Experiences
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: tickets, ferries and tips
The ferry rounds Liberty Island and there she is, green and far bigger than you imagined. How to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The ferry pulls away from Battery Park and Manhattan shrinks behind you. Then you round Liberty Island, and there she is: green, calm and far bigger than you had pictured, torch raised over the harbour.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France and was dedicated in 1886. On neighbouring Ellis Island, millions of immigrants entered the United States. Together they make one of the most moving experiences in New York.
The links to the hotels and experiences are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to do it
Ferries to Liberty Island and Ellis Island leave from Battery Park in Manhattan and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. One ticket covers both islands.
Buy tickets in advance and take an early departure. There is airport-style security before boarding.
Pedestal and crown tickets are limited and must be booked early, the crown often well in advance.
Allow at least half a day for both islands.
Liberty Island
Walk around the island to see the statue from every side. The museum tells how it was built in France, shipped over in pieces and assembled here. From the pedestal you look out over the harbour, and from the crown you get a cramped but memorable peek through the windows.
The Statue of Liberty
Her torch is raised over the gateway to New York. Photo: Avi Werde / Unsplash
Ellis Island and the immigrant story
The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration fills the old arrivals hall, where immigrants were inspected and registered from 1892 to 1954. The museum shows suitcases, photographs and personal stories, and you can search the passenger records. If your family emigrated, you may find their names.
The free alternative is the Staten Island Ferry, which sails past the statue. You do not land, but you get the view.
Book experiences: See Statue of Liberty tickets and more experiences in New York
Where to stay near the Statue of Liberty
Stay in Lower Manhattan and you can walk to the Battery Park ferry and combine it with the 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory. See also the best hotels in New York.
Conrad New York Downtown
A rooftop terrace in Battery Park City. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Conrad New York Downtown: by the water in Battery Park City
Conrad is in Battery Park City, close to One World Trade Center and a short walk from the ferries. Every room is a suite, and the rooftop bar looks out over the Hudson.
Book your stay: See rooms at Conrad New York Downtown
Four Seasons Downtown
A spa and pool in Lower Manhattan. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown: luxury by the Oculus
Four Seasons Downtown sits by the Oculus and the World Trade Center, with a spa and indoor pool. A calm place to return to after a long day on the islands.
Book your stay: See rooms at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn are pleasant, with shorter queues than in summer. Take the first ferry of the day to reach the islands before the big groups. In winter the wind on the water can be bitter, but there are few visitors.
When should you book?
Crown tickets: many weeks or months ahead.
Pedestal tickets: a few weeks ahead in high season.
Lower Manhattan hotels: a few weeks ahead.
Frequently asked questions about the Statue of Liberty
Where should I stay to visit the Statue of Liberty?
Stay in Lower Manhattan, for example at Conrad New York Downtown or Four Seasons Downtown, so you can walk to the ferry at Battery Park.
Do you need to book Statue of Liberty tickets in advance?
It is recommended. Pedestal and especially crown tickets are limited and sell out. Always buy through the official ferry operator.
Can you go up into the crown of the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, but numbers are limited and tickets must be booked well in advance. The staircase is narrow and steep.
How long does a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island take?
Allow at least half a day, ideally five to six hours, including the ferry, security and both islands.
Can you see the Statue of Liberty for free?
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is free and sails past the statue. You do not land, but the view is good.