Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ferry, from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey, and one ticket covers both islands and their museums. Pedestal and crown tickets are limited and sell out well ahead; the crown is 162 steps with no elevator. Expect airport-style security before boarding, and take an early ferry.
- Open
- Every day except Thanksgiving and December 25; ferries run from morning to late afternoon
- Price
- One ferry ticket covers both islands and their museums. Pedestal and crown tickets cost a little more and are limited.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time
- The first ferry of the day, before the lines build. Spring and fall weekdays are quietest.
- Address
- Castle Clinton, Battery Park, New York, NY 10004Google MapsApple Maps
- Getting there
- Ferries leave from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan (subway to South Ferry on the 1, Whitehall St on the R and W, or Bowling Green on the 4 and 5) and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
- Accessibility
- Ferries, both islands and the museums are accessible, and an elevator reaches the pedestal. The crown is stairs only.
- On site
- Cafés and restrooms on both islands. Airport-style security; large bags aren't allowed, and pedestal and crown visitors must use lockers.
Why go
A gift from France in 1886, the statue stood for the arrival of millions of immigrants, most of whom passed through the immigration station on Ellis Island next door. The ferry stops at both islands. On Liberty Island you can walk around the statue and visit its museum; on Ellis Island the restored Great Hall and the immigration museum tell the story of the people who came through, and you can search the arrival records for your own family.
Tips
- Buy only from Statue City Cruises, the one authorized seller. Street vendors around Battery Park sell harbor cruises that don't land on the islands.
- Allow at least four hours for both islands, plus time for airport-style security before boarding.
- Crown tickets often sell out months ahead; the crown is 162 narrow steps with no elevator.
