Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
Historic Immigration Gateway — Where Ellis Island Immigrants Boarded Trains to America, Liberty State Park, Statue of Liberty Ferry, Jersey City NJ
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal is a state historic site at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey, within Liberty State Park. The terminal features a restored 1889 Beaux-Arts railroad terminal that served as the gateway for millions of immigrants who crossed from Ellis Island to begin their American journey, the departure point for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry service (Statue City Cruises), views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline from the terminal plaza, and one of the most significant immigration landmarks in American history.
The CRRNJ Terminal is where the American Dream began its overland journey — after processing at Ellis Island, millions of immigrants took a short ferry ride to this terminal, where they boarded trains that carried them to new lives across the United States.
Today, the restored Beaux-Arts terminal serves as the ferry departure point for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island — operated by Statue City Cruises, the only authorized ferry service. Tickets are available online (recommended) or at the terminal ticket window.
Things to Do
- Ferry to Statue of Liberty — Statue City Cruises
- Ferry to Ellis Island — immigration museum
- Historic terminal — 1889 Beaux-Arts architecture
- Manhattan views — skyline from plaza
- Liberty State Park — waterfront walks
- Immigration history — where trains met America
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305 |
| Within | Liberty State Park |
| Built | 1889 — Beaux-Arts railroad terminal |
| Ferry | Statue City Cruises — Liberty/Ellis Island |
| Transit | HBLR Liberty State Park station (~1 mi walk) |
| Managed By | NJ Division of Parks and Forestry |
| Coordinates | 40.7112° N, 74.0555° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Central Railroad of NJ Terminal — a grand Romanesque Revival railroad terminal (1889) on Liberty State Park’s waterfront. The terminal processed millions of immigrants arriving from Ellis Island. Peregrine falcons nest on nearby buildings. Harbor seals occasionally visit the Hudson River. Ospreys fish from channel markers.
Nearby Attractions
Liberty SP — surrounding. Statue of Liberty — visible across the harbor. Ellis Island — accessible by ferry. Jersey City — surrounding.
Can you take the Statue of Liberty ferry from New Jersey?
Yes — the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, is one of two departure points for Statue City Cruises ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The restored 1889 Beaux-Arts terminal was the historic gateway where millions of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island boarded trains to begin their lives in America. Purchase tickets online in advance or at the terminal ticket window.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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