Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Tickets, Official Ferry & Visitor Guide to America's Most Iconic Monument
⏱ Half day (4-5 hours)👤 All ages$$
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The Statue of Liberty has stood in New York Harbor since October 1886, a gift from the people of France to commemorate the alliance of the two nations during the American Revolution. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with an internal iron framework by Gustave Eiffel, the 305-foot copper figure (originally a shiny brown, oxidized green over decades) remains the most recognizable monument in the United States.
Access is by official ferry only — operated by Statue City Cruises, departing from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The same ticket includes a stop at Ellis Island, the immigration processing station where 12 million people entered the United States between 1892 and 1954. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is, for many visitors, the more emotionally affecting half of the trip.
Three tiers of access exist: grounds-only (cheapest, lets you walk Liberty Island and visit the museum on the base), pedestal access (climb the inside of the base, get the views from the observation deck below the statue's feet), and crown access (climb 162 steps inside the statue itself to the small observation room in Liberty's head — 25 viewers per slot, requires booking 3-6 months in advance, often sells out the day reservations open).
Plan for a half-day. The ferry takes 15-20 minutes each way, security screening rivals airport security, and most visitors spend an hour each on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Audio tours are included with the ticket.
What to Expect
Format
Official ferry from Battery Park (Lower Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (NJ). Both stops are part of the same loop — Liberty Island first, then Ellis Island, then return. Self-paced on each island.
Best Time
First ferry of the day (typically 8:30 AM) is the quietest. Avoid summer afternoons — the heat on the open islands is brutal and the queues are at their worst. Fall (September-October) is the best balance of weather and crowds.
Duration
Half day minimum. Pedestal-access visitors should budget 5+ hours; crown-access visitors closer to 6.
Tips
Security is airport-grade — leave large bags behind. There's no food on the islands worth the price; bring water and a snack. The audio tour (included) is excellent on both islands. The Ellis Island name database lets you search for ancestor records — bring family names if you have them.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
First-time NYC visitors and anyone interested in immigration history.
Families
Kids old enough to read enjoy the Ellis Island museum more than the statue itself. Strollers are accommodated but the security line is long.
Couples
Sunset returns from Ellis Island give some of the best Manhattan skyline photos in the city.
Pair With
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a 10-minute walk from the Battery Park ferry terminal — pair them on the same day if you want a heavy day of American history.
Time Needed
Half-day minimum.
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Book direct →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Statue of Liberty?
Official ferry only — Statue City Cruises, departing from Battery Park (Lower Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (NJ). Other private boats circle the island but do not land. Liberty Island is closed to private vessels.
What's the difference between grounds, pedestal, and crown access?
Grounds access lets you walk Liberty Island and visit the base museum. Pedestal access adds the elevator/stairs up the base for observation-deck views. Crown access adds 162 stairs inside the statue itself — limited to 25 viewers per time slot and books 3-6 months out.
Is Ellis Island included?
Yes — every ferry ticket includes the Ellis Island stop. Skipping it is a mistake; the immigration museum is one of the most powerful in the city.
How long does the visit take?
Plan half a day minimum. Ferry one-way is 15-20 min; security screening adds 30-45 min during peak; an hour each on Liberty and Ellis is the floor.
When should I book?
Pedestal tickets often sell out 2-3 weeks ahead in summer. Crown tickets sell out 3-6 months ahead. Grounds-only is more flexible but still book ahead in July-August.
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