage (and that is EXTREMELY generous). Then add 1 full hour to even get to Manhattan from JFK, especially mid-day. If you check in to the hotel first, add another half hour to 40 minutes to get there and check in. It always takes longer than you think.

You are now at 14:30 if everything goes right. In a more realistic world, you won't even get to the Battery until 16:00. Bad news- the only way to get to Ellis is by BOAT. So you have 1 hour to go there, see the Island, and return. And that assumes you get right on the ferry with no lines on both sides- that rarely happens.

It's at least 10-15 minutes on the boat each way just to go there and dock.

Not going to happen.

QC - thanks for the reply. That is just the kind of information I needed. I'll definitely rethink my plans, any suggetions?

As an alternate suggestion, how about the Empire State Building and the Staten Island Ferry?

The ESB is open until Midnight (last elevator at 11:15), and you can pre-purchase your tickets online, saving a lot of time. It's also easy to get to from JFK by Subway or LIRR via AirTrain.

The Staten Island Ferry runs 24 hours a day, is FREE, and gives an exceptional view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Both will give you the quick "New York" experience you want without a lot of crazed rushing around. You can fly in, check into your hotel, shower, eat, and see both with plenty of time to get a good night's sleep before your next flight.

QC's idea of the ESB & Staten Island ferry is great. Just be aware the ESB is at 34th st. while the ferry is all the way downtown (take a subway). There are other alternatives. I believe Gray Line bus tours does an evening bus tour to see NY lit up. This may even include entry into the ESB.

Assuming this is not a Sunday or Monday, you could even see a show. Discount tickets available online, ahead of time with codes on broadwaybox.com, playbill.com etc.

The airtran service from JFK is new (& I was unaware it links with the LIRR) Just keep in mind a taxi FROM JFK to Manhattan is a flat fare of $35 (NOT per person) + toll & tip (although taxi fares are due to go up soon). For 4 people I'm not sure any of the shuttle buses are a better deal. Going back to your hotel from NYC it will be on the meter so could be more (or less! if there's no traffic).

Thanks for the suggestion OC, sounds fun!

mclaurie - unfortunately it is a Monday when we will be in NY. Thanks.