Walking from Ellis Island to Woolworth Building

in New York, United States

4.24 km
43 minutes walking
AB

Starting at Ellis Island, I stroll along the waterfront, the salty air mixing with the faint scent of fried food from nearby vendors. The path leads me through Battery Park, where the sound of waves crashing blends with the chatter of tourists. As I cross into the Financial District, the ground shifts to the rough texture of cobblestones beneath my feet. Finally, I arrive at the Woolworth Building, its intricate design towering above the bustling streets, a testament to the city’s history.

Turn-by-turn directions

17 steps · pace ~5.9 km/h
  1. Set off along Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
    31 m
    25 s
  2. Hang a right
    Long stretch ahead - photo break, phone check, or just look around.
    422 m
    6 min
    0.45 / 4.24 km · 11%
  3. Hang a slight left
    27 m
    22 s
    0.48 / 4.24 km · 11%
  4. Keep slight right at the fork
    329 m
    4 min
    0.81 / 4.24 km · 19%
  5. Take a right onto Audrey Zapp Drive
    23 m
    19 s
    0.83 / 4.24 km · 20%
  6. Take a left
    38 m
    30 s
    0.87 / 4.24 km · 21%
  7. Hang a right
    108 m
    1 min
    0.98 / 4.24 km · 23%
  8. 💧First quarter done. If it's hot, a sip of water now beats a gulp later.
  9. Turn right onto Hudson River Waterfront Walkway at the end of the road
    123 m
    2 min
    1.10 / 4.24 km · 26%
  10. notification Liberty Landing Ferry
    163 m
    4 min
    1.26 / 4.24 km · 30%
  11. 🏁Halfway. Good moment to refill water or grab a quick coffee if you see one.
  12. Carry on along Liberty Landing Ferry
    Long stretch ahead - photo break, phone check, or just look around.
    1.97 km
    11 min
    3.23 / 4.24 km · 76%
  13. Turn slight right
    77 m
    1 min
    3.31 / 4.24 km · 78%
  14. 📍Almost there. Look up - you should be able to spot the destination soon.
  15. Hang a right
    Long stretch ahead - photo break, phone check, or just look around.
    541 m
    7 min
    3.85 / 4.24 km · 91%
  16. Take a left
    82 m
    1 min
    3.94 / 4.24 km · 93%
  17. Hang a right
    141 m
    2 min
    4.08 / 4.24 km · 96%
  18. Road becomes Barclay Street
    141 m
    2 min
    4.22 / 4.24 km · 99%
  19. Turn left onto Broadway
    Final stretch. Slow down so you don't walk past the entrance.
    23 m
    19 s
    4.24 / 4.24 km · 100%
  20. 🏁
    Arrive at destination

Local-script names show how they're signposted. The ≈ line shows a rough Latin transliteration to help with pronunciation. Times assume a steady ~5 km/h walk; add 15-20% in summer heat, on hills, or in crowds.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to walk from Ellis Island to Woolworth Building?

About 43 minutes at a steady 5.9 km/h walking pace. Add 15-20% in summer heat, on hills, or if you stop for photos.

How far is Ellis Island from Woolworth Building on foot?

The walking route is 4.24 km following pedestrian paths. The straight-line distance is shorter but ignores buildings and one-way streets.

Is this walk suitable for casual walkers?

This 4.24 km route is an longer walk - bring water and pace yourself. The pedestrian path uses footpaths and side streets where possible, so it's safer than walking along main roads.

What streets does the route pass through?

The route in New York passes through Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Audrey Zapp Drive, Liberty Landing Ferry, Barclay Street and others. Street names are signposted in the local language.

What's the best time of day to walk this route?

For the best atmosphere on this stretch of New York, the day walking video gives the most accurate preview of light and crowds. In general, early morning or sunset minimises midday heat and gives softer light for photos.

Is the walking route free?

Yes - planning, viewing the route, and using our directions are all free. Watch out for paid entry to any specific landmark on the route (museums, archaeological sites) - those are separate from the walk itself.

Can I reverse the route and walk from Woolworth Building back to Ellis Island?

Yes - the same path works in reverse with the same distance and walking time. Some one-way streets only affect drivers, not pedestrians.

Walking pace assumed at about 5 km/h on level ground - hills, crowds, and stops will slow you down.

Walking-route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors via FOSSGIS OSRM (data licensed under ODbL). Landmark data from Wikidata (CC0).