The Statue of Liberty in New York is probably the most popular tourist attraction in the city, visited by millions of tourists from all over the world every year. The statue is located on Liberty Island and can only be reached by ferry (about a 15-minute ride).
There is a lot of confusion and misinformation about how to get to the statue, so it is very important that you read carefully the following explanation to avoid mistakes and disappointment.
Okay, so there are two popular ways to see the Statue of Liberty up close - The first option is a sightseeing cruise that brings you very close to the statue for excellent photo opportunities, but does not dock at Liberty Island where the statue stands. The second option is a ferry service that includes access to Liberty Island, allowing you to explore the island for as long as you wish before returning back.
It is important to note that both cruise options also include views of Ellis Island (which is the historic immigration gateway located near the Statue of Liberty) during the journey, though only the second option offers the opportunity to get off and explore this island too.
If you choose the second option, which includes access to Liberty Island, there is also the option to purchase ticket with pedestal observation deck access, or a ticket that allows you to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Just keep in mind that visitor entry to the crown is very limited, and tickets must be reserved months ahead due to limited availability.
Regarding ticket prices, no matter what type of cruise you choose, all tickets are around 25-30$.
There are two popular routes to get to the Statue of Liberty. The first departs from Battery Park towards the Statue of Liberty, from where it continues towards Ellis Island and then turns back to Battery Park. The second route (the sightseeing cruise), departs from Pier 16 towards the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and then returns back to Pier 16.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Sightseeing cruise without Liberty Island access (Prices vary by cruise provider and amenities) | $25-180 |
| Ferry with Liberty Island access | $25 |
| Ferry with Liberty Island access and Pedestal Observation Deck access | $25 |
| Ferry with Liberty Island access and Crown access | $25 |
If you are planning to visit the Pedestal Observation Deck or the Crown, you can only buy tickets through ‘Statue City Cruises,’ which is the only authorized official provider of tickets to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.
If you are considering buying ferry tickets with Liberty Island access or any other sightseeing cruise that includes passing by the Statue of Liberty, you can buy tickets on each provider’s website or through well-known tickets providers like ‘Tiqets‘ or ‘GetYourGuide‘.
The most common departure points for Statue of Liberty Cruises are:
Here are the top and most popular Cruises Providers which offer Statue of Liberty Cruises in New York:
How crowded is the Statue of Liberty experience?
The Statue of Liberty is a very popular site that becomes incredibly busy, especially on holidays and weekends. Security lines and ferry boarding may involve waiting, and the experience could be congested at times.
What is the best time to go?
Best time to visit is early morning. If you arrive later than 2:00 PM, you will only have time for one island (Liberty Island or Ellis Island). Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
Are the crown tickets worth it?
The access to the crown gives a wide-angle view and unique experience worth the visit to most tourists. The ascent up has 393 steps (162 within a close spiral staircase from the pedestal to the crown) but has great views. Crown tickets must be booked 3-4 months in advance since they get sold out quickly.
In what ways are Liberty Island and Ellis Island different?
The Statue of Liberty sits on Liberty Island, with the museum for immigrants being located on Ellis Island. Each of the two islands offers different experiences from the past - Liberty Island focuses around that iconic statue in particular, but Ellis Island investigates America’s history of immigration.
Is one able to skip the waiting in lines?
It is recommended to pre-book tickets to reduce waiting time. The Liberty State Park, New Jersey terminal may have faster processing and boarding than the Battery Park, New York terminal.
How long should I spend there?
Allow 3-5 hours for a complete visit to both islands, including transportation time, security screening, and visiting both attractions.
Are there other ways to see the Statue of Liberty?
The Staten Island Ferry is gratis and provides for views of the Statue of Liberty at a distance without tickets or on Liberty Island, but you cannot get up close to the statue.
Do the ferries run on a regular timetable?
Ferries depart roughly every 20-30 minutes between islands and mainland throughout the operating day. Visitor volume and weather might affect the timetable.
