liberty statue new york visit

Statue of Liberty Visitors Guide

Helpful information for planning your visit to see Lady Liberty

TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins 

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people to the people of the United States as a symbol of the international friendship forged during the American Revolution. The Statue was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and the pedestal by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.

After many delays (mostly due to financial challenges) the Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886; just ten years late for the Centennial celebration for which it was intended. The Statue of Liberty has since become a symbol of freedom and democracy.

Facts and History

When shipped from France to New York, the Statue arrived in 350 pieces.

Once delivered, it took four months to put her together and was completed on October 28, 1886.

For the first time since Sept. 11, 2001, the observation deck of the Statue of Liberty was reopened on Aug. 3, 2004. On July 4, 2009, they reopened the crown to visitors willing (and able) to hike the 354 steps in each direction. Interior access to the Statue of Liberty was suspended on October 29, 2011, for upgrades that were expected to take about a year, but due to damage to Liberty Island sustained during Hurricane Sandy, the re-opening was delayed. Today, visitors who plan in advance can get tickets to climb up to the crown .

The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor. To get to there, you'll need to take a ferry from Battery Park City or New Jersey .

Closest Subways to the Statue of Liberty: 4/5 to Bowling Green; N/R to Whitehall Street; 1 to South Ferry (you must be in the first 5 cars of the train to exit at South Ferry). Follow the signs to Castle Clinton to buy tickets for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

What to Expect When You Visit

First, you'll need to buy your ticket. It's highly recommended that you buy it in advance.

Then, you'll need to clear security before boarding the ferry to Liberty Island. Security is very serious for visitors to the Statue of Liberty — everyone will clear security (including x-ray inspections of baggage and walk through metal detectors) before boarding the ferry.

When departing from Battery Park ( Manhattan ) the ferry first stops at Liberty Island. All passengers must disembark on Liberty Island, even if they want to skip visiting Liberty Island and continue directly on to Ellis Island. After traveling from Liberty Island to Ellis Island, the ferry once again returns to Battery Park . For visitors traveling from New Jersey, the ferry route runs in reverse, visiting Ellis Island first followed by Liberty Island.

The ferry rides between each stop are about 10 minutes, but allow extra time for boarding and disembarking.

Visitors who enter the Statue for either pedestal or crown access will clear security again.

Ticket Information

Admission to Liberty State Park is free, but you must buy a ferry ticket to get there. You can buy your tickets for the ferry online , by phone or in person at either departure location.

Access to the pedestal and Statue of Liberty Museum requires a special ticket but doesn't cost extra. Access to climb the stairs to the crown costs extra and includes access to both the pedestal and museum.

Adults can add on a tour of the Ellis Hospital for an additional cost. Children are not permitted.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in One Day

The ferry that takes you to Liberty Island also stops at Ellis Island. Seeing both in a single day is possible, but it will take most of the day. Make sure you arrive early to board the ferry and plan to spend 5-6 hours to give yourself adequate time for travel and exploring both islands.

Visiting With Kids

There is no charge for children under 4-years-old to take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Minors 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older when traveling to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Strollers are not permitted inside the Statue of Liberty (for pedestal, museum, and crown access), but they are allowed on the ferry and around Liberty Island. There is plenty of room for running around and relaxing on Liberty Island.

Children must be at least 4-feet-tall and 4-years-old to climb to the crown.

Other Ways to See the Statue of Liberty

If you just want to see the Statue of Liberty, but don't necessarily care about climbing into the crown or walking around Liberty Island, there are a number of great places you can go and things you can do and see the Statue of Liberty.

• Battery Park or the Brooklyn Promenade — if you just want to see the Statue of Liberty from a distance, these are good spots
• New York City Sightseeing Cruises  — nearly every sightseeing cruise offers participants a view of the Statue of Liberty, many times with a good photo opportunity as well
• Staten Island Ferry  — take this free ferry to Staten Island for a great view of the New York Harbor and a chance to see the Statue of Liberty from a distance
• Red Hook Fairway — the outdoor cafe at this Brooklyn supermarket offers a view of the Statue of Liberty

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Experience the icon in person., ellis island, make the voyage, walk in the footsteps of history., help keep liberty alive..

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• Wall of Honor
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The Statue of Liberty Museum

Explore the meaning of liberty.

With its combination of breathtaking views and living history, the Statue of Liberty Museum stands as an inspiring and dynamic part of the Liberty Island experience, inviting visitors to dive into the story behind the sculpture and immerse themselves in unique artifacts.

Opened in 2019, the 26,000 square-foot museum is a destination unto itself. Beautifully designed, universally accessible, and housing an extraordinary and engaging collection of American heirlooms, the Museum enhances visits to the Island with interactive exhibits that enable visitors to explore the Statue’s grandeur without the need for additional advanced reservations or tickets.

WHAT TO SEE

The story of an icon.

Embark on a breathtaking, virtual fly-through of the Statue’s interior and enjoy a captivating multimedia adventure that introduces you to the sweeping story of Lady Liberty and the ideals she represents.

Building a Monument

Step inside the warehouse where Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi built the Statue of Liberty. A series of multimedia displays evokes the sculptor’s studio, taking you through the process of the monument’s construction.

Carrying the Torch

Your visit to the Statue of Liberty Museum culminates in the awe-inspiring Inspiration Gallery. Here visitors can add their portrait to the Becoming Liberty collage and get an up-close view of Liberty’s most recognizable symbol – her original torch.

BRINGING THE MUSEUM TO LIFE

Making of the museum.

Constructing a building on a small island in the middle of a busy harbor is no small feat! It took years of planning, hundreds of skilled workers, and contributions from thousands of generous donors to make the Statue of Liberty Museum a reality.

Museum Construction Time-Lapse

Relocating the Original Torch

The Founders Registry

The museum is able to preserve the promise of Lady Liberty through the support of our dedicated community and our generous Founders.

Our Major Donors

Inspired by all that Lady Liberty represents and the museum’s mission to tell her story, dozens of philanthropists answered the call to make the museum a reality.

Explore our Major Donors         Learn about the Star Donors 

Museum Information

The Statue of Liberty Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and legacy of a remarkable American treasure. Unique collections and modern galleries provide an enhanced educational experience, inviting visitors to contemplate the meaning of the Statue and explore history in thought-provoking ways.

A stirring and engaging destination, the Museum acts as an extension of the park and of the monument itself. By sharing Lady Liberty’s story, we provide a powerful lesson in the fragility of freedom, and help visitors gain a new appreciation for one of the world’s most inspiring icons.

Honoring her legacy

To commemorate the Statue of Liberty Museum, our generous supporters at Liberty Mutual Insurance commissioned a poem of hope and unity by U.S. Poet Laureate (2017-2019) Tracy K. Smith.

Ensuring her legacy

The Museum is made possible through the generosity of visitors like you. Help write her next verse by supporting our efforts.

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How to Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

March 22, 2021 February 22, 2021 | Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Last Updated on March 22, 2021 by Sophie Nadeau

If there’s one place which is most well-known in NYC, it’s probably the State of Liberty on Ellis Island. Towering at 93 meters when including the base and torch, the colossal Statue dates back to the 19th-century and can be seen from all across New York Harbor. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to visit the Statue of Liberty, as well as what tickets to purchase and travel tips you should know about prior to your visit.

Editor’s note: If you are looking for the easiest way to visit the Statue of Liberty, in the least amount of time, then I highly recommend booking a guided visit. This will save you planning time, and a single price tag will cover the cost of a ferry, island visits, and all the timings will be planned for you. Book a guided visit of the Statue of Liberty here.

Otherwise, if you want to plan your own visit, then a simple ferry ticket for Liberty Island and Ellis Island can be booked here.

There are two places to take the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island from the land. Ferries from Battery Park, New York stop at Liberty Island first and then at Ellis Island; meanwhile ferries departing Liberty State Park, New Jersey stop at Ellis Island first and then Liberty Island second.

Fun facts about the Statue of Liberty

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Before diving into exactly how to visit the Statue of Liberty, I thought it might at first be fun to cover exactly what the statue is and why it is where it is in the New York Harbor. Many visitors don’t know this, but the official name for the Statue of Liberty is actually “Liberty Enlightening the World”.

The Statue of Liberty represents the Roman goddess of freedom known as Libertas and was actually a gift to the United States from France in 1886. Indeed, several Statue of Liberty replicas can be found across the French capital city of Paris today.

Located on Liberty Island, New York City, the only way to visit the symbol of freedom statue is via a cruise run by Statue Cruises from Battery Park in New York City and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. No other companies are permitted to take passengers to Liberty Island.

The cost of ferry tickets also cover the cost of a ferry ticket to Ellis Island, which was once the first port of call for around 12 million immigrants arriving in the United States of America. Today, Ellis Island operates as a museum.

The price of some Statue Cruises’ tickets give you access to ferries, the grounds, the museums, and audio guides on the island. If you are travelling with children, then kids between the ages 0-3 can visit the Statue of Liberty for free. Rather interestingly, Liberty Island is actually closer to New Jersey rather than New York state.

Before visiting, you should know that, as one of the most popular attractions in New York (third only to the World Trade Center Site and the Empire State Building) , the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are busy all year ’round, with Crown access tickets being booked out up to six months ahead of time (but more on that later).

The ferry to the islands can be breezy and so it’s essential that you wear layers. While the summer can be incredibly hot, and being the school holidays is also the busiest time of the year to visit, the winter can be bitterly cold. I personally think that the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty is in the late spring or early fall. This way, you’ll have better weather, albeit it with fewer crowds than those of the summer months.

Statue of Liberty Tickets: Standard, Pedestal or Crown Access?

First things first, if you want to visit the Crown of the Statue of Liberty, you should know that tickets for this are never available on the day itself and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are so popular for this Liberty Island activity that tickets can sell out up to six months in advance, especially for peak season (i.e. during the summer months).

In order to climb to the top of the crown, you will need to be able to climb up to the crown unassisted (there are approximately 393 steps to reach the top, which is approximately the height of a 27-story building) and children must be at least 4-feet tall to climb the crown on their own.

Only ten people are allowed inside the crown at a time. It’s also worth noting that there is no elevator access within the crown and some of the steps can be narrow in places. Visitors should also note that the temperature inside the crown can get very hot during the summer months and so you should bring along water for the climb. Purchase a crown ticket on Statue Cruises website here.

Unlike the crown access to the Statue of Liberty, there are usually some tickets available for purchase on the day of your visit from ferry offices for pedestal access. However, there are very few and these tend to sell out fast. as a result, I highly recommend booking your visit to access the pedestal up to three or four months before your planned trip.

The pedestal is directly under the statue’s feet, which contains a museum. There are 215 steps between the base of the statue and the top of the pedestal. Alternatively, there is elevator access. The Pedestal also rewards visitors with one of the most beautiful views of the New York City skyline to be found anywhere in the city. Purchase a pedestal ticket on Statue Cruises website here.

Standard Access is the cheapest option to see the Statue of Liberty and means that visitors can tour Liberty Island and Ellis Island but won’t be able to go inside the Statue of Liberty itself. These tickets are more readily available than crown access or pedestal access and won’t require planning several months out of your visit.

All visitors can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, which has been opened since 2019, included in the price of their entrance/ ferry ticket. The standard access tickets are available as both timed ticket and flexible ticket, which will give you a little more flexibility when it comes to planning your visit.

Free audio tours are available to everyone with Standard access to the Statue of Liberty and come in various different languages. In order to get an audio guide for Liberty Island, you simply need to head to head to the booth as soon as you enter Liberty Island. Purchase a standard access ticket to the Statue of Liberty here.

There are pros and cons to both visiting the Statue of Liberty as part of a tour, as well as doing it by yourself (i.e. self-guided). Some of the greatest benefits of embarking on a tour of the Statue of Liberty include that it will be less planning on your part in terms of time and stress.

For example, booking a tour will ensure that you will have an expert guide with you who can answer any of your historical questions. Booking a tour can also be a good last-minute option if you want to visit the Islands but have left it until the last minute. With thing being said, going self-guided can save you money and will allow you to wander the islands at your own pace.

Statue of Liberty tours: which ticket should I buy?

If you’re looking to visit the Statue of Liberty with a tour, then you’ll find a list of tickets below, as well as the pros and cons of each ticket and option. If you’re planning to go the self-guided route for visiting the Statue of Liberty then read on as I cover how to visit the Statue of Liberty on a self-guided tour directly below. Otherwise, a large selection of Statue of Liberty tickets can be found here.

If you are looking for a visit to Liberty Island where all of the planning has been done for you, then you may well want to book this tour. Included in the price of a ticket is a guided walk of Battery Park (one of the best vantage points to see the Statue of Liberty), expedited access to the ferry, and ferry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Book your tickets here in advance.

If you are staying in Midtown Manhattan (which is where I suggest most first-time visitors to NYC stay at) , then booking this tour will save you from the stress of having to reach the ferry port terminal for yourself.

Included in the ticket price is VIP reserved access to the ferry, rerry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, a guided walk around Liberty Island (exterior of the Statue of Liberty), Ellis Island and the 9/11 Memorial pools, and bus transportation between midtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty ferry. Book your tickets here in advance.

Whether you prefer a more independent travel experience, want to save some money, or simply prefer to enjoy attractions at your own leisure, then visiting the Statue of Liberty as part of a self-guided tour may well be the best option for you.

In order to go on a self-guided tour, you’ll need to plan your voyage yourself, which can easily be done. Though you can purchase tickets on the day, you can also book your tickets in advance for the ferry (which includes Ellis Island and Liberty Island access), which can be done here.

The most important tip I would give anyone looking to visit the Statue of Liberty would be to book your tickets well in advance! It may come as a surprise to many visitors, but you’ll need to book pedestal and crown tickets months in advance, especially during busy times of the year (i.e. the summer).

Even during the off peak in NYC (winter), tickets can often sell out weeks in advance and so it’s best to plan well ahead of time if you want to be able to go inside the Statue of Liberty itself. As one of the most famous tourist attractions in the entirety of the USA, let alone in New York State, there are strict airport-style security protocols in place before you board the ferry.

You can’t bring along anything you wouldn’t be allowed to bring on an aeroplane so plan accordingly. Visitors who hold tickets to visit the pedestal and crown are also required to go through secondary screenings once on Liberty Island. You must also have a government issued ID which matches the name of your ticket.

If you want to make the most of your visit, then I recommend starting your day as early as possible. Indeed, tickets for ferries departing after 2PM in the afternoon don’t even allow visitors to stop on Ellis Island due to the fact that there is so much to see on Liberty Island itself!

Long lines are a given when you’re visiting one of the most visited attractions in the US and the Statue of Liberty is no exception. When picking a specific ferry time, plan to turn up at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Furthermore, if you are going to pick up your tickets on site, then you’ll need to factor in a further ten minutes. 

All ferries are wheelchair accessible, and service animals and authorised guides are also welcome aboard. There are bathrooms available on land as well as aboard all ferries. Ferries take around fifteen minutes between stops, and so if you want to visit both Ellis Island and Liberty island in one day, you’ll want to set aside at least four to six hours of your time. 

Though food options are available on the island, these can be a little on the pricier side of things (as is usual with touristic locations) and so I personally recommend packing along a picnic so as to save queuing time on the island, as well as some money! Be sure to also come prepared for the weather (i.e. sun cream in the summer and a warm jacket in the winter).

Though the animals which roam the islands are adorable (namely the squirrels and chipmunks), you should not feed them for health reasons. Do not bring oversized bags or suitcases as these are not permitted to be taken to the islands and do not bring any weapons.  

How to see the Statue of Liberty for free

When I first read that visiting Liberty Island is free, I was really happy. However, since you need to pay for the ferry to access Liberty Island and Ellis Island, this is not strictly true! However, if you’re planning to visit New York City on a budget, then you may well instead want to skip out on visiting Liberty Island itself and instead indulge in one of the best views the city has to offer of the Statue. 

One of the best views of the Statue of Liberty from New York can be found at Battery Park. 

If you fancy going onto the water via a ferry but a paid ticket is not within your trip budget, then you’ll be delighted to discover that the Staten Island Ferry is completely free. The ferry departs at regular intervals during the day from Whitehall Terminal and passes pretty close to the Statue of Liberty, offering beautiful views of the iconic landmark. Over 60,000 people ride this route on a daily basis!

Although this Statue of Liberty viewpoint isn’t technically free, if you’re not willing to pay to visit Liberty Island but would otherwise like to ascend one of New York’s other vantage points, then the One World Observatory offers one of the best and unparalleled views of the Statue that you’ll find anywhere in the city.

If you really want to visit the Statue of Liberty up close, and don’t want to opt for one of the free options, then there are still ways to save money during your trip to New York if you’re planning on visiting a lot of attractions.

There are several city-wide passes which include a number of popular destinations. One such pass is the New York Pass, which will save up to 45% on over 100 top attractions. Check prices and extra information for the New York Pass here.

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How To Visit the Statue of Liberty in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: October 29, 2023

Did you know that approximately 4 million people visit the Statue of Liberty every year? It can get pretty hectic but there are some ways around the crowds . In this guide, we’ll help you plan ahead! Here’s everything you need to know about how to visit the Statue of Liberty from how to get tickets, to the best tours, what to see, and more!

Pro Tip: Planning your trip to NYC? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our guide to New York City for more planning resources, our best NYC tours for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in NYC .

Visiting the Statue of Liberty: What We’ll Cover

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States—a symbol of friendly alliance and appreciation. Over the years since the statue took its place on Liberty Island in 1886, many marveled at the sight of this iconic monument as they sought a better life and it came to represent something more—the promise of freedom and the possibility for their dreams to come true. As you prepare for your visit to the Statue of Liberty, here’s what you need to know:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• How to get there
• What to see at the Statue of Liberty
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of the Statue of Liberty
• Where to eat inside and nearby

Statue of Liberty Opening Hours and Tickets

The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island, so you’ll need to take a ferry to get there. When you purchase your ticket for the Statue of Liberty, it includes the ferry ride and access to the Ellis Island Museum. Here are the various ticket types:

Ticket Types:

Reserve Ticket : With this ticket, you have access to the grounds and audio guide. However, you cannot go inside the Statue of Liberty.

• Adult: $24.50
• Senior 62+: $18
• Child 4-12: $12
• Child 0-3: Free

Pedestal Reserve Ticket: You’ll get access to everything included in the Reserve ticket, plus access to the Fort Wood Section of the Pedestal.

• Adult: $24.80
• Senior 62+: $18.30
• Child 4-12: $12.30

Crown Reserve Ticket: You’ll get access to everything included in the Pedestal Reserve ticket, plus access to the Crown and Pedestal

There are two ports with departures to the Statue of Liberty. One is Battery Park in New York and the other is Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Statue City Cruises is the only authorized concessioner for ferries.

Battery Park Ferry Hours : 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, every 30 minutes

Planning a trip to see the Statue of Liberty in NYC? Skip the research and book a tour that will save you the guesswork. See our incredible tours and experiences including Lady Liberty.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  New York Guide for more resources.

How Long To Spend at the Statue of Liberty

Short Answer : 3 to 4 hours

When you purchase a ticket to see the Statue of Liberty, you’re actually buying three items: A ferry ride, Statue of Liberty Access, and Access to the Ellis Island Museum. Be sure to keep that in mind.

The Ferry Ride

You’ll start your adventure at either Battery Park in NYC or Liberty State Park across the bay in New Jersey. The ferry works like a hop-on, hop-off bus with stops at Liberty Island (where the Statue of Liberty is) and Ellis Island before returning to the port.

It takes around 15-20 minutes to arrive at each destination. So, there’s just enough time to enjoy some sea views without it being too long.

Liberty Island

Once you arrive at Liberty Island, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Statue of Liberty. Depending on the ticket you have (see above), you’ll either just walk around the island or climb up the statue itself.

I last visited the area in May of 2021 and I’d say if you are not climbing up, give yourself about 2 hours. Why so long? You’ll want to enjoy the views from the various vantage points.

There’s also a cool little museum to visit where you can see the original torch that Lady Liberty held. There’s an audioguide included in the ticket, but you know how that goes…listen for 5 minutes before you put it in your pocket. We recommend taking a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which will make your time more memorable and definitely elevate your experience.

Ellis Island

If you’re thinking of skipping this section and just heading back to the city, I strongly urge you to reconsider. When I arrived at Ellis Island, I was very unprepared for the emotional aspect of the visit. My only exposure to the area previously was from the film “The Godfather”. I honestly found Ellis Island to be just as compelling as the Statue of Liberty!

Considering the size of the museum I would allocate 1.5 hours for your visit. The main area you’ll be visiting is all in one building, but it is quite big and it’s on two floors. You will learn all about the influx of immigrants from all over the world (mostly European) who came in search of a better life in America.

Location: Statue of Liberty

Most Popular New York Tours

Best Selling Tour

Before the Crowds Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Join us on an epic journey through American history! On this tour you will visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with roundtrip ferry transport included all with a local guide who will describe the city’s amazing history as you visit the picturesque monument.

Top Rated Tour

The New York Met Unveiled: Guided Tour

Visit the most visited art museum in America! You will find artwork from all the world from amazing sculptures to emotional paintings. Your local tour guide will also unveil the secrets of the artists themselves!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out how to spend 3 days in New York .

How To Get To the Statue of Liberty

Traveling to the Statue of Liberty is pretty simple, you’ll be departing from one of the ferry points located either in Battery Park or Liberty State Park. Before you leave, you should plan your journey to these locations. This way, you’ll be sure to get to Liberty Island early and avoid any unnecessary travel complications or stress along the way. 

Battery Park  

Battery Park is in Manhattan, at the southern tip of the city. It’s surrounded by the New York Harbor and the Hudson River. You can get there on the subway, bus, or train, and they’re super easy to access from different points around the city and even out of state.

 If you head to the MTA website, you can set the destination as Battery Park and add your current location for a display of the best route as well as how to purchase transport tickets (they can be purchased online or at the station kiosks). For a point of reference, from Times Square in New York City, you can take the train southbound from Times Square Station (1, 2, or 3) to the South Ferry Stop. From there, it’s a quick 5-minute walk to Battery Park.

The bus is another good option. From near Times Square, you can take the bus from the 5 Av/W 41 St. Stop to the South Ferry stop as well. The MTA website also provides a detailed schedule of bus routes and times from several different points around the city.

Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is the other popular point of departure for the ferry that arrives at Liberty Island. This park is located in Jersey City, New Jersey, and similar to Battery Park in NYC, it’s easily accessible via public transport that’s provided throughout the state of New Jersey. Newark Penn Station is one of the most frequently used stations in the state and if you leave from there, you’ll have a relatively simple journey to the destination. 

 As suggested on the Liberty State Park Website, take the PATH subway to the Exchange Place stop in Jersey City. From there, you’ll take the Light Rail to Liberty State Park, followed by a short trip on the shuttle bus to the ferry slip. In addition to Newark Penn Station, you can also embark from Hoboken Station and Journal Square in Jersey City. If you’re interested in learning about alternative departure points, the New Jersey Transit website is a great resource to plan your route with ease. 

What To See at the Statue of Liberty

Once you’re on liberty island, there are a few spots that you should definitely visit. Some of these will depend on the ticket you purchased in advance, so keep reading to get an idea. For a more detailed explanation of each area, read our top things to see at the Statue of Liberty.

• Statue of Liberty Exhibit
• Statue of Liberty Museum
• Statue of Liberty Pedestal
• Statue of Liberty Crown (Get ready to walk up 190 stairs!)

Statue of Liberty Tour Options

Unless you’re planning a trip to NYC on a shoestring budget, you should definitely consider a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty. Besides the benefits of skipping the lines that you get when visiting with an expert guide, a tour will simplify your trip.

With round-trip ferry tickets taken care of and a convenient meeting point in Battery Park, you’ll have nothing to worry about except enjoying your time at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Here is our top guided Statue of Liberty tour with great reviews:

Join us on an epic journey through American history! On this tour you’ll visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with roundtrip ferry transport included all with a local guide who will describe the city’s amazing history as you visit the picturesque monument.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Statue of Liberty Guide for more resources.

Facts and History of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty has some impressive numbers. Here are some cool numbers about this amazing statue:

• Amount of copper used: 62,000 lbs. ( 31 tons).
• Weight of concrete foundation: 54,000,000 lbs. (125 tons).
• The thickness of copper sheeting: 3/32 of an inch, the thickness of two pennies placed together.
• Wind sway: 50 mph winds cause the statue to sway up to 3 inches and the torch up to 6 inches.
• Direction: It is facing southeast so people can see the statue when entering the harbor.
• The Tablet: It reads July 4th, 1776—the date of American Independence.
• The Torch: Is a 1986 replacement. It is copper, covered in 24k gold leaf.
• Height of the Statue of Liberty: 154 feet.

Statue of Liberty History

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France. In 1865, Edouard de Laboulaye, an important French political thinker and supporter of Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War proposed to create a monument for the United States.

His reasoning was that the victory of the Union in the Civil War reaffirmed the United State’s ideals of freedom and democracy. As a result, honoring the United States would at the same time strengthen the causes for Democracy in France.

Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi was the man that made it happen. Bartholdi was a famous French sculptor, best known for his work on the Statue of Liberty. He was elected by Edouard de Laboulaye as the sculptor to build a monument that could commemorate the kinship between France and the United States as well as appreciation for President Abraham Lincoln’s work.

Bartholdi previously worked with Laboulaye in the designing of his bust and was excited to work on the project that came to life over the span of a few years. Thus, the Statue of Liberty was born. 

How was it built?

The construction of the statue began in France in 1876. Bartholdi enlisted a number of French craftsmen to help in the process of transforming his unique ideas into reality. The various parts of the statue were created separately and then shipped to the United States for assembly in 1885.

Upon visiting New York City, Bartholdi chose Liberty Island as its home because of the high level of visibility, which he described as the “gateway to America.” Most of us can agree that the location was a perfect choice, not only is the statue a signature attraction of the city, it’s a symbol of America and its core ideals. 

Once the statue arrived, assembly began very quickly along with the construction of the pedestal upon which it still stands tall today. The process was officially completed in 1886 and celebrated with a large dedication ceremony that was held shortly after. Around a million New Yorkers came out to revel in the unveiling of the statue, a part of a grand history that was yet to fully unfold. 

Interested in finding out more? Read our article on the history of the Statue of Liberty or join our expert local guides on a Statue of Liberty tour —by far the best way to learn more about this iconic NYC landmark.

Places To Eat Inside and Nearby

There are limited options to eat when you depart for the Statue of Liberty. If you go in the morning, I suggest eating in the city when you return. A picnic is also a great idea. Here are a few recommendations for places to eat:

On the Ferry: There are snack stands where you can purchase refreshments and healthy snacks

Crown Café : $$ | Quick Snacks —This is the only place on Liberty Island where you can actually get food. You can get burgers, pizzas, and even sushi in this cafeteria-style café.

Ellis Café : $$ | Quick Snacks —Same as the Crown Café, but on Ellis Island.

Have a Picnic : Liberty Island is actually considered a park, so there is lots of open areas. Grab some food from a local gourmet grocery store in New York and have a leisurely lunch in the sun.

Near the Statue of Liberty:

Hotdog Truck: A quick and easy way to eat like the locals. I’ve eaten from them hundreds of times and never gotten sick. You’ll find them all over the place. Go for it!

The Dead Rabbit : $$ | Irish Pub —Great pub food and strong drinks. What else could you ask for after sightseeing all morning long?

Where To Stay in NYC

New York City is the center of the universe to those who adore this iconic city. Choose the best neighborhood to stay in as you plan your upcoming trip to the Big Apple.

About Brandon Shaw

Brandon is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He left the States to travel the world at 18 and never looked back! As an official Tour Guide of Rome and Certified Sommelier, he loves to travel the world and share these experiences with his readers.

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Comment (1).

June 12, 2021

Hi Brandon. FYI, ferries from NJ are back open!

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Visit the Statue of Liberty in New York | Ferry & Tickets

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | Visit the Statue of Liberty in New York | Ferry & Tickets

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is a must-do if you go to the Big Apple, as it’s one of the most famous monuments in the city and the world.

The Statue of Liberty in New York was a gift from the French government to commemorate the centennial of the United States Declaration of Independence. A lesser-known fact is that the statue looks east towards France as a sign of gratitude. For centuries, Lady Liberty has been a symbol of freedom throughout the world, making it one of the best places to visit in New York City .

We spent the last five years living just two hours from NYC, and whenever we could, we’d escape to the City That Never Sleeps. Among the things we visited, the Statue of Liberty was one of the best!

Guide to visiting the Statue of Liberty in New York

In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about this monument, from how to get to the Statue of Liberty , how much tickets cost, tour options, and more. Of course, this is one of the most popular attractions in NYC, so I recommend booking your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance.

In a nutshell, this guide includes:

• Types of Statue of Liberty tickets

Statue of Liberty ticket prices

Statue of Liberty hours

Other tours that visit the Statue of Liberty

Where is the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island, south of Manhattan. This means that the only way to get there is on one of the Statue of Liberty ferries that leave from Battery Park (Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (New Jersey).

Since Manhattan is one of the few places from which you can reach Liberty Island, visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of the top things to do in Manhattan . In addition to Liberty Island, the ferries stop at nearby Ellis Island, home to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

Now that you know where the Statue of Liberty is , you should also know that it sits on a 155-ft pedestal. This increases the Statue of Liberty’s height to 305 feet, so you’ll easily be able to see it from the ferry .

Tickets to the Statue of Liberty (Statue CityCruises)

There are different types of Statue of Liberty tickets , so there are several ways to see this monument, which has a UNESCO World Heritage Designation.

If you want to take the self-guided Statue of Liberty tour , you must purchase your admission and roundtrip ferry ride through this website . You can leave from Battery Park or Liberty State Park, and I recommend booking your trip at least a couple of weeks in advance, or even longer during peak season.

Keep in mind that your Statue of Liberty ticket price depends on which type of tour you choose. Tickets to tour the Statue of Liberty’s crown are more expensive, but they tend to sell out first since they’re limited and offer an advantageous viewpoint.

Here are the other tour options for your Statue of Liberty visit .

General admission to the Statue of Liberty

For a quick visit to the Statue of Liberty in New York , a general admission ticket will do. The ticket, which you can purchase here , includes roundtrip ferry service from Battery Park or Liberty State Park.

A general admission ticket allows you to go around the island and view Lady Liberty from different points on the water, as well as access the Statue of Liberty Museum. However, you won’t be able to go inside the statue.

That said, this ticket includes a stop at Ellis Island, where you can access the Immigration Museum. So, it’s a good choice if you want to do a quick self-guided tour of the Statue of Liberty , or you’ve already visited this monument.

Statue of Liberty ticket with pedestal access

The Statue of Liberty ticket with pedestal access is available here and includes everything that’s included in general admission. Plus, you get access to the Fort Wood section and the Pedestal Viewpoint, so it’s a great option if you want a higher vantage point of Liberty Island.

This ticket costs the same as the general admission ticket, but there are only 1,000 tickets available per day, so they sell out quickly.

Statue of Liberty ticket with crown access

If you want to visit the Statue of Liberty’s crown , you’ll have to act fast and book your ticket here well in advance. This is the most comprehensive ticket, and there are only 240 of them available per day.

Along with a roundtrip Statue of Liberty ferry ticket , this ticket includes everything in the general admission and pedestal tickets, as well as access to Lady Liberty’s crown, one of the best observation decks in NYC .

Before you book it, keep in mind that you’ll have to climb 162 narrow steps to get up to the crown. There isn’t an elevator, but the climb is worth it!

Admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Hospital (Hard Hat Tour)

If you’ve already visited the Statue of Liberty before and you’re looking for something different, book this Hard Hat Tour that includes access to the statue and the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital.

This Statue of Liberty tour includes a roundtrip ferry to and from Liberty Island, access to the Statue of Liberty Museum, a stop at Ellis Island, admission to the Immigration Museum, and a tour of the abandoned hospital. Keep in mind that you can’t go inside the Statue of Liberty with this ticket.

The abandoned Ellis Island Hospital served individuals with contagious and infectious diseases. Despite its gloomy appearance, many of the rooms are decorated with murals by street artist JR. Some of the murals depict actual patients from the hospital, making this a unique experience where you can learn more about the Statue of Liberty’s history .

The price of a Statue of Liberty ticket depends on the type of ticket you choose. However, I will say that there isn’t much difference between the general admission ticket and the one that grants you access to the pedestal. To give you a clearer idea of each ticket’s price and what it includes, here is a comparison chart:

The ticket that lets you visit the Statue of Liberty’s crown is the best option since it’s just $3 more and gives you splendid views of NYC . Of course, it’s also the first one to sell out, sometimes 2-3 months ahead of time. So, if this is the Statue of Liberty tour you want to do, I recommend booking it as soon as you can.

Attraction passes that include the Statue of Liberty in New York

Almost all New York city passes include a visit to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty Museum. However, keep in mind that they only cover general admission, so you won’t be able to access the pedestal or crown.

With general admission, you get a roundtrip ferry ticket to the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park or Liberty State Park; access to the Statue of Liberty Museum; and a stop at Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum.

If you want to tour the Statue of Liberty ’s pedestal or crown or do the Hard Hat Tour, you must book your ticket through this website . You can’t use your New York citypass to get general admission, then pay the difference once you get to Liberty Island.

Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The only way to get to Liberty Island is by taking the Statue of Liberty ferry operated by Statue Cruises. You can depart from the main terminal in Manhattan’s Battery Park, or from the terminal at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Your ferry ride is included in your ticket, whether you depart from Manhattan or Jersey.

The ferry schedule to the Statue of Liberty varies depending on the terminal. Ferries from Battery Park (Manhattan) to Liberty Island depart every 25 minutes between 9 am and 4:30 pm, while those from Liberty State Park ( Jersey City ) leave every 30 minutes.

You can check the ferry schedule to the Statue of Liberty here . Of course, before setting sail, security controls similar to those at the airport are carried out, so I recommend you arrive 30 minutes before your reserved time. Also, don’t forget your passport and documentation!

The Statue of Liberty cruise by ferry takes about 15 minutes from Battery Park, stopping first at Liberty Island, then Ellis Island. The ride takes about 30 minutes from Liberty State Park since it takes the opposite route, going first to Ellis Island, then Liberty Island.

While both ferry routes stop at Ellis Island, many tourists choose not to get off there. If you have time, it’s worth visiting Ellis Island and walking through the Immigration Museum and the abandoned hospital.

Also, you don’t have to take the same ferry back to the terminal. In other words, you can depart from Battery Park and return on the ferry that leaves from Liberty State Park, or the other way around. Just remember that the New Jersey ferry stops at Ellis Island first and the Manhattan ferry stops there on the way back, and once you go past it, you can’t go back.

In any case, I suggest taking advantage of the ferry ride to take photos of the New York skyline and Lady Liberty, especially if you can find a good vantage point on the boat .

The Statue of Liberty’s hours sync up with the ferry schedule to the Statue of Liberty . The first ferry leaves at 9:15 am, while the last ferry departs at 6:15 pm, both in the direction of Battery Park and Liberty State Park.

Keep in mind that the last ferry back to Battery Park (Manhattan) stops at Ellis Island, and the last chance to catch the ferry from there to Battery Park is 6:30 pm. So, if you want to visit both Liberty and Ellis Islands, I suggest you plan accordingly.

While organizing your visit, you may be wondering how long it takes to visit the Statue of Liberty . It depends on several factors, including the type of ticket you purchase and whether you want to stop at Ellis Island or not. In general, plan 5-6 hours to ride the ferry and do the tour. This means you’ll want to take the 12 pm or 1 pm ferry at the latest to ensure you don’t have to rush to see everything. If you’re taking a one-week trip to NYC , you will have plenty of time to do so. For shorter trips, you may want to skip the full tour and take just this cruise to say hi to Lady Liberty.

Statue of Liberty Museum

The Statue Liberty Museum is one of the best museums in New York City , and all visitors to Liberty Island have access to the exhibits since it’s included with every ticket.

The museum is next to the jetty, where you can get beautiful views. Inside the museum, you’ll find several exhibits about the history of the Statue of Liberty , as well as facts and interesting information about the monument. There is also an exhibit with the statue’s original torch, historic photographs, and the preliminary sketches by designer Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.

The Statue of Liberty Museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Tickets to the Statue of Liberty also include Ellis Island, although most people don’t get off at this stop. If you have time, I recommend checking out this small island, which has lovely viewpoints, and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The abandoned Ellis Island Hospital is also here, although you’ll need to reserve this ticket if you want to tour it.

Your Statue of Liberty ticket includes admission to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, so it’s worth checking it out. This former immigration center is now a national monument and museum with over 30 galleries showing photographs, letters, historical information, and personal belongings from immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.

You can also see the Wall of Honor, which is inscribed with the names of those who crossed the border at Ellis Island. Without a doubt, it’s a wonderful accompaniment to your tour of the Statue of Liberty , as you can learn more about the challenges these people faced as they made the difficult decision to leave their countries in search of a better life .

Besides the tour options included in your Statue of Liberty ferry ticket , there are other guided tours you can take to see this monument. If you’re interested, I recommend looking at our article on the best Statue of Liberty tours in NYC .

I will say that this boat tour is a good alternative to the basic ticket since you’ll be led by an expert guide. If you’re on a budget, you could also see the Statue of Liberty for free by taking the Staten Island ferry. Of course, if you want something extra special, I recommend this helicopter flight over the Statue of Liberty or this dinner cruise past the monument.

FAQs about the Statue of Liberty in New York

If you still have doubts or concerns, here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Statue of Liberty in New York :

Can I visit the Statue of Liberty without a tour?

Yes, you can visit the monument on your own as long as you have a Statue of Liberty ferry ticket .

How much does it cost to visit the Statue of Liberty?

Tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty start at just $24.

How long does it take to visit the Statue of Liberty?

Plan 5-6 hours to take the ferry ride, visit the Statue of Liberty , and stop at Ellis Island.

What are the Statue of Liberty hours?

The Statue of Liberty’s hours are linked to the ferry schedule, so you can be on the island from 9:15 am to 6:15 pm.

Where does the Statue of Liberty ferry depart from?

The ferry to the Statue of Liberty leaves from Battery Park in Manhattan and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Where can I get the best view of the Statue of Liberty?

The best place to see the Statue of Liberty is from the ground on Liberty Island, or from the ferry arriving at Liberty Island. If you like photography and want to take in the sights, there’s nothing like a boat tour on the Hudson River that circles the Statue of Liberty.

When is the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty in New York?

The best time to visit the Statue of Liberty is first thing in the morning since you can spend more time there and avoid the larger crowds.

Can you go inside the Statue of Liberty for free?

No, you can’t go to the Statue of Liberty for free, but you can see it for free from Battery Island, Manhattan and Liberty State Park, New Jersey. Some other viewpoints overlooking the Hudson River also provide nice views of the monument.

When was the Statue of Liberty built?

The Statue of Liberty was built by French designer Frédéric Bartholdi in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel.

How tall is the Statue of Liberty?

The total height of the Statue of Liberty is 305 feet. The statue itself is 151 feet, while the pedestal is 154 feet tall.

What was the Statue of Liberty’s original color?

The original color of the Statue of Liberty was reddish-brown, but over time it has taken on a bluish-green color.

What is the history of the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States to mark the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. For this reason, the statue faces east, towards France.

That’s it for this guide to the Statue of Liberty in New York City . I hope it helps you organize your visit, and that you enjoy this famous monument! If you have any questions, or you’d like to share your experience touring the Statue of Liberty , you can leave me a comment below. Have a great trip!

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Statue of Liberty Tickets

• Hours of Operation
• Accessibility
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Plan Your Visit

• Park Programs
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Battery Park, NY - New York City (Manhattan) Departure Parking - parking is limited near Battery Park. Public transportation is recom­mended for your visit to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Immigration Museum if departing from New York. Visit www.mta.info for more information regarding public transportation to the statue ferry.

By Subway - Local 1 (7th Avenue Line) to South Ferry, or Express (Lexington Avenue Line) 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or Local from Brooklyn/Queens R/W to Whitehall Street Station.

By Bus - M15 (East Side) South Ferry, or M6 (West Side) from 57th street.

By Car - East Side - take FDR Drive South, Exit 1 South Ferry Battery Park. West Side - take Westside Highway South (9A) to Battery Park.

Liberty State Park, NJ - New Jersey Terminal Departure The ticketing and departure areas at Liberty State Park are located by the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal near the water. Parking ia available for a fee. This is an ideal departure location for you if you are traveling by car, motorhome or private bus. Liberty State Park is also accessible by taxi, ferry and public transportation.

By Public Transportation - Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) to the Liberty State Park Station, then walk or bike 1 mile on Audrey Zapp Drive to the ticket office area located by the CRRNJ Terminal. From the ticket office/security tent areas, walk 1/3 of a mile to the ferry gangway for departures. At the entrance of Liberty State Park, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is accessible by PATH at the Hoboken Station or Newport (Jersey City) Station. More information about NJ Transit's Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR)-Liberty State Park station.

By Car - From the New Jersey Turnpike take exit 14-B and follow the signs to Liberty State Park.

By Ferry - Liberty Landing Ferry Service - from the World Financial Terminal in New York to the Liberty Landing Marina at Liberty State Park, NJ. Visitors with ferry tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will receive $2 discount on Liberty Landing Ferry Service tickets.

Thank you for visiting www.statueoflibertytickets.com . Reservations and E-tickets are genuine for the tour which includes the ferry service. We also provide extended around-the-clock customer care seven days a week, including holidays. This website is not affiliated with any government entity and is not the official box office. Ticket price exceeds face value. We are a private Customer Service and Booking company. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please share your experience with us at: Customer Care .  

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Visiting the Statue of Liberty

The ultimate guide to visiting the statue of liberty.

The Statue of Liberty, also known as Lady Liberty, is a universal symbol of freedom. She was a gift from France for the country’s 100th birthday. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel and built in October 1866. Around 4 million people  visit the Statue of Liberty every year due to its status as an American icon. Here we have summarized everything you need to know if you have an upcoming visit to the Statue of Liberty.

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Table of Contents

How Can You Visit the Statue of Liberty?

There are many different ways to visit New York’s Statue of Liberty. Generally speaking, you have three different ways to set foot on the island and two more ways to see the island without setting foot on the island:

Reserve ($18.50): The Reserve ticket gives you access to the ferry that brings you to Liberty Island. There you can explore the grounds of the island and look up to Miss Liberty . Most attraction passes include the ferry to Liberty Island .

Reserve + Pedestal ($26): The Reserve + Pedestal access entitles you not only to the ferry and grounds of the island but also gives you access to the Statue’s pedestal. You will go up the stairs to the first platform, seeing the Statue of Liberty from a very unique angle.

Reserve + Crown ($29): The Reserve + Crown ticket goes one step further, letting you take the ferry to the island, explore the pedestal and ascend all the way to the Statue’s crown. To get to the top, you’ll need to use a narrow staircase. Because the space is so limited, tickets are too.

By Boat (from $18): For those with little time or no desire to visit Liberty Island, you can take a cruise that passes the Statue of Liberty and this way experience the Statue from the water. A cruise combines seeing Miss Liberty with mesmerizing views of the skyline. Many cruises are included in attraction passes.

By Helicopter (from $160): A unique way to see the Statue of Liberty is from a helicopter! If a helicopter ride has been on your New York bucket list anyway, then you’ll also get to see the Statue close-up from above.

For Free: There are even options to see the Statue of Liberty for free! You’ll be a little farther away but can still enjoy the view, including parks and ferries.

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Tips for Those Visiting the Statue of Liberty

1. Know the Opening Hours

The first ferry to the Statue of Liberty departs at 8:30 am and the last one will depart at 3:30 pm.

During the warmer months, get on the very first ferry of the day!

Why? Because the ferry is extremely popular in the summer, meaning that it will get crowded very fast. To avoid having to wait in line for 1 or 2 hours, get there early! The security check prior to boarding the ferry will also take anywhere from 10 to 90 minutes.

2. Visit Ellis Island and the new Statue of Liberty Museum

Accessing Liberty Island also gives you free admission to the new Statue of Liberty Museum as well as Ellis Island with its Immigration Museum.

3. Be Mindful of What You Carry With You

Leave your large backpacks, water bottles and other large liquids in your hotel or other accommodation. You will not pass the security check. For any other belongings, you can rent a locker for $2 when you get to Liberty Island.

4. Save Money with an Attraction Pass

The ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island is included in most attraction passes . If you are a holder, do not purchase separate tickets. Attraction passes also include a variety of different cruises that may pass the Statue of Liberty. Attraction passes are great if you want to save money despite the desire to visit the Statue of Liberty.

More About the Statue of Liberty

The French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi created the outside of the statue out of sheets of hammered copper, while Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the famed Eiffel Tower, designed the statue’s steel framework. The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States, shipped to the USA in 350 parts and erected atop an American-designed pedestal on a small island in Upper New York Bay, now known as Liberty Island. The statue was then dedicated by President Grover Cleveland in 1886 in the harbor of New York.

Over the years, the statue stood tall as millions of immigrants arrived in America via nearby Ellis Island; in 1986, it underwent an extensive renovation in honor of the centennial of its dedication. The original torch has been replaced since the days where the statue operated as a functioning lighthouse. The original glass, which has been replaced with a golden leaf, can still be seen in the statue’s base. Today, the Statue of Liberty remains an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy, as well as one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.  The seven rays of the Statue’s crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world. The tablet that the Statue holds in her left-hand reads in Roman numerals “July 4th, 1776” (JULY IV MDCCLXXVI).

Quick Facts

For those who like to know their numbers, some quick facts, and figures:

• The Statue of Liberty’s height, from the ground to the tip of the torch, is 305 ft.
• The total weight of copper used in making the Statue is 62,000 pounds (31 tons)
• The total weight of steel used is 250,000 pounds (125 tons)
• The total weight of the Statue’s concrete foundation is 54 million pounds (27,000 tons).

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How to Visit the Statue of Liberty – Everything You Need to Know

Wondering the best way or how to visit the Statue of Liberty? We have you covered in this full, easy to follow guide plus great Statue of Liberty tips to consider before your trip to make visiting a popular tourist attraction and iconic symbol of the United States easy, interesting, and memorable instead of frustrating and confusing plus you don’t want to fall for any common scams in NYC !

We have put together our best tips for your Statue of Liberty visit as well as all the information you need to know in order to plan your trip including ferry information, ticket information, where to go, and how long you will need to plan for your Statue of Liberty visit!

Also, be sure to check out the best Statue of Liberty viewpoints around NYC for more incredible spots to see Lady Liberty shine in all her glory!

Facts About the Statue of Liberty

Before your Statue of Liberty, visit be sure to brush up on some interesting facts about Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and this historic monument!

The Statue of Liberty’s official name is actually Liberty Enlightening the World.

The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States from France in 1886 to represent the close relationship between the two nations, the head of the statue was on display in 1878 at the World Fair in Paris. The statue was a gift to celebrate the nation’s new independence and the abolishment of slavery.

The Statue of Liberty represents the Roman goddess of freedom known as Libertas.

Lady Liberty holds a torch and a tablet with the date July 4, 1776, America’s Declaration of Independence inscribed on it in Roman Numerals.

During its cross-Atlantic voyage to the United States, the Statue of Liberty was disassembled into 350 pieces and packed in 214 crates arriving in the New York Harbor on June 17, 1885.

The island was used for centuries by the Lenape Native Americans and was a major source of food for them as well as the Dutch colonizers. The US Army made the island a military post in 1807.

To visit the crown, known as the Pedestal you will have to climb 354 stairs and are greeted with views through the 25 windows in the crown.

The crown has 7 spikes which represent the 7 oceans and 7 continents of the world.

The statue is made of an iron infrastructure with a copper exterior that has oxidized over time and turned to the green color we see today which actually protects the statue from damage.

Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower helped design the Statue of Liberty’s ‘spine’ made of 4 iron columns supporting a metal framework that holds the copper skin.

The Statue of Liberty’s torch was replaced in 1984 with a new torch made of copper covered with 24 karat gold leaf.

The Statue of Liberty became a symbol of immigration and the American dream during the 19th century when a surge of immigrants came to the United States through New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was one of the first things they saw when arriving to the United States.

During the years of 1886-1902, the Statue of Liberty also was used as a lighthouse reaching light up to 24 miles away!

In high winds of over 50 mph the Statue of Liberty can sway up to 3 inches!

How to Visit the Statue of Liberty

Once you’ve decided to make the trip to visit the Statue of Liberty, your first step to planning the perfect visit is to plan how you’ll get there. To reach Liberty Island, where Lady Liberty stands in all her glory, you’ll need to take a ferry.

If you’re planning your Statue of Liberty visit from Manhattan, you can board the ferry from Battery Park. If you’re heading down from the East Side of the city, you can reach Battery Park by taking FDR Drive South and exiting at 1 South Ferry Battery Park, or by taking Westside Highway South (NY State 9A) to Battery Park if you’re traveling from the West Side.

However, keep in mind that parking around The Battery can be somewhat of a nightmare, so you may want to opt for public transit if possible.

If your group is able to take public transportation for your visit, you can hop on the M15 bus towards South Ferry if you’re coming from the East Side, or the M6 bus towards South Ferry if you’re starting from the West Side.

If you prefer to travel underground, you can either take a Local 1 train to South Ferry, an Express 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or a Local R or W to Whitehall Street Station.

If your trip is starting from across the Hudson in New Jersey, you can board the ferry from Liberty State Park, which is accessible from the New Jersey Turnpike exit 14-B. There is parking available from this departure location for a fee, making it the better option if your group is traveling by car.

If you’re taking public transit in New Jersey, you can take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to the Liberty State Park Station, walk about a mile down Audrey Zapp Drive to the ticket office near the CRRNJ Terminal.

Once you’ve gotten your tickets (if you haven’t purchased them ahead of time) and gone through the security area, you’re a short 0.3 mile walk away from the ferry gangway from which the ferry will depart. This transit option does involve a good amount of walking, so if there is any concern about accessibility for your party, driving or taking a taxi or rideshare may be a better option.

If you’ve got time to spare and want to take in as many sights as possible, you can also take a ferry from the Liberty Landing Ferry Service World Financial Terminal in New York to get to Liberty State Park for departure to Liberty Island.

If you’ve gone ahead and purchased your tickets for your trip to the Statue of Liberty, you’ll get $2 off your ferry ride to the departure destination!

After you’ve decided on the best way to travel to the statue, you can plan what all you want to do and see during your visit. 

All ferry tickets to Liberty Island, from either the New York or New Jersey departure location, are round-trip tickets and also include a ferry ride to Ellis Island, where you can visit the Immigration Museum and learn about the historic immigration port.

All tickets also include an audio tour and a Ranger-led tour of Liberty Island. The audio tour is a great way to tour the grounds and museums at your own pace while still receiving interesting information.

The included audio tour is available in Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Ranger tours are also included in all tickets, which you can take advantage of if you want a more structured tour of the grounds.

These tours include information on the history of the statue and information on its construction. If you’re planning your trip a little further in advance, the interior may be open to the public in time for your visit, in which case you’ll need to decide if you want to take the trek up to the crown, visit the Pedestal Museum, or take the Ellis Island hard hat tour, as these decisions will impact what tickets you’ll need to purchase for your visit.

Statue of Liberty Tickets

The Reserve Tickets (the only option currently available) include the ferry ride to Liberty Island, the ferry ride to Ellis Island, the ferry ride back to either New Jersey or Manhattan, an audio tour, and Ranger tours.

These tickets are $19.50 for adults ages 13-61, $9.00 for children ages 4-12, and $14.00 for seniors ages 62 and up. If you’re bringing along a little pal that is 3 or younger, you do not need to purchase tickets for these visitors.

When choosing a time for your tickets, keep in mind that you are not purchasing tickets for a specific ferry departure at that scheduled time.

Instead, these time intervals are the time in which your party will be admitted to the security area of your departure destination, so keep this in mind if you’re planning a jam-packed day of exploring.

If you are interested in a professional tour guide you’ll need to purchase those tickets separately. There are various options to choose from, depending on what you and your group want to get out of your visit to the Statue of Liberty.

We recommend booking in advance, check out these great options for visiting the Statue of Liberty with a tour :

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Fast Track Access : 30-minute live guided tour of Battery Park including guaranteed access & priority boarding to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ferry. You can enjoy Ellis Island with audio guides or upgrade to an escorted tour.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserve Access: Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with priority reserve access to the ferry line. Learn the history with a local expert guide on this 4-hour tour.

Statue of Liberty with Pedestal Access & Ellis Island Tour: Tour of Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Pedestal access with a professional licensed guide on a 4-hour tour.

Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & Pre-Ferry Tour: Includes a 30-minute live guided tour of Battery Park before heading to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. Explore with audio guides or upgrade to include a fully-escorted guided tour of Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

Private Ellis Island Tour with Statue of Liberty Access: Personalized, small group private tour of Ellis Island & Liberty Island with ferry access and access to the Pedestal.

Alternatively, if you plan on enjoying more NYC experiences and tours you can get a New York City attraction pass which can save you hundreds of dollars by making a one time purchase for a pass that gets you into multiple city attractions including visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

CityPASS offers a 3 attraction pass or a 6 attraction pass with over 12 city attractions to choose from including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry passes, Empire State Building , and more! 

Another great option is the New York Pass which you can purchase anywhere from a 1 Day Pass to a 10 Day Pass that gets you into over 100 attractions. Once you purchase your New York Pass you download the Go City app and use it to gain access to attractions including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

See our full breakdown of the New York Pass and our breakdown of the New York CityPASS to see if it’s worth it for your visit to save hundreds of dollars on multiple attractions!

What to Expect at Your Statue of Liberty Visit

Although you’ll be purchasing a timed ticket, you and your travel companions will want to plan on arriving at your departure destination at least 30 minutes prior to the time indicated on your ticket.

The time on your ticket indicates the time that your party will be admitted to go through security. Since you’re visiting a National Park and historical landmark, security is pretty tight, so plan ahead to ensure everyone in your group will make it through security seamlessly and without having any personal items confiscated.

Once you’ve successfully made it through the security procedures, you can prepare to board the ferry and cruise along to your visit to the statue and Ellis Island. Ferries depart every 20-35 minutes, giving you plenty of time to make sure little ones use the bathroom on land, but not too long that you’re waiting forever before boarding.

All ferries are wheelchair accessible, and service animals and authorized guides are welcome aboard as well. There are bathrooms located on board all ferries, so if you or the kids missed the opportunity before departing, you can still take a bathroom break before reaching Liberty Island or Ellis Island. While there are bathrooms available on both islands, it may take some searching and walking to reach them.

Each leg of the ferry ride takes about 15 minutes. If you are planning on taking advantage of seeing both the Liberty Island and Ellis Island grounds, you will want to block out at least 5-6 hours for your trip.

If you plan on passing up Ellis Island and instead choosing just to visit the Statue of Liberty, you should still allow 2-3 hours to ensure you have enough time to enjoy your visit and make sure you take the ferry back to Lower Manhattan instead of the ferry to Ellis Island.

If you’ve purchased tickets to visit the interior of the pedestal, the Pedestal Museum, the crown, or the Ellis Island hard hat tour, plan to spend closer to the estimated 5-6 hours to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth and allowing enough time to take in as much as possible.

If you are visiting once the interior of the statue is reopened, there is no additional fee to enter the pedestal and visit the Pedestal Museum, but you do have to reserve specific tickets to do so.

If you are planning to visit the crown of the statue, it is an extra $3 per visitor, in addition to the standard ferry ticket price. Keep in mind that the crown access is not available to visitors under 4, so plan accordingly if you’re bringing along little adventurers.

If you are wanting to partake in the Ellis Island hard hat tour, you’ll have to pay an extra $40 per visitor, and the tour is limited to those who are ages 13 and up. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting during the hotter months and plan on attending the hard hat tour that open-toed shoes and sandals are not permitted on the tour.

Tips for Visiting Ellis Island

The most common way to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is first visit Liberty Island, then taking the ferry from Liberty Island to Ellis Island.

You will want to plan on spending a few hours here to really enjoy the exhibits and museum here depending on how deep you want to dive into the history of this historic port that over 12 million immigrants passed through!

The most difficult part of planning the entire day around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is planning meals as you have limited options once you’ve begun your day. Ellis Island does have the Ellis Island Cafe where you can buy something to hold you over until you get back to Manhattan.

Liberty Island also has the Statue of Liberty Crown Cafe if you need a bite to eat here too.

Don’t miss the last ferry back to Manhattan! You will want to check and ask on the day of your visit, but typically the last ferry back to Manhattan is around 3:30 pm.

If you’re hoping to look up your ancestors who may have passed through Ellis Island on their journey to a new life in the United States records you can do so by finding the computers where you can pay a small fee to access their database and archives, this fee is usually around $8. If you run short on time, you can also do this part later at home from your computer too.

Statue of Liberty Visit Tips

While there is no wrong way to visit Lady Liberty, following these Statue of Liberty tips can help you and your party get the most out of your time.

If you want to save the time you have on the Liberty Island grounds, you can purchase souvenirs and snacks on any of the ferries. This can save some valuable time not waiting in line at the gift shops on the islands.

There are also food options on the island, but they can be a bit pricey and could cause you to have to spend some of your time waiting in line. Pack some food for your visit and enjoy the views of Manhattan from Liberty Island with a picnic and a camera.

Make sure you’re dressed for whatever Mother Nature may throw at you on your trip. You’ll be spending most of the day outdoors, so be sure to come with SPF and water, as well as any layers you may need to stay warm. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes.

If you aren’t a big planner, you can buy tickets at your departure location, however, if you want to get the most out of your time and Statue of Liberty visit, it’s best to buy tickets in advance. This will allow you to head straight to security and skip the ticket line. It will also allow you more time to weigh your options and to decide on which ticket options and attractions are best for you and your group.

If you’re going to wing it, beware of people selling unauthorized, invalid, or crazy expensive tickets around Battery Park.

Another thing to keep in mind when deciding which ticket options to choose, remember that accessing the crown requires visitors to climb steps. So although the ferries are all accessible, visiting the crown is not a good option for groups with mobility or accessibility concerns.

As previously mentioned, Ranger-led tours are included in all tickets. These tours lead visitors around Liberty Island, and begin at the flagpole on the island. These tours are informative and great for all ages, making them a great choice for groups with kids and history buffs alike. They take about 30-45 minutes, so take this into account when planning out how you will spend your time during your visit.

When planning on when to visit the Statue of Liberty, take into account how busy it can get. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, try to purchase tickets for a weekday, and early in the day.

If you have flexibility in the time of year you’re able to visit, opt for spring, fall, or winter, when there are fewer visitors and smaller crowds. Not only will this save your group time with shorter lines, but it will also give you more opportunities for photos that are not obstructed by other groups of tourists.

For more amazing views of the Statue of Liberty, be sure to check out our full guide for what to do at Governors Island .

What to Pack for NYC

See our full  what to pack for Brooklyn guide for more ideas!

This Pacsafe Shoulder Bag slings over your body and is the perfect size to carry your day essentials while exploring Brooklyn. This lightweight bag has anti-theft features so you can enjoy Brooklyn with ease of mind with Pacsafe’s anti-theft patent products whether you’re in a crowded area or on the subway.

This Pacsafe Anti-theft Backpack is another essential for Brooklyn or any city trip. This backpack has a patented anti-theft design with lockable zippers and slash-proof material in this sleek and comfortable designed backpack.

Avoid high tech thieves with this 15 pack of RFID blocking sleeves that doesn’t require you to buy a special travel wallet, you can carry your favorite purse, wallet, or backpack by simply putting your credit cards and sensitive information in these RFID blocking sleeves.

Upgrade your wallet with this RFID Blocking Wallet by Pacsafe is the perfect pick. Always have your identification, bank cards, and credit cards protected from high tech thieves with this RFID blocking wallet in this sleek and slim design.

One of the best ways to keep valuables safe when you travel is this Portable Safe by Pacsafe . This is ideal when you’re hotel has a safe that is too small for your belongings, with it’s sleek and compact design so it doesn’t take up much space in your luggage offering maximum security with its stainless steel wire mesh covered in a piece of cut-resistant canvas fabric. You simply lock this portable safe to a secure fixture in your hotel room when you leave.

This iPhone crossbody case  is perfect for sightseeing as you can easily grab your phone for that perfect photo moment on the fly as well as keep your phone secured to your body and safe from pickpockets!

We recommend Allbirds Women’s Wool Runner as well as the Allbirds Men’s Wool Runner for an everyday walking shoe that’s breathable, comfortable, and feels like you’re walking on clouds. Your back and feet will thank us later, plus they are all the rage in the city at the moment.

A good reusable water bottle is one of the best things you can have in your day bag or on you at all times, plus New York City has some of the best drinking water in the country, cut back on single-use plastic and have a good reusable water bottle for your trip.

Don’t leave the house without a good power bank . Don’t spoil your fun exploring all the fun neighborhoods and things to see in Brooklyn by having your battery die on you. If you’re anything like me you’ll be using your phone to take photos, navigate, and post to social media while you’re exploring.

When it comes to the city, this weather is not forgiving and you don’t want to get caught out and about in the rain without an umbrella. That’s why we recommend this compact wind resistant travel umbrella for what to pack for Brooklyn.

Are you a sensitive sleeper?  A good pair of earplugs are essential for your Brooklyn or city trip, especially if you’re not from a big city.

Liked this guide on how to visit the Statue of Liberty and all of our Statue of Liberty tips? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest.

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Guide to Visiting the Statue of Liberty

I t’s arguably one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States, and it’s a place most visitors to New York City want to visit. However, a combination of its popularity, as well as its island location, make the Statue of Liberty a frustrating place to visit.

Statue of Liberty visitors plan months in advance – it’s not as easy as waking up and walking over. Many guests in NYC wonder how to visit the Statue of Liberty because it isn’t straightforward.

You do have to plan to have the most seamless, cost-effective trip to the Statue of Liberty. It’s one of the most popular things to do in NYC. If you want to visit Lady Liberty yourself, you’ll want to read your guide to visiting the Statue of Liberty well in advance of your trip.

I remember the first time I saw the statue up close. I was on an 8th-grade field trip, and remember how big the statue looked up close. It looks rather small across the water at Battery Park.

Getting to the statue was much easier then than it is now, in the post-9/11 world. If I could offer one very important piece of advice, it would be to pack your patience with you.

It’s an incredibly frustrating time to get over to the Statue of Liberty, especially if you have tickets for the pedestal or crown. Being patient and being prepared for the chaos will improve your experience.

How to Visit the Statue of Liberty

Purchasing your statue of liberty tickets.

Once you arrive at Battery Park, you’ll find numerous vendors offering tickets and tours to the Statue Of Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. You are going to walk right past those vendors because you are going to purchase your tickets in advance.

Many of these vendors are offering scams and/or overpriced tickets, so you’ll want to avoid them. You must purchase tickets from the official site (or the official ticket office) to avoid the higher price.

Statue Cruises is the only authorized ferry service to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty, and you can pre-purchase these ferry tickets. They are very reasonable (at the time of publication, they were $24.50 for adults and $12 for kids aged 4-12 years old) and your ferry ticket will include access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If you want to access the pedestal of the statue or the crown, those tickets need to be reserved in advance. There are only a limited number available, and Statue of Liberty crown tickets are especially limited.

Note that there is no additional fee for Statue of Liberty pedestal access tickets, but it can be very difficult to get last-minute tickets to these. Book in advance.

Taking the Statue of Liberty Ferry

There are two departure points for the Statue of Liberty ferry – one in NYC at Battery Park, and one in New Jersey at Liberty State Park. While you can purchase your tickets at the Castle Clinton ticket office, we recommend getting a reserve ticket online in advance .

As mentioned above, there’s no additional fee for pedestal or crown access, but you will want to make an advanced reservation.

You’ll have to go through airline-style security at the terminal before entering the boat. Just like the airport, you’ll have to put small items like wallets, cell phones, or belts in a bin or one of your bags. Drinks, however, are allowed.

Once you go through the security, you’ll be led into a waiting area for the boat. Ferries depart every 20 minutes, so there’s almost always a boat loading or unloading. Entering the boat does feel a bit like a cattle call – everyone just pushes to the front to board the boat. If you have young kids, you’ll want to hold hands as you enter the boat.

The ferry boats that we were on were all a bit different, but they were pretty much the same. Boats had three levels, and guests could sit on any of them. There were plenty of seats, as well as restrooms and a snack bar. The ride isn’t very long at all, so before long, you’ll be at the Statue of Liberty National Monument National Park.

The ferries stop at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, so you’ll want to get off at the first stop for the statue. After disembarking the boat, you’ll be right at the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

The Statue of Liberty National Monument and Liberty Island

Most people generally get grounds-only tickets, so they can access almost everything on the grounds except for the actual statue. There’s also the Fort Wood area of the grounds, which is only accessible to those who have crown or pedestal tickets.

You can spend as much time as you’d like on the grounds. After getting off the boat, you can pick up an audio tour at the tent to the right. These audio tours are included in your ticket and come in multiple languages. I’d recommend getting one because it’s included and will provide you with additional context about the monument.

There’s also the new Statue of Liberty Museum, which is located on the grounds. There, you’ll find the original torch of the Statue of Liberty, which came down in 1984, as well as a theater and other exhibits. This new museum is accessible to anyone with grounds tickets, whereas the old museum was only open to those with pedestal or crown tickets.

At the grounds, you’ll also find areas where you can get stunning views of Manhattan. We enjoyed spending time just taking pictures of the city and New York Harbor.

There’s also a gift shop, restrooms, a cafe, and more. During our visit, the outdoor cafe was open with outdoor seating. It was a beautiful day, so we enjoyed getting our lunch and sitting outside.

Food is what you’d expect at a tourist attraction, although they do have a delicious-looking lobster roll. Guests can bring their own food, but you won’t be able to bring a cooler on the ferry. If you do bring food, pack it in a small bag.

If you want to combine your visit to the Statue of Liberty with a trip to Ellis Island, you’ll want to start your journey early in the day. We got in line for the ferry at about noon and ended up spending most of our day at the Statue.

Visiting the Pedestal

We had pedestal tickets during our visit, so we headed there right after we got off the ferry. When visiting the crown or pedestal, you’ll have to go through additional security. There are some things allowed on the grounds that are not permitted in the statue.

Locker rentals are offered, so you can store any items if necessary. Lockers accept change only, and there’s a change machine right at the lockers.

Once you pass by the lockers, you can enter the queue for the statue. Tickets are checked to make sure you have pedestal or crown access. Then, you can walk to the security screening area.

There are some items that are not allowed inside the Statue of Liberty. These include (but are not limited to): strollers, laptop, food and drinks (water in clear containers is permitted), and backpacks (including drawstring bags). See the full list here . Note that some of these things, like strollers, are allowed on the island, just not in the Statue.

The name “pedestal” may be a bit misleading, as you do get a great view from this point. While you may think it’s the very base of the statue, it is about 10 stories high. There are stairs to climb, although an elevator that goes most of the way up to the pedestal is available.

After you reach the top of the pedestal, you can go outside and see the city. You can also continue up to the crown if you have those tickets. There are security personnel checking out tickets, and only those with actual crown tickets can enter.

As you walk down from the pedestal, you’ll be able to go outside to Fort Hood. There, you’ll have great views of both the city and the statue. Only those with pedestal or crown tickets can enter this area, so it typically isn’t overly crowded.

We were thrilled to be able to go to the pedestal and get that close to the statue. We didn’t spend too much time there but did spend enough time to explore and take lots of photos.

Tours of the Statue of Liberty

In addition to the audio tours, there are also guided tours at the Statue of Liberty. These are included with your tickets and are ranger-guided. They can’t be booked in advance, and the schedule varies daily. If you are looking for additional information, a guided tour would be a great option, especially since they are free!

Once you are done at the island, you’ll need to get the ferry back to Manhattan or New Jersey. Once again, you’ll line up, waiting for the ferry to arrive. Make sure you are on in the right line for the correct ferry.

While we were there, the line for the ferry back to Battery Park was significantly longer than the line for the New Jersey ferry. It was a very busy day on a holiday weekend, so we had to wait for one ferry to completely fill up and leave before we got to the front of the line to board the ferry.

The ferry will make a quick stop at Ellis Island to drop off/pick up passengers before returning to Battery Park.

The Statue of Liberty is open most days, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Statue of Liberty

Access is offered to the pedestal and the crown of the Statue of Liberty. However, you do need tickets, and these aren’t always available. Reserve as early as possible.

You may be able to, but it’s best to get them as early as possible. Purchase them from the authorized outlet so that you don’t have to overpay.

Have you visited the Statue of Liberty?

More resources: Read our  New York City Travel Tips post  here to read hotel, attraction, and restaurant reviews, tips, and ideas.

The post Guide to Visiting the Statue of Liberty appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

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Extended summer hours return for Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island visits

They come from all over the world to line up in Battery Park for a boat ride into New York Harbor. It’s all to visit a big piece of New York and American History.

Marcella Mehlmann, of Forest Hills, Queens recently took her first ever-trip to Ellis Island with a tour group.

“I’ve passed it, but never been there. I don’t know what held me back. I have no idea,” said Mehlmann, who was raised in Brooklyn. 

What You Need To Know

Extended summer hours are back at the statue of liberty and ellis island starting memorial day weekend, the sites will have the longest hours of operation since before the pandemic statue city cruises is the authorized ticket seller for ferries to both islands.

As the ferry passed by the statue, Mehlmann couldn’t help but look up. It was the closest she ever was to Lady Liberty. 

“It’s so beautiful. She is gorgeous,” Mehlmann said. 

It’s all part of the experience of visiting the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, operated by the National Park Service.

Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ferry ticket seller for both, with departure points in Battery Park and Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Summer extended hours return effective Memorial Day weekend, the longest hours of operation since before the pandemic.

“First departure will be at 9 a.m. We will operate roughly about every 20 to 25 minutes out of New York departure point up until 5 p.m. Once you are on the island, you will have roughly until about 6:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. depending on the island that you're on,” said Rafael Abreu, vice president of sales and marketing for Statue City Cruises. 

There’s a lot to see at both locations, like the Statue of Liberty and the museum on Liberty Island, where visitors can see the original torch, which was replaced in the 1980s. Visitors are recommended to plan ahead if they want to make the trek up to the crown.

The pedestal is a little easier to get to. On Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrants passed through for processing from 1892 to 1954, visitors can see the registry room known as the great hall, or look for family names on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. Visitors are recommended to leave plenty of time for all of these activities. 

“Plan for a good four to five hours to visit both islands. That includes your transit time on the vessel, and then a full visit on either Ellis and Liberty,” Abreu said.

Statue City Cruises tickets to the island are available on their website and at the Castle Clinton ticket booth in Battery Park. Abreu noted visitors should beware of scammers roaming at entry points to the park trying to sell tickets that will not allow access to the islands. 

Protect Your Trip »

The 5 best nyc dinner cruises for food & views.

These dinner cruises provide some of the best views of Manhattan.

The Best NYC Dinner Cruises

Courtesy of La Barca Cantina

When you're strolling the streets of Manhattan, it can be difficult to grasp the magnitude of the city, with its skyscrapers and densely packed landmarks. The solution? A boat ride. A breezy sail in New York Harbor can feature everything from an elegant dinner to a live jazz band to tacos and tequila. Read on to discover the top-rated New York City dinner cruise options as determined by travel expert opinion and recent reviews.

City Cruises New York Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

Price: From $144 Duration: 3 hours Standout perk: This all-glass boat delivers panoramic skyline views.

Climbing aboard the Bateaux feels like stepping into a greenhouse, with its glass-enclosed structure and water views in every direction. There are no bad seats on this boat, but as an upgrade you can reserve a window table for the best views of the Hudson River, the East River and the New York Harbor. This cruise is a match for anyone seeking elegance: The tables are covered in crisp white cloths, wine and cocktails are served in sparkling glasses, and a three-course a la carte dinner is served at a relaxed pace (no buffet here).

The Bateaux cruise is an experience to get dressed up for, where the dress code is semi-formal and dinner is accompanied by live music. The sunset can provide the perfect backdrop for pictures, and don't forget to snap a shot of the Statue of Liberty . Children younger than 6 are not permitted on this cruise, so expect a polished, for-adults atmosphere complete with creative cocktails and dancing under the stars. The Bateaux has rightfully earned a reputation for its fresh food; this three-course, plated menu includes several tempting a la carte options from a ravioli starter with crispy pancetta to osso bucco with cauliflower polenta.

Check prices & availability on:

City Cruises New York Signature Dinner Cruise

Price: From $109 Duration: 2.5 hours Standout perk: A live DJ gives this dinner cruise an extra dose of atmosphere.

Looking for a casual night of dining and dancing with the addition of a skyline backdrop? This dinner cruise offers just that. Set sail from Chelsea Piers in a climate-controlled boat along the Hudson and East rivers, admiring New York City landmarks like the Empire State Building . For dinner, indulge in a chef-prepared buffet with a wide range of options from Greek salad to oven-roasted salmon with miso to Caribbean jerk braised pork. If you're bringing a sweet tooth on board, be sure to check out the ample dessert station.

After snapping some pictures on the open-air deck, return to the cabin for cocktails from the cash bar, interactive games and upbeat music from the onboard DJ.

Those traveling with young kids will be pleased to know that infants younger than 3 cruise free – so feel free to bring your little ones along to enjoy the experience with you.

La Barca Cantina

Price: Varies Duration: 2 hours Standout perk: You'll find an extensive tequila and mezcal list on board to accompany the Mexican fare.

One criticism of New York dinner cruises is that they don't offer good value for money, but the "taco boat" challenges that critique with ceviche, tacos, churros, cocktails and skyline views for an affordable price. Climb aboard a yacht at Pier 81 to experience a youthful, modern interpretation of a dinner cruise – think: low lighting, couches for lounging and three bars, complete with Latin pop, salsa and dance music playing in the background. Raise a glass while the yacht sails south on the Hudson River to check out world-famous Manhattan skyline views.

La Barca Cantina also offers a bottomless brunch cruise with a DJ, as well as special events.

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Classic Harbor Line NYC Evening Jazz Cruise

Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line

Price: From $108 Duration: 1.5 hours Standout perk: A jazz trio typically featuring a sax, keyboard and drums plays live on board.

Listen to jazz standards aboard a 1920s-style yacht with this fun sightseeing cruise departing from Pier 62 in Chelsea Piers. Choose between kicking back in the climate-controlled cabin or on the open-air deck throughout this evening cruise, which includes views of Manhattan landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Live music is played outside on the deck or inside the salon, depending on the season (and the boat, Manhattan or Manhattan II).

While this cruise doesn't offer dinner, one complimentary alcoholic beverage is included, and a cash bar offers additional drinks and snacks. Listen to music by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and more as you sail past the twinkling Manhattan skyline. Those traveling in a group should keep in mind: Tickets are slightly discounted for groups of 4 to 16.

Circle Line New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

Courtesy of Circle Line

Price: From $54 Duration: 2 hours Standout perk: This no-fuss, excellent-value cruise option has drinks and snacks available for purchase on board.

When you're craving panoramic views rather than a three-course meal, choose the Circle Line's Harbor Lights cruise departing from Pier 83. This sightseeing sailing delivers an up-close experience of the Manhattan skyline lights coming to life, while cruising past landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building . A live guide provides narration and historical context for what you're seeing. As the sun sets behind New Jersey, watch the glow of the sinking sun reflect in the windows of skyscrapers.

Food from the onboard cafe – like salads, sandwiches and snacks – as well as beer, wine and cocktails at the bar are available for purchase. This is an ideal situation for groups with varying levels of hunger and thirst. Sit alfresco in the breeze or indoors in the climate-controlled cabin – it's up to you.

Non-English-speaking guests can download the Circle Line app for narration available in several languages; just be sure to bring your own headset.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Jessica Colley Clarke is a New York-based freelance writer. She loves to take visiting family and friends out on the water in the New York Harbor for a fresh perspective on the Manhattan skyline and beyond.

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'Parade of Ships' kicks off Fleet Week in New York City

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Fleet Week New York 2024 officially kicked off Wednesday morning with the ceremonial Parade of Ships.

NewsCopter 7 was overhead as the first of more than a dozen ships entered New York Harbor, passing the Statue of Liberty, Fort Hamilton, and One World Trade Center as they arrived in Manhattan.

Nearly 2,300 military personnel are expected to participate in the weeklong tradition.

Sam Champion reported live aboard the USS Bataan for "Eyewitness News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" -- He even arrived by helicopter.

This year marks the 36th edition of this annual event. The theme is "Fleet Week New York...Celebrating Those Who Serve."

The fleet will be in town through next Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day, offering ship tours, aviation demonstrations, military band performances, and interactive displays.

"Fleet Week is about celebrating those who serve and recognizing the unyielding strength of our Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard team," said Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Rear Adm. Wesley McCall in a statement on the official Fleet Week website . "As we come together to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during their service, we are reminded of the diverse and inclusive fighting force that is currently serving to protect national security and preserve our way of life."

Here are the ships participating this year:

- Amphibious assault ship: USS Bataan (LHD 5) from Norfolk, Virginia

- Baden-Württemberg-class frigate: FGS Baden-Württemberg (F-222) from Germany

- Berlin-class replenishment ship: FGS Frankfurt am Main (A-1412) from Germany

- Four U.S. Naval Academy YPs, Annapolis, Maryland

- Bay-class cutter: USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109) from Bayonne, New Jersey

- Freedom-class littoral combat ship: USS Marinette (LCS 25) from Mayport, Florida

- Legend-class cutter: USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) from Charleston, South Carolina

- Keeper-class coastal buoy tender: USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552) from Bayonne, New Jersey

For details on when and where to tour the vessels, interactive displays, military band performances and more, visit: www.fleetweeknewyork.com .

Fleet Week New York runs through May 28.

ALSO READ | 66th National Puerto Rican Day Parade details revealed

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Fleet Week returns to NYC tomorrow: What to know

By brad luck • published may 21, 2024 • updated on may 21, 2024 at 6:27 pm.

The USS Bataan (LHD 5) amphibious assault ship will be back in New York Harbor Wednesday as one of the centerpieces for Fleet Week New York 2024, the U.S. Navy announced .

Fleet Week will take place May 22-28 this year with a theme of "Fleet Week New York...Celebrating Those Who Serve."

Two U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard vessels, and four U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats will participate, along with ships from Germany.

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Ship and pier locations, according to Fleet Week, include: Manhattan, Pier 88 South:(Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - Amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5) from Norfolk, Virginia

Manhattan, Pier 90 North: (Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - Baden-Württemberg-class frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg (F-222) from Germany - Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt am Main (A-1412) from Germany

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Manhattan, Intrepid Museum, Pier 86 (Tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) - Four U.S. Naval Academy YPs, Annapolis, Maryland (Tours only May 23-24) - Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109) from Bayonne, New Jersey (Tours May 23-27)

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Homeport Pier, Staten Island: (Public tours will be May 23 - 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) - Freedom -class littoral combat ship USS MARINETTE (LCS 25) from Mayport, Florida - Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) from Charleston, South Carolina - Keeper-class coastal buoy tender USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552) from Bayonne, New Jersey

This is Fleet Week New York's 36th year with 2,300 U.S. service members expected to participate.

For a full list of events and tours for Fleet Week, visit the official website here.

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New york: statue of liberty national monument.

Courtesy of the National Park Service

From 1892 to 1954, more than 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island. Immigrants aboard steamships coming into the New York Harbor got their first glances of America, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, which was the immigration processing facility. These immigrants traveled weeks aboard ships, often in extremely tight, unsanitary, and difficult conditions, to take their chances on gaining liberty and a new life. Now administered by the National Park Service as Statue of Liberty National Monument, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island help to preserve the memories and stories of immigrants from many countries who envisioned a better life for themselves by leaving their homelands to make an extraordinary migration to the United States of America. 

The Statue of Liberty was herself an immigrant. Frenchman Edouardo de Laboulaye had the original idea for the statue around 1865. He recognized the United States as a nation that honored freedom, liberty, and democracy. De Laboulaye saw the symbolic gift as a way to honor the United States and to reflect his wish for a democracy in France. De Laboulaye commissioned a young sculptor, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, to design the sculpture. Years later, Bartholdi completed a design for a colossal statue in the shape of a goddess upholding the torch of liberty, which he entitled, “Liberty Enlightening the World.” The design was accepted and the Franco-American Union was created in order to raise money for this joint project of two nations: the French were to design and assemble the statue while the Americans were responsible for the statue’s pedestal. Gustave Eiffel designed the statue’s internal framework in 1879. Constructed in France between 1875 and 1884, the copper statue “Liberty Enlightening the World” arrived in New York on June 17, 1885 in 214 specially built wooden cases.

Today, visitors may take ranger led or self-guided tours of Liberty Island and of the Statue of Liberty. Inside the lobby in the pedestal of the statue, visitors can view the original torch and the Statue of Liberty Exhibit. They can also walk around the 11-point star-shaped Fort Wood and then take an elevator to the ten-story pedestal observatory. The observatory offers full circle views of New York harbor and a close-up of Lady Liberty.

Liberty’s image and symbolic meanings have continually changed since her dedication on October 28, 1886. During the late 19th century, one of the largest periods of immigration in American history, Liberty stood as a “Mother of Exiles,” and provided thousands of immigrants with their first visual representation of America, liberty, and freedom. Throughout the 19th century, political instability, religious persecution, unstable economies, and vast unemployment prompted many Europeans to leave their homelands to take their chances on a better life in the United States. On the final stretch of their journey, as immigrants made their way into New York Harbor and to Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty served as a colossal symbol of freedom and opportunity for all newcomers to the United States.

Prior to 1890, individual States regulated immigration into the United States, but as immigration rapidly increased, Federal officials realized that the State-run facilities were not equipped to handle the large quantities of people coming to the United States. The Federal Government opened a new Federally-operated immigration station on Ellis Island on January 1, 1882, but the wooden station burned to the ground only five years later. In December 1900, the Federal Government opened a new, fire-proof Renaissance-style Federal immigration station on Ellis Island welcoming 2,251 immigrants on opening day.

Once immigrant steamships docked in New York Harbor, first and second class passengers disembarked while the “steerage” passengers were transferred to Ellis Island by ferries and barges. Once at the immigration station on Ellis Island, immigrants underwent a medical and legal inspection. In the great examination hall on the second floor of the main immigration building, also known as the Registry Room, doctors and inspectors questioned and assessed each individual. Inspectors asked immigrants 29 questions including full name, place of birth, occupation, destination, and amount of money carried. For the vast majority, this process was extremely quick, and within a few hours, the immigrants were free to start their new lives in America. The Registry Room with its impressive terra-cotta ceiling is still standing, the place where millions of future Americans gained entry to their new home in the United States.

With the passage of the Immigration Law of 1924, the Federal Government transferred examination of prospective immigrants to American consulates overseas. Throughout the 1920s only a small number of detained immigrants passed through Ellis Island, and in 1954, it closed. The Ellis Island immigration station had processed more than 12 million immigrants; over 40 percent of today’s American population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island. The Ellis Island immigration station rapidly deteriorated between 1954 and 1980, when finally a large restoration project began. In 1990, the restored Main Building opened as the Ellis Island Museum. 

Today, visitors can take self-guided or ranger-led tours of the three-floor Ellis Island Museum. On the ranger-guided tours, visitors will learn about the island’s history and about immigration history. In the many galleries in the main building, experience the sights and sounds immigrants first encountered on American shores. Visitors may also search the database of immigrant manifests to discover their family’s ancestry at the  American Family Immigration History Center .

Statue of Liberty National Monument, a unit of the National Park System that includes the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, is located in Lower New York Harbor slightly over one mile from Lower Manhattan, NY. Click here for the National Register of Historic Places files:  text  and  photos . The Statue of Liberty National Monument is listed on the  World Heritage List . Statue of Liberty National Monument is open daily every day except Christmas, December 25, when it is closed. The park is accessible by  Statue Cruises Ferry Service  only. The National Park Service recommends planning your visit, making reservations and purchasing tickets prior to the day of your visit. For more information, visit the  Statue of Liberty National Monument  website or call 212-363-3200.  The Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island have also been documented by the National Park Service's  Historic American Buildings Survey .

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Last updated: August 11, 2017

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Ellie the Elephant, the New York Liberty’s Mascot, Is Giving the Athletes a Run for Their Money

By Hannah Jackson

Forget who’s sitting courtside —the most fashionable person attending WNBA games is the New York Liberty’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant.

While tunnel walks have become something of a fashion show for players to flaunt their style off the court, Ellie is her own kind of scene-stealer. The anthropomorphized elephant with a growing TikTok fanbase was always dressed for the halftime show, boasting a turquoise Liberty jersey from Rare Breed BX, Statue of Liberty crown, and a long, multicolored braid that she likes to whip around .

But Ellie the Elephant has stepped up her game recently. The mascot has been repping a pair of white Nike Airs, leveled up with a bedazzled swoosh logo and sparkly shoelaces. But the pièce de résistance came on May 18, for the Liberty’s game against the Indiana Fever, when Ellie took advantage of her tunnel walk to show off her Telfar x UGG suede bag lined with shearling.

Who’s to say that sponsorship deals are just for athletes?

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