Everything you need to know about visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island — from ferry tickets and security tips to the best time to go and what to see inside.
An Icon That Needs No Introduction
The Statue of Liberty is the most recognizable symbol of New York City and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, Lady Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants and visitors since 1886. Paired with nearby Ellis Island — the gateway through which over 12 million immigrants entered the United States — a visit here is both a powerful historical experience and an essential New York activity.
Check the New York weather forecast before your visit, as the ferry ride and outdoor walking areas are much more enjoyable on clear days.
How to Get There
The only way to reach Liberty Island and Ellis Island is by official Statue Cruises ferry. Ferries depart from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. You cannot visit the islands by private boat or water taxi. The ferry ticket includes access to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, so plan to visit both on the same trip.
Ferries run throughout the day, with the first departure typically around 8:30 AM and the last return in the late afternoon. Arriving early is highly recommended — the morning ferries are less crowded and give you the most time to explore both islands at a relaxed pace.
Tickets & Reservations
There are three levels of access to the Statue of Liberty. The basic reserve ticket gives you access to the grounds of Liberty Island, including the outdoor areas around the statue's base. The pedestal reserve ticket lets you enter the museum and climb to the pedestal observation deck for panoramic harbor views. The crown reserve ticket — the most popular and limited option — allows you to climb the narrow spiral staircase inside the statue all the way to the crown.
Crown tickets sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially during summer. Book as early as possible through the official website. Pedestal tickets are easier to get but should still be reserved ahead of time. All ticket types include the ferry and Ellis Island access.
What to See on Liberty Island
Even without entering the statue, Liberty Island offers spectacular views. Walking around the base, you can admire the statue up close and enjoy sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The Statue of Liberty Museum, which opened in 2019, is free with any ticket and features the original torch, interactive exhibits about the statue's construction, and the story of what liberty means around the world.
If you have a pedestal ticket, the observation deck offers a stunning vantage point over the harbor. Crown ticket holders climb 162 steps through a narrow staircase inside the statue — it's a tight squeeze but the view from the windows in the crown is unforgettable.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
After Liberty Island, the ferry takes you to Ellis Island, home to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. This is where millions of immigrants were processed between 1892 and 1954. The Great Hall, where new arrivals waited for inspection, has been beautifully restored and is deeply moving to walk through.
The museum's exhibits tell the stories of immigration through photographs, personal belongings, and audio recordings. The American Immigrant Wall of Honor outside lists over 700,000 names of immigrants who passed through the island. If your family came to America through Ellis Island, you can search the passenger records at the free genealogy center inside the museum.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is on a weekday morning in spring or fall. Summer weekends are the busiest, with long lines for the ferry and crowded islands. Winter visits are quieter but can be cold and windy on the water. Early morning arrivals on any day will give you the best experience — the first ferry is the least crowded, and you'll have more space to explore before the midday rush.
Use the current New York time to plan your morning departure, especially if you're arriving from a different time zone.
Practical Tips
Security screening is required before boarding the ferry, similar to airport security. Leave large bags, backpacks, and luggage at your hotel — there is no bag storage on the islands. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be on your feet for several hours. Bring water and sunscreen in summer, and dress warmly in winter since the ferry ride across the harbor can be very windy.
Photography is allowed everywhere on both islands and inside the museums. The best photo opportunities are from the ferry as you approach Liberty Island, from the island looking back at Manhattan, and from the pedestal observation deck.
Combining with Other Attractions
Battery Park, where the Manhattan ferry departs, is at the southern tip of Manhattan. After your visit, you can easily walk to the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, or take a stroll along the Hudson River Greenway. The nearby Staten Island Ferry is free and offers another excellent view of the Statue of Liberty from the water.
Use the WFY24 Route Planner to plan your route from Battery Park to other Lower Manhattan attractions, and check New York's geographic details to understand the layout of the harbor and surrounding areas.
